《Offer To The CEO》


 Chapter 1: Where are you?

    <h4>1 Where are you?</h4>


    Anna Jones stood outside the Civil Administration Bureau in City T.She cannot believe that today had finally arrived.She is going to marry her beloved Lu Jinhu.While it was not going to be her dream of marrying in Australia, with all her family and friends, and his family and friend present, it was still going to happen here with his parents apanying them to obtain the civil registration of their marriage.She would be Mrs Lu, after she and Jinhu had been together for many years since they first met at University.


    While she was disappointed, given he is Mr and Mrs Lu''s only child, and apparently, they are afraid to fly, she could not disappoint them in not being able to be present when their legalmitment to each other was formally recognised, followed by the formal wedding ceremony to announce their marriage to the Lu''s circle of friends, family and acquaintances in just a few days.She would just have to satisfy herself that not only would their marriage be recognised back in Australia, and that her family and friends were ready on their return to have a formal blessing ceremony of their marriage.It just frustrated her that her parents could not travel to be here like Mr & Mrs Lu, given her father''s recent heart attack.At least, she consoled herself that she had a telephone call nned with themter on, so they could somewhat share in her happiness.


    She knew to Jinhu that Australia was now his home.He would always have ties here, but he was a permanent resident of Australia, and would be a citizen not long after their return.Based on what he had saidst night before she went to her separate room, as Jinhu had decided that they should honour a couple of western traditions before obtaining their wedding certificate at the Civil Administration Bureau, they had spent the night apart, and they would not see each other until they arrived here to obtain the wedding certificate.


    The only concern she had was Mr & Mrs Lu did not seem to like her, given she was white Australian (although she was lightly tanned from spending as much time as she could outside), brte with hazel eyes and only about 5 foot 5 inches (165 centimetres) tall.They appeared to tolerate her as she as Jinhu''s choice of marriage partner.He was their shining light, and Anna felt that no matter who Jinhu married, they would not like any woman, as Jinhu''s choice of marriage partner, unless they could control her and remain the dominate feature in Jinhu''s life.However, Anna realised that the one clear desire for Mr & Mrs Lu, was grandchildren and in particr a grandson to carry on the family name.


    Anna knew as soon as they had their first son, she would be a darling in their eyes.But that came with its own issues in that she was realistic that Mr & Mrs Lu would pressure Jinhu for them and their children to relocate permanently to be with them, forcing them to leave their life and her family and their friends in Australia behind.Jinhu, however had reassured her that if they relocated he would ensure that they made many trips back to Australia so she could see them, and they would be wee toe and visit any time.


    Anna looked down at her watch and saw that it was 2:45pm.Originally, she was meant to meet Jinhu and Mr & Mrs Lu at 1pm, but Jinhu had called her and let her know that his parents had been dyed.He pushed the time that they were meant to meet until 2:30pm, but he was now runningte for even that time, so all the formalities could bepleted.


    Anna reached into her handbag, double checking that she still had the paperwork shepleted in the Australian Embassy to enable her to marry here, and ensure its recognition in Australia, which she found.She kept feeling around in the bag to try and find her mobile phone to all Jinhu to see what was making him runte.She found it buried under the paperwork and pulled it out.She went into her contacts list, and selected the contact "Hubby", which was Jinhu''s number.Before dialing it, Anna turned around to look behind her to see if Jinhu and his parents had arrived.She could not see them.


    On pressing call, the call went directly to Jinhu''s message bank, and Anna said "Jinhu, can you call me back straight away.Where are you?I am worried that you are not here.Has something happened?".Anna ended the message and turned to her right, to sit down on the bench that was a few paces away.As she turned to finish sitting down, she looked up and spotted Jinhuing out of the Civil Administration Bureau.

 Chapter 2: What do you mean?

    <h4>2 What do you mean?</h4>


    After sitting on the bench a few paces away, Anna Jones looked up and spotted Lu Jinhuing out of the Civil Administration Bureau.


    On Jinhu''s left hand side was a woman, who Anna had never seen before.She looked slightly down and saw that they were holding hands.Behind then she immediately recognised Jinhu''s parents but there was also another couple that she did not know.All six people had wide happy smiles on their faces, and the woman beside Jinhu was gazing up at him with look of pure happiness and adoration on her face.Jinhu, was repeatedly ncing at her, and had a look of joy on his face, along with something else that Anna could not determine.None of them seemed to be looking for her.


    Anna wondered what was going on and stood up to move towards Jinhu as she and they moved across the za outside the Civil Administration Bureau towards them.She was hoping that she could determine exactly what was going on, and resolve it so she in Jinhu could marry as soon as possible.When Anna was about 6 paces away from the group, Jinhu looked and spotted her.The group stopped and Jinhu, kept a tight grip on the hand of the woman beside him.


    "Jinhu, where have you been.I have been so worried that you were not here at the time that you said to meet you, so we could get our marriage certificate with your parents here.I even left you a message to find out where you were," Anna said.


    Before Jinhu could respond, the woman beside him, with a vicious undertone said "Get away woman.He is my husband.You are delusional if he would ever marry you."


    "What¡­. What do you mean?", stuttered Anna."Tell me Jinhu that this is not the truth."


    Mr Lu, clearly annunciating his words jumped right in, before Jinhu who was looking anywhere other than at Anna and said "That is right your evil woman.My Jinhu, did what he was always meant to do and marry Yang Lin.He is a good son, and in marrying her they will take care of us as they are meant to do and prevent you from taking him away from us and meeting his obligations to his parents."


    Mrs Lu, in a vicious tone, then followed her husband "Get away from us, you witch.Jinhu was always going to marry Yang Lin as we had arranged between us and her parents.You bewitched him into staying in Australia for so many years forgetting his obligations not only to Yang Lin but to her parents and us.You kept him away from the family business.You had no right.He has just done what he was always meant to do."


    Two more voices from the other couple with Mr & Mrs Lu, who by this time Anna realised must be this Yang Lin''s parents responded, but without the viciousness that Mrs Lu had. "True.Our Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu were always going to marry.It was arranged when they were young, and it makes sense for personal and business reasons."The viciousness then started toe into the words of Mrs Yang''s tone, when she continued "Get away from us or we will call the police.I know I can have you arrested for being an illegal in our country."


    The bombshells had all just fallen on Anna, with what had been delivered to her.But it could not be true, could it?The only way, she thought to herself that she could be sure was to ask her Jinhu for the truth.


    Anna turned slightly to look Jinhu in the eye, and asked "Is this true?"


    Jinhu''s response was dream shattering to Anna "Yes you b**ch.I have done what I was always meant to do.Get away from us, I do not need you anymore."

 Chapter 3: Reeking devastation

    <h4>3 Reeking devastation</h4>


    In response to Anna Jone''s question about whether statements about him already being married her fianc¨¦ Lu Jinhu simply shattered Anna''s dreams with three short sentences "Yes you b**ch.I have done what I was always meant to do.Get away from us, I do not need you anymore."


    With those dream shattering words, Ana started to feel the tears rolling down her face, and she realised that nothing would be the same in her life.She figured that staying there was not worth loosing any more face in front of Jinhu and his parents.Her shoulders slumped, and she started to drop her head, so she did not have to look anyone in they eye.


    As Anna started to turn to walk away, and try to retain what little dignity she had, she heard Jinhu, continue to talk."Oh, by the way I have something else to tell you."


    This made Anna pause and turn back to look at Jinhu, while trying to stop the tears.She looked at him and could see a look of triumph on his face, like he had done something else.Her fears were confirmed as Jinhu continued "Oh by the way, forget about your assets in Australia.Once I received my Australian Citizenship a few weeks ago, I made sure that all the assets in your name were transferred to me, including your retirement savings (Superannuation).You have no assets and no way to get them back.I made sure that the transfer was watertight, and you cannot im that I used that Power of Attorney you gave me to deal with bills in your name to try and get anything back.The Legal System ept my ims, as everything appears to have your signature on it, and you do not have the money to fight me to get it back, particrly as all the debt associated with the assets still remains in your name."


    Jinhu, took a breath "And forget about making any im against my assets here, as thew says that because you are not a citizen, and we did not have a rtionship recognised here, that you cannot im anything or own any assets."


    Anna was stunned at what wasing out of Jinhu''s mouth and could not say anything.


    Yang Lin continued, smugly "Thank you by the way for the lovely apartment you have given us, and the fact that you will be paying to loan on it, so we do not have financial worries.I have arranged for people to pack the trash that is your personal belongings, and Jinhu has arranged for them to be taken away and stored.All at your cost, of course.Plus, we have changed the locks, so you cannot enter it."


    "Why?"


    Jinhu, promptly answered "I needed someone who was gullible from the outset.You believed me since the time we met, and I could get what I needed from you, without you knowing.I obtained my Australia Citizenship, without losing my citizenship here, which means that our family business can own the assets that it needs in Australia without significant financial impacts on it.Given I have citizenship I do not need to carry on the charade that I have for years, and can do what I was always meant to do and marry Yang Lin."


    Jinhu paused for a second and continued "Get out of our sight now.You have one minute to leave, otherwise my inws, who by the way are party officials and work for the government, will have you arrested.Here is a return ne ticket, for a flight tomorrow morning.If you are not gone from here within 24 hours my inws will use all their abilities to have you arrested for being illegally in the country.Your hotel room has been cancelled, and the hotel have packed you stuff.You better collect it and get away from me."


    Yang Lin, then threw at Anna''s feet, some cash stating "Wh*re''s are always paid so here is your payment.It is the only cash that you will get, and I know you have nothing else, as Jinhu has taken the money that was in your ount, as he should."


    Anna stood there in shock at what was being said, tears rolling down her face.He bent down and picked up the ticket that had been thrown at her feet also. She had her pride and said "I will not take your money."


    "You better, as that is all you will ever get from me" came the harsh words from her beloved Jinhu, "As I said that is all the money you have".

 Chapter 4: More disasters

    <h4>4 More disasters</h4>


    After refusing the money thrown at her feet by Yang Lin, Anna Jones was responded to with the harsh reply from Lu Jinhu "You better, as that is all you will ever get from me.As I said that is all the money you have".


    Given that the past few minutes had demonstrated Jinhu''s intention to ensure she had nothing, Anna had second thoughts and decided that he might be telling the truth, and that the small sum thrown at her feet would be the only money she had to see her get home with, and to try and rebuild her life.She bent back down and picked up the money on the ground.


    Anna lifted her head and stared at the six people that had just shattered all her dreams.She was determined to walk away from here with some pride and dignity in tack."You might have ruined what was my world, but you will receive what ising to you some time in the future, maybe not from me, but from someone.I just hope that I am around to see it."


    "Get away you b**th, you are not wanted or needed.And by the way do not try and threaten us or I will make your life even worse than it is now," stated Jinhu with confidence, indicating that he knew that he was inplete control of the situation.


    "So be it.Remember my words, I know that you will get what ising to you, and I am now determined to see it.By the way I wish you no happiness since you have shattered mine."With than, Anna turned away, stuffed cash in her handbag, clutched the ticket in her hands, and with tears really streaming down her face lifted her head up high, straightened up her shoulders and walked at a steady pace away from the vicious pack that had destroyed her in a few minutes.She wanted to send the message to them, you can do what you have done, but you will not destroy me through her bodynguage, despite feeling devastated and destroyed on the inside.


    With a steady pace, Anna kept moving across the za in front of the Civil Administration Bureau, without looking back.She could hear Jinhu, Yang Lin and they parent''s voices that sounded happy and joyful but without making out the words.She could not focus on what was around her, due to how she felt inside.Everything was a blur, and if there were any people around her, she did not see them.She made her way towards the nearest building that would give her an exit from the za, so she did not have to be near them, and could copse and try and deal with what had just happened.


    She rounded the corner, and still was not paying attention to anything around her.She must have been six to eight steps around the corner and bumped into someone without realising it.The force not only knocked her to the ground but the person she had bumped into as well.


    "Watch where you are going.People do not need to be knocked to the ground by people not paying attention, like you just did," came a quick sharp statement from the person who Anna had just knocked to the ground.


    This shock Anna from some trance like state that she was in.She noticed that she was on the ground and the man that had just spoken, for some reason was partially on top of her.She could not figure out what had happened.His statement though indicated that she must have yed some part in them getting there.Little did she realise at that moment the story she would have to tell her future children and grandchildren about.


    In looking at the face of the woman that he was partially on top of, he realised that the woman had no knowledge of what had just urred.He softened his face a little and indicated "You where not paying attention and knocked us to the ground."


    Anna realised that she had just stumbled into another disaster anding so quickly on the heels of the first she was uncertain how she would manage it.

 Chapter 5: The first meeting

    <h4>5 The first meeting</h4>


    After knocking someone off their feet, Anna Jones realised that she had simply stumbled into another disastering close on the heels of the disaster created by Lu Jinhu, that is her life.She had no idea how she was going to manage dealing with this.


    Anna looked at the man, who just spoke, dazed and confused with tears still running down her face.The man picked himself up off the ground and looked at the woman who had just knocked him down.He realised that there were tears rolling down this brte''s face from her hazel eyes.He realised something had just happened.He nced at his watch and realised that he had 20 minutes before he needed to be outside the Civil Administration Bureau to meet his fianc¨¦e Yang Lin to get their marriage certificate.He thought that he could spend a few minutes just to make sure this westerner was OK before going.He put his hand down and helped her up to her feet.On realising her height would be about 5 foot 5 inches (165 centimetres), he felt somewhat protective given his own height of over 6 feet (180 centimetres) and wanted to see what he could do to help her.


    "Are you OK?" came the words in a calming voice, not wanting to make the situation worse for the woman who had knocked him down.She seemed not to hear him, still in her daze and unfocused, so again he said "Are you OK?".It was then he realised that there was something familiar about the woman he bumped into and thought that she looked exactly like the female Australian Lawyer that he met in passing in Melbourne about six months ago and fell for on sight.He immediately dismissed that as why would an Australian Lawyer be here.


    She still did not respond, and he looked and saw half sticking out of her handbag, what appeared to be a airline ticket and a small amount of cash, most likely just enough to get her to the airport, and no further.He wondered what had happened to her to be like this.He looked around and realised that just a few paces the way he hade was a public bench that he could sit her down on and try to fund our what was happening.He urged her towards the bench and then helped her to sit down.Rather than looming over her, to speak to her he bent down in front of her to look her in the eye, and said "Stay there, I will be back in a few minutes."


    The first thing that he did was walk to the corner this woman hade around to looked into the za in front of the Civil Administration Bureau.He wanted to see if Yang Lin was there.He noticed on the opposite side of the za were two older couples following behind a younger couple.One of the older couples looked like Mr & Mrs Yang, and the woman in the younger couple looked like his Lin, but he immediately dismissed this has they were not due to arrive for at least 15 minutes, and even if they were early, they would be walking towards the Civil Administration Bureau, rather than away from it.


    The other older couple he immediately recognised as Mr & Mrs Lu, and he guessed that it was likely that the man in the young couple was likely to be there son Lu Jinhu.He knew the Lu''s by sight, given that theirpany Lu Corporation was apetitor to Hou Enterprises.Given his reluctance to marry, his father and grandfather had demanded that he had to be married by today, or they would give Hou Enterprises to the Lu''s.Both knew that he would do anything to prevent this, given how the Lu family had treated his mother before she and his father met instantly fell in love and married, being the daughter of their live-in housekeeper.ording to his mother and her mother, the Lu''s bullied and abused his mother badly, believing her status as the housekeeper''s daughter the right to do so.Their story had orded with his observations of his mother''s when forced to interact with the Lu''s at functions.His father, despite his love for his mother, was oblivious to how his mother still felt, and agreed to his grandfather''s n.He wanted to find a woman and fall in love with her like his parents has but had only seen her in passing six months ago in Australia but knew that she had someone else.He was, however, willing to do everything he could to prevent the Lu Corporation from bing the owner of therger Hou Enterprises and protect its employees.The one strange thing for him was that the woman next to Lu Jinhu that he had observed was not a Western, as he knew he was marrying an Australian today.


    Given he could not see his Lin, he walked back towards the Western woman who was staring away not seeing anything, and into the nearby convenience store to buy a bottle of water so she could have a drink, to help her settle down and tell him what happened so he could see what he could do to help her.When the store clerk served him, he queried where there was a nearby public toilet so that he could direct the woman to this is needed.On handing the clerk his ck Credit card, the clerk saw realised that he was someone of importance and said that he could help out by allowing the use of the store''s staff toilet.At least that was something as the woman outside could tidy herself up before she left.


    After slipping the card back into his wallet and putting it away, he thanked the clerk for his assistance and walked out opening the bottle of water as he went.He went back to the woman who still had not moved and handed the bottle to her telling her "Take a drink", while sitting down beside her.


    With that Anna realised that there was someone there and he was trying to help her.She looked at the man sitting beside her and said "Who are you?"

 Chapter 6: A realisation of their mutual betrayal

    <h4>6 A realisation of their mutual betrayal</h4>


    Anna Jones realised that there was someone there, trying to help her, and turned to look at him.She asked "Who are you?"


    "I''m Hou Yi. And you are?"


    Anna while still crying and having difficultly focusing on Mr Hou replied "Hello Mr Hou, I''m Anna Jones."


    "Please call me Hou Yi or Yi, otherwise I will think you are looking for my father or my grandfather."


    "Alright Hou Yi."


    Hou Yi immediately realised that the ent was Australian.He knew the ent well, having studied in Melbourne for 2 years when younger and was regrly there for Hou Enterprises business.This again took his thoughts back 6 months to the Australian Lawyer''s office and the woman he fell for at first sight.Maybe he was not too far from the mark.But as immediately as he thought this, he dismissed it as it was such that it was too good to be true.He wondered to himself was her state connected to the fact that he had seen the Lu''s walking away from the Civil Administration Bureau, as it otherwise seemed to be to convenient to have run into a westerner here today.Rather than jumping to conclusions Yi realised that he did need to find out exactly what was happening.


    As he did not want to frighten Anna, he kept as calm as he could and asked "Do you need my help?"


    This set Anna off into a fresh wave of tears.Who could help her now.Her life was destroyed.Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin had bragged about how Jinhu had ensured that she had nothing but debt, with little way to address it.She then realised that just before they left Jinhu had just purchased a new BMW, that was registered in his name as she had her 8 year old Holden Captiva, that she had purchased second hand.While guessing, she believed that Jinhu would have ensured that the debt for it was left with her, like the seven hundred thousand dor mortgage on the apartment which he had transferred to himself and the loan from her family so they could meet the bank''s lending requirements.Oh my God, she thought, Jinhu had likely left her with debts of around nine hundred thousand dors or more, with nothing to secure it and only her wage to pay it back, most likely leaving the only option for her to be dering bankruptcy, which would see her lose her career.This made the tearse down harder.


    Hou Yi looked at the sobbing woman and wondered what was happening.Calmly but more strongly he said, "Have a drink, and then take a few deep breaths and tell me what has gone on so I can see what I can do to help."


    Anna, looked at Hou Yi and all she could do was blurt out in a rush "My so-called fianc¨¦ Lu Jihnu, married Yang Lin today, as had been nned by their families, and all he could do was take pleasure in breaking my heart and telling me he had ripped me off for everything I had."


    Hou Yi could not believe what he was hearing.A Yang Lin had married Lu Jinhu.He knew that his Yang Lin had agreed to marry him, as apparently the person she loved was unavable.While it was a business arrangement to help her parent''spany, they had agreed to give their marriage a chance to see what happened.He was realistic that the person his Yang Lin was in love with might be free, and she would ask him for a divorce, his love was in Australia and he was unlikely to ever see her again (despite the nagging feelings about the woman in front of him).They had both felt that a somewhat arranged marriage could work.However, he stopped and thought about what he had just observed in the za outside the Civil Administration Bureau ¨C maybe it was his Yang Lin, as her parents were friends with the Lu''s.He then realised that in fact it had to be his Yang Lin, as her parents hated his family as much as the Lu''s hated his mother and if they could stop him meeting his Grandfather and Father''s deadline, they would.They all loved causing devastation to people they do not like, so as much as Anna was a victim, Hou Yi realised they had also made a victim of him, with almost no time to prevent an utter disaster for Hou Enterprises and its employees.


    Anna, turned to look at Hou Yi, who despite some look of confusion on his face, she realised was sincere in wanting to help her.At this urging, she then made her selffortable on the bench that he was urging her to sit on.The urgency she initially sensed in his desire to help her, somehow seemed to be going away, and he did not seem to need to hurry to where he had nned to be.She lifted the bottle Hou Yi hand handed to her an took a few sips of water, before screwing the lid back onto the bottle, and then took a few deep breaths asking, quietly "Could you please sit down"


    Hou Yi, needed to really understand if what she was saying was the truth, and sat down beside her, and asked "Could you exin to me what has happened, so I can see what I can do to help you."

 Chapter 7: The details of their mutual betrayal - Part 1

    <h4>7 The details of their mutual betrayal - Part 1</h4>


    Hou Yi, started to sit down next to Anna Jones after her request, and asked "Could you exin to me what has happened, so I can see what I can do to help you."


    Anna realised in asking Hou Yi to sit down she must have sounded harsh to him.In a much politer voice "Sorry, I did not mean to sound so harsh it is just ¡­"


    Hou Yi realised, during the process of sitting down, that Anna really was in shock, and did not seem to be having a go at him.Once seated next to Anna, he said "There is no need to apologise.Something has happened to you, and you are in shock.Are you able to tell me what happened?I do want to try and help you if I can."


    "Thank you", came Anna''s soft reply."To make it simple, I was meant to marry my fianc¨¦ Lu Jinhu today.The reason we were marrying here, so he told me rather than in Australia where I am from and he is based, is apparently his parents are too afraid to fly, and they did not want to miss their only child''s wedding.My parents work, and could not get leave, but at least I am not their only child, so they were happy to let us grant his parent''s wish on the basis we would have a second ceremony for my family and our friends in Australia.I found out the reason for marrying here was a lie.He never intended to marry me, he just needed to string me along until today, and on my arrival today, he took pleasure in telling me he had married Yang Lin, as had always been nned."


    Anna started to cry again, over everything that had happened to her in thest, as she nced at her watch she realised only 10 minutes had gone by, 10 minutes.She took a few steadying breaths and looked at Hou Yi who was just watching her.


    "Go on", said Hou Yi in such a voice that Anna Jones knew instinctively that she would be able to trust him.


    "Lu Jinhu and ¡­" started Anna Jones, and she stopped and shook her head."No, I guess I should start calling him that evil ex, I have recognise not only that he never loved me but also that I was simply a means to an end and he just used me."


    "How did he use you", can the calm but prompt reply.


    "Based on what he took glee in telling me, he had been using me from the beginning, to the point that he gained Australian citizenship, for some reason ¨C I''m guessing it was about control of something and given how I know the Australian governments tax foreigners about minimising tax and to be able to ownnd.He took pleasure in abusing the ability I had given him to deal with matters, on the basis that I believed we were going to marry and that I was willing to share everything I had with him."Anna Jones said in a rushed way, before taking a deep breath.


    "What did he do?"


    "In Australia we have something called Powers of Attorney, which allow someone to act for someone else.I won''t go into the technicalities, as knowing me I''ll get into some long wind statement ¡­"


    "Are you awyer in Australia?" interrupted Hou Yi.Suddenly that sense of recognition he previously hade back again.This almost clinched it for him, it was not simply that he felt that he was seeing someone who looked like her, it was the woman who captured his attention in Melbourne, at Hou Enterprises Australian Lawyers, ANX Lawyers, particrly as he knew Lu Jinhu lived in Melbourne.He felt his heart racing, in that there was the possibility that he could form a rtionship with the woman he fell for on sight, but he did not want to jump to conclusions.Could fate step in and on the day that he was to marry another woman, which looks like not happening now, the woman he fell in love with on sightes into his life.He felt though he would not push her as to where she worked, as he did not want the crushing disappointment if it was not her, as with everything else he knew he would not cope.


    "I am.Lu Jinhu has done everything that I advise my clients to protect themselves about.Well to go back to what I was saying.I gave him this Power of Attorney, so he could deal with things like the Power Company, Phone Company, Inte Supplier etc, as his name was on none of the bills.Without it thosepanies would not have dealt with him, so I thought that I was making our lives easier.What he told me, was that he has taken everything that I own, and I''m guessing that he though has left me with about a million Australian dors of debt while he enjoys more than that in assets.He seeminglyughed about what he had done.He and Yang Lin will enjoy everything I worked for and ruin me."


    Anna Jones, as she was talking observed Hou Yi face and realised at the mention of Yang Lin''s name something was wrong.


    "What''s wrong?" Anna Jones asked Hou Yi.


    "I guess we both have been taken for a ride by Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin", came the harsh reply.


    "What do you mean?" questioned Anna Jones.


    "Well I was meant to meet Yang Lin outside the Civil Administration Bureau today at 3:15pm for our civil ceremony, but I guess that will not be happening now, because it would be too much of a coincidence of the marriage, and what I saw when I looked around the corner a few minutes ago."


    Anna looked at Hou Yi realising that there was more to the situation than she first realised about getting at her.

 Chapter 8: The details of their mutual betrayal - Part 2

    <h4>8 The details of their mutual betrayal - Part 2</h4>


    Anna Jones looked at Hou Yi and realised that there was more to the story than simply Lu Jinhu''s betrayal of her.Hou Yi was also targeted by their actions.


    "I run the family business.My Father and Grandfather have been pressuring me for some time to get married, even though I am only 29 years old.They both had married for love, rather than having an arranged marriage, and that is what I wanted.My grandfather walked into a shop and saw my grandmother who was a shop assistant, and they fell in love.He took her away from this and wrapped her in the luxury he could provide her, until she died when I was 8 years old from cancer.My mother was the daughter of a rich family''s housekeeper.My father was at the house for a meeting, that he really did not want to attend, but had to, and saw the women of the household bullying my mother.He stepped in to stop the bullying and fell in love with her.I wanted to have the same opportunity, but my father and grandfather had decided that I had been given enough time to find the right person to marry and issued a deadline that I had to be married by today and present my bride to them by tonight.The sting was that if I failed, they would sell the family business to the Lu''s for almost nothing.They knew that I wouldply, as there was no way that I would see the Lu''s gain the family business.Yang Lin and her parents were family friends, and as the deadline got closer, as she was not able to marry the person she loved, we agreed to, for want of a better phrase, an arranged marriage, as she said that she wanted to help me out.While we were willing to give our marriage a chance of sess, we had agreed that if it was not working we would divorce in the future.Despite today being the deadline, today was the day that worked for us, despite that we reached our agreement a couple of months ago, as she had said all the way along, if I found someone I loved before today she would walk away and let me marry that person.I did not, but it simply appears that she never intended to go through with marriage, she was simply stringing me along like Lu Jinhu did to you, but for me it is toote to do anything to prevent the Lu''s getting control over Hou Enterprises, given the deadline."


    "What!" a shocked Anna stated, getting louder.


    "I''m guessing that the n, for a long time, has been to achieve certain goals, and Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu nned to ruin both of us today.I am guessing that this n has been in ce for a while."


    Anna simply could not believe what she was hearing.She thought that she was the only target today of Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, but it turns out that she was not.There appears that there is a much wider n in ce by Lu Jinhu, Yang Lin and their families.They were out to take what they could and ruin as many lives as possible.She was targeted, as was Hou Yi and his family.It was all about money, and this made her wonder was there anyone else impacted by today''s acts by them.How she wished that she could do something to not only get her revenge, but help Hou Yi, but she figured that this was impossible, as she could not step in an marry him, as it required paperwork from the Australian Embassy to enable a marriage.


    "My only worry is if I don''t stop Lu Jinhu and his family, then all the employees of the familypany will lose their jobs for no reason other than revenge against my family.I do not know what I can do now to stop it", continued Hou Yi, "There is little time, and the deadline is tonight.I have no options, and I need to think."With that he stood up, to turned slightly away from Anna, but did not leave.

 Chapter 9: An Option

    <h4>9 An Option</h4>


    Hou Yi, in realising that there were little options open to him given thete time of day, said to Anna "I need to think", and turned slightly away from Anna Jones.


    Anna stared at Hou Yi, and then remembered the papers that she had gotten from the Australian Embassy on their arrival.As Lu Jinhu, in fact had Australian Citizenship, they were unlikely to have been able to marry here.However, it did exin why when they arrived at the Embassy, he acted as he had gotten a telephone call and absented himself from the room while the official waspleting the paperwork she needed.She pulled out the paperwork to have a look at it, and realised where the space for the husband''s name, address, and date of birth were left nk, but his nationality was filled in.Anna then recalled the Embassy official saying with the letter he was providing the official at the Civil Administration Bureau could fill in his name on the forms at the time of their marriage.She checked the form and realised that all her information was correct, save and except for her Australian address (her postal address however was correct).She flipped over to the letter attached to the paperwork.It stated that her fianc¨¦e had been briefly met by the official, but due to businessmitment he was unable to stay for the formalities to bepleted but failed to mention his name.It also stated that he was a respected businessperson, and the embassy official was quite willing, given they trusted him toplete the paperwork in his absence and asked that the Civil Administration Bureau officialsplete the form due to the trust the Embassy official had in him.Annaughed to herself about thement about the Embassy official trusting Lu Jinhu and saying he was a respected businessperson.After re-reading the paperwork and the letter to confirm what she believed she had read, Anna was sure, itpletely failed to mention Lu Jinhu.


    While Anna was doing this, Hou Yi, simply watched her and wondered what she was doing, while trying to think about how he could solve the problem that he now is confronted with, in less than two hours so a marriage can ur before the Civil Administration Bureau closes for the day.


    Anna, interrupted Hou Yi''s thoughts, by quietly stating "Actually, I think I could help you."She then looked at Hou Yi who appeared stunned.


    "How could you help.You would have had have paperwork with Lu Jinhu''s name on it, and that will not help me.I''ll have to try making some calls and see if there is someone, I know that will help prevent an absolute disaster."Hou Yi tone made Anna realise that he was frustrated and barely keeping himself together, as much as she was doing the same.


    "Before you do anything, have a look at this paperwork.I think you will find something quite different" Anna responded quietly while handing the documents she just read to Hou Yi.


    Hou Yi shook his head "It will not help if I look at the paperwork.I''m sorry I have to make some calls, but I will help you to the extent that I can."


    Hou Yi stood back up and was ready to take a step, when Anna grabbed his arm "Please.Please take a look and then tell me I cannot help you.Simply by listening to what happened to me you have helped me, and now I would like to try and help you."


    Hou Yi, looked down at the hand that had grabbed into his hand, and decided 2 minutes to look at documents he knew were useless to him would ultimately make no difference, and then sat back down.He took the documents from Anna as he sat back down, beside her and said "Alright.I have nothing to lose in spending a couple of minutes looking at them at this stage."


    Hou Yi started to focus on the documents to quickly read them.As he got through the documents, including the letter he was certain that he did not see Lu Jinhu''s name or any name of a husband-to-be mentioned.He did not think that could be correct, as he was aware from friends and staff who married foreigners, the paperwork from their embassy required the spouse''s name and details.He realised that the two minutes he thought might need to be longer and started to re-read the documents to see what was actually in them.

 Chapter 10: A proposal

    <h4>10 A proposal</h4>


    Hou Yi, realised the two minutes he thought he needed to quickly read the documents was not enough.He needed to slowly re-read them to actually see what was in them.


    Hou Yi therefore went back to the start of the documents and slowly, deliberately and carefully read through them again.When he reached the end of the letter, he realised that Lu Jinhu''s name was not mentioned in either the paperwork or the letter.The letter asked that the officials at the Civil Administration Bureau forgive the absence of Anna''s fianc¨¦''s details, and noted that the official had met the fianc¨¦, he was a trusted businessperson, but due tomitments he could not remain with the official until the paperwork waspleted.


    Hou Yi, knew the official who signed the letter well, and their opinion of him.It was also interesting that he had a meeting with same official earlier on the day that the paperwork was beingpleted.Hou Yi realised that Anna was not kidding there was something in those documents, and that she could be of assistance.Was she thinking about offering to marry him to thwart the Lu''s and get back at Lu Jinhu for what he did?Well the only way that he would know was to simply ask the question.


    "What are you thinking Anna?" asked Hou Yi softly, hoping that she was thinking about marriage to him, to derail whatever Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin had nned.While it most likely for her was about, at least this time, revenge, for him he wold be able to protect the family business.While, deep down he knew that he wanted to be the one to propose to his wife, he was realistic that here the proposal really needed toe from her, particrly as of what she had just been through.Hr though went back to the initial thought and that Anna definitely was the woman that he fell for six months ago, as she looked so like her.


    "Well¡­.." started Anna, realising what she was about to say."The documents are what I need to marry here, even mentioning City T as the ce of marriage and today''s date, but not my fianc¨¦e''s name.It means that I do not have to marry Lu Jinhu.Some oversight in the paperwork, but it does give freedom."


    Anna paused for a second and took a deep breath, continuing "I could marry you, instead, without a problem."


    Hou Yi, while having figured out what she said before it was said, still responded in surprise "What!", as he was concerned that she might be joking.He then turned and looked into the face of this woman, who had just proposed marriage to him, and realised that she was serious about her proposal, not joking.Despite that, he had to as "Are you serious?" so he cold be certain to her proposal.


    Anna looked Hou Yi in the eye, and clearly and firmly said "Yes.Lu Jinhu has made it clear that I never meant anything to him, and it is clear that he is not only out to ruin my life, which I would hope despite appearances at the moment I could have dealt with in the long term, he is out to mess with your life, and potentially the lives of others with the employees of yourpany.I cannot let him get away with that.I will do what I can to stop him."


    Still somewhat in shock, Hou Yi needed to confirm Anna''s proposal and asked "You are certain?".


    "Yes I am.He is not going to get away with ruining my life, and if that means to get my revenge I have to look to someone else that he is trying to ruin I will do so."


    Hou Yi looked at her carefully and realised that she still was serious.He, however did not know what to say.


    "Well what do you say, Mr Hou.I''m sorry, Yi, will you and I go and get married?"

 Chapter 11: Marriage details

    <h4>11 Marriage details</h4>


    Anna Jones looked at Hou Yi and said, "Yi will you and I go and get married."


    Looking Anna in the eye, Hou Yi responded quietly but clearly "Yes let us go and do so.But are you certain that you understand what you are getting yourself in for."


    Anna looked at him."I am awyer by training.Yes, in what some people might consider a backwater in Australia, but awyer is awyer, we understand and apply thew.I understand what marriage is about ¨C the legalmitment of two people to each other.The rest we can work out between ourselves.And I think that I can cope with being the wife of a businessman, who employs a few people in his business ¡­"


    "But¡­", said Hou Yi trying to interrupt Anna Jones and correct her impression, as he realised, he had not told her about his familypany.She just assumed that because his father and grandfather were willing to give it away for nothing then it was a smallpany, worth little, not the huge conglomerate it actually is, at the top of its field in the country and one of the toppanies in the field in the world, as well as being one of the top Companies overall in the country.


    "Please do not interrupt me, Yi.As I was saying I can cope with being the wife of a businessman, as long as he respects me and lets me work in some way to deal with the situation that that ''ar**h**e'' has caused me.I need to pay off my debts that he has left me with and work out how I can fight at least to get back some of what he has stolen.Marrying you, will let me do that, and get my revenge on him, as well as saying that just because you did not want to marry me, it does not mean that someone does not want to marry me."


    Hou Yi stopped himself from trying to correct her view that Hou Enterprises was simply a smallpany employing a few people.If he told her the truth about the familypany, its wealth, his personal wealth and by implication the situation with the Lu''s she would not cope.He could simply tell her the truth in the future when she needed to know.Not correcting her misunderstanding was not going to make any difference to the core reason about getting married to her.


    "Your certain then?" came his question.


    "Absolutely certain" came her strong, but quiet reply.


    Hou Yi nced down at his watch and realised that only 10 minutes had passed since hemenced talking to Anna, and there had almost been a full circle in what was happening.He hade to get married, found a woman whose dreams had been shattered, then found out through her that his ns had been ruined and a new marriage was proposed.He could take the final step to achieve what he hade here to do in getting married.He would protect Hou Enterprises and help Ann get her revenge.At the same time he could get a revenge he did not realise that he needed, and would have a beautiful western wife to help him, and takeplete control of the familypany as his father and grandfather had promised if he attended the familypound with his wife tonight, and go the direction he wanted with it.All he had to do was figure out how to exin Anna, rather than who the family believed that he was marrying today.The details of how they met and all the other necessary information could be worked out before they arrived at the familypound.


    "Given that you are certain, we can get married today." Pausing for a second Hou Yi looked at Anna Jones, thought about how she looked, and then said "Please do not take this the wrong way, but I think that you need to go into the bathroom, and wash your face, so that the officials do not wonder what I did to you to get you to marry me."


    Anna Jones pulled out from her handbag, a makeuppact, and using the mirror looked at her face."Oh my god, I look shocking, I need to tidy up.Do you know where there is a bathroom"

 Chapter 12: Tidying up

    <h4>12 Tidying up</h4>


    Anna Jones, seeing her face, in the makeuppact mirror realised that she needed to tidy up so she and Hou Yi could get married, and said "Oh my god, I look shocking.I need to tidy up.Do you know where there is a bathroom."


    Aware of what the shop worker had said to him, replied "The shop where I purchased the water from indicated that we would use their staff bathroom.It is unlikely to be much, but hopefully it will let you clean and tidy your face, before we head to the Civil Administration Bureau.".


    With that Hou Yi stood up, and helped Anna up off the bench that they had been sitting on.While holding her hand they walked together into the shop where the worker, looked at them, and indicated to follow him.He showed Anna into the staff bathroom, which as per Hou Yi''s [prediction was not much.It was a sink with a mirror and a toilet stall.At least there was a lock on the door, which she locked behind her.At least there was clean water to use.She sat her handbag down next to the sink and proceeded to remove the makeup she had in it, and gathered a few tissues to help clean her face, so she could re-apply her makeup.


    It was then Anna realises how dramatically her life had changed in thest 30 minutes or so.Her wedding to Lu Jinhu was called off in a devastating way literally leaving her at the altar, she knocked someone over in her distress, found out that she was not the only person being screwed over and proposed marriage to a stranger who agreed.Dealing with her family, friends and work about what had happened was something for the future, given she still just over 3 and a half weeks of her leave left.The enormity of what she had done, then hit her, in that she had proposed marriage to a stranger to deal with the situation Lu Jinhu had left her in and had no idea what Hou Yi wanted in their rtionship.Hopefully she was not going to have to fight him tonight if he wants to consummate their marriage, as given how drained she felt she did not believe that she could.Anna knew that this needed to be cleared up.


    Anna then worked on tidying up her appearance, so that she felt at least somewhat better before going to the Civil Administration Bureau.


    Meanwhile, Hou Yi realised that he needed to make a few arrangements, and that he had the opportunity to do so, while Anna was tidying herself up.He knew that she was still, somewhat in shock about what had happened, so he did not want to immediately frighten her more, so he called his assistant, Wang Long.


    "Assistant Wang, I need you to do a couple of things before youe and pick up back up.Go and change the car.We do not need the Maybach or the Bugatti Veyron.Can you change the car over to one of the older BMW''s.Yang Lin, stood me up, and married Lu Jinhu, but I have a way to stop the Lu''s which is in the process of being resolved.My bride does not realise exactly who I am, so I do not want to shock her too much with a hugely expensive current or top of the range vehicle, but something that more makes herfortable.Also can you call Fengs Jewellery and ask manager Wang, to arrange for a selection of wedding rings, both male and female and matching sets to be avable for my examination when we get there.I am guessing that you will need to be where you dropped me off in about 30 minutes, but once I leave the Civil Administration Bureau I will call you so you can be waiting when we arrive."


    Hou Yi paused and heard dead silence on the other end of the line."Assistant Wang, did you hear me"


    "Yes sir", came the stunned reply through the phone.


    "By the way, please call the family and tell them that my bride and I will visit the familypound tonight but will return to my apartment in town.Please make sure that that is ready for us to return to, and can you arrange for the bank to issue apanion credit card in the name of Anna Hou, formally Anna Jones."


    "Yes Sir, I will get on to that immediately."With than Hou Yi ended the call, and Assistant Wang, realised that something hadpletely changed.The young master had been somewhat withdrawn when he left him near the Civil Administration Bureau, but now seemed happy and had a purpose.He realised that he needed to get onto the tasks that had been allocated straight away.


    After ending the call, Hou Yi looked towards the door to the staff toilet, which Anna had just unlocked and was walking out of."Do you feel better?" he queried.


    "I think I do.At least I do look presentable, rather than the makeup streaked face that I had," came Anna''s reply.


    Hou Yi realised in looking at the face, with its repaired makeup, it was the woman that he had fallen for in Melbourne previously.The world was an amazing ce, in that how fate had proceeded meant that he could marry this woman, who was so special that she did not even realise it yet.He was determined that their marriage would be sessful, and he would do what he could to achieve this.

 Chapter 13: Finalising the details

    <h4>13 Finalising the details</h4>


    Hou Yi realised that Anna Jones was a special woman, and that she did not realise this herself.He was determined he would do everything to ensure that their marriage would be sessful.


    Thinking about that, made him think about tonight being their wedding night.He realised that he really wanted tonight to be a true wedding night, as that was what he arrived here expecting would be the case with Yang Lin.However, he recognised that it could not be how he proceeded with Anna.He was not worried about whether or nor his marriage with Yang Lin would be sessful, but that was what he wanted with Anna.He needed to take matters slowly as this was the only way his marriage with the special woman that was Anna Jones would be grow and seed.He then realised that he needed to speak to her about their marriage, so that he did not scare her immediately.


    In looking closer at Anna, Hou Yi realised that Anna, was having second thoughts about marrying him.That was something, that given he was absolutely certain that she was the one for him, he could not have happen.It was something that needed to be dealt with quickly, so that she would continue with her proposal to marry him."We need to quickly talk about a couple of things before we head into the Civil Administration Bureau, but we will go back outside to talk about it, rather than here."


    "I do not now know about this.We need to talk about it now" was Anna''s response.


    "This is not really the ce" and with that Hou Yi thanked the shop assistant shopkeeper and took Anna Jones''s hand in his and walked out the door.He took her back the bench where they had been sitting a few minutes earlier and agreed to their marriage.


    "I realised while you were tidying up that there are some things that we need to clear up now.I can only guess that they are making you nervous and having second thoughts."Hou Yi paused for a second, and lightly turned Anna''s chin so that she was looking at him before continuing."be assured that I am not going to insist on a true wedding night tonight.If it happens it will be when we both want it, not because there is pressure that it should ur or that it is expected of us."


    With that, Hou Yi saw a look of relief in Anna''s eyes.He then continued "There are just a few things that I have to ask of you, it might not be what you expected, but I will exin the reasons.All I am asking is that you sleep in my bed, you give our rtionship a chance, you do not cheat on me, and that in public you disy affection towards me and receive attention from me."


    Anna was stunned looking at Hou Yi and stunned with what he was saying.Hou Yi continued "The reason for sleeping in the same room is that I have servants in my home.They do not live in, but when I entertain they stay overnight.They are good at their job and I pay them well, but I cannot guarantee that they will not cave into pressure and talk about our rtionship whether to my family or in the media.If we sleep in the same bed, truthfully they can only state we sleep together.They will not be able toment on whether we have s*x or not.That stays between us.The second matter is that we need to give ourselves the opportunity to determine if we can make this marriage work or not, before we make any long-term decisions on what we will do.It will protect you and your reputation, as much as it protects my reputation.I would believe that if it was found that you entered into a marriage in another country without the intention that it would be permanent, it could affect your ability to practice as awyer in Australia.Further it would mean the Lu''s and in particr Lu Jinhu, and Yang Lin and her family cannot try and get anything from either of usThey broke off their rtionships with each of us firstly, but given what you have told me about what Lu Jinhu did to you, any opportunity he could take to get anything from you he would.This goes to my third request, not to cheat on me, as if we are giving our rtionship a chance we have tomit to it.If in the future, you cannot, please tell me, and we will do what we need to do to end our rtionship before anything urs.The final thing that I need you to agree to, as that we need at the moment to show the public that this is a ''love match'' despite it not being so.People will wonder why we married so quickly since some knew that you were to marry Lu Jinhu and I was to marry Yang Lin.Showing affection in public will deal with rumours, but also it will allow us to befortable with each other.Can you agree to those conditions?"


    Anna could not believe what he was saying.He was willing to address her immediate concerns, but it did not deal with her return to Australia."I can, but you will need to give me some time to befortable with some of it.However, we need to think about my return to Australia in three and a half weeks, when my leave has ended?"


    "Lets talk about what we will do in the future with that.There are options, particrly as I do some business in Australia, so maybe you could work here for my business dealing with Australian Legal issues, rather than us trying to have to juggle lives in two different locations.We have agreed to the basics for our rtionship, and anything else we can work at from here.Are you OK with than?No second thoughts?"


    "Yes I am OK, and I do not have any second thoughts", came a quite reply from Anna Jones.

 Chapter 14: Getting Married - Part 1

    <h4>14 Getting Married - Part 1</h4>


    Anna Jones confirmed to Hou Yi that she had no second thoughts in getting married to a stranger, given that he was assuring her regarding their rtionship.


    Having received Anna''s reassurances, Hou Yi stood up, and helped Anna back off the bench.He looked at his watch and realised that it wasing up towards 3:30pm, which was the time he had booked with the Civil Administration Bureau for him and Yang Lin.They might as well use the booking time themselves.Keeping a grasp of Anna''s hand, he looked at her and said "We need to hurry.I have a booking at 3:30pm at the Civil Administration Bureau to obtain a marriage certificate, and rather than letting it go to waste, we should use it."


    With that they moved towards the corner that Anna hade around about 30 minutes earlier, and they crashed into each other''s life.Hou Yi, stopped Anna just before the corner, and indicated "Let me check that neither Lu Jinhu or Yang Li are still in the area."With that he looked around the corned of the building and realised that the za in front of the Civil Administration Bureau was empty of people.Hou Yi turned and held his hand out or Anna to take, which she did.


    With that they rounded the corned and walked across the za to the Civil Administration Bureau.Just before they reached the door, it was opened and hey were motioned toe in.The person who opened the door appeared to want to speak to Hou Yi, but he shook his head, which was realised for what it was.He did not want to talk to anyone.


    Once inside, Hou Yi, still keeping a grasp on Anna''s hand moved a little inside, away from the door and stopped.He bent down and whispered in her ear, "We need to go to the appointments desk.Are you sure that you want to do this?"


    While Hou Yi''s actions may have appeared to anyone from the outside to be an intimate action, of someone in love and wanting tomunicate in any way with their soon to be spouse, as it wasbined with the hand holding and the unwillingness to speak to anyone else, Anna realised it for what it was.It was simply a way ofmunicating with her so that no one else could overhear them.


    Anna turned and looked Hou Yi in the eye and nodded towards the man that would be her husband in a few minutes.She could not speak, as she realised how different the world was in an hour, in that she is walking into the building with a stranger to marry, when she thought that she would be walking in with Lu Jinhu.This meant to her that she would have to think about taking a different path with her life than she had nned.She was, as ready as she could be for what was about to happen and figured that since what she hade here nning had spectacrly blown up in her face, that what was toe could only be better than that.


    With Anna''s nod, she and Hou Yi continued across the entrance hall towards to desk indicating it was for booked appointments.They approached the desk, and Hou Yi looked at the woman manning the desk, and said "I am Hou Yi and I have an appointment booked to get a marriage certificate.My fianc¨¦e is from Australia."


    The look of surprise to cross the woman''s face was one of surprise.As if she could not believe who was in front of her and what he said.This puzzled Anna, but she dismissed it, as Hou Yi, anyone would have to say that he was handsome and that the woman was just disappointed that someone who looked like him was getting married.She then dismissed this, as she thought that someone would not be as unprofessional to do that.It made her wonder was there something about Hou Yi that made the woman have that look on her face, even fleetingly.It was then Anna also realised that there was a low murmur going around the foyer of the Civil Administration Bureau.She wondered what this was about.Hopefully it was not for her and Hou Yi, but the thought that it might have something to do with Hou Yi, given the look that had passed on the woman''s face before them.


    Before Anna could continue with her train of thoughts, the woman looked at both of them, and with her most professional sounding voice "CEO Hou could I have your paperwork, and Miss, could I have your paperwork, including that from your Embassy along with your passport."


    With that Hou Yi, pulled out from his jacket pocket, Anna''s paperwork, which she had wondered where it had gotten to, and what must have been his necessary paperwork, which she recalled from discussions with Lu Jinhu was called a Household Register.Anna went into her handbag, and found her passport, and handed this to the official as well.


    "CEO Hou and Miss, if you could take a seat over there,'' with that Anna and Hou Yi looked and realised that the woman was pointing towards some seats a little to the left of the desk that they were at."I will go and find the Official Song, hand him these documents and he wille and meet you to finalise all the formalities."With that she turned went through the door behind her, and Hou Yi lead Anna to the seats to sit down and wait.

 Chapter 15: Getting Married - Part 2

    <h4>15 Getting Married - Part 2</h4>


    After being informed that Official Song would be provided with their documents ande and get them to finalise all the formalities for the issuing of their marriage certificate, Anna Jones and Hou Yi sat down where then had been indicated to sit down.


    Anna looked at Hou Yi and asked "That woman called you CEO Hou.Who are you?"


    Hou Yi, quickly responded "I am the CEO of the family business Hou Enterprises.While I am a private person and try and keep out of the spotlight, when attending business events I am aware that my photograph appears in the papers, so I am guessing that she remembered seeing a photograph of me, hence she called me CEO Hou."


    Hou Yi, was careful in everything that he said.He was absolutely truthful in his response.He was CEO of Hou Enterprises; he hated the spotlight but appeared in the papers when out for functions tied to the business, so his identity was not secret.The only thing he did not tell Anna, was the size of Hou Enterprises, as he could be the CEO of a small or medium business as much as he was the CEO of a business asrge as Hou Enterprises.His identity as a business CEO did not depend on the size of the business, so he did not want to correct the impression Anna had yet.He would tell her the full truth when it was necessary, and it was not necessary at this time.


    He looked at Anna, who by the look on her face had clearly epted what he had told her.Anna, then reached out, and took a hold of his hand, which was then when Hou Yi realised that when they sat down he had not taken a hold of her hand again.It appeared to Hou Yi in looking at her face, she needed something to anchor herself, given everything that had happened, and he was willing to provide this to her, as he knew that this was the person, he fell for in Australia at a nce and was willing to spend his life with her.She simply did not realise it at this time.


    With that Hou Yi slightly leaned towards Anna, and at the exact same time, she leaned towards him, ending resting her head on his arm.They simply sat there waiting, almost as if they were in a world of their own.All that either of them could hear was murmurs of voices, and not make out what was being said.However, more and more people were gathering and they were getting louder.The tenor of what they were saying was such that they identified Hou Yi, and could not believe what they were seeing, the affection that he was disying for a woman in public, without a care in the world, and that they were apparently awaiting to get a marriage certificate.Many started to grab their mobile phones to take a photograph and upload it to social media, before they remembered that the foyer area was clearly signed as an area where mobile phones could not be used, and photographs were strictly prohibited.Many realised that the penalties for breaking this were significant, both financially and the likelihood of jail as it was a government building.The best that they realised that they could do was post what they had seen on social media as soon as they left the building.


    Before the gathering crowd could get close to them, someone came through a door slightly to their right, and walked up to them."CEO Hou, Miss Jones, I am Official Song.If you could follow me, I will help finalise all the arrangements for the issuing of your marriage certificate."


    Official Song speaking to them, shook both Anna and Hou Yi out of their daze.With that Hou Yi helped Anna sit back up straight and stood up.He then held out his hand to her, and simply said, quietly, but loud enough for many of the onlookers to hear "Darling¡­".


    Anna took his hand and used his assistance to stand up.Hou Yi, let go of he hand, but he immediately turned and stood beside Anna and then offered her his arm to hold onto as they followed Official Song.For some reason, something prated Anna''s dazed state, and she heard from the people that apparently had been observing her and Hou Yi, a number ofments all saying effectively the same thing.That CEO Hou was so romantic, to this woman who had captured him, that they could not be waiting to post on social media what they had seen, and from the woman, that they wished that their boyfriends acted to them as CEO Hou was acting to his fianc¨¦.All Anna thought about Hou Yi''s behaviour was that he was being courteous and helpful to her, and that given what had happened he was a little bit protective, so that she would not fall down in a heap when the emotions of thest hour or so really got to her.


    Hou Yi, realised exactly what was being said about them, but he did not care at this point in time.All he wanted was to achieve is to tie Anna to him, and everything else, even his ns to stop the Lu''s was secondary.Yes, they would get their revenge, but securing their marriage was the important thing now.


    With that Hou Yi and Anna, followed Official Song through the door he came out to meet them, and down along the corridor.

 Chapter 16: Getting Married - Part 3

    <h4>16 Getting Married - Part 3</h4>


    Hou Yi and Anna Jones followed Official Song, at the Civil Administration Bureau our of the Foyer, and down a corridor to enable them toplete the necessary formalities for the issuing of their marriage certificate.


    As they walked down the corridor, Anna started to feel overwhelmed at what was about to happen, in the absence of her parents.She had only agreed with Lu Jinhu, based on a lie to marry here, in the absence of her parents, but given what had happened, she really wished that she had her parents here.


    Hou Yi stopped, as he had realised in looking down at Anna, she was not coping due to what had happened.He bent down and whispered to her "I can guess what your issue is.You were wishing that your parents were here today.Do not worry, there are a couple of rooms for thepletion of obtaining marriage certificates that are where the process can be filmed.I had made arrangements for this to happen when I made the booking.The reasons for the initial making of this booking was to provide the evidence I hadplied with my father and grandfahter''s demand, but it now has a more important task.I will ask Official Song to rush the footage to me, and when you are ready you can provide it to your parents.While they cannot be here, they will be a part of what happens here, and can see what I am guessing will be important to them, in seeing their little girl get married."


    Anna looked up at Hou Yi and realised that he was giving her the opportunity that she thought would not ur.He parents would see this day.Even though the original motives for doing this were to protect himself, at least he was able to realise that it had an equally important task for her.It made her them in her mind contrast Lu Jinhu, when he ''made'' the arrangements for their marriage only looked out for him and his parents, rather than considering him.Had she really thought herself in love with him, she wondered.Was he always so selfish, only ever considering himself.While Hou Yi was selfish, and thinking about himself, and the family business, at least he realised that there was someone else that had to be equally considered.What a contrast.


    Hou Yi, just stood looking down at Anna, and they again became oblivious to everything around them.Official Song, had realised that the couple he was about to issue their marriage certificate to had stopped and were ignoring everything around them.Like those in the foyer, he simply made the assumption that the couple were so in love that everything around them did not matter.He could not wait to tell those higher up in the Civil Administration Bureau and the Government what he had seen, CEO Hou losing his well-known sole focus on business and was distracted by a woman, something no one had seen before.


    Official Song looked down at his watch and realised that if he did not get this couple moving, then the formalities would not bepleted in the time they had, as there was another couple booked in to use the room that they were.While he would, for CEO Hou keep them waiting, he knew it was a young couple, the woman of which had been diagnosed with incurable cancer, and the families had agreed, despite the pending tragedy to befall them, as the couple had always wanted to marry, they would, and it would be a great asion.


    Reluctantly, Official Song, walked up to the couple who were still oblivious to his presence "Sorry CEO Hou, Miss.Normally I would let you take as much time as you needed, but there is a need to use the room after you.I would put them off, but the circumstance are such that I cannot."


    This stopped Hou Yi and Anna, from their thoughts about what they were about to do.Anna blushed, realising that Official Song must have believe that they were so much in their own world that they forgot about everything else.


    Hou Yi stated, "No problem, Official Song."


    With that, Hou Yi and Anna followed Official Song into the room where their marriage certificate would be issued.

 Chapter 17: Getting Married - Part 4

    <h4>17 Getting Married - Part 4</h4>


    Hou Yi and Anna Jones followed Official Song into the room where the formalities for the issuing of their marriage certificate would bepleted, and that the process would be recorded.


    Official Song walked around the desk and directed Hou Yi and Anna to sit down in the chairs in front of the desk.Anna noticed that there were three small piles of paperwork on the desk in front of Official Song, one of which had an Australian Passport on top of it, which Anna guessed was her passport.


    "Miss Jones," stated Official Song."Firstly, please let me return your passport to you.There are two reasons we always ask foreigners for their passport.One is so we can check that it is a real, not forged passport and take a copy of it.The other is so that we can use the biometrical data within it, to ensure that you are the person in the passport.There was no such issue in your case".With that Official Song, then handed Anna back her passport, which she returned back into her handbag.


    Official Song, stated "I am about to start the process to record the issuing of your marriage certificate.While normally this process would be short, as we are filming it, to ensure that Iply with thew, I have a number of things that I have to say, so that everything is legal.I know it will be boring¡­"


    "Do not worry Official Song, I am awyer in Australia, and many people would joke that I specialise in boring", interrupted Anna.


    Hou Yi, getting the joke, startedughing, and at the inquiring look of Official Song stated "Australian''s have a somewhat weird sense of humour, but in this case what my fianc¨¦e is saying is that it is thought that Lawyers in Australia speak a lot of jargon, and unlike officials who have to do it toply with their job requirements, they do it to annoy people."


    Anna nodded to this, and Official Song took this as the signal to continue "¡­but ¡­.Oh forget it, lets get started on getting you issued your marriage certificate, as you interrupted what I had to say, and I cannot seem to restart."


    Official Song paused for a minute, and then picked up a remote, turned it for Hou Yi and Anna to see, and pressed the record button.He paused for a few seconds and continued "As we are filming the issuing of the marriage certificate for Hou Yi and Jones Anna, I will not only exin the process but ensure that all the requirements areplied with, so that Mr Hou and Miss Jones, are properly married ording to thews of thend.Further, in doing this hopefully the family, friends and others who will see the recording of this process will understand that all has been done in ordance with the Law.As Miss Jones is a foreign national as a separate process to this, we have verified her identity using her passport.This process cannot be filed, as the data contained in someone''s passport, regardless of whether it is issued in this country or another has to be protected.We here at the Civil Administration Bureau in City T, have been satisfied that Miss Jones is the person who appears in the passport that we have verified.We now turn to the household register that Mr Hou has provided us.I am satisfied that Mr Hou, is the person identified in the household register, and that his details as listed in the register are correct.Further as I have met Mr Hou on previous asions, I have determined in ordance with the discretion provided to me under thew that I have no need to confirm his exact identity using other documents issued to Mr Hou.Additionally as Mr Hou, has regrly appeared in the press of this country and has been identified in that press which I have seen, I am satisfied that there is no questions as to Mr Hou''s identity.Further I have, again out of the sight of this filing, again for the purpose of protecting Mr Hou''s information confirmed in the national records of the Civil Administration Bureau that Mr Hou has never been legally married in this country before, nor has he had any foreign marriage recognised in this country."Turning to Hou Yi "Mr Hou, can you please confirm verbally that you have not been married in this country or in another country, and that there are no impediments for you to be legally married ording to thew."


    "I can confirm that I have not been married in this country or another country, and that there are no impediments for me to be legally married ording to thew," came Hou Yi''s clear statement, and with that he turned and looked directly at Anna, and gave her a smile.


    Official Song, continued "Miss Jones, I have from your Australian Embassy, issued the necessary paperwork for you to be married in this country.While, in most cases the omission of the name of your intended husband would mean that the paperwork is wed, and you could not be married, we note that there is a letter from the Australia Embassy Official who processed your paperwork.Out of sight from this filming, contact has been made with the Official named in the document and the letter, and we have been able to confirm that Mr Hou did in fact meet briefly with the official, who is satisfied as to his identity, on the day in question, and that he was absent from the issuing of your certificate to enable marriage.Under thew, provided that the official issuing the marriage certificate is satisfied that the marriage partner of foreign national met with an embassy official from the foreign nation''s embassy in this country, and that official is satisfied as to the identity of the marriage partner of the foreign national, the failure to have the details of the marriage partner for the foreign national in the certificate to enable marriage, can be excused, provided it is apanied with a letter such as has been issued in this case.I am therefore satisfied that, in ordance with thew I can enable you, Miss Jones as a foreign national to marry here today in City T.The certificate confirms, in your case Miss Jones, that there is no registered marriage in Australia, or the existence of any known legal impediment to enable your marriage.Can you, Miss Jones please confirm that you have not been legally married in Australia or any other country and that there otherwise is no legal impediment for your marriage."


    In a quiet, but firm voice, directly looking at Hou Yi, while answering Official song, Anna stated "I can confirm that I have not been legally married in ordance with the Laws of Australia or any other country and that there is no legal impediment to my marriage."

 Chapter 18: Getting Married - Part 5

    <h4>18 Getting Married - Part 5</h4>


    "Thank you Mr Hou, Miss Jones.I can now confirm that I am willing to issue to you a marriage certificate, recognising that you are legally married in ordance with ourws today, here in City T.Mr Hou, can you please confirm that you are willing to, in ordance with thew, marry Miss Jones, here and now."


    "I can so confirm."


    "Miss Jones, can you please confirm that you are willing to, in ordance with thew, marry Mr Hou, here and now."


    "I can so confirm."


    "Mr Hou and Miss Jones, could you please stand ande to the desk.To formally issue you your marriage certificate I require you to, on the local and national registers, on your two copies of your marriage certificates, and on Mr Hou''s household register, your newly issued Household Register Miss Jones and on the household register issued to you as a married couple, sign each under your name and photograph.I will further need each of you to on each, with your right thumb, press each time into this inkpad, and ce the print under your signature on each document.Once this ispleted, I will then sign each document, and you will be legally married in ordance with thew."


    With that Official Song handed Hou Yi a pen, to start signing each of the documents heid out in from of them.Hou Yi worked through and signed each document, and when hepleted he handed Anna, the Pen.Once Anna signed the first document, Hou Yi then started to ce his thumb print on each document.Once Anna finished, she also ced her thumb print on each document.


    Once Anna has finished cing her thumb print on each document, Official Song reached into a draw and pulled out a hand cleaner, and tissues, and handed then to Hou Yi and Anna."Please sit down and use these to clean the ink from your hand, while Iplete the execution of each of the documents."


    With that Official Song, turned away from Hou Yi and Anna and started execution of the documents and they sat down, and used the cleaner and tissues to clean the ink from their hands.Once Official Song,pleted executing the documents, he also cleaned the ink from his hands, and then turned back to Hou Yi and Anna.


    "Congrattions Mr and Mrs Hou.Here are each of your copies of your marriage certificate.Further Mr Hou, I return to you your Household Register, and give to you your joint Household Register, please keep this safe as when you have children they will be registered on this.Mrs Hou, please take your personal Household Register.The issuing of this register to you Mrs Hou, only determines that you are the spouse of a national.However, as Australia is a country that allows its citizens to have dual citizenship with us, the operation of ourw is such that in issuing this register to you, you are considered to be a citizen who gained citizenship through marriage.It gives you the same rights and responsibilities as any other citizen, and you can, if you so desire seek that a passport be issued to you from this country, however if you do not, please ensure that you keep this register, or a copy that is certified by a staff member from the Civil Administration Bureau with you Australian Passport, to enable confirmation to anyw enforcement official or government official who requests confirmation of your rights to be here and work, and to enable you to use immigrationnes designated for citizens.Finally before ending, I again offer you my congrattions and best wishes for the future."


    With that, Official Song, picked up the remote and pressed stop to finish the recording of the ceremony.


    "Mrs Hou, if you would permit, I am happy to arrange for three certified copies of your marriage certificate in case you require it," indicated Official Song.


    "Thank you," replied Anna, handing Official Song the certificate, who then went to the door and left them alone in the room.


    Hou Yi looked at Anna, "Thank you for this, I am grateful for what you have done.Please do not worry, as I said we will work out everything as we go along, and I will do whatever I can to help you."


    "Thank you ¡­ Yi," came Anna''s soft reply.


    With that, Hou Yi decided rather than him taking all the household registers and his copy of their marriage certificate, that a better option and showing Anna that he trusted her, was to ask her to take them all."Anna, I was just wondering until we reach my home, could you ce my household register and copy of the marriage certificate and our joint household register in your handbag with your household register and copy of the marriage certificate?When we get to what is now going to be our home, I will ce those I am trusting to you in my safe, and can do the same with yours, and will give you thebination to the safe."


    "No problem", and with that Hou Yi handed the documents to Anna, and she ced them, with her household register into her handbag.Hou Yi reached over, and took her hand in his, which Anna felt reassuring.Official Song then returned to the room and handed Anna her original certificate and 3 official copies.


    "If you follow me, Mr and Mrs Hou, I will show you out.CEO Hou, I will try and get the film of the issuing of your certificate to you tomorrow, but it may be a couple of days before it can be sent on."


    "Thank you, Official Song" was Hou Yi''s reply.With that Hou Yi reached into a pocket inside his jacket and drew out an envelope."I was prepared that we would not be thest couple receiving their marriage certificate in this room today, and I would like to give a small gift to the coupleing after us, for their future.Could you please give this to them, and indicate that the couple who received their marriage certificate in the room before them, wish them all the best for the future."


    Official Song, stared at the envelope he was handed."Mr and Mrs Hou, you do not know how much this will mean to the couple due toe in once you leave.Normally this would be our final filmed issuing of a marriage certificate today, but the young coupleing in is special,Both families have agreed that given the young woman''s terminal cancer diagnosis, and the couples determination to spend whatever time they have together, that they could get their marriage certificate today, followed by a small family wedding tomorrow.This gift, I am guessing will mean the world to them."He then took the envelope and ced it on the desk.


    Hou Yi and Anna stood up, and walked to the door, where another official escorted them down the same corridor they entered the room in.As they were showed back into the foyer, the official said "Congrattions Mr and Mrs Hou", and shut the door behind them.

 Chapter 19: So, we are married

    <h4>19 So, we are married</h4>


    Hou Yi and Anna Jones stepped back into the foyer they entered the Civil Administration Bureau, but now they were a married couple.


    Hou Yi turned to Anna and took her hand.He then leaned into her, and quietly said "I think we should get out of here as soon as we can.I do not want to run into Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, and I am guessing that you do not either."


    He looked at Anna, who simply nodded to Hou Yi.They walked across the foyer and outside the Civil Administration Bureau.When they were outside, Hou reached into a pocket and pulled out his mobile telephone and proceeded to dial Assistant Wang.When Assistant Wang answered, he stated "Assistant Wang, can you please meet us where you dropped me off in say 5 minutes."With that he terminated the call and ced the phone back into his pocket.


    Hou Yi, turned to Anna, and said "My assistant, Wang Long is going to meet us in my car in about 5 minutes, around the corner, just past where we bumped into each other.So that I can immediately direct him to your hotel to collect your personal items, can you let me know which hotel you were staying at?"


    Anna calmly indicated "The Key za Hotel".She stopped and thought for a second "I hope that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin are not there as I do not think that I can face them."


    "Rather than dying the inevitable, let us go there first so that you can collect your belongings, then there is no need to have to think about them.Once you have done that, we will go and do the other things we need to do."Indicated Hou Yi.He then reached down and took her left hand in his, and continued "We need to remove this, and I intend to rece it with something else.Further, and I am guessing given the selfishness that Lu Jinhu has demonstrated he did not want to wear a wedding ring?"


    "Yes" was Anna''s somewhat quite response.


    "One of the stops that we will be making is Feng''s Jewellers.While I intend to give you and engagement and wedding ring, you can pick a wedding ring for me.I have no intention of anyone not knowing that I am married, but they do not need to know who to, unless you want them to know.I can promise you that is your choice."With that he removed the engagement ring that Lu Jinhu had ced on Anna''s finger and put it in his pocket.Anna, felt strange that it had been removed, but then realised that that ring was the starting point to what had gotten her to this point in time.Whether that is good or bad, she told herself is something that is left to be determined.


    With that, they walked across the za, and luckily there was no sight of either Lu Jinhu or Yang Lin, for which both Hou Yi and Anna were grateful of.Neither of them at that time wanted to deal with either of those two people who had caused so much havoc in their lives.


    As they rounded the corner to go past where Anna had knocked Hou Yi off his feet, and as Anna looks ahead, she sees what she knows is a Mercedes ahead of them with someone standing by it.This person immediately on spotting Hou Yi, opens the door to the vehicle, and as they arrive at the bows to Hou Yi and Anna.


    "Let me be the first to congratte you on your marriage, Young Master, Young Madam."


    Anna looked at Hou Yi, strangely, and he immediately realised she was confused at the address from Assistant Wang.


    "Anna, this is my Assistant Wang Long.He has been working with the family since around the time I was born, firstly as a driver, before he migrated to being my father''s assistant.When my father handed the business over to me, Assistant Wang, became my assistant.As he always called my father First Master and my uncle who died when I was ten Second Master, he has always, despite me telling him otherwise called me Young Master.It seems that he will call you Young Madam, recognising that you are my wife."


    Hello Mr Wang", came Anna''s response, once Hou Yi exined why he called her Young Madam.


    "Please Young Madam, call me Assistant Wang, otherwise I think you will be looking for someone else."


    "OK Assistant Wang, but please forgive me if I slip up."


    With that, Assistant Wang turned to Hou Yi, and asked "Where to Young Master?"


    "The Key za Hotel, where my wife had been staying.We need to collect her belongings before we do anything else."


    With that Hou Yi helped Anna into the vehicle, and sat beside her.Once he was in the vehicle Assistant Wang, walked around and got behind the wheel to drive them to the Key za Hotel.

 Chapter 20: The Key Plaza Hotel - Part 1

    <h4>20 The Key za Hotel - Part 1</h4>


    After Hou Yi directed Assistant Wang to drive them to the Key za Hotel where Anna Jones had been staying, he then slid into the vehicle beside her.


    After making sure that Anna had her seatbelt on Hou Yi, ensured that his belt was on.He reached into the pocket that he had ced the ring that Lu Jinhu had given Anna, and quietly said "I am guessing he will be waiting for you at the Key za.I cane I with you if you want, but it might set him off to be more abusive towards you, because you have support that he was not expecting.Further I think he might demand this back, and rather than giving him the chance toe at you again an again with respect to the ring, I think the higher ground would simply be to give it back.He would not expect it I think he would believe in his own way that you will not give up anything given what he has taken from you.He would likely fight you to get it returned."


    "Actually, I was thinking the same thing.Given how he has treated me, I do not want a single reminder of him that I cannot avoid.The ring is something that I can easily get rid of."Anna paused, and thought about what Hou Yi has said "Why do you think he would be more abusive if you apanied me in?"


    "He does not like me at all and given how you have been I think that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin have been abusive towards you, adding me to the mix if they are there will only cause it to get even worse.Plus, if you want to get revenge, letting them know you have my protection will only hamper getting revenge on them."


    "Ok".


    With that they both sat back in the car, and Hou Yi reached over and grabbed Anna''s hand in his.Anna looked at him and asked, "Why do you keep a hold of my hand?"


    Hou Yi leaned over and quietly indicated "Remember one of the things I asked, that you be open to receiving attention from me and given the same to me?I thought that simply holding hands was something simple, and would not be confronting to anyone, whereas kissing and hugging would be something that you would find confronting at this time."


    "Oh"


    With that they sat quietly while the buildings sped by.Without realising how long they had been travelling, the car came to a stop, and Assistant Wang, got out, and opened the door on Anna''s side of the vehicle."here you are Young Madam.When you are ready to leave, let the staff know, and they will call me toe back and collect you."


    With that Anna walked inside the Key za hotel, not paying attention to what was happening behind her.As soon as she was inside the hotel, Lu JInhu, came up to her and immediately started to invade her personal space, yelling "Where have you been you "b**ch, I told you to get your stuff and get out of here.You are not wanted."He paused and then asked "Who was that you were with?"


    Anna took a step backwards and put her hands up to keep Lu Jinhu away from her."Stay away from me.You have no rights to ask what I have been doing.All I will say is that I have been trying to get the pieces of my life back together.As to who I was with, get stuffed I am not telling you."Anna paused and saw that Lu Jinhu appeared ready to strike her as he was so angry that she was not cooperating.


    Anna then opened her palm, and threw at him his ring "There is your ring back.I do not want it.Take it."Anna felt so pleased with herself, she did not realise the danger that she was in.


    Within a couple of seconds, Lu Jinhu, pped her hard across the face, and screamed "B**ch.Wh**e.B**ch."


    Then she was knocked off her feet, by someone else and heard Yang Lin''s voice "You wh**e.You cannot do that.I am calling the police to arrest you."


    Anna, emboldened by the fact that she knew she has Hou Yi''s backup if things got too bad, picked herself up off the ground, and sneered at the couple before them."Go ahead.I came here, and you Lu Jinhu, invaded my personal space, not taking the hint, was abusive towards me, and refused to take my request.There was no way that I was getting close to you, and threw the ring at your feet.You then pped me hard, which by the way will leave a bruise and then you Yang Lin knocked me off my feet.This is a quality hotel, and I know the CCTV footage will back me up.All I am here to do is to go up to the room that I paid for until tonight, pack my belongings and leave."


    "Try it you b**ch.As you were told my parents know government officials.My version will win out."Yang Lin replied certain that she was the one who was in the powerful position.


    Yang Lin raised her hand and before the manager could arrive pped Anna on the face again.Before she could do this again, the manager stepped in, and gently grabbed Yang Lin''s hand."Madam Lu, please stop this.It will only end up reflecting on you badly.I have heard what you and your husband told me about this woman that we poorly let have a room.Please be assured that I am going to escort her to the room now, and she will have no more than 5 minutes to pack her belongings, and I will ensure that she is off the premises so not to bother you again.All I can do is apologise for allowing a person like her in this premises.You and your husband should not be expected to have to deal with a stalker.Be assured if she refuses to do what I request, I will detain her and hand her over to the police"

 Chapter 21: The Key Plaza Hotel - Part 2

    <h4>21 The Key za Hotel - Part 2</h4>


    The Key za Hotel assured Yang Lin that he would ensure that Anna Jones was given only five minutes to gather her belongings and that she would be escorted from the hotel, and banned from entering it in the future.


    Anna, was stunned at what was said.Now that evil pair used her of being a stalker, and convinced the Key za that she was not a fit person to ever be allowed into it.She realised arguing and fighting at this time would be worthless.She needed to wait, and the revenge she achieved on these two would be great.She turned to the manager "Sir, while I dispute what Mr and Mrs Lu have told you about me, I am happy to leave the hotel, and have you escort me to remove my belongings from the room that I had been staying in."


    With that Anna reached into her bag and located the room key that she had and handing it to the manager "Here is the room key.Please feel free to escort me to the room, as I want to be able to leave here as soon as possible."


    With that, and without waiting for the manager she headed towards the elevators.The Manager headed after her quickly.On entering the elevator, the manager used the room key to select the floor where Anna''s room was.He turned and said "I am sorry madam, but please be aware that you are banned from ever entering these premises again.Mr and Mrs Lu have indicated that you ce their safety at risk, and we cannot have this ur, now or in the future."


    Anna just shook her head, and figure that responding to the repeated allegation achieved nothing.With that the elevator arrived at the floor Anna''s room was on, and the manager, quickly forced Anna into the room, to remove her belongings.She was grateful that before leaving early this afternoon, she had packed most of her belongings into her suitcase, and it was on the bed.She opened the case and went firstly into the bathroom and gathered her toiletries, and the remainder of her makeup there, throwing them into their bags, and then out and threw them into the case.She checked the draws and the wardrobe to ensure that there was no personal belongings, and removed her cabin bag.She then opened the safe and removed her Camera, Laptop and Tablet, cing them and their cables into the cabin bag.Finally she started at the window, and did a quick look through the room to make sure that she left nothing.As the was doing this the manager said "You have one minute, and you have to be locking your cases and out of this room, and on your way out of the hotel."


    Anna, finished her quick look around the room and was satisfied to the best of her ability that she had left nothing in the draws, on the benches, in the wardrobe, or in the bathroom.As she was zipping up the bags, she saw two pairs of shoes she almost forgot and quickly grabbed them.As she picked them up the Manager said "Time", and started to close her bags.


    Anna realised that she was going to have no help to take her bags, so stacked her cabin bag on the suitcase, and her handbag on top.As she was moving out, she noticed one thing still in the safe, her mother''s ne, so she grabbed this while following the manager out.She then quickly hurried to the elevator and was lucky that there was one waiting for her.


    When it arrived at the lobby, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were waiting for her.Yang Lin, screamed to the manager "You better hold her.She will have stolen items, and I need to retrieve them."With that Yang ling pushed Anna into the manager who grabbed her arms to prevent her from stopping them.Anna, was grateful that she had turned the coded padlock, which was making it difficult for either of them to get into her suitcase or cabin bag.When Yang Lin went to grab her handbag, Anna pulled herself from the manager''s graps, and screamed "Enough.I am leaving."She turned to Yang Lin and said "It you believe I stole something, prove it but there is no way that I am allowing you to go through my clothes, toiletries. Make up and electronics.By the way, I registered the Laptop, Camera, tablet and telephone unique codes with my insurancepany 12 months ago.iming that they were stolen from you would be impossible."


    She grabbed her suitcase, and the cabin bag, and headed towards the check-out counter.She was d that she had a pre-paid credit card loaded with money that Lu Jinhu knew nothing about as it was not connected with any ount she had.She said to the desk clerk "I am Anna Jones and I am checking out of room 823.I have handed the manager of room key card."She then handed the card to the clerk "Please charge the additional room charges to this card."While she was doing this, Yang Lin again wasing toward her, yelling "Thief, Liar, Stalker, W**re, B**ch".Anna was thankful that she ced her suitcase and cabin bag in front of her to protect them.


    The desk clerk, indicated "Madam, there are another ten thousand in charges for the room, are you certain that there is enough money on the card."


    "Ten thousand, what currency?"


    "Local currency"


    Anna realised that there was enough money for this, and said "Go ahead".The card was quickly swiped and handed back to her, as soon as the transaction was processed.Anna turned around, and realised that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin thought that she had no further money to pay this bill, which would have seen her in jail.Anna stalked past the two, staying just out of their reach so she was not hit or pushed again and walked out of the hotel.As soon as she was outside, she asked one of the staff to signal for the car that she came in to return, and just as Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin reached her, and grabbed at her again, the Mercedes pulled up.Rather than anyone getting out, the boot popped up, and the staff put her cabin bag and suitcase in the boot.


    Anna had to pull hard to get out of the grip that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin had her in.They were demanding that she give them all her electronic equipment, as this was Lu Jinhu''s.Once she got herself out of their grip, she opened the car door and quickly got inside, pulling it shut while Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were trying to keep it open to pull her out and keep up their abuse of her.With the help of the door staff, Anna was able to get the door closed and Assistant Wang drove immediately away.Anna threw herself into Hou Yi''s arms and burst out crying.

 Chapter 22: What Happened

    <h4>22 What Happened</h4>


    Anna Jones, after being able to get herself away from Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, and the door shut on the car threw herself into Hou Yi''s arms and burst out crying.


    Hou Yi was shocked at how Anna was.He knew when she left the car she had a n and was going to be able to cope with what happened, if Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were there and approached her.He carefully lifted her up, and put her seat belt on, and then let her fall back on to him, crying.All he did wasfort her for a few minutes, until he started to feel that her tears were lessening.


    Calmly and quietly he asked "Can you tell me what happened?", as he moved her back to sit up.It was then he noticed a mark across her face.Seeing this enraged him, and Hou Yi''s immediate thoughts were who dared to hit his wife, and he wold make them paid.These thoughts stopped Hou Yi, as despite his feelings, for Anna, which the best that he was willing to say was that he fell for her on sight, no more, he promised Anna he would help her get her revenge, and if it was Lu Jinhu and Yang Li, he would not be able to step in.


    All Anna could do was continue to cry.Hou Yi reached into the pocket on the back of the seat in front of him and pulled a few tissues out of the box.He handed them Anna, and again asked, in even a more gentler voice "Can you tell me what happened?"He paused for a couple of seconds "Please tell me, as I want to help you.While I may not have said it, when we married, it was implied that I would do what I could do to help you, as much as it was implied that you would do the same for me.I need to know what happened so I can do what I can to help you."


    With that Hou Yi, put a couple of fingers under Anna''s chin and gently lifted her chin up so that she would look at him.As soon as he saw her eyes, he saw the exact hurt that she had in her eyes when she crashed into him earlier.This made him immediately realised who was the whole cause ¨C Lu Linhu and Yang Lin.


    To try and shock her into interacting with him, he decided to lean in and briefly kiss her cheek, and did so.Hou Yi felt himself trembling with anticipation, to give his wife even this brief kiss.He realised that those feelings about having fallen for Anna on sight returned, and given that he was further into their rtionship that she was realised that he had to be brief, and careful not to scare the intriguing woman who was his wife.


    The brief kiss immediately caused Anna to stiffen.She started to raise her hand to p the person who dared kiss her but saw who it was and recognised that he did not deserve such a reaction.All she could feel was the physical hurt from the hits and that the mental wall that she had tried to build in marrying Hou Yi was shattered.


    Before Anna could open her mouth to say anything, Hou Yi started to talk "Sorry about that, I hope that it did not hurt, as I was trying to avoid the ces where it appears that someone pped you in the face."


    He stopped and took a further breath, while holding his hand up, but not in Anna''s face and then continued."I am guessing that you ran into Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, and they physically abused you and verbally bullied you, and as you tried to get into the car they tried to stop you, as they wanted to belittle and abuse you more."


    All Anna could do is nod in response.Hou Yi continued "We can go to the police to report the assault on you.I think we should."At this Anna was shaking her head."No, we will, even if the matter goes no further at this time, you should realise as awyer having the report if they continue makes it easier for justice to be served.It will allow them, if there is a pattern of behaviour to take more serious action."


    "I know, I would tell my clients to do that, but ¡­"


    "No buts.I will arrange for a police officer to at leaste and take your statement at home, once we deal with a couple of matters."


    "Ok," was Anna''s resigned response.


    She seemed ready to say something else, when their discussion was interrupted by Assistant Wang "Young Master, Young Madam, we have arrived at Fengs."With that he brought the car to a stop, turned the engine off, and came around to open the door, and assisted Anna getting out of the vehicle.

 Chapter 23: Buying rings at Fengs - Part 1

    <h4>23 Buying rings at Fengs - Part 1</h4>


    After informing Hou Yi and Anna Jones of their arrival at Fengs Jewellers, Assistant Wang stopped the vehicle, and assisted Anna out of the vehicle, with Hou Yi following.


    Hou Yi turned to Assistant Wang, and asked "Assistant Wang, could you please call someone from the Criminal Investigation Bureau and ask them to meet us at my apartment, in say 90 minutes.Exin to them that we are shopping, but we will be there as soon as we can.Once you know who will be there please call the apartment staff and let them know what is happening.Can you also please arrange for a personal shopper to meet us at M Mall''s VIP area, so we can purchase a few items at the moment.Exin that we will have about 20-30 Minutes, and are looking for one semi-formal dress, a couple of casual dresses, a couple of pairs of casual pants and tops to match, and the usual misceneous items.Confirm that it is for my wife but ensure that they know that nothing is to be said."


    Anna heard what Hou Yi said, and said "But I have my own clothes"


    Hou Yi walked over and said to Anna "I know you do, but I know my family tonight will be dressed such that the semi-formal dress is needed, and I want to help supplement the items you have at the moment.Do not worry, anything else can wait."


    "You do not need to spend such money."


    "Please let me do this, all I want to do is ensure that you feelfortable."


    Anna, wanted to continue to argue, but looked at Hou Yi, and realised that he was not going to change his mind, and in an exasperated tone indicated "Fine, but do not think that this is the end of this."


    With that Hou Yi, realised that he had at least temporarily won the argument, so he turned to Assistant Wang "Thank you for seeing to those tasks.As soon as we are finished, I will call you to let you know we are ready to be picked up."


    With that Hou Yi walked and took Anna''s hand, and partly dragged her, partly escorted her to the door of a Fengs, which was opened for them.As soon they entered in, they were approached by a man who bowed to them "CEO Hou, Madam Hou, I am Manager Yong, and I am in charge of this store.If you would please apany me, I will escort you to one of our VIP Rooms."


    With that, Manager Yong, turned and walked between two counters, and opened a door motioning for Hou Yi and Anna to enter.As they entered the room and sat down on afortable pair of blue chairs inside the room, a young woman came in with two sses of water and sat them down on the small coffee table between the chairs.She bowed and indicated "Please let Manager Yong know if there is anything else that you would like to drink, and I will arrange and bring this to you."


    "Nothing for me", was Anna''s prompt response


    "Also nothing for me", followed Hou Yi.With that he reached over and picked up once of the sses on the table and handed it to Anna.


    Manager Yong, turned and started to close the door, and Anna heard someone outside say "Oh my God.I never through that I would see the day that CEO Hou, would be so caring and gentle towards a woman.All reports I have read or heard say that he does not like woman."


    Manager Yong, also heard this, and re-opened the door fully that he had been closing, and waked out, and in a raised voice "As I have said to all of you, and if I have to repeat it again people will be fired, particrly since we have another VIP couple to arrive, people will be fired.We do not talk about rumours regarding clients, engage in gossip involving clients, nor disclose to other clients names of other people who shop here."


    With that he turned around and re-entered the room.He did not fully close the door, and walked over, bowing again "Apologies CEO Hou, Madam Hou, that behaviour was uneptable from my staff."He stopped briefly "CEO Hou, Assistant Wang telephoned and indicated that you wereing to select jewellery for your wife.How can we be of assistance?"


    Hou Yi, turned briefly to Anna, and gave her a look of reassurance, and re-turned to look at Manager Yong."Manager Yong, firstly we need to select wedding rings for ourselves, plus as my wife is Australian, I am also looking for an engagement ring, to meet traditions in Australia.For the wedding rings, I am after a matching pair for us, and if possible with the engagement ring, it to contain an Australian Diamond.Also I am ¡­"


    Before he could continue further both he and Anna heard Yang Lin, angrily demand "Tell Manager Yong, that we want to see him here now."

 Chapter 24: Buying rings at Fengs - Part 2

    <h4>24 Buying rings at Fengs - Part 2</h4>


    Hou Yi and Anna heard Yang Lin outside the room, and she was quite angry."Tell Manager Young that we want to see him here now.I have been a very important client in the past, and am now Madam Lu.I do not want to be dealt with by anyone other than the manager.Further, I know that the VIP room that you were attempting to show is into is not the premier VIP Room.Make that avable now, before I contact my parents and have this store closed down by the authorities.You know I have the power"


    Lu Jinhu then spoke "My wife is right.We must be served by the manager, no assistants.There is no one here more important than us, and we will have what we want.If you do not, I will ensure that this store is destroyed."


    Hou Yi looked over at Anna and saw that she was shaking.Of all the people to walk in, it had to be these two, who had just bullied and abused his wife, which was uneptable.He turned and motioned to Manager Yong "My wife cannot stand those two out there, so please ensure that they are not aware that we are there.We will not interrupt your business and demand that they be thrown out, as I know that is not good business.We will happily have an assistant Manager serve us, but my wife isfortable, and we will not move rooms simply to satisfy two bullies.Please go out there and deal with them and arrange for your most exclusive wedding ring sets to be brought in, along with engagement rings, and some simple, but delicate gold chains, maybe one with an Australian Opal pendant being my wife''s birthstone, or a Diamond pendant, being my birthstone."


    With that Hou Yi directed Manager Yong to leave the room, ensuring that neither Lu Jinhu or Yang Lin could see them and eased himself down on his knees in front of Anna and took her hands in his."I will not let them hurt you.At least having them dealt with by Manager Yong, will give us some measure of peace why we are selecting these items.And before you asked, I looked at our marriage certificate, and noted that your birthday is in October.As my mother''s best friend, who I have always called Aunt was born in October.Her daughter, and before you ask I have always viewed her as a cousin and more importantly she has been married to my best friend for 6 years, and they are still as deliriously happy as the day they met 12 years ago, was born in April, like me.As I regrly by them jewellery gifts I am well aware of their birthstones, so it was not an issue to recall them."


    He saw that Anna was still shaking.He repeated "I will ensure that they cannot hurt you.More importantly I will help you get your revenge on them."He at this time got up off his knees and sat back in the chair but ensured that he had taken one of Anna''s hands in his.


    Both Anna and Hou Yi, turned to the slightly opened door, and heard Yang Lin "Manage Yong, why did you keep us waiting.I told you that you we would be hear, and you were not ready to serve me, as you should."Her voice was a little less angry tan before, but she was still angry.


    "Madam Lu, I was dealing with the other VIP clients we have."


    "Well get them our of my room.You know that I must be in that room, as it is the best VIP room in this store, and I am the best and you have to give me the best, as otherwise you know I can have you shut down,"


    "Madam Lu, stop it.Our other clients are still in the room.While I know I cannot afford to offend you, they are in the process of selecting their items.What they have said, is they will not demand that I continue to serve them and are happy to have an assistant manager help them with their selections, as the young Madam in there is a little shaken, they are reluctant to move."


    "Well my wife made it very clear they have to move.You have 2 minutes to do what my wife wants, otherwise we will make a call and this store will be closed in 5 minutes."Came Lu Jinhu''s response.


    "Master Lu, Madam Lu, this is one request that I am afraid I am unable toply with."


    "Well I am making that call Manager Yong.Be ready for this store to be closed, and you arrested and dealt with by the authorities."


    "Madam Lu," stuttered Manager Yong.He took a quick breath "Maybe I could do something for you.While you are aware, we always give you a discount on your purchases as you request, in addition to that, if you will ept the second VIP room, with me being the person dealing with you, that I give you and Master Lu a further fifteen percent discount on your purchases?Would this be eptable, for making you have to go into the second VIP room."


    "Make it a further thirty five percent discount, and throw in a ne that my wife likes at no charge, and we will not make that call, and ept your demeaning second VIP room", responded quickly Lu Jinhu, and Anna could hear the tones of greed that he had when he told her what he had do her in Australia.

 Chapter 25: Buying rings at Fengs - Part 3

    <h4>25 Buying rings at Fengs - Part 3</h4>


    Lu Jinhu demanded of Manager Yong "Make it a further thirty five percent discount, and throw in a ne that my wife likes at no charge and we will not make that call, and ept your demeaning second VIP room"


    "Master Lu the best that I could do, without getting the owner''s permission is offer twenty percent." Stuttered Manager Yong, fully aware in addition to the normal ten percent discount that he gives Yang Lin, to prevent her from causing trouble, even at the additional twenty percent discount he will have serious exining to do to the owner.


    "Well get it.You have 3 minutes to get the permission, or you know what we will do.No more warnings," Lu Jinhu''s response.


    "Yes Sir".


    Within thirty seconds Hou Yi''s mobile was ringing."Give them the discount as a one off.I will see that you and the staff here do not lose out.As I said my wife does not want to deal with them." And with that he ended the call.


    Anna wondered what was going on, and then heard Manager Yong say "The owner has approved the discount as a one off discount, topensate you Master Lu, Madam Lu for the inconvenience of the first VIP room being unavable."


    They heard a squeal of excitement, which could only havee from Yang Lin, and Lu Jinhu said "Good.We will use the demeaning second VIP room on that basis, and we will remember the discount, that should always apply to us now that you have given it to us."


    Anna, realised then, that Hou Yi must have something to do with this jewellery store, and turned to Hou Yi "What is your connection here?"


    "Fengs is owned, by my family.If came into our family generations ago.Various family members have an interest in it, but the tradition is that the CEO of Hou Enterprises is considered to be the owner.Manager Yong is the only staff member here who knows this.I did not want Manager Yong telling them the owner was here as Yang Lin knows that there is some family connection here, and she has until now used this as a means to demand huge discounts from staff.They have always been tight-lipped about how she has done it, but at least now I know, which means that I can not only put a stop to it, but it is something that we can use to bring them down.However, as I said, we were not moving, nor should we have to simple because a spoilt little witches in and demands it.The fact that someone is in the room should have been enough for her, to ept another room.Each is as good as the other, this room is simply called VIP Room 1, the others being know as VIP Room 2 and VIP Room 3, is simply to identify the rooms nothing else.Further, all staff will be advised that any discounts offered them now have to be approved outside the business ¨C that will take care of Yang Lin''s abuse of power to get discounts."


    "I cannot believe it."

 Chapter 26: Buying rings at Fengs - Part 4

    <h4>26 Buying rings at Fengs - Part 4</h4>


    Hou Yi, exined to Anna Jones, that the VIP rooms at Fengs, were simply given a room number, it was not a sign of status of the room, which Anna could not believe.


    Before Anna could say anything more, a young woman walked in, being careful to shield Hou Yi and Anna from outside view with three men apanying her with jewellery trays, which they ced on therge table in front of Hou Yi and Anna.The woman shut the door and the men, stepped back towards the wall."CEO Hou, Madam Hou, I am Assistant Manager Wong.Manager Yong, in and among dealing that scene out there indicated to me what you were looking for.The first thing I need to do is check each of your ring sizes, so that if necessary we can have the rings you choose adjusted for size."


    With that, she came and moved a small chair on the opposite side of the table in front of Hou Yi and Anna, and pulled from a draw, a ring sizer and a note pad.With that, she checked both Hou Yi and Anna''s ring sizes, and when she was happy made a note of this on the notepad.


    "Thank you.Now please let me exin our initial choices here.In terms of the Engagement Ring you requested CEO Hou, we have selected a number of diamond solitaires from the collection.Each of these contains diamonds from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, including pink and red diamonds, and have been issued with all the appropriate certificates.The rings generally have between 1.5 and 2 Carats of diamonds in each ring, but thergest has a 5 carat diamond in it."


    With that Assistant Manager Wong, turner around and selected a tray from behind her, bringing it around for Hou Yi and Anna to look at.Anna turned to Hou Yi "I do not want arge expensive ring.I am aware that Pink diamonds are the most expensive in the world, can we rule them out."


    "No let us just have a look at the rings, and see if there is something that you like, rather than worrying about cost.I can afford it."


    Anna stopped from answering back, as if Hou Yi''s family own the jewellery store then, likely that can afford the ring at least.


    Both turned their attention to the rings in the tray that Assistant Manager Wong was holding, and after a few minutes both reached towards the tray for the same ring.Anna, looked at Hou Yi and blushed.He removed it from the tray and looked to Anna and asked "Are you sure this is the ring.Do not think that just because we both were drawn to it that it is the right ring.You can select another if you want."With that Hou Yi handed the ring to Anna for a closer look.


    After Anna took a little time to consider the ring that Hou Yi had handed to her, she handed it to Hou Yi, and responded "Absolutely certain."


    With that Hou Yi, handed the ring to Assistant Manager Wong.She looked at the ring and said "Good choice CEO Hou and Madam Hou.While not going into too many details, the ring has a 1.5 carat Pink Diamond, on a white gold band.There is also a simr ring on tinum and on yellow gold."


    "No, that ring is perfect," was Hou Yi''s immediate response.


    "Thank You.Now that you have this ring, let me show you wedding bands.If it not too presumptuous I have an idea for wedding rings that will work with the engagement ring that you have selected.The designer, who works for us on a contractual basis only allowed 4 sets of these rings to be made worldwide, with diamonds in the female version.There is one that has pink diamonds from the Kimberly region in Australia in it, and they willplement the pink diamond in the engagement ring."


    With that Assistant Manager Wong, turned around, ced the engagement ring selected to one side, returned the tray with the engagement rings on the table, and selected a second tray, turning back around to face Hou Yi and Anna.She bent her head down, and selected a matching ring set, and handed the rings to Hou Yi.He took one brief look at the rings and handed them to Anna.She could see that there were two pink diamonds, and where they were sitting they would be visible and appear to nestle the engagement ring.The design appeared to be magical to Anna, and she turned back to Hou Yi, handing him the rings and nodding.


    Hou Yi responded "These appear to be the right rings.Can we, however, have a look at the other sets to be certain."


    Anna, put her hand on Hou Yi''s arm, and he turned to her."No, I know that they are perfect.Not because the design is limited, but the design reminds me of waves in the sea, which to me are a way for us to link me back to where I grew us, near the sea in Australia, and with the pink diamonds being from Australia, that link is there even more.If you want to look at others, I will, but ¡­"


    "No if that is what you want, we will have set."

 Chapter 27: Buying rings at Fengs - Part 5

    <h4>27 Buying rings at Fengs - Part 5</h4>


    Anna Jones confirmed to Hou Yi that the wedding ring set rmended by Assistant Manager Wong was perfect, Hou Yi agreed to it.


    Assistant Manager Wong, could not believe how easy it was for this couple to chose their items.She was grateful she was not having to deal Yang Lin and whoever was with her in the other VIP Room, that Manager Yong was with.the only time she dealt with Yang Lin, nothing was right, and eventually took over 5 hours to select one piece.She caused so many problems, that the discount that had to be given to her was such that she earned for the month only ten percent of her normalmission, as she had to cover the discount from those othermissions.


    She turned back ount and ced the tray with the wedding rings back on the table, and turned back with a third tray, which had 4 Opal Nes; 4 Diamond Nes and 3 nes with both."I note Madam Hou, you have pierced ears.Each of the pendants here have matching earrings, which we will pair with them."


    "Assistant Manager Wong, I am guessing those earrings are all on a version of gold studs, or tinum studs"


    "That would be standard Madam Hou"


    "I have allergic reactions if I wear any form of gold or tinum earrings.With whatever we select, could you have them, and it does not have to be done today, just whenever it can be done, converted to sterling silver.Can you apologise to the jeweller who has to do to conversion, as I do not want to waste money on earrings that I could not wear."


    "That can be arranged Madam Hou, it will, however it could take up to three weeks¡­"


    "That is absolutely fine.If my wife requests if, it needs to be done" interrupted Hou Yi.


    Hou Yi noticed Anna was looking intently at the pendants, and seemed to be taken by a pendant, that appeared to have an opal hanging from a diamond.He put his hand out, touching the pendant Anna was looking at, and asked "Do you want this one?"


    Anna simply nodded, and Assistant Manager Wong took the pendant from the tray.She turned an ced the tray back on the table, then turned back around and asked "Madam Hou, could you please stand up, so I can check where this pendant is sitting."Anna stood up, and the pendant on the gold chain was hung around her neck and closed.Assistant Manager Wong stood back, and realised that the length was perfect, and returned back and removed the pendant."That was the perfect length and drop with the pendant for you Madam."


    Assistant Manager Wong, turned, picked up the note pad, and the rings."CEO Hou, Madam Hou, the rings need slight adjustments.Do you wish to wait or return and collect once the adjustments are made?"


    "How long will the adjustments take Assistant Manager Wong?" questioned Hou Yi.


    "Such adjustments would only take about a hour."


    "No we will leave.Can you and Manager Yong please arrange for the rings to be delivered to my apartment once the adjustments are made.My apartments address will be on file," responded Hou Yi.With that, he handed Assistant Manager Wong, a ck credit card, which Anna thought was the stuff of myths, having never seen one before. "Please charge the pieces to this card and add a further five percent as an additional tip for how helpful you have been," Hou Yi continued.


    Assistant Manager Wong, hurried out of the room to process the purchase, followed by the men carrying the trays, and Anna turned to Hou Yi asking "Why are you paying if your family are connected with the business and giving her a tip of five percent."


    "Any private transactions when I am out forpany business I pay for.This is a personal transaction, not rted to the business, and why should I simply demand that I do not have to pay.I do not use my power to bully or manipte people and pay appropriately at any location.Yes when I have been at street markets, I will bargaining as that is expected, but bargaining here and pushing for a discount is not appropriate.The tip is because she allowed us to choose what we wanted, rather than forcing her choices on us.Jewellery staff that push choices on people push the most expensive items and are only out formission.She wanted to make sure we got what she wanted, so I am going to reward her for that."


    With than Assistant Manager Wong returned, and handed Hou Yi back his credit card."CEO Hou, with one of the security guards I will deliver the rings to your apartment as soon as possible."


    "Thank you."With that Hou Yi stood up and held out his hand to Anna to help her stand up.

 Chapter 28: Buying rings at Fengs - Part 6

    <h4>28 Buying rings at Fengs - Part 6</h4>


    After Hou Yi''s credit card was returned to him, he stood up and helped Anna to stand up from her chair in the VIP Room.


    As they walked out the room, heading towards the door to leave, they could hear,ing from another room Yang Lin yelling "What is this crap.I know you have 4 sets of the Dream Wedding Ring Sets.There are only three, and the one I want is the Pink Diamond set.Get it here now"


    "Madam Lu, that set was sold earlier today to someone else.I am sorry, but I cannot produce it for you."


    "You knew that I wasing here, and I am entitled to the one of best and most exclusive wedding rings in the world.Call that person now, and tell them it was a mistake that it was sold to them.Tell them to return it immediately.And for the inconvenience to me, I now get that set for free, and you can make the other party pay for it and a recement."


    "Madam Lu, if I could I would, but someone else has brought and paid for it."


    "I do not give a care.That set is mine, so get it here now.Otherwise you can look forward to a long period of time in jail."


    Before Anna turned to look at Hou Yi she noticed that Assistant Wang outside the store with the car.Hou Yi asked, "Anna, could you please go and sit in the car.Once you are there I will deal with this, as I do not want them to see you."


    Anna, walked to the door to leave, and heard Lu Jinhu yell "My wife has given you a requestremember one call from us and this store will be closed in less than 5 minutes, and you will be thrown in jail.Do what she has told you ¡­.", and with that Anna was outside the shop.


    As soon as Hou Yi, saw that Anna was climbing into the car, he turned and walked towards the second VIP Room, pushing open the door with some force, entering and mming it behind him.Neither Lu Jinhu or Yang Lin reacted immediately.In a low threatening voice "This stops now.Yang Lin, you have no rights any more to bully the staff and demand that the do what you want.I let it go while we were engaged but given you have been ignoring my phone calls and I heard you called Madam Lu, you refused to marry me.You have no rights to make demands of my staff any more.When Manager Yong called me about a discount I authorised it because I did not want to have a scene caused here in a business, that due to family arrangements I am considered the owner of, but I am telling you here and now, you will be getting no further discounts in this store.You have no connection to me or the Hou and Feng families, and will not receive any further discounts, unless I specifically authorise them, and I am not so inclined to to so for a long period of time.there is no way that you will be getting that ring set you are demanding.Some other couple chose it as their wedding rings, and there is no way that they will be forced to return their choice to satisfy your narcissistic demands, nor could you even if I allowed the staff to contact them and they agreed to return it, to demand that you get if for free either from this shop or from that couple, and then force the couple to purchase new rings.The set was their choice.You cannot force others simply for your own vanity and more importantly I will not allow this in any business that is associated with my family."


    "F**k you Hou Yi, you own me, and I am entitled to what I want as I had to put up with you, you b**tard.I want that ring set, and I will have it otherwise I will make sure this store is closed down." Screamed Yang Lin.


    "Try all you like.You forget that in addition to the security cameras in the main part of the store, there are camera in the VIP rooms as well, which in addition to vision record sound.Your behaviour has been recorded since you entered.Go ahead and try to ckmail the business, my staff and me to get what you want to nothing.If you continue I will ensure that the recordings are provided to the authorities, and charges will be pursued.Your parents may have connections with senior government officials, but do not forget, that one of my close friends is the son of a senior government official, and my business is more important to this country than your family or the family that you have attached yourself to.See who will be looked after, a shrew like you or a businessperson trying to protect his staff."


    With that he turned, and walked out of the room, with Yang Lin yelling "You owe me ongoing discounts you b**tard, and I will have them.If I do not get them, along with the now thirty percent that you allowed me today, I will destroy you."


    Lu Jinhu was yelling "By the way when I own your familypany tomorrow, just watch me do everything I can to make you pay for this."


    Hou Yi continued to ignore them, walked to Assistant Manager Wong and quietly said "Please do not tell them that I purchased the items I did for my wife and myself, simply get the jeweller to make the changes and get them to my house as soon as possible.I thank you for your help.Additionally please make copies of all the footage of what has urred since the arrived, ce one in the safe here, and send another copy to my assistant at Hou Enterprises."With that he, walked out of the shop, and sat quickly into the vehicle.Assistant Wang, realised that Hou Yi was angry, and decided that he needed to get them out of there quickly and to M Mall.

 Chapter 29: Travelling to M Mall

    <h4>29 Chapter 29: Travelling to M Mall</h4>


    Assistant Wang realised that Hou Yi was angry, by the time he had gotten into the car, and realised that getting him and Anna Jones away from Fengs, and to M Mall was a priority.


    Anna, could see that Hou Yi, was angry about what had happened in Fengs.She was terrified that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin would force their way into the room, find her there with Hou Yi, physically hurt her, and find out about her and Hou Yi''s ,marriage.Keeping thetter from there was highly important as she wanted her revenge on her timetable, not dictated by the.


    She turned and touched Hou Yi on the arm, and with that he looked directly at her "Do you want to tell me what happened?"


    "Let us just say, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin showed their true colours, acting like the spoilt entitled children, rather that mature adults.Yang Lin, even demanded when she was told that the ring set she wanted had been sold to someone else, who paid for it, that they had to return it, purchase for themselves another set and she receive the set she wanted for free simply as she was inconvenienced.I told them to stop abusing staff, and that the would not get what they wanted.As you can imagine they threatened me."Hou Yi paused, and then continued "The more they keep doing this the more I cannot wait to help you bring them down!Do you have any ns yet?"


    "Well ¡­ I was thinking that we should not do much initially.I am guessing Lu Jinhu is expecting as of tomorrow to own your family''spany, so just knowing for the moment he did not get something he felt was his is good enough to start.It will annoy him so much to figure out that you are married, but not who you are married to.I do not want him to realise that it me at the moment.Keep him wondering for a while.Knowing him, he will take out his frustrations on Yang Lin, whether verbally or physically, and that will mess with her sense of entitlement.In denying them what they wanted at Fengs, it has added to their frustration.As will finding out tomorrow I am not on the flight that they demanded that I be on, or they would have me arrested.The rest wille in the future."


    "True.They will not take well to having what they want denied." Replied Hou Yi."Changing subjects, I recall earlier you said you where awyer.Do you want to tell me a little about your work, as we have a few minutes before we reach M Mall?"


    "Well Ipleted mybined Commerce and Law degree, 5 years ago when I was 21.I was bright enough that in primary school I skipped a grade, meaning that I was 17 when I finished high school and started university.As I took enough summary school sses and had permission to do course overloads, I was able toplete, and due to taking summer school courses, some through other universities, I was able toplete the requirements to be awarded my degree in 4 years, rather than the normal 5 years.I was lucky that not only did I secure a job at ANX Lawyers, in Melbourne, but I was able to quicklyplete the professional course necessary to be, what is called ''admitted'', but which is a fancy way of saying that the legal system recognised that I had he education and skill to be recognised as awyer.I have worked at ANX Lawyers, since then starting was a juniorwyer and working my way up within the firm.There is a potential that the partners of the firm would look within the next couple of years of inviting me to be a partner of the firm."


    What she said, absolutely eliminated any doubts for Hou Yi, if he had any by now, that Anna was the woman he had seen and fell for 6 months ago when he visited ANX Lawyers."What sort of work do you do?"


    "Well the firm''s general speciality ismercialw, dealing with international issues for local clients and assisting international clients in Australia.But it also covers most aspects of what we call Commercial Law, sales, purchases, taxation issues and anything else that might be associated with it.However, the firm''s founding principals realised that those issues are not in istion.We can be representing clients that have other issues, for example criminal charges, immigration issues, needing to protect assets, marriage breakdowns, and created a small generalist practice that ran alongside themercial practice andplements this.I work in that area, and I love it constantly changes, and usually I can make a difference working there.I try and avoid themercial work, as I cannot stand it, but that is not always possible."


    "So, which is your favourite area ofw?"


    "I love ¡­"


    "Before Anna could continue, Assistant Wang interrupted them."Young Master, Young Madam, we have arrived at M Mall."With that he stopped the car and opened the door for Hou Yi to get out first.Hour Yi turned and helped Anna.


    "Assistant Wang, could you part the car, and thene and find me to give me the keys.I have one task I need you to do back at the office, and they you can go home for the night.I will send you a message with the task to your phone."


    With that, he escorted Anna to a door which had a buzzer next to it and pressed the buzzer."M Mall VIP Service, how can I help you?" came an almost robotic reply.

 Chapter 30: M Mall - Part 1

    <h4>30 M Mall - Part 1</h4>


    After advising Assistant Wang to park the vehicle, get him the keys and return to the office toplete the final task he will message to him, Hou Yi escorted Anna Jones towards a door, and pressed the buzzer next to it.They were asked "M Mall VIP Service, how can I help you?"


    "It is Hou Yi.I have an appointment¡­"


    "Apologies CEO Hou, pleasee in immediately.The personal shopper assigned to you has momentarily had to step out, but could you please take a seat upon entry and she will be with you as soon as possible."With that a buzzer sounded and the door opened to let them.Anna notice that they had entered a lounge area, and Hou Yi escorted Anna to a couch that would be big enough for the two of them to sit side by side.


    Just as they sat down, in arrived a young woman, "Hello CEO Hou.People call me Sadie, and I am the personal shopper assigned to you and your guest.If you would follow me, I will do what I need to help fulfil your requests as soon as possible."With that Hou Yi and Anna stood up, and followed Sadie down a corridor, into a light lemon colour painted walls, with mirrors and a dais at one end of the room, with apparently a changing area behind it, and a couch and a couple chairs at the other end.


    As soon as Sadie had closed the door behind them, she manoeuvred herself between Hou Yi and Anna.Hou Yi, was immediately disgusted at the personal shopper''s attitude, and her treatment of Anna.She did not need to be treated as worthless, and dismissed.He realised that he needed to immediately establish Anna''s importance, otherwise this woman and others like her would seek to bully her.


    Anna, noticed the fleeting look of disgust that passed across Hou Yi''s face, and realised that he was angry about the the personal shopper''s actions.Anna, given what had already happened today was determined that no one else was going to try to dismiss and bully her today.She paused and realised that she could deal with this flirty woman quickly.


    Hou Yi started "Ms Sadie, could you ¡­" and stopped what he was saying


    As Hou Yimenced speaking, Anna pushed around Sadie, and threw herself into Hou Yi''s arms.


    She then gave him a brief kiss, and upon breaking the kiss, said in a coy voice "Honey, do we really need to be here, there are better things that we could be doing ¡­."


    As soon as Anna kissed him, Hou Yi realised she was trying to send a message, however he realised that her subtle message and hints would not achieve much, most likely all that it would do is establish that she was his mistress.He did not want that.Anna needed to immediately to be established as his wife, so she was treated with respect.He leaned in and gave her a quick hard kiss and turned her in his arms, so he was hugging her, slightly turned her head and looked at her, bending his head down slightly.


    In a loud whisper that as such that Sadie could her, but they could pretend she was not meant to hear, Hou Yi said "Sweetheart, today we received our wedding certificate, and tonight I am taking you to meet my family.All I want to do today is to buy you a dress you can wear to meet my family, maybe a change or two of clothes, and most importantly something for tonight ¡­" and with that he bent down briefly and gave her another quick hiss, then continued "and we cane back together or you cane back another day to purchase more clothes, when you are ready and have time."


    Anna, having realised what he was doing, blushed at what he was implying, and turned in his arms to put her back to Sadie.Looking up at him "Yi, we are not alone.Let us get this over and go home."With that she slightly pulled herself up towards him and pulled his head down for a kiss.


    Meanwhile, Sadie was in a state of disbelief with what she heard.Her job ensured that she interacted with the elites in City T and therefore was privy to much of their gossip, from wives and their friends, mistresses and the men who apany their wives and/or mistresses to buy clothes., because unless the men were looking for a new mistress, people like her were simply dismissed as part of the furniture.The gossip surrounding Hou Yi either questioned his sexuality, or focused on him seeking a love match.Sadie preferred to believe thetter, as men like Hou Yi ultimately married for duty, but took mistresses and she was determined that she would be the mistress of the most powerful man in City T leaving this behind, and getting everything she wanted.Using her charm in the past had gotten her what she desired, particrly when directed to other men looking for a new mistress.This let her not only build up some savings but gather a wardrobe filled with designer shoes and clothes, but which now were out of date.


    Hou Yi''s statement that he had married the woman in his arms, without any rumours about her or a wedding, shattered her dreams of securing him as a lover and eventually convincing him to marry her.It also made her fearful, because of what she tried before she knew that they were married.All it would take is a few words from either of them that she had offended them, and her ability to be someone''s mistress to maintain her lifestyle and keep her job would be gone.She realised that she needed to simply get on with her job, get these two out of here, and try and establish herself as a mistress of one of the men that hade earlier today and while their mistresses were changing offered to make her their mistress, before this disaster was known, and those offers would be withdrawn.Maybe one of the unmarried younger ones that she could convince after a few months to marry her.


    Sadie realised that she could not dwell on what had happened, she needed to be professional, to save her job at the moment.She knew that she could y it that she did not realise who the woman was and get out of this without too many problems.


    "Pardon me, CEO Hou, did I hear you right, and this is your wife Madam Hou?"

 Chapter 31: M Mall - Part 2

    <h4>31 M Mall - Part 2</h4>


    "Pardon me, CEO Hou, did I hear you right, and this is your wife Madam Hou?"


    "She is," responded Hou Yi.With that he looked directly in Anna Jones eyes, and she could not look away."We just need a few things today.A dress and essories for her to apany me tonight to my parents, maybe a change or two of clothes, and of course nightwear and underwear.We need to hurry as we really do not have much time."With that, Hou Yi leaned down and gave Anna a brief kiss on the lips, hoping with his statement that this would imply that they could not wait to get home into bed.


    "Madam Hou, if you could follow me, I will take your measurements and then arrange for clothes to be brought in.Do you have any particr designed in mind?"


    Before Anna could indicate what she wanted, Hou Yi spoke and said "Anything, a white, ivory, or cream coloured dress for tonight, and the rest she can pick.Designers do not matter.We simply want this done."


    Sadie immediately picked up the undertones in what Hou Yi said, just hurry up and get this done, we have somewhere else to be.She realised that she would need to act quickly otherwise he would get angry very quickly.


    "Honey, I recall seeing in some magazine a couple of months ago, a dress in the tones that you are asking, but it had, starting from the shoulder, flower buds in the print, moving down the dress torger flowers in the print of the material.The article indicated that it was a new release from the designer but I cannot remember who designed it.If we can get that, can I have it?" Anna asked in sugary tones.She already had realised that she needed to y a role, given Hou Yi was establishing her position in City T with the personal shopper.While Anna knew that Sadie, despite her job description was a sales assistant and Anna knew what it was like to be there, having worked at university in various shops to support herself, she was not going to make things easy.


    Hou Yi, indicated "Whatever you like.Let us just get this done so we can go home."


    With that Anna realised that despite what they were doing, Hou Yi was not happy being here and that they needed to do what was needed, as they had the appointment with the police officer at his apartment soon.With that, she apanied Sadie into the change room.


    "Madam Hou, if you could please get undressed, I will take your measurements, so I can try and find you the clothes you need."Sadie indicated in a profession voice, but internally being dismissive of this woman.She knew the dress that she was asking about, which while expensive for most people, the designer was not one of the top brands, which is what she wanted to force on her.But, acting professionally she had to try and see if it was avable in Madam Hou''s size.She could, however go to town on the other pieces, and get the most expensive items possible.


    With Sadie''s request Anna undressed, and at least while Sadie was measuring her she acted professionally.As she finished taking the measurements, Anna stopped her from walking away."Please use the same ce you get the dress from for the other clothes.The nightwear and underwear cane from the one shop, a clutch to match the dress, another handbag, and do not bother about shoes, I have a couple of good pairs that I can use."


    Sadie could not believe what she was hearing.Madam Hou wanted to keep the costs down, and she could seemission simply going to waste.However, she had to be realistic, she needed toply with what the customer wanted, as if she did not, she risked losing the job."I will do that Madam Hou."Sadie turned around and took a dressing gown down off a hanger near the door.Please put this on, and feel free to either remain here or sit with CEO Hou, while I go and make the arrangements for the items."With that Anna heard Sadie leave the dressing room, and the door open and close, so she realised that she must have left.

 Chapter 32: M Mall - Part 3

    <h4>32 M Mall - Part 3</h4>


    **WARNING ¨C suggestive adult content.Chapter may not be suitable for younger readers***


    Anna Jones heard the personal shopper Sadie leave the dressing room and the door to the suite open and close so she realised she must have left.


    Anna put the dressing gown on covering herself, tied the belt securely and walked out to Hou Yi, who was sitting on the couch.She walked over and sat down next to Hou Yi, and turned slightly to him, and said "I could not believe that woman.She was determined to push herself forward.I wonder what she wanted."


    Hou Yi, noticed in looking at Anna, that she appeared to have nothing on under the dressing gown."It is not umon for men in this town, within the higher business circles to have mistresses.Before you can ask no I do not have a mistress and would not humiliate you like that during our marriage.They often apany either their wife or mistresses to ces like this.The personal shoppers, attempt to ingrain themselves either into the lives of the men or their women, with the goal of bing a mistress or a wife.It is not all of them, but I would hazard a guess she had that goal with me.Thank goodness you were quick on your feet thinking about what to do.She could not believe what she was hearing, and now is so frightened what we might do to her, because she realised that she overstepped bounds."


    Hou Yi was interrupted with Annaughing."That is what we agreed, we would show affection in public, and even though it was one person, I would guess that she is a gossip, and it will get around you were here with your wife.That is a rumour I want to get around."


    Hou Yi "If you are OK with it, we could add to the rumour."


    "What is your n then?"


    "Well ¡­."Hou Yi was interrupted by a phone call, which when he looked at the caller ID, saw that it was Assistant Wang, so he ignored it, knowing that it would simply be a call with a status update on the task he texted him previously."What I thought is that we would have my jacket slightly thrown away, my shirt undone, and your dressing gown half off, and kissing and moving our hands on each other.It would reinforce the message that we implied earlier that we could not keep our hands off each other."


    "I would love to see Lu JInhu and Yang Lin''s faced where they hear the rumour that you were caught by the personal shopper not being able to keep your hands of your wife and then when they realise it was us.Well, why not.I know as that personal shopper had to use a key card to get into the room, and there was a sound when the door unlocked, we are only going to have to do it for a few seconds."


    With that, Hou Yi removed his jacket, and dropped it in the floor, and Anna took his tie and half threw it across the room.As they were sitting down, Anna, used her hands to mess up her hair and Hou Yi''s while he undid the shirt and pulled it out from the suit pants he was wearing.Just as they had sat down, they heard the door being opened, so Anna undid the tie on the dressing gown, Hou Yi pushed it off her shoulders, and took her in his embrace, and Anna put her hands in his hair.As their lips touched, they heard Sadie "Oh my God, I am so sorry CEO Hou, Madam Hou, I had no idea."


    Sadie, when she was out arranging for the clothes, could not wait to tell the other personal shoppers who were around, what she knew.Some doubted her and she she opened the door, the also saw the scene in front of them, which they could not believe.Some took pleasure in observing the scene, as Sadie had been iming for months she would be CEO Hou''s mistress and then eventually his wife, and this was dream shattering for her.Sadie, got the door shut, as she did not want the scene to be seen further.


    On hearing the door close, Hou Yi looked up, and saw Sadie, and turned back to Anna "Apologies darling, I got a little bit carried away.The personal shopper is back, hopefully with what you are after, so we can go home and ¡­"


    pping his hand, yfully Anna interrupted and "Honey ¡­"With that she sat up, and pulled up the dressing gown and re-tied it.She leaned over and whispered "I''m guessing she saw what we needed, and those rumours will get out that we want.Do not think that I will let that happen again."With that she kissed his ear, and in a louder voice "Fine, I will go with the shopper, but you better get yourself dressed. I hope I did not damage any of the clothing."

 Chapter 33: M Mall - Part 4

    <h4>33 M Mall - Part 4</h4>


    Anna Jones, said in a loud enough voice to be heard, but directed to Hou Yi "Fine, I will go with the shopper, but you better get yourself dressed.I hope I did not damage any of the clothing"


    Anna stood up, and walked back into the dressing room, past Sadie, who was, the best way that she could describe it, sulking like a child who had had its lollipop taken from it.Sadie followed her back into the room, and hung up 3 dresses, 4 pairs of cks, 6 different tops, and ced on a chair, underpants, bras and nightwear.


    Anna turned to the dresses, and found the one she had asked for, and pointing to that said "Let me try that one on first"


    Sadie, originally thought when she went out that she would get clothes that did not suit Madam Hou or that were the wrong size, but then realised that she needed to be a professional and not try and humiliate her.She, however opted to select less exclusive clothing from various stores, rather than the more elite items that she would normally select for clients like this Madam Hou.She helped Anna into the dress, and she it was zipped up, despite her view of it being a cheap dress,pared to most of those in her wardrobe, realised that dress did suit Madam Hou, and said in a quite voice "Madam Hou, you should go and show CEO Hou."


    "Well I am guessing that you saw when you came back we had sort of forgotten where we were.I do not want him to wait any longer than we have to.I do not need to see the other dresses.Lets simply try on the other clothes, and I can surprise him."


    With that, Sadie realised that she was not going to be able to force action from this woman, so helped her out of the dress and into some of the casual clothes.Within 10 minutes Anna had tried on the clothes, and as Sadie went to take all the clothes out, Anna stopped her "Those pants and the top that I tried on firstly please leave those, as I intend to wear them as we leave."Sadie, carefully ced those on a chair, picked up all the other clothes that she had brought in, and Anna''s original clothes and left the dressing room.


    When she entered the main area, she approached Hou Yi, but did not get too close "CEO Hou, Madam Hou tried on some items, and made her choices.She said that she did not want to keep you waiting any longer than necessary hence why we did not show you anything."


    "Do not worry about her choices, simply pack everything up.I will take it all for her, and as soon as she is ready, I wille to the desk to pay for all the items."


    As she recognised that she was being dismissed, Sadie immediately left the room, with the items to do what she was requested.Given what she had seen, she wondered how long she would be waiting for them toe out.Hou Yi, moved to beside the entrance to the dressing room, and said "She has gone.While I would love to add to what she observed, we do have other things to do today.Do you need any help?"


    As Hou Yi finished speaking Anna threw open the entrance to the dressing room "No I do not, but you are right we need to add to what was observed.How about, as we leave, I lean into you, you have your hand around my waist, and I slip my hand under your shirt.That would reinforce what was observed, and more importantly reinforce that we cannot wait to get out of here?"


    "Absolutely fine with me."


    "Remember, there is nothing in it.All I am doing is helping to create rumours that will serve in getting me revengeter.Once we are alone, nothing is going to happen."


    With that Anna walked to Hou Yi at the door and he handed her, her handbag.He opened the door, and Anna Exited first.She stopped and waited until Hou Yi came and stepped beside her, and as they discussed he put his hand around her waist.Anna then leaned in to him and slipped a hand under his shirt.Hou Yi, just moved his fingers on her waist, and as they walked back to reception he matched his steps to Anna''s.When they reached the waiting area, both realised that they were being watched, but neither decided to pull away.They walked up to the desk where Sadie was, and without really thinking, Anna reached into Hou Yi''s jacket pocket where she had seen him ce his wallet earlier and pulled it out and handed it to him.With a look of apparent sorrow, Anna pulled back and separated herself from Hou Yi, so he could pay for the items.Hou Yi drew out his ck credit card and handed it over without even looking at the charges.


    Less than a minuteter it was handed back to him, and Sadie said "CEO Hou, your keys were left here earlier by Assistant Wang.I have arranged for someone to take your purchases and put them in the vehicle and drive it to the entrance, so you and Madam Hou do not have to walk far.Thank you foring to M Mall.If I can help you in the future, please do not hesitate to ask."


    Hou Yi, ignored Sadie, and simply held out his hand to Anna, which she took, and they walked towards the entrance.It was opened for them, and as they exited, the realised that the car was waiting for them.Hou Yi, escorted Anna to passenger side, assisting her into the front passenger seat, and then shutting the door before returning to the driver''s side and getting behind the wheel, and pulling the vehicle away.

 Chapter 34: Returning Home - Part 1

    <h4>34 Returning Home - Part 1</h4>


    After assisting Anna Jones into the front seat of the BMW, Hou Yi walked around and got behind the driver''s wheel.


    He started the engine and started to drive off.He quietly said "Thank you for not getting upset about what happened there.I had heard stories about some of the personal shoppers at M Mall, it was just a pity that we had to run into one of them.As soon as I realised what she was trying to do, I knew that I needed to establish you as my wife and that we has a love match.She will gossip, and the rumours will get around, about my marriage, and that my wife and I can apparently not keep out hands off each other.Whether people believe the rumours or not, it will be their choice, but until it is confirmed they will treat you with respect as they will not want to offend me."


    Anna was quite but Hou Yi paused and thought about what to say."I know that when we agreed to marry, it was on certain conditions, and more than likely there I pushed the boundaries on what you werefortable with.I can only apologise to you for that.All I wanted to do, is protect you and establish quickly that our rtionship is legitimate.Please do not let that impact your ability to keep the promise that I extracted from you, in that you would give our rtionship a chance to develop into whatever it could be, and nothing would be done to force anything.I will stand by it."


    By this time Anna was highly angry."You damn well better keep your promises, or I will make sure you pay.I do not need this now."


    Hou Yi realised that he had pushed his luck with Anna now "I will remember Anna," responded Hou Yi with humility.


    Anna then burst outughing."You are so easy to wind up Hou Yi.I knew what you were doing, and yed along with it.I just wanted to see you grovel and apologise to me."


    "Anna, what am I going to do with you," replied Hou Yi, alsoughing.


    He paused and thought that there was one other matter that they need to resolve at this time."Anna, we need to have the story that we are going to tell everyone about their rtionship.What I cane up with is, that we first met at ANX Lawyers.It is the most logical ce and I was there 6 months ago.We use ANX in Australia as a wife of a friend from Univeristy''s younger brother rmended them.We would then confirm that as you were engaged, I simply epted a friendship.We would say that wemunicated through instant messaging apps, which would exin theck of any electronic trail.We do not have to confirm that I knew exactly who you were engaged to.We can then say that you started to have doubts about marrying him, and all that I did was say to you make the choice that makes you happy.Then, as we were both at the Australian Embassy on the day that youpleted the ability to marriage paperwork, we can say that we passed by each other and you decided not to marry Lu Jinhu.We spoke through the instant messaging apps, and you agreed to marry me, but this would not happen until such time as you had ended it with Hou Yi, and we would wait a few days, and I could ept that even if it cost me Hou Enterprises.However, we can say how he set you up, what he said outside the Civil Administration Bureau, etc, but not say the date, and say that we married today."


    "That is quite a tale."Sneered Anna


    "It might seem a tale, but the only untruths are the contact between you and I before today and that you nning to dump Lu Jinhu before today.I figured remaining as close to the truth as possible is the best way forward, and Assistant Wang, was working with my bestputer expert to create an small electronic trail that if anyone goes digging will establish our contact, to support the story."


    "Well, you have seemed to think of everything."A cynical Annamented.


    "Well how do you want to exin to everyone what happened, other than telling them we are using each other as a means to prevent disasters and get revenge on Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin then?"


    "How do you n, with your exnation exin howe you were prepared to marry Yang Lin today?"


    "All I was going to do was have her there and introduce her to Lu Jinhu, to see if they could develop a rtionship.The fact that they have married ys into that exnation well."


    "Smart a**e."


    "Well if you do not like my n, what will be your exnation to everyone?Come on, someone as bright as you should have an idea?"


    "I was going to tell the truth.Lu Jinhu dumped me, I ran into you and knocked you off your feet.The only lie I was going to say was that we instantly fell for each other.They I would say due to Lu Jinhu''s threats that we decided to marry immediately to protect me.Short, simple, and does not involve lies."


    "Answer this.Do you have your workptop with you?"


    "Yes, I do."


    With that Hou Yi quickly pulled the vehicle over, and looked at Anna "Which bag is it in?"


    "The Cabin Bag."


    With that Hou Yi, left the car running, opened the boot and got out, and went to the boot.The next thing Anna knew was that she was being handed her cabin bag."Well get it out, and I will set my mobile, for you to use its data."


    Quickly Anna, opened the cabin bag and extracted herptop, and turned it on.Hou Yi indicated "Let me know when you are ready for the password."


    About 30 secondster, Anna, indicated "I''m ready."With that Hou Yi showed her the password to enter to ess his mobile data, which she did.


    "Can I rmend you open up whatever software you use and search for HOUENT (Australia) Limited.That is Hou Enterprises Australian subsidiary."

 Chapter 35: Returning Home - Part 2

    <h4>35 Returning Home - Part 2</h4>


    Hou Yi directed Anna Jones, once she was in her firm''s ANX Lawyers legal software to search for apany HOUENT (Australia) Limited, telling her it the Hou Enterprises Australian subsidiary.


    Quickly Anna found, within the ANX Lawyers legal software, over twenty different matters for HOUENT (Australia) Limited.She opened up the current file and saw that it was for and purchase of, she double checked the amount, and wondered what was going on.In that she saw that there was information about appointments a Hou Yi had with the Senior Commercial Partner six months ago.


    "See my version is quite possible, I was in Australia at your firm a number of times just over six months ago, and we could have met."


    "I thought Hou Enterprises was a familypany, but that amount of money tells me it is not." Said a bewildered Anna.


    "It is a familypany.The only current shareholders are my grandparents, my parents and myself.My Uncle''s widow receives five percent of the profits after letting me purchase his shares from her.A couple of other family members receive some of the profits from allowing us to have purchased from them their shares.It is a family business, not just as small as I think you thought it was.If we were having this discussion with my great-grandfather at your age, 26, it would have been.We have simply been in the right position at the right time, hence we have grown."


    "What have I gotten myself into?"


    "Nothing that you did not agree to.The only difference is thepany size.It otherwise makes no difference.I will help you, support you, and try and work with your employers for you to work for us on Australian matter as their in-house Lawyer here.It will mean regr trips back to Australia, which enables you to spend time with your friends and family, but I will help theme and visit you frequently to.."


    Hou Yi, realised that the conversation was getting out of control, and Anna was very annoyed with him.He paused for a few seconds."Anna, please do not get angry, as I have not lied about Hou Enterprises, being a familypany.I can arrange for your to see the Share register that will confirm what I am saying.All we need to do is make up our mind on what is the somewhat stretched version of the truth we will tell everyone, and the other matters can be worked outter on."


    "You b**tard.You are exactly like Lu Jinhu.Lying and maniptive of me to get what you want¡­."


    Hou Yi became incensed."Stop that.I am not lying and maniptive.I have told you the truth, you have just interpreted it in a particr way, which is incorrect.Think about it, it in fact puts you in a more powerful position to get your revenge.I have never said that you cannot work, and will do what I can to ensure that you can.We will have a home in Australia for visits, but we cannot permanently live there, as I need to be here for Hou Enterprises.You just always assumed that everything would be what you wanted,It is your choice, we can end this here and now.I still get what I entered the marriage for, in that the agreement never stated with my father and grandfather that I had to remain married.Just that I had to be married.You get nothing.I do not have to put up with this.All that happens is that I do not keep the promise I made to you.Make your choice now."


    By the time Hou Yi finished, Anna realised how angry he was with her.Surprisingly however she did not feel that he would hurt her, unlike what Lu Jinhu would do if he got too angry with her.She paused, took a couple of deep breaths, and said "OK, we will have it your way.Please do not treat me as someone you can manipte.Given what I have just learnt you need to treat me as an equal in this rtionship, as our financial power gives you otherwise so much more control."


    Hou Yi calmed down and realised Anna was willing to meet him somewhere towards the middle, rather than needing to control.He took a couple of deep breaths "Anna, firstly I have to apologise in getting angry at you.You do not deserve that.Of course, I will do everything that I can to ensure that our rtionship is that of equals, but there will simply be times that that cannot happen.However, remember, that I have already given you the most powerful control in our rtionship earlier today before we got married.In you agreeing, to present a certain image of our rtionship to the public, and for my staff to observe in our home, I have given you the power to decide whether our marriage willst, and if we have an intimate rtionship that it will be your decision.And I will reiterate another promise that might not have been totally clear, but I will not cheat on you and our rtionship.While we are together, I will not have any intimate rtionships with other women."


    He paused for a few seconds, and picked up the keys in the middle console of the vehicle, pressing a button, which made Anna realise that they were about to enter some underground car par.


    "Before you ask, we are just about at my apartment.Please let me know if you arefortable with my proposal.They main thing about it, it that it tells the world that you were willing to go through with yourmitment to Lu Jinhu, despite your concerns, and were willing to treat him well.He just treated you like a piece of dirt."


    "OK, we will go with that.I am sick of arguing, and if this is how our marriage will be, I will walk away."


    "It will not" and with that Hou Yi stopped the vehicle and a car park attendant opened the door quickly.

 Chapter 36: Home at las

    <h4>36 Home ats</h4>


    As Hou Yi pulled the vehicle to a stop in the car park attendant opened the driver''s door for Hou Yi to get out.


    Hou Yi turned to the attendant and said, "Forget helping me, please help my wife out, and arrange for the bags on the backseat and in the boot to be delivered to my apartment."


    At the mention of the word ''wife'' the car part attendant seemed to be in shock and did not hear anything else.


    Hou Yi, realised as he climbed out that the attendant was distracted, so he repeated in a quite but almost deadly sounding voice "Arrange for the bags in the boot and on the backseat to be delivered to my apartment.My wife will need them."At that the attendant was shaken out of this daze, and moved with speed to open the door for Anna Jones, and Hou Yi, put out his hand and assisted her in climbing out of the vehicle.


    Hou Yi, stared at the parking attendant and realised that once he had been shaken out of his shock hemenced what he was doing.He was happy that quickly got the message that he would not have Anna treated with disrespect.Establishing her position with the staff in the building and in his apartment was going to be key, as many knew Yang Lin, and some liked the image that she portrayed and therefore would not take well to Anna bing their new mistress.


    Hou Yi escorted Anna, into the building and inserted a key from his pocket into a lock next to an elevator."Our apartment here has a direct elevator.There are spare keys in the apartment, which I will make sure you have, so you cane and go.At the moment, until we have dealt with Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, all I ask is that you let someone know where you are going, so you can remain safe.Bodyguards will be appointed, and until the threat from them disappears they will be close to you to protect you from them."As he was talking to Anna, Hou Yi could see that her eyes where getting more and more angry."Please do not get angry with me.They will act as a driver and assistant as well, and make sure that you can get to where you need.All I want to do is make sure is no one can hurt you like Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin did today."


    Hou Yi, was d he saw Anna''s eyes slightly softening, but with a harsh undertone "What did I say, do not make decisions without consulting me."


    "It is not about making decisions without consulting you.I need to ensure that you are safe, and that will mean that will be there.Usually, they will give you the space that you need, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.Today Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin verbally and physically abused you and will likely to continue to throw their power around, at the moment they pose a serious risk to you, so bodyguards will need to be close.I will not allow my wife to be subject to abuse.Once their threat has disappeared, the bodyguards while still being there will back off, and give you space to live a life, but ensure that they are protected.Having the bodyguards close by at the moment, will make the authorities think twice before carrying out the threats that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin have delivered.The bodyguards can drive you wherever you want to go, and assist you in doing what you need to do.I am guessing once we speak to the police, they will warn you to take care for your own safety."He realised that not only was he repeating himself, but Anna was getting more angry."OK.Think about this another way.At the Key za Hotel, they did not give a damn about anything, despite there being CCTV observing their actions.Think about what would have happened if that had not been there.I think they would have been ten time worse in their physical abuse.Until we deal with them, please let the bodyguards stay in ce, and we will re-visit the situation after them have been dealt with.Can you ept that?"


    "Fine."Anna snapped.After looking "Do you realise the life door has been open for a period of time," and with that she walked in and Hou Yi followed, closing the door quickly.


    The lift quickly and quietly took they up to Hou Yi''s apartment, and opened into a foyer.Anna, went to walk out of the lift quickly, but Hou Yi pulled her back and then swept her into his arms, walking out of the lift and into the foyer.


    "What are you doing" squeaked Anna.


    "Carrying my bride over the threshold, like all good grooms should do."


    "Put me down you idiot, you will hurt yourself.And by the way do not think being romantic will stop me from being angry at your dictating that I need bodyguards."


    Hou Yi nuzzled Anna''s neck, then lifted his head "It is helping though isn''t it?"

 Chapter 37: Butler Ge

    <h4>37 Butler Ge</h4>


    Anna Jones stated to Hou Yi "Put me down you idiot, you will hurt yourself.And by the way do not think being romantic will stop me from being angry at your dictating that I need bodyguards."


    Hou Yi nuzzled Anna''s neck, then lifted his head "It is helping though isn''t it?"


    With that Annaughed, and said "It is. But put me down, I want to walk into my home with you beside me rather than carrying me"


    "Well I think you know where I could carry you", Hou Yi responded and again nuzzled Anna''s neck.


    Before Anna could respond, there was a lough cough, indicating that someone was there.Hou Yi and Anna looked up, and there was an old gentleman bowing to the two of them."Young Master, wee home, and this is¡­"


    With than Hou Yi, decided that he needed put Anna down, and carefully lowered her.Rather than letting her step away, he took a hold of Anna''s hand and moved towards the man.


    "Ge Zhi what have I told you about bowing.It is not needed here.Simply greeting me is all you need to do.You know that I simply prefer to be called Sir."


    "Young Master, it is a sign of respect."


    "I am going to forget this argument with you today, I do not have the energy.Plus I do not think that you will change your mind."


    "Young Master, your guest ¡­"


    "Butler Ge, this is not a guest, this is my wife.We were married earlier today¡­


    "Apologies Young Master, Young Madam, I should have realised and had the staff gathered to meet their new mistress."


    "Butler Ge", Anna interrupted before Hou Yi could say anything."That is not necessary"


    "Just let them know that my wife is here, and that she will meet them in due course.When the bags arrive from downstairs, please ensure that the items are unpacked, pressed where needed, and ced in out suite.We are going into the lounge, so can you please arrange for some cold drinks to be brought in to us.Further when a police officer arrives, show him into us.The final thing that I need is for you to arrange for a car to take us to visit my parents and grandparents tonight., once we have dealt with the police.No scratch that, tell them to be ready to go at short notice once the police officer has left, as we cannot guarantee when we will be ready."


    While Butler Ge, was saying "Yes Sir", Hou Yi, gently moved Anna across the foyer, and down a couple of steps into a formal lounge area, overlooking a balcony.He directed Anna onto a lounge and sat down beside her.


    Anna leaned over and said in a quiet voice only Hou Yi could hear "Yi, that wasying it on too much.There was no need to.I said I would be reasonable to help establish that our rtionship is real, but that was taking it too far."


    Hou Yi leaned in and also said in a quiet voice "No it was not.If I had taken it too far, I would have ignored Butler Ge, and simply taken you to our room, and not let you out.I just figured the traditional carrying over the threshold would add just the right touch of romance.Added to that is the impression that I cannot wait to get you alone, and that I do not care if we will bete."


    "Well, ask next time, before you act."


    With than Hou Yi simply eased Anna''s head onto his shoulder, and just whispered "Lets just sit here until the police officer arrives.Do not move, as we need to show the staff that we cannot wait to be alone"With that both quieten down, sit with their heads gently touching and they eyes closed. Neither noticed a maid walk in and cing a tray on the table in front of them.


    As the maid walked out, she ran into another maid, and they turned looking at the resting couple in the lounge.The first maid said to the other "I thought that lovely Yang Lin was going to be the Young Madam.This woman has no ss, and she does not deserve the Young Master.We need to help Miss Yang deal with that woman, as she does not deserve anything."


    The second maid responded, "I think you are ¡­."


    Before they could continue, Butler Ge interrupted "The Young Master has chosen Young Madam, not Miss Yang.You are simply lucky it is me who overheard you.If it was the Young Master, I would suggest that you would not have a job.Keep your opinions to yourself, respect the Young Madam, and be willing to help and protect her.If you cannot, tell me now and I will arrange a new job for you, but if you stay and are found not to be respecting the Young Madam I will not help you."


    Both quickly responded, "Yes Butler Ge," but both quietly saying to themselves that Miss Yang needed to be helped to deal with the woman who hase in her.To them Miss Yang, was a nice woman who was properly dressed and respected them, but this woman was dressed in cheep clothes, and had totally ignored them, when they deserved respect.


    Before anything else happened, there was a call on the internal apartment phone system which Butler Ge, answered.After being told that it was a police officer to see the Young Master, he told the staff to send the person up, and went into the lounge.He stood at the entrance to the lounge, and in a loud voice "Apologies Young Master, Young Madam.The police officer you were expecting is on his way up."

 Chapter 38: The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting Her - Part 1

    <h4>38 The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting Her - Part 1</h4>


    Butler Ge, answered the internal apartment phone system and was informed that there was a police officer here to see Hou Yi and Anna Jones.He went and stood at the entrance of the lounge and in a loud voice "Apologies Young Master, Young Madam.The police officer you were expecting is on his way up."


    With that interruption, Hou Yi and Anna sat back up, and Hou Yi looked at Anna and asked "Do you want me to sit right beside you as you talk to the police officer?If no, I will simply move to a chair within the room, but if you need me cane and sit by you to support you if things get too much."


    Anna, paused for a second, and spoke "Yi, I think thetter.I have to deal with this myself, otherwise I will not be able to step in to get my revenge, or deal with matters in court where I have no support next to me."


    Before Hou Yi could respond, they were interrupted by Butler Ge "Young Master, Young Madam, here is Officer Mu Tong."And with that Butler Ge stood aside and a young man walked down into the Lounge area.


    "CEO Hou, Madam Hou, I am police officer Mu Tong.CEO Hou''s assistant Wang Long advised me that Madam Hou had been assaulted at the Key za Hotel, and you wished to make a report.I have already spoke to the manager and security staff who have assured me that I will have a copy of the CCTV footage sometime tomorrow.They are simply reviewing it at the moment to ensure that they can protect the privacy of their clients."


    "Officer Mu, as I was not present when the assault urred, you need to discuss this with my wife.Hou Enterprises owns a stake in thepany that among its other properties owns the Key za Hotel.Assistant Wang, has spoken to thepany''s senior management and they should have to you within an hour a copy of the CCTV footage from off-site backup recordings."Hou Yi paused, and then continued "While I want to sit with my wife and support her, given how shaken she is about this, I cannot deny her request to speak to you alone.However, I will be over the other side of the room, in case she requires my support at any time."


    With that Hou Yi stood up, and shook Office Mu''s hand.He then walked over to a chair across the room.With that he sat down, and apparently started to listen to the conversation that Anna was having with Officer Mu.


    "Hello, Madam Hou.My name is Officer Mu Tong, and I was assigned by the police toe and speak to you about you being assaulted.As I can see you are not from here, our practice is to record your statement on this recorder, which produces a digital file which we keep, and a copy on a USB stick, which I will give you as I leave.Subsequently a typed version of this is prepared, and you will be required to sign the original.Please note that I am going to start the recording now."With that, he ced a recording machine on the table to record the conversation, and pressed a button, which Anna presumed was the record button.


    "This if Officer Mu Tong, and I am at the apartment of CEO Hou Yi and his wife, for an interview in rtion to an alleged assault of Madam Hou, the wife of CEO Hou of Hou Enterprises.Madam Hou, could you please confirm your information for the record, including your nationality."


    "My name is Anna Jones.No Sorry, I should correct that My name is Anna Hou, however professionally I will remain known by my maiden name Anna Jones.Hou Yi and I obtained our marriage certificate at the Civil Administration Bureau today, so I guess my new name will take a little getting use to.I was born in a town called Warrnambool in Victoria, Australia, hence I am Australian by nationality, but I understand that in obtaining our marriage certificate today I am also a citizen here.In Australia, I am employed as a Lawyer by a firm in Melbourne.I am 26 years of age.Do you need to know my date of birth?"


    "No Madam Hou, at some stage I will need to obtain a copy of your Australia Passport and your marriage certificate, but that can wait.Further I did not realise that you were awyer.Do you mind me asking which area or areas ofw you work in?"


    "While my firm''s speciality ismercialw, we also have a more general practice, as when it was founded it was recognised that people tend to have ovepping issues, and wish to rely on one firm, rather than having to use multiple firms.Themercialw team focuses solely onmercialw, and the generalist team, which is where I am ced, works in areas involving, Family Law, Criminal Law, Wills and Estates, Property, and some associated areas.I do not specialise in any of these areas but tend to handle Criminal and Family Law matters.Further, given the firm''s focus, I do undertake somemercial work as well."


    "Thank you Madam Hou.Given you undertake criminalw work, I am not going to go into the full extent of the warnings normally given to foreign nationals, as much of this would be as in Australia.However, I must warn you that if you lie in providing this statement, you are open to criminal charges for such a statement.Further, anything that you say can be used in court, if you are dealt with for making a false statement, or against those, if charged over assaulting you.Further, before proceeding as a foreign national you are entitled to speak to your embassy before providing this statement, and are entitled to consult a localwyer, if you wish to rify anything before proceeding.Do you understand this?"


    "Yes, I do."


    "Do you wish to exercise any of these rights?"


    "No I do not."


    "Madam Hou, can you please let me know what happened today at the Key za Hotel."


    "After my husband Hou Yi and I had collected our marriage certificate from the Civil Administration Bureau.Oh, I just remembered that this was recorded, so we would be able to get you footage to confirm that our marriage certificate was validly issued.Hou Yi and I were collected by his assistant Wang Long, who drove us to the Key za Hotel where I had been staying, for the purpose of collecting my personal belongings.Yi, apologise Hou Yi, offered toe with me for this purpose, but I indicated that I would do so myself.When I entered the lobby, I was confronted by my former fianc¨¦ Lu Jinhu who verbally abused me, calling me a b**ch, and asking who I was with.I felt I owed him on exnation and refused to answer his question as I did not want a confrontation between my husband and him today of all days.He invaded my personal space, to the point I did not feel safe, and told him clearly I was not going to answer his questions."With that Anna had to pause and take some deep breaths to prevent the tears from spilling over.


    Meanwhile, as Office Mu hadmenced speaking to Anna, Hou Yi, sat down watching what was happening, looking for any sign Anna needed his help or support.However, this did not stop him thinking about six months ago, when he first saw Anna.

 Chapter 39: The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting Her - Part 2

    <h4>39 The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting Her - Part 2</h4>


    Hou Yi kept a close eye on Anna Jones while she was being interviewed by Officer Mu.However, this did not stop him from thinking about six months ago when he first saw the woman who is now his wife.


    He had arrived in Melbourne, Australia afterpletingpany matters in Toyko, Japan for a meeting with their Australia Lawyers ANX Lawyers in Melbourne regarding a newmercial development.This meeting was tomence all the preliminary work needed on the development.As the area rted to themercial development was new for Hou Enterprises as CEO he knew ne needed to involved throughout the process.in the few years before his father retired as CEO, he had diversified the business from its traditional manufacturing,and he wanted to continue this growth and expansion.


    After stepping off the ne and going through customs, Hou Yi realised it had been about 5 or 6 years since he had left Melbourne afterpleting his Masters of Business Administration.He realised he missed those times, particrly the friends he made, as none cared about his background, and treated him as a real person, not like the princeling everyone at home treated him like.The praise he gained was based on his own work and merit, not because of his ancestors and their work.Unlike others, he opted forplete his MBA in Australia, unlike his contemporaries had gone to the US or the UK for this purpose, as he wanted the carefree lifestyle to allowed, and because Australia was more and more a key country for Hou Enterprises expansion.


    He was concerned that he would run into Lu Jinhu.Back home, he was another princeling, but refused to take any responsibilities with Lu Corporation.He simply took it as his due that when his father retired he would be Lu Corporations'' CEO.He was based in Melbourne, and despite his regr trips back home, where he spent so much time with various women, he had a few months ago be engaged to an Australian woman.This engagement had not stopped his womanising ways, which disgusted Hou Yi.To his parents, Lu Jinhu could do no wrong.They did nothing to stop his womanising ways while home, let him disrespect his fiancee while away from her, and he rumours about his behaviour turned his stomach.The rumours indicated he would drug and sexually assault or **** women, particrly those of lesser social standing.Added to that was that his parents used their money and power to buy off these women, or if they could not be brought to make it impossible for them to pursue him legally for his crimes.


    In one conversation Hou Yi heard Lu Jinhu say he was going to dump his Australia fiancee as soon as he had gotten what he wanted and would make sure when he left her she was left with nothing.Hou Yi viewed it as reprehensible behaviour, as he was using this woman who hadmitted herself to him.He then heard that Lu Jinhu offer this friend that on dumping this woman, he would drug her. make her avable to this person for sex, but he needed to film that.He would make sure the only person identifiable in the footage was the woman.He exined to the person he was talking to he needed such footage to ckmail her against taking no legal action against him and about ensuring that she would provide him with sex on demand in Australia.


    Hou Yi was concerned about this woman, but as he had nothing to identify her, he was unable to contact her and advise her about Lu Jinhu''s actions back home and what he was nning.No woman, deserved to be spoken about like that by anyone, let alone a person that they were willing tomit themselves to.Nor did they deserve to be in a rtionship with someone, with a reputation like Lu Jinhu, without knowing it.


    Hou Yi, thought though about his Australian friends, and sent them a text message, reading "Hi everyone.In Melbourne for a couple of days forpany business.Anyone free to catch up for a meal and/or a drink?"


    Before he could think about the lead up to him catching his first sight of Anna, he looked over to where Officer Mu was talking to her and saw that she was struggling not to burst out into tears.He started to get up, to go over and support his wife.However, Anna caught sight of him moving, and shook her head to send a message.Hou Yi realised the message that she was sending him immediately, in that she did not want his help now, but would let him know if she did.

 Chapter 40: The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting her - Part 3

    <h4>40 The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting her - Part 3</h4>


    Hou Yi looked at Anna Jones and realised that she was struggling not to burst out into tears.As he started to move to cross the room to go to her side, Anna shook her head, and Hou Yi immediately realised the message that she was sending, in that she did not want his help now, but would let him know is she did.


    Anna took a few deep breaths to prevent the tears from flowing too much before she continued."As I mentioned I was scared for my personal safety and had the impression that Lu Jinhu would hit me as I was not giving into his demands.I had previously removed the ring from my finger that Lu Jinhu had given me, but I had not been able to return it.I can admit that throwing the ring at his feet and telling him to take it back was not the best thing to do, I simply though he would pick it up, but the benefit to me is that I would be able to give myself enough space to feel safe again.He then pped be across the face, calling me a b**ch and a w**re.I was then knocked to the ground, I believe, by his new wife Yang Lin, who called me a w**re, and telling me that I could not throw a ring at Lu Jinhu.She then said that they would call the police and have me arrested.My response was to do that, and that I would say what happened, and that the CCTV footage would back up me version of events.I then made it clear that I was here to collect my personal items from my room and leave."


    Anna paused, and picked up the ss in front of her to have a sip of drink, but before she could continue, Office Mu interrupted her."Madam Hou, you have just indicated that you had previously been engaged to Mr Lu.Can you exin how you ended up marrying CEO Hou?We need to have this clearly documented in this matter."


    "CEO Hou and I met briefly, when he visited my employer''s firm in Melbourne for business rting to Hou Enterprises about 6 months ago.He left an impression on my and I understand that I left an impression on him.Wemunicate through messaging apps, and in speaking to him, he became aware that I was engaged.He respected that rtionship and would not interfere, but always made it clear that whatever I did I had his support.Lu Jinhu and I hade to this country to obtain our marriage certificate and have a public ceremony before his parents and friends.However but this time I had serious questions about our rtionship.It was a chance meeting with my husband in the Australian Embassy, that made me realise that I could not marry Lu Jinhu, and that I would marry my husband.Given that he had to leave the embassy, the embassy official was willing toplete the paperwork for us to marry when we wanted, here in City T.Imunicated this to my husband, who advised that he would wait until I ended the rtionship with Lu Jinhu respectfully.As I had made the decision that it was over, when I was alone Lu Jinhu I removed the ring, but otherwise left it on my finger until i felt the right time to hand it back and end the rtionship.I had not had the opportunity before I ran into Lu Jinhu and his wife outside the Civil Administration Bureau just after they received their marriage certificate.It made me realise I did not have anything to be worried about, but the viciousness in how they spoke to me made me forget about handing the ring back.Given the abuse at that time, I did not even tell him about the decision I had made, as I was uncertain if I would be safe, if I did not allow him the victory he seemed to want at that immediate time.I retreated away from the situation and literally knocked my husband off his feet.I was unaware that he was going to be there, but apparently, he came to support me.After talking we decided to ignore what anyone might say about our marriage, and attend the Civil Administration Bureau and register our marriage.I kept the ring with me, with the intention to hand it back at the first avable opportunity and I have already said how I handed it back."


    Hou Yi heard what Anna had said, turned and waited until she looked at him and smiled, as if to say I heard you, thank you.

 Chapter 41: The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting her - Part 4

    <h4>41 The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting her - Part 4</h4>


    Hou Yi, heard that Anna Jones had told Officer Mu that it was two chance meetings that sealed their rtionship, and marriage.


    While, Anna had been exining to Officer Mu, that, Hou Yi''s thoughts had drifted back to six months ago.


    On the drive from Tumarine Airport to his Melbourne hotel, Hou Yi spent the time talking to Assistant Wang, about the various matters that had arisen during their flight from Toyko.Nothing was pressing, and Hou Yi decided that Assistant Wang really needed a break with his wife.He was always conscious of taking too much of Wang Long''s time away from his family, but Assistant Wang did not think much of it, as he knew the hard work that he put in meant that his wife and their daughter had an enviable lifestyle.


    Hou Yi, paused for a few seconds, and then said "Assistant Wang, please do not take this the wrong way.You know I always feel guilty about the time that you spend away from your family.When we get back, we are going to do two things.Firstly, you and your family are having an all-expenses paid two-week vacation to anywhere in the world you want.Unless otherwise required my family''s ne will be at your disposal.Secondly when you return from this well-deserved break, and this time I am not taking no for an answer, we will be appointing an assistant for you.This person will, unless needed otherwise, be the person to travel overseas with me.I need you more in the home office to handle matters for me and I trust no one else to do that."


    "But sir, I am your assistant."


    "You are, but your family is more important than simply being my assistant.They should be your world, not just receiving small pieces of you attention.I need you more and more given the business expansion in headquarters.As you know I have caught out senior executives abusing their privileges, when neither you or I are present in the office.In fact, they are more scared of you than me.This is not a demotion.You will still be doing everything you are doing now, providing me with assistance, managing my diary, ensuring I am where I need to be, and everything else.Someone is just handling the little matters while I am away.Plus, in doing this and keeping an eye on the senior executives I will ensure that you receive a further 10% pay rise.So no arguments."


    Hou Yi turned and looked out the window, so to give the message he did not want to debate the matter further.Assistant Wang, indicated "Sir let me discuss the matter with my wife."He then looked at his watch, and continued "When we arrive at the hotel, you will only have about 20 minutes before we need to leave, to make the meeting at ANX Lawyers on time."


    "No, I know you will not talk to your wife about it.I am going to speak to her, of course with you present, but I will speak to her," replied Hou Yi.


    About 10 minutester, they arrived at their amodation in the city, which Hou Yi could not believe.It was less than 30 minutes from leaving the airport to the amodation, rarely heard of in Melbourne at that time in the morning.Assistant Wang quickly took care of the check-in process, and they went up to their suites.Hou Yi on entering asked the suite butler for a ss of orange juice.As he had used the on-board shower, and had bullied Assistant Wang also to use the spare room shower, neither needed to have a shower before the meeting.He picked up his two briefcases, and transferred from his working case to the finished case the documents hepleted on the flight, leaving those needed for the meeting.While waiting for Assistant Wang, he drank the Orange Juice, and when Assistant Wang entered, he handed over thepleted work brief case.


    Once Assistant Wang, returned from his suite, after storing the briefcase, they returned downstairs to drive to the meeting at ANX Lawyers.By this time, the traffic in the city was madness, and at times Hou Yi realised that he might have been quicker to walk, rather than take the car.While they were travelling, he received replies to his text message, in that dinner would suit 4 of his friends tonight.He showed their replies to Assistant Wang and asked, "Could you please contact the hotel and arrange for dinner for us in my suite and let everyone know the time."


    "Yes sir," was the response, with Assistant Wang nothing down who he had to call to finalise arrangements.


    As Hou Yi stepped out of the vehicle little did he realise that his life was about to change.He was about to meet the woman that would be the most important person in the world for him.


    It was at that time Hou Yi overheard Anna tell Officer Mu about how they met, and how they came to be married.He saw Anna take another drink from the ss in front of her and continue with the events that happened in the Key za Hotel.

 Chapter 42: The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting her - Part 5

    <h4>42 The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting her - Part 5</h4>


    Hou Yi overheard Anna Jones exin to Officer Mu about how they first met and came to be married.He observed her take another drink from the ss in front of her before continuing with the events of what urred at the Key za Hotel.


    "I then received a second p on the face, this time from Yang Lin, who appeared enraged.The hotel managed in trying to calm her down, made it clear that he understood what she and Lu Jinhu had told him, including that I had been stalking them.He made it clear that I would be apanied to the room that I had been staying in, and given 5 minutes only to collect my belongings, before I would be escorted out of the hotel.It was clear that if I did notply, I would be detained until the police arrived to arrest me.I refused to engage in an argument, but made it clear that I denied their allegations.However rather than causing too much of a scene I let the manager apany me to clean out my room.On the way to the room I handed the manager the room key and he told me, he believed me a safety risk to Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, consequently I would never be allowed back into the hotel.When I entered the room Ipleted the half started packing, removing personal belongings from the bathroom , wardrobe, chest of draws in the bed area. From the room safe I removed my work providedptop and tablet, and my personal camera, and ced them in my cabin bag along with their cords and the charger cord for my phone.I checked the room to ensure that I had not forgotten anything and put thest remaining items in my bags.As I closed the suitcase, I turned thebination lock on it, and also did the same on the cabin bag.As I was leaving, I took one more quick look around the room and in the safe, and found one item I had forgotten, a ne, which I ce in my handbag."


    Anna paused again and slightly shuddered.Hou Yi observed this, and she shook her head to indicate that she did not want his support at this time.He acknowledged her with a nod of his head and sat back down.


    Anna then took another sip of her drink, and a couple of deep breaths before continuing."When I returned to the lobby, Yang Lin informed the manager to hold me, stating that I had stolen items.The manager grabbed me by the arms to stop me from preventing me from trying to stop Yang Lin from trying to get in and search my suitcase and cabin bag.When I refused to cooperate to let her into those bags, and refused to give her my handbag, I pulled away from the manager.I made it clear as I was leaving to head to checkout.I stated that the electronics were mine, and had been registered so with my insurancepany for over 12 months.I took my bags and ensured as I was at the checkout counter that they were between me and the counter.I advised the desk clerk that I had given my room key to the manager and indicated that I wanted to pay all the outstanding room charges, which I did.Yang Lin continued to verbally abuse me, among other things calling me a thief, liar, stalker, w**re and b**ch, while still trying to obtain control of my bags.While leaving the hotel lobby I was just able to keep out of Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s reach.When I was outside, the staff signalled to Assistant Wang, to bring the car up, so I could get my bags in and leave with my husband.As he was pulling up, he must have realised that there was an issue, as rather than getting out to help load the bags, he opened the boot from the car, and stayed in with the engine going so we could leave as soon as I was in.As the boot was opened the hotel staff put my bags in under my supervision and closed it.By this time Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin had reached me and had a grip on me.They were demanding that I hand over my electronic equipment to them, stating it was Lu Jinhu''s.Eventually I was able to pull myself away from them and open the car door and quickly get inside.Before I could close the door, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin had a hold on the door and were preventing me from closing it.The demanded to know who was in the vehicle with me and continued to verbally abuse me.It was only with the help of hotel door staff that I was able to get the car door closed.As soon as it was Assistant Wang drove us off, and I simply threw myself into my husband''s arms crying."


    With than, Anna started crying, and this time Hou Yi was not going to go to his wife''s side.As soon as he got there, he took Anna in his arms, whispering "It will be alright.It will be alright", until she calmed down.He realised how much dealing with this was taking out of her.

 Chapter 43: The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting her - Part 6

    <h4>43 The Police Report/Recollections of Meeting her - Part 6</h4>


    Once Hou Yi heard Anna Jones rmence telling Officer Mu about how they met and how they came to be married, he went back to remembering their first meeting.


    As he stepped out of the vehicle, on arriving at ANX Lawyers offices he stood there thinking, he was so d that so far he had not ran into Lu Jinhu.Assistant Wang went ahead of him with his bodyguards following him.Assistant Wang opened the building door, and they both entered and the bodyguards remained outside.They walked over to the lifts, and were lucky to get straight into the lift and go up to the 8th floor where the reception for ANX Lawyers was.


    Before he could continue with his thought, he saw Anna shudder, but shake her head indicating to him that she did not need his support at that time.


    He continued recollecting their first meeting.When they arrived at the ANX Lawyers reception Assistant Wang advised the receptionist that they had arrived for their meeting.Hou Yi was standing back and a young woman bumped into him.Before he could say anything, he nced at the woman, and was immediately captivated be her.He wondered who she was, and started to think about forming a rtionship with her.It was then he noticed that she had an engagement ring on her finger and realised that the woman who with one nce he thought would be his soulmate wasmitted to someone else.He said there and then to himself, that if he could not have a rtionship with her, he would ensure that she was safe and happy in her rtionship, as he knew that if she was happy, he would be able to survive without her.Before he could do anything, she apologise to him in his ownnguage, which shocked him even more.Few Westerners can seem to speak it well, but she had seemingly mastered it.She quickly went behind reception and into the office area.It was then he was shaken out of his thoughts and realised that he was being silly, a nce and a chance meeting without speaking could not determine that someone was his soul mate, it was likely that he had simply fallen for her looks.He heard Assistant Wang ask who the woman was, and was informed it was an Anna Jones, awyer in the firm.The receptionistmented that she was lucky in that she had a handsome fianc¨¦, who none of the other female staff could believe that she had, and he taught he ournguage, which she has be fluent in.Before he couldment about gossiping about colleagues, the Senior partners that he was meeting, came out to show him into a meeting room.Before entering, Hou Yi picked up 4 business cards with Anna''s details on them to keep in his wallet.


    The meeting kept him involved until lunchtime, and as he was getting up to leave for the day, he looked out of the window, and who he thought was Anna walking away from the building with someone, if he was asked to say who it was, he would have said was Lu Jinhu.He confirmed to thewyers that he would be back the next day for the bnce of their meetings.However, when he returned the next day there was no sign of Anna Jones, while he was in the building that disappointed him.


    Hou Yi looked over and realised that Anna was crying.He was not taking no this time for an answer and came over and sat down by his wife, and took her in his arms, whispering to her "It will be alright" until she calmed down and stopped crying.


    Before either Anna or Office Mu could continue, Hou Yi stated, so it could be heard on the recording "Office Mu, I am sorry, I am not going to leave my wife alone, as this is upsetting her, but I will sit by her until you are finished.Are you OK with this?"


    "While I would not normally allow it, given how upset Madam Hou is, I will allow this CEO Hou."He then turned to Anna, asking "Madam Hou, can you prove that you own the electronics that you state Mr Lu and Miss Yang im that you have stolen?"


    After taking a few breaths to calm down Anna replied, "I can.I can have my employers provide the details regarding theptop and tablet that the purchased for me as part of my employment package, and that may take a few days.As to the camera, I can, in essing data on myptop, provide a copy of the bank statement and receipt for its purchase, would that be enough?"


    "It would Madam Hou.Can you please arrange and supply these to me.Can you tell me what you want to do?"


    With that, Hou Yi, who felt Anna tense up in his arms, had to interrupt "Office Mu, my wife and I have spoken about this.All we wanted to do today, being the day that we obtained our marriage certificate, was have recorded what happened.Presently my wife has made no decision about what to do with this incident, nor have the staff at Fengs where there was a separate incident where Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin attempted to ckmail the staff made a decision on what they will do."


    "CEO Hou, what are you talking about?"


    "I own Fengs, and when my wife and I were at the gship store choosing some jewellery, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were attempting to ckmail the staff into actions.I directed Manager Yong to provide information about the events to the police but inform them no decision was made on whether to prosecute or not.This would be the CCTV and audio recordings as they clearly show what happened there."


    Officer Mu looked disappointed "Well I thought I was here about charged beingid.This is a waste of my time."


    Anna piped up."Office Mu, it is not.As awyer I know the importance of quickly recording events after they ur to ensure their uracy, which is what I am trying to do.All that I cannot do is decide if I want chargesid against Lu Jinhu and Yang Ling for assault.All you need to do is give me time to consider this.I am guessing my husband intends to take me away for a few days, and I do not want to forget all the details, hence why making this statement.I am happy to sign the statement as soon as you have it ready, but please given me a couple of weeks to make up my mind."


    "Well normally I would not, I would simply charge you for wasting police time, however as it is you CEO Hou and Madam Hou, and today you obtained your marriage certificate, I am willing to give you a little time to make a decision.However, if you decide not to proceed, I will be rmending that you are charge for wasting police time."


    With that Officer My, stopped the recorder, handed the USB copy to Hou Yi and walked out of the room, and was escorted to the elevator by Butler Ge.

 Chapter 44: Wedding Rings

    <h4>44 Wedding Rings</h4>


    Once Officer Mu informed Hou Yi and Anna Jones that he would rmend having Anna charged for wasting police time if she did not proceed having Lu Jinhu and Yang Ling charged, he stopped the recording, handed them a USB copy and left via the elevator.


    Anna stopped and looked at Hou Yi, slightly pulling out of his embrace."Please give me a little space."


    Hou Yi looked at her, wondering what was going through her mind.Their deal was that they would present an image as a couple before people, and she must realise that the household staff would be wandering around and could observe them at any time."Are you OK after dealing with that?"


    "Not really.I thought Australian Police could be painful to deal with.It offends me so much, that I am being threatened as the victim of a crime here that if I do not charge Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin quickly I will be charged.It goes beyond the pale.I think the only reason he did not do so immediately, is because you are my husband.If I was married to someone else, I could imagine that I would have already been arrested and charged, simply due to the fact that I was still shaken about what urred."


    "Do not worry about it.Many police here want charges, arrests and convictions as they see them as a way to advance in their career.I am guessing once he starts to get evidence that their actions are much wider than simply this act, for example the Feng''s incident, then they will likely give us all the time necessary to make a decision."


    "Hopefully you are right, but it really grates on me as awyer that I came out of the whole process feeling so disrespected, like I was the criminal not the victim.Could they have gotten to the police first and convinced them that I was the criminal?"


    "Unlikely.Firstly, how would they know where you were be.Secondly the most they could have done isy out their allegations that you stole items from Lu Jinhu, you assaulted them and that you were a stalker.They would have to prove their allegations.You can prove you owned the electronics.There would be no CCTV footage of any assault on them, unlike you, so the best they could do is im it is in an area without CCTV footage.Finally, proving you stalked them would be difficult, as there is witnesses in Australia as to your rtionship, bookings would exist to show your travel here and amodation, as well as other evidence.Nothing there that shows you are a stalker."


    "You are right."


    "Anna do not let it worry you.We will deal with whates.Remember I made a promise to you before we married about dealing with them, which I will keep."Hou Yi paused for a few seconds."Let us just sit here for a few minutes, and then we can start dealing with a few other things that we need to deal with."


    With that Anna and Hou Yi sat quietly, thinking about what had happened during the day.However before too long they were both interrupted by Butler Ge, who entered the lounge, and handed a package to Hou Yi."Young Master, this was delivered from Fengs for you.When Young Madam''s items had arrived from the car, we simply ced the bags in the Master Suite, as we did not have thebination lock code.As to the items from M Mall, the dress in its bag, has been pressed, and hung up for Young Madam to ess.The rest of the items have been put away.Young Madam, can you please let me know thebination for the suitcases, and I will arrange for everything to be cleaned, pressed and put away as soon as possible."


    "The Suitcase code is 853 and the other bag is 742."


    "Thank you, Young Madam.Young Master, what time do you need the car for."


    "Just have it ready in 20 Minutes.What time we take, will simply be what time we take."


    "Fine Young Master.I will leave you now."With that Butler Ge left the lounge area.


    Hou Yi, opened the parcel from Fengs.In it there were two separate ring boxes and a box that clearly had a ne.Hou Yi handed to Anna the ne box directly.He then proceeded to open one ring box which had the engagement ring in it.He sat it aside for a minute on the table, and Anna ced the ne box on the table.


    On opening the second box, Hou Yi took out both rings.He handed therger ring to Anna, keeping the other to him."Could you hand me your left hand.While here we traditionally wear wedding rings on our right hand, I think in this case we will keep with the Western Tradition of them being on our left hand, at least at the moment."


    Hou Yi, ced the empty box on the table, and took out of the other box the engagement ring.Anna handed to him, her left hand, he slipped on both rings, and while keeping the hand in his, took it to his lips, and pressed a kiss on the palm, and then where both rings rested.He then handed Anna his left hand and she slipped the wedding ring on his hand, and mirroring what he had done, kissed both the palm and where the ringy on his hand.


    Anna, as soon as the rings were on her finger, felt that they belonged, she belonged, and for an even more strange reason that she had a real chance of love in a rtionship.However she dismissed these feelings before saying anything, because for her they could not be right, and she could not be loved by anyone.


    Hou Yi reached over, and picked up the ne box, stood up and reached down to take Anna''s hand to help her up.He quietly said, "Come with me, and I will show you the way to our room."

 Chapter 45: Calling Annas parents

    <h4>45 Calling Anna''s parents</h4>


    Hou Yi after picking up the ne box, reached down to help Anna Jones stand up.Once she was up, he quietly said "Come with me, and I will show you the way to our room."


    Hou Yi then escorted Anna, back out through the lounge, and up some stairs in the foyer to a second floor in the apartment."You will have a tour of the whole apartmentter, but knowing the location of the lounge and our suite will orientate you in our home.Our suite is one of the four bedrooms on the second floor.It takes up about a half of the area up here.The rest of the rooms are children or guest rooms.However, we will look for a vi that is more suited to our needs but keep this for the times that we cannot be bothered leaving the CBD area."


    Anna could feel eyes looking at her from staff, however by the time Hou Yi finished saying this, they had reached a set of double doors.He pressed a lock and then turned the handle.Likeing out of the elevator, he swung Anna up into his arms and carried her over a threshold, while she yelled "Yi, you did not need to do this again."He put her down and firmly shut the doors behind them.


    "Anna calm down.The maids, Butler Ge, the Housekeeper and the kitchen staff had alle out and were peering around corners looking at us.They needed to see that I was being romantic.And before you start to say anything, yes in the past I have had women in this apartment, but never this suite, always in the guest rooms.This suite has always been designated for my wife and I, so you are the only woman to sleep in this room.You can talk to Butler Ge about re-decorating the three guest rooms, so any potential reminders of other women in our home can be eliminated.We both have pasts, but we left those behind when we got a marriage certificate."


    "Well you knew that the first time it angered me and yet you did it again.You have no respect for me."With that Anna picked up the nearest thing to her, which happened to be a book, and threw it an Hou Yi.


    "Anna calm down.As I said the only reason, I did that was to put forward an image to the staff."


    Before Hou Yi say anything more there was a knock on the door "Young Master, Young Madam.Sorry to interrupt.I forgot to arrange for some champagne in the suite for you, and I have it now" came Butler Ge from outside the door.


    "Wait a minute."With that, Hou Yi quickly took off his jacket, and dropped it on the floor near the door, and partially undid his tie.He reached over and slipped off Anna''s jacket, and pulled her shirt out of her pants, and quickly used his hands to mess up Anna''s hair.Anna realised what he was doing, and did the same with Hou Yi''s hair, and undid two buttons on the shirt.Neither of them wanted the staff to realise that they were arguing, so presenting an image of an interrupted bout of wild s*x was a much better option for both of them.


    Hou Yi opened the door, without looking who was outside, and went back to Anna, saying as he did so, "Come in".Butler Ge was followed in by two staff members and three others were standing outside the door observing.They appeared stunned at the sight, epting the vision of what was before them, rather than reality.Anna figured she needed to y the blushing bride, so decided she needed to look as if she was burying her head in Hou Yi''s chest, and he started to y with her hair.


    Rather shortly, Hou Yi, said "Hurry up and get out of here, we were busy."


    "Apologies Young Master, Young Madam, we will leave you alone", came 6 different voices, and quickly the room was vacated, and the door closed.


    Immediately Anna pulled away from Hou Yi, and said "You are so lucky we had that interruption, otherwise ¡­"


    "Do not threaten me wife.When you threw that book they all heard it.All I could figure was to show anyone who was there when I opened the door that we could not keep our hands off each other.How would you have exined the situation otherwise?Come on tell me."


    "Well I am not as quick on my feet with this sort of thing as you."


    "Let us not argue.You have something more important to do at this time.You need to call your parents and exin to them what has happened.Let us do this, and then we can deal with other things.We will use my mobile, rather than a fixed line, so no one knows what is happening in here.If I open the champagne, ensure the bed is messed up, and scatter our dirty clothes around the room, the staff will conclude that we simply continued what we had been doing, rather than the actual reality."With that Hou Yi, opened the champagne, poured two sses and handed one to Anna.


    Hou Yi went to where he had dropped his jacket, and reached in and pulled out his mobile, opening it and handed it to Anna."Here, dial your parents, and put them on speaker, so we can tell them what happened."


    Anna took the phone from Hou Yi and called her parents'' home number, worried about what was to happen.

 Chapter 46: Telling Annas Parents

    <h4>46 Telling Anna''s Parents</h4>


    Anna Jones took the opened mobile phone from Hou Yi and called her parents'' home number in Warrnambool, Australia.


    The phone rang 3 times, before there was an answer "Jones residence, Meredith speaking."


    "Hi Mum, it is Anna.Is Dad there"


    "Hi sweetheart, yes he is, do you need to speak to him."


    "No, I actually need to speak to both of you.Are you able to put the phone on speaker?"


    "Sure.Let me just call your dad.I need to keep this call short as it will be costing you significantly."


    "Mum do not worry about the cost.Just call dad, and I can tell you what you need to know."


    With that there quiet noise in the background, and Anna and Hou Yi heard Meredith call out in the background "Stane in here.Anna is on the phone and wants to speak to us."


    Hou Yi could see Anna was nervous.He leaned over, squeezed Anna''s hand and said, "Just go with what you told Officer Mu, and everything will be OK."


    A few secondster, they heard two loud voices "Hi Sweetheart," which indicated the phone on the other end was on speaker.


    "Hi Mum.Hi Dad.Sorry to disturb you."


    "No worries sweetheart, what is going on" came Stan''s voice, which sounded worried.


    "Mum, Dad, I have to tell you something, so I need you to sit, and not interrupt me until I finish.You know, how before we left, I had some reservations about getting married, but was willing to amodate Jinhu.There is a lot more to the story than you know."


    She paused for a second, then continued after taking a breath "You both know when Jinhu asked me to marry him, Imitted myself to the rtionship, dismissing any concerns that I had.Six months ago, something changed when I literally bumped into someone at the office.It made me consider whether Jinhu was the person for me, but given mymitment, i dismissed this.Due to work, I was in contact with the person i bumped into who sensed my concerns.He became someone who just listened to me.Once piece of advice was to resolve my concerns before I married.I passed this person by chance at the Australia Embassy when I went intoplete the paperwork to enable me to marry here.Just this sight was enough to know I could not marry Jinhu.We had a brief discussion and I knew there and then I I had to marry him or my chances for happiness would be gone.All I had been doing was looking for the right time to tell Jinhu that our rtionship was over, but he decided to dump me today to marry in an arranged marriage.This meant that I was able to marry the man that I know will bring me happiness, which we did today.I did not tel you before hand, but I believed Jinhu had the right to know first.It was simply that the opportunity to marry my Hou Yi arose today, that I wanted to do it immediately, and then figured that everyone afterwards.We have not even told Yi''s parents, which we are going to doter."


    "What sweetheart!"came two voices, over each other on the other end of the line.


    "Mum, Dad, I decided not to marry Jinhu, and married the man that I know can secure my happiness today, Hou Yi."Anna at this time was struggling to keep the tears from flowing.


    "Mr Jones, Mrs Jones, my name is Hou Yi.Please pardon me interruption, but Anna, is struggling here to contain her emotions.I fell you in love with your daughter on sight six months ago, but as she hadmitted herself to Lu Jinhu, all I wanted to do was be there to support her.While we had been in contact, a few days ago at the Australian Embassy we ran into each other, and she immediately told me that she could not marry Lu Jinhu and exined to me that the reason was me.We decided to marry, but do nothing until after some time had passed from her telling Lu Jinhu, but when he entered an arranged marriage today, we decided that there was no reason to wait to get our marriage certificate.I arranged for the formalities of this to be filmed as neither of our families were present and I will have a copy forwarded to you to see.I know I should have called you and asked for your permission to marry your daughter, but please do not take our actions today as disrespecting you.The opportunity presented itself to us, and we decided to take it with both hands as we did not want to wait.Neither of us regret it.However, we have already discussed it, we want to have a formal marriage ceremony.While my family would want it here, I have already decided that we will do it in Australia, and my family and friends can travel, and we will work out a date with you."


    "Anna, I cannot believe it.You should have spoken to us.You have run from one situation to another," came an angry Meredith Jones on the phone.


    "Anna, I am so disappointed in you.You have no respect for a rtionship, and should have spoken to us," came an even angry Stan Jones.


    "Mum, Dad.I know what I am doing, and I am happy," said Anna, who then burst into tears given how angry her parents were.


    "Mr Jones, Mrs Jones.We viewed that you needed to know about our marriage today firstly, before we have even told my family.But getting angry is upsetting Anna, which I cannot allow.she is my priority to protect.My assistant will contact you tomorrow to confirm the email to send the footage to.He will also discuss the formal wedding ceremony, which I will pay for as it will be exactly what Anna wants, and in doing that money is no object, her happiness at all times is enough."


    "You cannot tell us about how we deal with our daughter," yelled Stan Jones.


    "Enough," said Hou Yi in a determined voice."That is it.Anna is in tears as you cannot ept what makes her happy.We will give you some time to calm down and call you in a few days to talk further."With that Hou Yi terminated the call and gathered the sobbing Anna in his arms.

 Chapter 47: The Aftermath

    <h4>47 The Aftermath</h4>


    After terminating the telephone call with Anna Jones'' parents Hou Yi gathered his sobbing wife in his arms.


    He simply let Anna cry for a few minutes, as he realised that given her parents reaction, she needed to do that, before she could focus on anything else.


    When her crying lessened, Hou Yi said "Anna it will be OK.They are simply shocked with what has happened.They expected a call from you once you and Lu Jinhu were married.They were shocked, not only that you ended your rtionship with him, but told them in the same breath that months ago you fell for someone else but stayed by yourmitment until it was almost toote, and you made the decision to marry someone else.The only untruths in what we have told them is that we hadmunicated and are in love.Everything else it the truth.Who is to say what will happen in the future.All we have agree to is to see what will happen, and to give the rtionship an opportunity.If I can ready your parents in that short call, all they are is worried about you."


    Hou Yi paused for a few seconds "Tell you what.Do not let your parents get to you.I will give you a preliminary two million Australian dor budget for you to create your dream wedding, my mother and Assistant Wang can help you organising everything, partirly if your parents will not help us.If the budge is insufficient, I can increase it.We can use that ceremony to show Lu Jinhu, Yang Lin and their families, as they will be most likely the only influential family from here not invited."


    Hou Yi paused, "Knowing my mother and my aunt, tomorrow they will want to take you shopping for clothes.While we will obtain your possessions from Australia, most of them are unlikely to be appropriate for the climate here.My mother and aunt are power shoppers who think nothing of spending millions in a day.I have, as of their spending limited them, taking away their ck credit cards and leaving them with a tinum card, with a monthly limit.Presently cards have been issued for you, that arepanion cards to my cards, but in a few weeks the bank will rece them with your cards.Buy whatever you need."


    "Yi, I do not know what to say."


    "Anna, as I promised you, I will help you get revenge on how you were treated.The other thing I need you to do in the next couple of days is find out what debt he has left you with.I will help you have that paid, and then help you use the system to try and get back what he has taken.You do not deserve what he has done to you."


    "Yi¡­", and with that Anna burst out into more tears.


    "Anna.Before we get ready to go to my family home, I need to understand your history with Lu Jinhu.I know it likely will be hard to talk about, but I know my parents will ask about it, and I need to know so I can help deal with it.They will more than likely expect that you know about my past as well."


    "I do not know if I can do that"


    "Well let me go first.I will keep it short, as they will not expect you know specifics, but the major highlights."


    "OK."

 Chapter 48: Hou Yis pas

    <h4>48 Hou Yi''s pas</h4>


    Hou Yi, pushed Anna Jones into agreeing to tell him about her past with Lu Jinhu, on the basis he would tell her about his past.


    "Well, my parents Hou Jang and Du Anling, met when my father attended a meeting at the Lu household, with Lu Jinhu''s grandfather.My mother was the daughter of the family''s housekeeper, and Lu Jinhu''s parents has be engaged.His father bullied and harassed my mother.My father saw what was happening and stepped in to prevent her being assaulted.What they tell me is when my father turned around ad saw my mother, it was love at first sight for both of them.The meeting, apparently ended badly, but before he left my father gave my mother a contact number for him to use at any time.She called him three dayster when apparently Lu Jinhu''s father broke into the room that my mother shared with her mother.My grandmother was undertaking work in the household, and Lu Jinhu''s father sexually assaulted my mother.This was something apparently, he had done to other women in the household, but his father always believed that he was innocent of any charges against him.Both my mother and grandmother believe if my grandmother had not walked in my mother would have been raped.My grandmother therefore helped her daughter escape the house for her safety, only after my mother extracted a promise that when she came for her, she would leave.As soon as my mother got to safety, and to a telephone she called the number my father left her.He collected her within an hour and took her to his parents'' home."


    Hou Yi took a deep breath and then continued "They were married within days and got my grandmother out of the Lu house soon after that.My mother''s escape and marriage started the ongoing animosity between our families.I was born 10 months after my parents got married.Despite attempts they never had any more children."


    "I was educated here for my primary and secondary education before being sent to the United Kingdom to obtain by Bachelor''s degree in economics and business.After that the n was I wouldplete an MBA.My father wanted me to do this in the UK, my grandfather at an Ivy League University in the US.I opted for Melbourne University, as Australia and the Asia-Pacific was were Hou Enterprises was expanding and growing, and I felt that this would be a better benefit for thepany.I achieved my MBA when I was 23 and returned home."


    "For about 12 months I worked under my father and was then appointed as a co-CEO''s with my father for another.My father retired when I was 25 but remains a non-executive director of thepany.My grandfather is thepany chairman and will be so until he dies or hands it over to my father."


    "Business wise, since bing the sole CEO, the average profit growth has been eight percent each year for thest four years.My close family is my parents, paternal grandparents and my paternal uncle''s widow.My maternal grandmother died three years ago.My grandfather had two younger siblings who have died, and they had children and grandchildren.I am not really close to any of them.There is also more distant rtives.Friend wise, we can simply say that I have told you that I have a couple here and some from my study, but have not really spoken to you about them, or about you to them."


    He took another deep breath."That is my basic information I know my family will expect you know, along with the threat to hand thepany over to the Lu''s if I was not married by today and presented them with my bride tonight, they will also expect you know about my romantic history.I have only had three serious girlfriends, but I have had other sexual partners.Any partner who came into this apartment, never came into this suite, as this was always designated to be my bride''s room only."


    "My first girlfriend was from my undergraduate days, Jane.Wested eighteen months, and on the day I was going to propose to her, I found out that she had been using me.I thought she knew nothing about my family''s wealth, but she knew and targeted me, with the n to get me to marry her and soon afterwards divorce me with a huge settlement for marry the man who she really loved.On the date that night, I dumped her, telling her I had no feelings for her while my heart was breaking."


    "The second was Mary, who was studying for an MBA with me.We met in our first ss, with the activity for us to tell the ss about why we were studying for our MBA.As we had to disclose this on our application, we could not lie.We simply drifted apart, however she remains one of my close friends and is married to another Steve Kent.Steve knows about our history and has no issues with it.In fact I am godfather to their three children, and they trust me enough that they have asked me to be the children''s guardian should anything happen to both of them."


    "The final rtionship ended 18 months ago and was about 12 months long.It is the most hurtful of the three, as while Jane was simply a gold digger, this woman had designs on thepany for her lover, the CEO of apany in City A where she lived.As we simply made time when our busy schedules allowed it did not worry me if there was a couple of weeks between us seeing each other.When my ne had unexpected trouble and had to make a stopover in City A, I decided to unexpectedly drop in on her, and what I walked in on, the less said the better.I dumped her there and then and told her lover what he could do with the proposed deal."


    "As I have said there have been other sexual rtionships, but nothing long term nor serious.If there were ever here, they were in one of the guest rooms, none have set foot in here, as this room was always designated for my bride alone.As I have told you Yang Lin was the daughter of family friends, and when we were talking at that time, she agreed that if I found no one to marry before the deadline that she would marry me, however you know where that ended up.Yes, she visited the apartment a few times, but we never had a sexual rtionship, nor was she allowed into any of the bedrooms."

 Chapter 49: Annas Pas

    <h4>49 Anna''s Pas</h4>


    Anna Jones took in everything that Hou Yi has to say about his family and past rtionships.She was surprised that there was only three serious rtionships and how in two, the women involved were out to use him.Steve and Mary Kent however sound a wonderful pair of friends, and she cannot wait to meet them.


    Anna took a deep breath."Well my history is a lot different than yours.As to how my parents met, their marriage is a second marriage for each of them.I have two half brothers from my father''s first marriage, Ben and Adam, neither of who have married.I have a half sister from my mother''s first marriage Susan, who married Wayne Adamson.They have three children.Ben and Adam, both work on farms, Susan is a nurse, and Wayne is a truck driver.All live within an hour''s drive of Mum and Dad in Warrnambool.I also have a younger brother James.James took a couple of years off study to work, however he has gone to the local university to study nursing and has a year to go on his degree.He lives at home with Mum and Dad.Dad works for the council, and mum due to an injury retiredst year from being an aged care worker.I am the only child that has, as they say flown the coop."


    "At school, I was bright enough that I skipped one yearpletely, and finished year 12 when I was only 16.Both my primary and secondary education were at a local private school that covered both primary and secondary schooling.My marks were such that I received offers for fully paid schrships to Universities in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Canberra, and Hobart.I opted, so I could get away from home to study in Hobart, where Ipleted abined Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of was degree.It was in my second year when I first met Lu Jinhu.He was older than me but was in his first year of amerce degree and was staying at the same residential college that I was.Due to my marks, the university after my first year let me take study overloads that allowed me toplete my undergraduate degree by age 20, but still graduate with first ss honours inw, and then the professional qualification, which was still covered under my schrship."


    "Lu Jinhu, finished his study a couple of months after Ipleted my professional qualification, by which time I had relocated to Melbourne andmenced work at ANX Lawyers, where I have been since.I have been informed that the partners are considering asking me to buy into the partnership in the next couple of years."


    "As to Lu Jinhu and my rtionship we started out as friends, but within months, wemenced dating.At university, he kept pressuring me for a sexual rtionship, but I continued to refuse him as I believed he was only ying with me, given how he flirted with other women, and made it clear that he needed tomit to our rtionship before I would consider that.It was when he moved to Melbourne onpleting his undergraduate degree, that things changed.I saw his move as romantic, and that it was a sign he wasmitting to a rtionship."


    "However, based on what he said today, that was more because I was gullible and easily manipted, rather than amitment to our rtionship.It was only after he moved in that our rtionship became sexual.He has been my only sexual partner, but I often was not into the sexual side of our rtionship as he was.The only thing that I had insisted on before our rtionship became sexual was he had to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, as I told him that this was something that he had to do for me to trust him.Those tests came back clean.As of 8 weeks ago, when I had my annual physical as required by work, the screening then showed that I had no sexually transmitted diseases.In Melbourne he undertook further study at Monash University, and despite his parents'' financial assistance never seemed to have money.I was the one responsible for managing and maintaining our house."


    "When he proposed 10 months ago, I was taken by surprise.I think he realised that I was considering whether or not I would end our rtionship, as I was not certain where we were going, however I epted him.Once I did this, I rmitted to the rtionship.However now I gather that this was only a ploy to extend time until he received his Australian Citizenship.As to my friends, most of them have drifted away from me, because they did not like Lu Jinhu, so the friends I have at the moment are only those he liked, but that it likely to change."


    "Do you think you need to know anything more?"


    "Actually, I think we have the information we each need" came Hou Yi''s reply."While I think neither of us really want to go out, we need to go to my family''s ancestral home to see my parents and grandparents."


    "Yi please do not get angry there are things about how he treated me in our rtionship that I really do not want to talk about now.I will when I am ready, so I hope that you can respect that.


    "That is OK.You will tell me when you are ready to do so.Do not worry."


    With that Hou Yi stood up, and took Anna''s hand, and walked back towards the entrance, opening the thee doors."The door on this side, is that for the walk-in-robe, which we will share.He walked to the door closest to the bedroom/living space within the suite, and indicate, this room is designed as a walk in safe, not only to keep your jewellery in, but for us to secure things in.it automatically unlocks when Ie into the room, after scanning my thumbprint.For it to do that for you, I will arrange with the security team for your thumbprint to be encoded.The final door is the ensuite bathroom.You go and use it first.I understand that your dress is in the robe, but you will find two robes on the back of the door.While you are in the ensuite I will gather my clothes, and when you are done, take them in with me, so you can go into the robe, and get ready."

 Chapter 50: Travelling to the Hou Ancestral Home

    <h4>50 Travelling to the Hou Ancestral Home</h4>


    Hou Yi showed Anna Jones the location of their walk in Robe, Storage safe and ensuite bathroom, and indicated to her that she should get into the bathroom first to get ready.


    With that he pushed Anna into the bathroom, and walked over to the robe, to find his clothes to wear, which was done quickly.Hou Yi sat those clothes on a bench on the foyer area of the suite.After messing up the bedding, and tossing a pillow on the floor, he sat down to wait for Anna, who came out of the bathroom some 15 minutester.


    As Anna walked across into the robe, Hou Yi picked up his clothes, and went into the bathroom and had a shower and dressed.When he left the bathroom, Anna was almost dressed, save and except for finishing doing up the dress zip, and putting on the ne he brought at Fengs.Hou Yi did up the zip and retrieved the ne and put it on.Thest thing he did was from the bathroom, take their clothes, and toss them on the floor around the bed, so that the staff would believe that they had been engaged in wild sex, rather than what they actually did.


    With that, Hou Yi took Anna''s hand, and they walked out the suite door, and down the stairs.At the bottom of the stairs, they were met by Butler Ge, who handed Hou Yi a coat, and Anna, a simple ck wrap, and a pair of simply pair of white heeled shoes from her suitcase that she slipped on.


    Hou Yi, asked "Butler Ge, I need you to do three things.Call my driver and let him know we are on our way down.Call my family and let them know I will be there within 30 minutes, subject to traffic.Most importantly, could you please arrange for our suite to be tidied up and readied for our return."


    With that the call button was pressed, and Hou Yi and Anna entered the elevator, going down to the waiting car.The driver was waiting the door opened on the car, and Hou Yi helped Anna into the car, before entering himself.He turned to the driver, and indicated "Drive us to the ancestral home, and close the privacy screen," and ensured that the door was closed behind him.


    Hou Yi reached over and helped Anna put on her seatbelt, before putting on his own.He quietly said to Anna "Rest.We have about 30 minutes, subject to traffic before we reach my family''s ancestral home."With that, he then helped Anna rest her head on his shoulder, and before the car had even left the car, she had drifted off to sleep.


    Hou Yi, sat quietly, not wanting to disturb his wife, who had been through so much today.He knew that she had one more ordeal to face, being his family.However, he believed that this would be the easiest of the lot to get through.The only thing his family wanted was to see him married, with the potential for heirs toe.While he hoped Anna would be to one to provide those heirs, he was also realistic in that she may refuse, however modern technology would allow an heir to be born, he would just have to deal with his family.Out of everyone he knew his mother Du AnLing would absolutely take to Anna, and that in the next few days she would have great fun spending millions on her daughter-inw, particrly as her normal spending restrictions would be removed.Well, he thought if that is what it takes to help Anna settle, and get ready to get her revenge, then that is what is needed.


    Before he could think of anything else, he started to drift off to sleep.The next thing that Hou Yi knew was that the car had stopped, and he was being advised that they had arrived at the ancestral home.He looked at Anna, who was still asleep, and gently shook her."Anna, we have arrived.We will only stay as long as we need to, and then return back to the apartment."


    Anna awoke from her sleep and started to get out of the car still dozy.Hou Yi, lent over and said, "Please do not get angry about this again."With that he swept Anna into his arms and carried her through the front door of the Hou Ancestral Home, with not only various staff members watching on, but his mother and father standing inside the door to greet him.

 Chapter 51: Telling the Hou Family - Part 1

    <h4>51 Telling the Hou Family - Part 1</h4>


    Hou Yi, swept Anna Jones up into his arms, walked into the Hou Ancestral Home, not only with family staff members watching, but his parents Hou Jang and Du AnLing waiting inside the door for him.


    As soon as he has picked Anna up, she looked at him, then buried her head in his chest as she felt embarrassed, as this was the third time, he had done this today.She whispered loud enough for Hou Yi to hear "Yi, this is getting so embarrassing."


    "Sweetheart, you do not need to be embarrassed."With that he carefully put Anna down on here feet and took her hand in his."Mother, Father, is everyone around?"


    "Hou Yi, you better have a good exnation for this behaviour.The family are gathered in the formal lounge, so you bettere with us immediately."Stated Hou Jang, and both he and Du AnLing turned and walked to a door just up the corridor from where they were.


    Anna, turned to Hou Yi, and said "Yi, why do I get the feeling that we are about to be children told off by their elders."


    "Because that is what is about to happen.My parents, grandparents and aunt, your inws, will tell us off, for multiple things, including me carrying you over the threshold."With that Hou Yi took Anna''s arm and escorted her through the door that his parents had good through.


    As soon as they were inside the door "Hou Yi, shut the door.You better then give us all an exnation for your behaviour that we just witnessed and exin who this woman is.We thought you were marrying Yang Lin today, and have been waiting to wee her into the family," demanded Hou Jang.


    Hou Yi turned and shut the door.He then escorted Anna to an empty couch, and they both then sat down on it, looking at the people assembled before them.Hou Yi took Anna''s hand in his, as a means of giving her somefort."Well Hou Yi, we are waiting.You better exin yourself," Hou Jang demanded again.


    Looking at each of the others in the room, Hou Yi, firstly raises Anna''s hand to his lips, kisses it and lowers it.Anna, using her thumb,mences stroking his hand.Hou Yi then starts to speak "Grandfather, Grandmother, Father, Mother, Aunt.There is a simple exnation for what you have seen.I simply was carrying my bride over the threshold of the family home."


    Before he could say anything else, there were five different voices, all saying "Bride.When did you get married?Why were we not there?", in different tones, some joyful, some in surprise, and onepletely stunned at what was said.


    Hou Yi paused for a few seconds, to let the news settle in to everyone."Grandfather, Father, you demanded that I present my bride to you by tonight.The punishment for not doing so was thatyou were willing to hand Hou Enterprises to the Lu Family.If I did, while I would guarantee you an ongoing ie from thepany for the rest of your life, you would no longer have a say in it.After meeting Anna here six months ago, I have spent my time trying to convince her to end the rtionship she was in and marry me.It was only a few days ago I achieved that.However, as she knows my past, she wanted to properly end that rtionship without any deceit before we would marry.That was only achieved today, and as soon as it happened, we married.Yang Lin, was never really a marriage prospect, but she had always said that she was willing to marry me to protect thepany.As to no one from the family being here as Anna''s family could not travel from Australia, we decided to keep it simple, and have the issuing of the marriage certificate filmed, and then give everyone a copy."


    The other five people in the room, looked at each other, as to determine who would be their spokesperson, to question Hou Yi and Anna about what had happened.With a nod of heads, it appeared that Hou Jang was elected the group''s spokesperson.

 Chapter 52: Telling the Hou Family - Part 2

    <h4>52 Telling the Hou Family - Part 2</h4>


    With a nod of heads between the elder members of the Hou Family, it appeared that Hou Jang was elected their spokesperson to question Hou Yi and Anna Jones, about their marriage.


    "What in the world are you talking about?" yelled Hou Jang.


    "As I said father," started Hou Yi in a calm voice."Anna and I were married today.Grandfather and your demand did not indicate anything about who I was to marry and how, it was that I simply had to be married.As you know, I was waiting to find the love of my life, like you did, like uncle did with aunt before his untimely death, and what you grandfather and grandmother did.It just happened that the woman I fell in love with, was in a rtionship with someone else."


    Hou Yi paused, and looked at Anna, who leaned over and gave him a light kiss on the cheek and squeezed his hand as gestures of support."I was determined that all I wanted for her was to be happy in a rtionship, if that rtionship was not with me.All we did wasmunicate, and it became clear that she was unhappy."Hou Yi paused again, and Anna realised that she needed to continue, as she could sense anger growing in him.


    "Father, I was previously engaged in my prior rtionship.Yi, and I had a chance meeting at my ce of employment in Australia.He was simply a friend to start with and did not push me about anything, recognising themitment that I had made in my previous rtionship.However, as wemunicated, I realised that I could not marry my former fianc¨¦.I think it was about 3 months ago my feelings changed regarding Yi, and that I realised that it was love, an emotion more than I ever felt with my former fianc¨¦."


    "However, as I had given mymitment i was willing to stand by it, and found it hard to break things off.It was only a few days ago, with a chance meeting at the Australian Embassy, that I realised that staying with thatmitment would be a disaster.We spoke in passing, but recognised that we wanted, no needed to marry and make the ultimatemitment to each other."


    "While I would have married Yi immediately without a care for the ending of my previous rtionship, he made it clear that I needed to end it with respect, so we could go ahead with our lives without feeling as if there was a cloud over our rtionship.Before I could tell my former fianc¨¦ that I was going to end the rtionship and that I could not marry him as I loved Yi, he ended the rtionship.As soon as I was free, Yi and I married."


    "I cannot believe you Hou Yi, you helped break up an engagement.I thought you had more respect for people''s rtionships."Hou Jang responded angrily.


    "Father, I never pushed.If Anna had stayed with her former fianc¨¦, all I would have done was remain a friend.Her happiness is all that counts.She was unhappy and realised that she could not continue in it.I did nothing.Before she ended the rtionship, her ex did."


    "And before you look at thinking he was a victim, one thing Anna did not tell you, her ex fianc¨¦ used her not only to obtain Australian Citizenship, but took almost everything that she owned, leaving her with a huge debt.While I was not present for the break-up, he took pleasure in telling Anna, that their whole rtionship was a lie.He was simply using her to get what he wanted before dumping her.He was a user, not a victim.Anna is the victim in that rtionship, but I am going to make sure that she is safe and protected."As Hou Yi continued to speak to his father, his tone became more angrier and angrier.He paused and took a breath, turned and looked at Anna, who he realised was tensing up.


    "What!"A shocked Hou Jang said.


    "Grandfather, Grandmother, Father, Mother, Aunt.I think all we are going to do is go in circles.While I may have not married who you expected, I have married the woman I intend to spend my life with.As to dealing with her ex fianc¨¦, we will do that in the future.We had intended to stay and have a meal with you, but tonight is our wedding night, and we are tired.I think it is best that we return home.We wille another day when you have calmed down to talk further"


    Du AnLing interrupted "Yi do not.I would love to properly meet your bride, it is simple a shock to all of us, given what we had seen before today.Do not go yet.At least have something to eat, as I am guessing when you get back to your apartment that food will be thest thing on your mind."


    With that she stood up, and went over grabbing Anna''s free hand, and gently pulled her up "Sweetheart, feel free to call me mum or mother, ande with me as I am guessing my son does not want to feed you."She pulled Anna out of the room, and along the corridor into a dining room with a round table.Everyone else left in the room, was left with no option but to follow, as Du AnLing had made the decision to ept her new daughter-inw.

 Chapter 53: Plans

    <h4>53 ns</h4>


    Du AnLing, took Anna Jones hand, gently pulling her to her feet, and along the corridor outside the lounge room to the dining room.She gave no one else the opportunity to do anything, making it clear to Hou Yi, and the rest of the family she epted Anna as Yi''s bride.


    As Du AnLing pulled Anna into the dining room, she signalled to a staff member.Anna notice that the round table was set for a meal, and before anyone could enter the room, dishes started arriving and were ced on the table to share.Hou Yi realising he could not thwart his mother, led everyone else into the dining room, sitting on his bride''s right, with his mother on her left.He hoped this would give her some protection from the rest of the family.


    Everyone sat down, and before anyone could serve themselves from the dishes, Du AnLing, lifted up Anna''s left hand, and looked at the rings there.She reached across Anna, without an apology and then lifted Hou Yi''s left hand, paying attention to the rings on both."Jang, Father, Mother, Sister. I know the wedding rings.Are they not the Dream wedding set from Fengs.And if I am right, this is the only set with pink diamonds made in the world."


    Hou Yi, knew that he could not hide the truth from his shop-a-holic mother who adored jewellery, and rather than having everyone look at the rings, said "Yes mother, it is the Dream Set.As Anna is from Australia, we wanted out rings to have Australian Diamonds in them.Anna, fell in love with the pink diamonds, so we opted for them.It was not about a unique jewellery, all I did was let Anna pick what she liked, and that is what she chose."


    Hou Jang, then piped in "Son, I never thought I would see the day that you would voluntarily wear a ring."


    "Father, I have married.Why would I not wear a ring to indicate themitment to my wife."


    "Son do not get defensive.It was just a passingment, but given you love your bride, I would expect it from you.I never thought I would wear a wedding ring until I met your mother, and then I could not wait to get one on my finger.It has nevere off since your mother ced it there, and it will nevere off.I am guessing you will feel the same."Hou Jang said, to which Hou Yi nodded.He paused, and looked at Anna "Do you mind telling me your name?"


    "Anna Jones, but given what most woman do in Australia, other than for work rted purposes, I will now use Hou as my surname, father."


    "Father let not get into too much detail.You have all the time that you want to question my wife.It has been a long day for us, and we do want to get home as soon as we can, so save it for another day."


    Hou Yi paused, and then looked at his mother and aunt "Mother, Aunt, I have a couple of favours to ask of you, and please no one get upset about this.Firstly, can you arrange and take Anna shopping to fill out her wardrobe.When I can get away next week, we will be going to Australia to deal with her affairs there, but she needs clothes for here and your life together.I will be giving her my card, so she has no limits, but I am telling you do not abuse the privilege as I can cut your ess to credit cards."


    "Secondly, and this goes for everyone we have decided that we want to have the formal wedding ceremony in Australia.Anna''s family and friends are there, and unlike those we will invite from here, some will find it difficult to ept any offers to assist them ining to a wedding here.I want then to befortable.Our friends, extended family, and the others we will invite can all afford to travel.Anna has final say, but we are looking at somewhere in the Warrnambool, Victoria region, and you can coordinate with Assistant Wang to arrange this.Assistant Wang will have control of the budget.And remember everyone here, no arguments about the ceremony."


    Du AnLing, excited with what her son had asked her to do, realised that talking and dying Hou Yi and Anna too much, could hamper their spending tomorrow.She piped up and said "Let us not dy the bride and groom.We should eat so they can return home.And by the way, Anna, we will be at your apartment to collect you about 10 am tomorrow."


    She turned and looked at Hou Yi who was scowling "Do not do that.You will be at work tomorrow by that time, so it does not matter."


    With that, everyone decided that it was better to eat before anyone got angry.Hou Yi, helped Anna, dish up some food to eat, before dishing up his meal.About 20 minutester, once everyone had finished eating, Hou Yi stood up, and said "Goodnight, we are leaving now.Grandfather, Father I hope that you wille into the office tomorrow so that we canmence the fulfillment of our agreement."


    Anna stood up beside him and added "Goodbye.I look forward seeing everyone soon."


    With that the both walked out of the dining room before anything else could be said, and out into the car to return to the apartment.Both, on the drive back fell asleep and had to be woken up by the driver on their arrival.Hou Yi, helped Anna out of the car, and into their elevator to return to the apartment.Before they could walk up the stairs to the master suite, Butler Ge, handed Hou Yi a package, which he took with them.As Anna was almost asleep on her feet, Hou Yi helped her undress and change into her nightdress, and into bed, before changing into his pyjamas and following her into bed.Both fell asleep almost immediately, and very quickly turned into each other in the middle of the bed, Hou Yi, simply as he could not help himself but to seek out his bride in their bed, and Anna because she neededfort and support that seemed to unconsciously knew was avable from her husband.

 Chapter 54: The Ultimate Power Shoppers

    <h4>54 The Ultimate Power Shoppers</h4>


    Hou Yi, and Anna Jones on their arrival back in their apartment, were almost asleep on their feet.Hou Yi, was awake enough to help Anna into her nightwear, and into bed and get into his, before almost instantaneously falling asleep in bed.


    The next morning, they awoke to knock on the bedroom door and it then opening with Butler Gee calling out "Apologies Young Master, Young Madam.Young Master it is 8am.Assistant Wang has called me ten times to remind you that you have a 9 am meeting as he was unable to reach you.I have left it to thetest possible time, before disturbing you, but it could not wait longer.Young Master, your normal breakfast will be delivered, however for Young Madam, as I was not certain what you would want I arranged for some toast, with jam, eggs and bacon and tea, coffee and orange juice as your choice of drink.These will arrive in a few minutes for you."


    Butler Ge''s knocking on the door, awoke Hou Yi and Anna, who found themselves wrapped in each others arms.They unwrapped themselves and carefully got out of bed, and walked over to the seating area.As they arrived there Butler Ge and one of the maids entered with their breakfast, sitting it down for them.Hou Yi looked at Anna''s nightdress, and realised that it was much more revealing than what he thought it was when he put it on the previous night.He quickly went into the bathroom, and collected each of them a robe, so she did not feel too conscious when she realised what she was wearing.Before she sat down, Hou Yi returned, wearing one robe, and handing to Anna another.


    The staff, quickly left, leaving both there to have their breakfast, but before Anna even had anything shemented "That was embarrassing, we were dead to the world and they walked in.The only thing I can say is at least it was not as bad as it could have been.If this was a rtionship where we had a sexual rtionship, they could have walked in on us."


    "Maybe, we need to arrange a door bell.I do not want you to feel embarrassed again," joked Hou Yi.


    "Let me think about it," responded Anna, as a deadpan response, which Hou Yi realised was a joke, and he gave a littleugh.


    Before both got carried away, they decided to eat their breakfast before it got cold.At the end of breakfast, Anna remarked "We will have to arrange for some Vegemite as I do not think I could only have jam with toast."


    Hou Yi made a mental note to ask Butler Ge to arrange for this for Anna.Hou Yi, got up and collected the package that he was handedst night, and walked back to Anna, and opened it.


    "Anna, I have a few things I need to give you.Firstly, here is your key for the elevator lock, along with the other keys for the apartment, the Hou Ancestral House, and a Master Key for Hou Enterprises.Butler Ge will give you a tour either today or tomorrow, so you get your bearings around the apartment.Secondly, when you go down stairs today, please go and see the security staff.They will encode your thumb print for the doors here, that are secured with thumb prints."


    "Thirdly, I have arranged for a new mobile phone for you, that will be paid with mine, unlimited calls anywhere, unlimited data.The only thing you need to do is transfer your contacts.Charger cords are in the study and on the desk over there.My number, Assistant Wang''s number, my direct office line, your bodyguards, the number for here, my parents, grandparents and aunt''s numbers have already been programmed in for you."


    "Finally, here are your new cards, there is firstly my courtesy card, any trouble hand that over, and secondly here are your credit cards.The bank has only issued them as apanion card to mine at the moment, they will in due course issue you personally with them as well.The two ck cards have a daily limit of 20 million, the tinum card has a daily limit of 10 million and the other two a daily limit of 8 million each.If you find you need more, let me know and I will arrange it with the bank."


    "What! I do not need cards with that high of a limit."


    "You are going shopping with my mother and aunt, two highly expensive power shoppers.They treat shopping as a sport, and while we can afford to spend an asional spending spree, the way that they would spend previously meant that I had to limit their spending to 3 million per month, simply to stop them spending without thinking.Not only will they try and talk you into spending millions upon millions today on yourself, they will try and talk you into spending the same on them."


    Hou Yi paused, and realised that he had to direct Anna, simple to limit his mother and Aunt''s spending.He continued, "Only buy what you want, and importantly tell them that I told you other than buying food and drink, I have banned you from spending money on them without my permission.That will stop their pestering, especially as they have already spent their limit this month, and we are not 10 days into the month.However, despite their spending ways, they will be able to guide you to the clothes that you need as my wife, to attend the functions that you will be attending."


    "You are kidding?" questioned Anna


    "Absolutely not.Thest unrestricted shopping spree that they went on, and they had both my grandmothers with them, cost, if I remember about 80 million for the four of them.Their purchases were top designers, and I still do not think that they have worn everything the purchased then.My father, grandfather and I had to put a stop to their unrestricted spending.Despite them being power shoppers, but expensive ones.I have told the bodyguards who will apany you, that if you want to, they should take you to one of the tourist markets.I am guessing you may feel morefortable spending there.The Bodyguards will have cash for the market for you, and to cover small incidentals."


    Hou Yi paused and looked at the clock at the desk.He noticed that it was 8:20 am, and that if he did not hurry, he would runte for work."Apologies I cannot stay, I need to be at work for this 9 am meeting otherwise I would remain until my mother and aunt arrive.Take your time and get ready.Rx as you will need it to go shopping with them."With that Hou Yi, quickly went into the walk in robe, and selected a suit for work, and then into the bathroom.


    10 minutester, he exited the bathroom, dressed and ready for work.As he heard the suite door opening, he walked over to Anna, leaned over and kissed her briefly.He said quietly, but so whoever opened the door could here "Sorry I have to go into work.I would rather simply remain here with you, but this will let me get away next week with you."


    Anna, turned so his second brief kiss would be on her lips, gently pushed him and said "Go.Your mother and aunt will take good care of me, and I will simply wait for you tonight."


    Hou Yi stood up, and walked towards the door, where a maid was standing "See what assistance my wife needs, the leave her in peace and clean up once she has left with my mother and aunt."

 Chapter 55: Going Power Shopping - Part 1

    <h4>55 Going Power Shopping - Part 1</h4>


    Hou Yi, as he left the master suite instructed the maid standing just outside the door "See what assistance my wife needs, then leave her in peace, until after she has left with my mother and aunt before you clean up."


    With that Hou Yi, walked down the stairs and exited the apartment to head to Hou Enterprises Head Office.The Maid stepped into the room, and inquired "Young Madam, is there anything that I can do for you?"


    "I know it iszy of me, but could you please go in and of the few items of clothing that I have put together an outfit, with shoes for me to go shopping with my husband''s mother and aunt, and then ce them in the bathroom for me.Further, could you also please arrange for another coffee for me, white two sugars.Thank you."


    "No problem, Young Madam," replied the maid.As she was organising the clothes for Anna, not only did she think she waszy, but that she was nothing like Miss Yang, who the staff all thought was going to be their mistress.For the maid, Miss Yang, on the few times that she had been in the apartment, was really nice to her and all the staff except Butler Ge as we were trying to help her gain ess to the Master Suite, but were thwarted by Butler Ge.She personally could not see an issue, as Miss Yang was set to be their mistress, but Butler Ge said the rules were the rules.She wondered if she could help Miss Yang take her revenge on this woman who took her ce but realised that doing something now would cause her to lose her job.So, she did what she asked.


    Anna, once she finished her first cup of coffee, put the cards carefully away, went into the bathroom, showered and changed.When she returned to the room, all the food, other than the coffee had been removed, and her handbag was sitting on the table next to the coffee.She sat down, and while drinking the coffee, added all her contacts into the new phone.She sent a bulk email and text to all her contacts, to advise them of her new contact number, exining that she had a new phone and number.


    Just after she finished that, Butler Ge, knocked on the door, "Young Madam, First Madam and Second Madam are here to collect you.I understand from the Young Master that you are going shopping."


    "Thank You Butler Ge."


    As she walked out the door, Butler Ge stopped her "Young Madam, while you are shopping, hand these cards to the shops and ask them to deliver your purchases.It will make things easier for you."


    As she walked down the stairs, Anna, saw Hou Yi''s mother Du AnLing and aunt Deng Xi waiting for her "Mother, Aunt, so nice to see you."


    They both piped up "Hi Sweetheart."Du AnLing then continued "Did my son tell you how we are to fund today''s shopping?"


    "Mother, Aunt, he has given me a couple of cards, so I can buy what is needed.He has also said that the bodyguards he has assigned to me, have some cash for small purchases as well."


    The older woman looked at each other gleefully, realising they had money to shop, then at Anna."We will have great fun and can purchase among the items someplementary outfits for the three of us."


    "Mother, Aunt, before we get started, Yi made it very clear to me that I am only to purchase what I want, and more importantly I was not to purchase anything for either of you, except food and drink.He told me that if I did, he would put me on a monthly spending limit."


    "Do not worry, we can deal with that."However both of them sounded quite disappointed as they had believed that Anna would help them purchase a few items they could not given the breaks put on their spending ability.


    With that the three women, entered the elevator and went down to the car park.As they arrived, Anna remembered one thing she was told to do.She went up to the security desk at the car park level, and spoke to the person on duty "Hello, My name is Anna Hou, I am Hou Yi''s wife.He said to me that when I came down I needed to arrange for a thumb print scan to operate some of the locks within our home."


    The guard on the desk, who had been ignoring Anna to that point, jumped to his feet."Young Madam, I will get the head of security for you."


    Before he could even knock on the door, someone walked out of the office, "Young Madam, if youe this way I will immediately arrange for that scan, and it should be operational on your return.Anna followed her into the office, where scanning her thumb print took all of a few seconds, and she was shown back out.


    She soon joined Du AnLing and Leng Xi, who were standing beside a car with two other people, who looked like the bodyguards assigned to her.


    Du AnLing spoke "Anna, we have spoken to your body guards, and determined that the best starting point today is M Mall.There is the widest variety of shops, and we should be able to get most items there for you.I have not been there for a few months, but there are so many topbels that should be able to cater for us.We cannot wait."Anna could almost see Du AnLing and Leng Xi rubbing their hands together.


    With that they all climbed into the car, with the two bodyguards in front, and drove to M Mall.

 Chapter 56: Going Power Shopping - part 2

    <h4>56 Going Power Shopping - part 2</h4>


    Anna Jones, Du AnLing and Leng Xi, were all sitting in the back of a car being driven to M Mall.


    Around her Anna heard Du AnLing and Leng Xi were debating about whether to walk around M Mall, or to simply use the VIP service, and just have clothes brought to them.Anna let them have their debate for a few minutes, before she decided that she needed to have her say.After the experiencest night, with the condescending Sadie, Anna decided that she needed to be firm now, or these two would simply take over.


    "My preference would be not to use the VIP service, unless the bodyguards deem it necessary.I would simply prefer to wander and find what I need," interjected Anna to the debate.


    With the bodyguards in the front hearing this. The female bodyguard in the front passenger seat spoke up "Young Madam, while our preference is to simply remain in the VIP service rooms at M Mall, we could wander around for a hour, before the Mall get too busy so you can get an idea of what is around, then we use the VIP Service area to have them bring the items for you to try on and make your selections.Young Master told us that we needed to keep you safe.Once we finish at M Mall, he did suggest that you might want to wander around one of the tourist markets, which we can do.I know a good restaurant, near one of them, so I would suggest we have lunch there and then you can wander around the market.The only thing that we would need to do in advance is arrange additional body guards so we can protect all of you.Does that sound OK?"


    Anna, immediate responded "Fine to me".Du AnLing and Leng Xi, however were reluctant, until Anna interjected "Mother, Aunt, I have cash, and I know the bodyguards have cash, we can power shop easily at the market, while being careful in what we buy, and not cause an issue, plus I know Yi will not be angry about that.Plus, I promised a number of friends and work colleagues that I would purchase for them items from a local tourist market.We can do that for me, without an issue, and I do not need to stress Yi out abouting out to go to a market. Again"


    "Shopping!We are in for that, even if it is cheap items" responded Du AnLing and Leng Xi in stereo.


    "Then that is what we are doing," Anna made clear.


    Before they could continue, they arrived at the VIP Entrance of M Mall, where the car pulled up.All three were let out of the back of the car, and the female bodyguard stood with them.The male driver took the car to park it, and all three knew that he would join them soon.They walked to the entrance door and rang the bell.After ringing the bell, they were greeted with "M Mall VIP Service, how can I help you?"


    "Good Morning, this is First Madam Hou, Second Madam Hou and Young Madam Hou, and we request entry."


    "Sorry I have no record that you may being"


    Anna, decided to cut this person off immediately "This is Young Madam Hou, I was herest night with my husband CEO Hou Yi, when we made a few purchases.Either let us in now, or we will take our business elsewhere.Further I will tell my husband, who I do not believe will be impressed."


    "Apologies Young Madam Hou, I did not realise" came the immediate response, and the door immediately opened.As they were heading in, the male bodyguard joined them, and followed the threedies Hou inside.


    As then entered Du AnLing leaned over to her daughter-inw and said "You can see the power of my son''s name.The service knows that Xi and I are limited on our sending, but they will realise that my son will not limit you."


    As they entered the foyer area, three separate women approached the trio, including the dreaded Sadie fromst night.Du AnLing went to speak, but Anna quietly grabbed her mother-inw."Ladies, we only need one assistant.I am Young Madam Hou, and I think you know my mother-inw First Madam Hou and my aunt-inw Second Madam Hou.I am the one shopping today, but they are apanying me."Pointing to Sadie, Anna continued "I am notfortable with her, I need to think as to which of the others will be eptable."Of the two remaining personal shoppers, quickly observing the two, Anna was able to make up her mind which would be the best, and in pointing to her "This is the best fit for us, I think."


    "Thank you Young Madam Hou, I am Reba, please follow me."


    With that Reba led them down the corridor into arge VIP Room, and showed them in.The two bodyguards remained outside the room."Young Madam Hou, I am aware that your measurements will be on file, can you let me know what clothes you need, and I will start arranging for options to be brought in."


    "Reba, before we do that, can you apany us into the Mall itself, so I can get an idea about what is avable to buy, so we can narrow down our options.Of course, why we are doing that, please arrange for underwear, nightwear including that appropriate for a newly married couple, and those misceneous items to be here when we return.Those I am not as fussy about, as long as they fit."


    Du AnLing, then piped in "Reba, with three Madam Hou''s here, I think you better call us by our given names.I am AnLing, my sister-inw is Xi, and my daughter-inw is Anna."

 Chapter 57: Going Power Shopping - Part 3

    <h4>57 Going Power Shopping - Part 3</h4>


    Du AnLing advised the personal shopper Reba, to call her AnLing, her sister-inw (Leng) Xi and her daughter-inw Anna (Jones), given that they were all Madam Hou''s to prevent confusion.


    Reba was stunned by the request, as usually all the VIP''s wanted is to stay in their VIP Room, and wait for clothes to be brought to them, but she realised that the three Madam Hou''s really wanted to make a day of it.This actually might be a fun day for her. "Please wait here for a few minutes, so I can organise a couple of things before we go into the Mall itself."


    With that she left, Anna realised to organise the intimate items that she had asked for.Du AnLing and Leng Xi, were excited, as they knew going through the Mall would allow them to n their next shopping trip.Before anyone could speak, Reba returned, and slid a discrete switch, which must indicate that the room is upied.Reba led them further down the corridor, and through a door, which took them out into the mall.


    Over the next hour, Reba, under the careful watch of the bodyguards, wandered with them through the Mall, making careful note of the stores that caught the attention of the youngest Madam Hou.She realised that these would need to be the starting point.and when they entered a store, she made sure that the staff knew who Anna was, so that they could put together items tht would work for her.


    However as they were wandering around, the three Madam Hou''s did somewhat get distracted as Du AnLing and Leng Xi, made sure that they found out whatever they could about what Anna wanted for her wedding; Location, colours, any ideas that they could use to work with Assistant Wang and Anna''s family to n her dream wedding.AnLing and Xi realised that this would be their only opportunity to be involved in the nning of a wedding and wanted to maximise it.Anna, simply expressed her dreams to them, wishing that the situation was different and Hou Yi was her love and she was having her dream wedding with him.But that was not where their rtionship was at.She was, as she realised falling in love with Hou Yi, but give the circumstances of their marriage was unable to tell him, and she had to n her wedding ceremony to him in the absence of any knowledge about how he really felt about her.


    Towards the end of their wandering, Anna spotted a Female Tailors store.Anna stopped Reba, and asked "Could you please take me in there"


    "Miss Anna, this ce is more designed to create suits for young professional woman."


    "Well, within the next few weeks I will need them."This surprised both Du AnLing and Leng Xi, as since the founding of Hou Enterprises is was unknown within the family for a wife to go and work.


    "Sweetheart, why would you need such suits.Hou wives for generations have not worked, and I guess knowing my son it will not be long before you are pregnant."


    "Mother, Aunt, please do not take this the wrong way.Yi and I met, when he came into the legal firm that I work for, and he has promised me that I can continue to work."


    "But you are only a secretary," replied AnLing


    "No Mother, Aunt.I am actually a qualifiedwyer in Australia.Yi and I have spoken about how I will, deal with much of the legal matters rting to Hou Enterprises activities in Australia, from here with the assistance of my Australian employers, as well as bing a qualifiedwyer here.We have said that children will happen when they do, but he said to me that he did not want me to waste the talent and skills I have."


    Reba heard this conversation."Miss Anna, there are shops that we have which can supply you with designed suits."


    "No, I actually want them handmade for me, both for use here, and for the times we have to return to Australia."


    "OK Miss Anna" and with that Reba escorted them into the tailors shop, asking for whoever was in charge.


    A young woman came out from a small back room "In the absence of my parents I am in charge"


    "Miss, I am Reba one of the VIP personal shoppers, and these are my clients.The youngestdy here is awyer, and she needs, in addition to the other items we are purchasing today, to arrange for some professional attire, to be made.She was wondering, if you would be able to do that."


    "Of course, if the Young Madam woulde with me.I will do our set of measurements and work out with her what is needed."With that she motioned for Anna to apany her into a dressing room, promptly taking a tape measure out, to take aplete set of measurements."Madam, could you please let me know what you are after?"


    "Thank you for your time.At the moment I am after say 5 suits with matching jackets, skirts and dresses of various colours you think will work for me, both suitable for here, plus 5 winter weight and 5 summer weight suits suitable to wear in Australia, more particrly Victoria.Those need to be in somewhat more darker tones.I also will need shirts to wear with the suits.Material, needs to be good quality, but I am willing to pay.I would only need 2 suits for here and one winter and summer weight suit for Australia, plus shirts for them within a week or so.The rest cane when they are done, no rush."Anna paused, and had a thought "Do you make things other than suits?"


    "We do Madam, what were you looking for?"


    "Well I am, of course going to buy ready-made, designer items, particr as I need then now, but would you be able to design and make a mixture of items suitable for the wife of a CEO, that are a one off?Additionally, and it is something my mother-inw and aunt-inw have not thought about, my husband and I are having our formal wedding ceremony in Australia, and I would like to arrange a unique wedding dress mixing traditional wedding styles from here with thosemon in Western Countries.We have not set the wedding ceremony date, but I am guessing that will be in two to three months.Before you ask, I have my own skills, and in the past have made my own items, admittedly from pre-purchased patterns, but in colours and materials I want.I love the handmade, uniqueness of personally made items and want to support a local business.Would you be willing to help me?"


    "Madam, do you mind me asking who your husband is?"


    "Hou Yi, the CEO of Hou Enterprises."

 Chapter 58: Going Power Shopping - Part 4

    <h4>58 Going Power Shopping - Part 4</h4>


    When the Tailor''s daughter, who had just finished taking Anna Jones'' measurements, asked who her husband was, she was shocked at the response of Hou Yi, the CEO of Hou Enterprises.


    "CEO Hou is your husband?I do not know Madam, designer clothes would be better for someone such a you."


    "No, while there will be a level of designed items in my wardrobe, I need unique pieces and appropriate work attire.Thetter I can see that you can easily deliver, but I believe that you can deliver the unique pieces that I am after.Treat me like your normal clients, which I am guessing are mid-level employees of firms.that is what I was before my marriage, and how I will be while working.You seem honest and trustworthy, and I would guess that is how your parents raised you, and they will be the same.That is what makes me feelfortable about having your family business supplement my wardrobe.The business person in you and your parents would see it was a win for you when it bes known that you produced the unique pieces for me, it will generate more business for you."


    "Well, if you are really sure Madam."


    "Tell me if I am wrong, it is your father that is the designed, but as your clients are generally women, you and your mother deal with them."


    "Yes Madam Hou."


    A loud voice called our "Rose, where are you"


    "In the dressing room, Mother, Father, with a client.We will be out soon."


    "Rose, is it.Please do not tell your parents initially who I am, once we have gone, exin to them what I am exactly after, and that I will give your father a free reign to design not only the suits and my wedding dresses, but the other items that you provide, formal and semi-formal dresses, casual dresses, jackets, cks, tops.Material and cost, as you can guess will not matter."


    With that they finished and walked out.


    "Father, Mother, this is one of Miss Reba''s VIP clients.She needs work rted clothes and would like us to produce them for her.I have taken her measurements and have the details of what she is after.Madam has indicated that she will trust us on the design of the suits but has indicated for us to use top quality materials.From speaking to her, I understand that her husband, if we need a material may be able to assist us."


    "Yes Sir, your daughter is correct.I have exined to your daughter when I need items, and am quite happy to put down a down payment.If you can work with Miss Reba, she will help to facilitate any fitting appointments you need with me for the items.I have already discussed with your daughter why I want you to make the items we have discussed, and she will exin this to you."


    "Madam, our standard practice is to require a down payment of 50,000 per suit today, and another 50,000 at the first fitting, with the bnce of all costs to be paid on delivery.The reason that we require so much in the initial phases is that we need to cover materials costs in the event that you decide not to proceed with the purchase.If you are OK with that, we can take the payment today by card, or your personal shopper can provide us with your depositter, once you have finished with her."


    "If you could pay directly to us, it would be appreciated."


    "That is fine.Are you OK if I pay the initial down payment, and the first fitting payment at once?"


    "Of Course.As Rose understands what you are after, she can process your payment."


    With that Anna walked to the counter, where Rose was trying to think about what to actually charge given Young Madam Hou''s requests.She quietly say "Young Madam, given the extent of the requests, would you be OK with paying a 700,000 deposit.If, based on my parents policies we need more, I will make sure you know at the first fitting."


    "Not a problem", and with that Anna pulled out one of the cards with the 2 million limit, and said, "Please charge that on this card."


    The payment was processed, and across town, at Hou Enterprises Hou Yi was in the middle of a meeting, hen he received a text notification from his bank.Anna had just spent 700,000 on one of the cards at a tailors'' shop.With that he smiled and thought, thank goodness my mother and aunt are able to convince her to spend money on herself that she deserves.He also realised that his wife was never going to be conventional, in that she was getting custom made items, but he realised that that suited her, she is not a designer junkie like some people, but looks for quality.He realised that at least she was feeling somewhatfortable, which made him rx,Meanwhile, everyone arond him, could not recognise the change that came over Hou Yi, and wondered who was responsible, but as soon as they saw the change, it started to disappear and he returned to his normal self.


    As they were leaving, Anna turned around and said, "Thank you for your assistance".


    With the personal shopper they finished wandering around the areas of the Mall that Reba considered suitable for them, and headed back to the VIP area, and into the room that they started.As the door was being closed, she heard Yang Lin''s voice down the corridor "What in the world is happening here.I called you and told you that I wanted thergest VIP room today, and you are telling me someone is using it.This ce us useless.Get me that room now."

 Chapter 59: Going Power Shopping - Part 5

    <h4>59 Going Power Shopping - Part 5</h4>


    As Reba was closing the VIP room door, Anna heard down the corridor Yang Lin angrily saying "What in the world is happening here.I called you and told you I wanted thergest VIP room today, and you are telling me someone is using it.This ce is useless.Get me that room now"


    "I am sorry, as you are aware, we try to facilitate client''s request, but as you know Miss Yang rooms cannot be reserved, and are used on a firste, first served basis taking into ount the people that are there.The client using that room has been here for over an hour, so they have and will retain priority.We can, however, make another room avable to you Miss Yang."


    "No, I told you, and you know that I must have the best.That room is the best room, and therefore I am entitled to it.See that I get the room now, or I will ensure that none of you have a job."


    At that time someone came down the corridor and knocked on the not yet closed door."Madam''s Hou, as you can here we have another client Miss Yang, here demanding that she be given this room.We were wondering if you would be willing to swap to another room, so she could have this room.Thest time that she did not get what she wanted here her rage was such that it scared the staff.We do not want that again but are reluctant to ask this off you."


    Du AnLing realised that she did not want to acknowledge that she had ever pushed Yang Lin towards her son as a potential spouse.This one incident showed that she was not like her daughter-inw, she was a bully who liked nothing more that treating everyone with disdain.Anna however was pleasant and treated people nice.More importantly her son was in love with her, something he never was with Yang Lin.Overall she wished that she could forget she ever knew her.


    Du AnLing responded, so that there was distance between them and the behaviour, "We were here first and therefore are not moving for anyone, even someone that we know only in passing.She heard your policy, so she just has to deal with it.You know who my son is, and you are asking us to move.Forget it."


    With that the employee left, and Anna went to the door, signalling for both bodyguards toe in the room, which they did "I know you want to be out there, but I think you standing there will only aggravate the situation,e in here."


    Both came inside the room, and before anything could be heard about Yang Lin being told no, the door was shut.Reba, turned to Anna, and indicated "Miss Anna, after our wandering around, I took note of the things that interested you.Can you tell me is there a designed that you particrly want, and what you need?"


    Before Anna could respond Leng Xi spoke "She needs everything including a couple of business suits.Casual clothes, clothes to simply wear at home, swimwear, formal wear, semi-formal wear, cocktail dresses, everything that you can think of."


    "Reba lets look at a selection of items over the various things I need, and if I find I trust your judgement I will let you select the bnce of items, and have them delivered.By the way, I need to arrange for shoes, I forgot to tell you."


    "That is not a problem Miss Anna, I will arrange for our shoe specialist toe and take your measurements, and once we have selected the clothes, she will ensure that you have matching shoes for them.Let me go and arrange for my sections to be delivered here in your size."With that she left the room ensuring that the door was secured.


    Leng Xi, then spoke up."What did you order at that tailor''s shop?I would have never thought going in there for clothes."


    "I bit, as we went in, I observed the clothes on disy, and looked at the photos, and realised that I had stumbled into a gem of a designer.A friend of my mother''s at home is a tailor, so I know quality work and design, and saw that there.I ordered 15 suits each of a matching jacket, cks, skirt, dress, 5 for here, 5 winter weight and 5 summer weight ones for Australia; matching shirts, 3-4 per suit, them to design and make some clothes for me in the various categories that you asked for Reba to bring in, plus I asked them could they design my wedding dress.I have told them I need two suites for here and 2 suits for Australia reasonably quickly and the rest can follow.All I had to do was pay a deposit of 700.000.Oh my god, what is Yi going to say.That is only the deposit, I am guessing that the total cost will be 3, 4 or more times that.He warned me about you two and shopping."


    "Darling Daughter, you are learning from the best.He would have told you that."


    Before Anna could respond, her mobile phone rang, and as she took it from her bag, she was the called ID as Darling Husband.She promptly answered it "Darling Yi, why did you call."


    "No real reason, I received a notification that you spent 700,000, at one store.Do you need me to up the card limits?"


    "I am not sure.Please do not kill me, that was from a female tailors store I found as we were wandering around M Mall.They are making me in three different weight materials suits for work, plus over time they will make some one-off pieces for me, and I have asked them to produce a design for my wedding dress.That money was only a deposit.I have to pay more at the next fitting, plus for the other items as well.Sorry."Anna, by the end of that was a little worried.


    Hou Yiughed "I guess the power shoppers strike again.Do not worry about it.When you have the first fitting, let me know and I will try ande, and arrange for the bnce of those ounts to be sent directly here."


    "Yi, you had me worried, I thought I would be in trouble for spending so much."


    "Do not worry about it, just let me know how you go throughout the day.I will, however up the limits on the ck cards for you, to be unlimited for today, so you can spend what you need.Take care."


    "Will do."With that Anna hung up the phone, and turned to Du AnLing and Leng Xi, smiled and said "I am not in trouble.I cannot believe him, hisment was ''I guess the power shoppers strike again'' after I told him what the money was for and wasughing."

 Chapter 60: Going Power Shopping - Part 6

    <h4>60 Going Power Shopping - Part 6</h4>


    Anna Jones turned to Du AnLing and Leng Xi, smiled and advised them that she was not in trouble with Hou Yi, he realised that she was learning from the power shoppers.


    With that the three of them burst outughing.Anna then turned to the bodyguards, and said "As to the lunch option, if the weather is OK we will do that."


    Before they could speak about anything else, Reba came back into the room, along with three other people with racks and racks of clothes.It was then Anna also realised there was a stack of underwear, nightwear and other personal items sitting on a chair near the door.Finally, one other person entered the room, an those who brought the racks in left.


    Reba spoke "Miss Anna, this is our shoe specialist, while Madam AnLing and Madam Xi, look at what I have selected she will measure your feet, so we can get started on arranging the shoes you need as well."


    "Oh, with those you are getting to match clothes, where you can, please keep the heels as low as possible, as I hate high heels.Also, can you arrange for 3-4 pairs of ck and navy business shoes, preferably t, or with low heels."


    Anna sat down, while her shoes were removed, and feet measured.She observed Di AnLing an Leng Xi, looking at items on the racks, apparently happy with the selection.They each removed a few items and ced them aside.


    Once the shoes specialist finished, Du AnLing spoke "We have selected a few items for you to try on, but in looking at everything it ispletely suitable for what you will need."


    "Let me have a look."Anna walked over to the racks and started looking through all the clothes that Reba had arranged in such a short time.While, some were not exactly what she would have worn, given that she was only guessing at all the events as Hou Yi''s wife she would be required to attend, she figured that they would be eptable.The only disappointing thing, was theck of cks and the over supply of skirts."Reba, while everything here is fine, could you arrange for a supply of cks, like what I am wearing, which we got yesterday, in a variety of colours to be added.Otherwise, please bring those items chosen by my mother-inw and aunt-inw for me to try on."


    Anna walked to the dressing room, andmenced taking off her clothes, putting on the dress that she brought in with her, while waiting for Reba toe in."Miss Anna, I have sent the shoe specialist off to arrange for the shoes in ordance with your instructions."She thenpleted zipping up the dress for Anna, who walked out, and showed Du AnLing and Leng Xi, who both liked the dress.They worked their way through the remaining outfits selected and none of Du AnLing, Leng Xi or Anna were disappointed in the clothes.


    When Anna went back after showing thest outfit, she indicated to the bodyguards to make the lunch arrangements.As Anna was changing out of thest outfit in the dressing room, Reba came in with a bundle of underwear and nightwear.She shut the dressing room door behind her."Miss Anna, I guess you did not want everyone to see some of this.As requested, I have arranged for normal nightwear and underwear, but as you are, from what I understand I arranged also for some additional items.I have just brought a few in to show you.You can try them on if you want, but I am guessing you will not want to."


    Anna picked up the first item in the pile and noticed that it was a nightdress that was simply held together with a few bows ties on the side and at the shoulders and a cover to match.She then picked up the second item, and realised that it was a nightdress, with spaghetti straps that would just cover her.At the thought of what in the rest of the pile, Anna blushed, indicating that they would be fine.


    As she returned out, the shoe specialist came in with a trolley with, at a guess 50 or 60 boxes of shoes.Anna sat down, and without fuss the shoe specialist picked a few boxes off the trolley and started to check that they fitted Anna''s feet.When each pair was on, Anna stood up and walked around in the shoes.She was amazed that each pair fitted perfectly.


    When the specialist left, Anna turned back to Reba "I feel guilty, but I am aware that I will need such a variety of clothes.Please arrange for all the items selected to be sent to," with that before Anna could get one of the cards Hou Yi gave her, an identical one was provided to her by one of the bodyguards "the address on that card.Could we please remain here until the bill is totalled up, and more importantly when we leave, can you please make sure that no onees out of any of the other rooms, or is in the foyer as we leave, as I do not want to risk running into the person who made that fuss before."


    "Actually" jumped in Du AnLing, "send all the items.I am guessing based on the fact that ones we selected fit, they all will fit."


    "Mother I do not need so much."


    "Anna, you will need it all, so do not argue, and I know my son will not object to the items being ordered."


    "No problem."Reba then pressed another button by the door, and about a minuteter, she had 5 other staffing to assist her to take everything out that she was purchasing.

 Chapter 61: Going Power Shopping - Part 7

    <h4>61 Going Power Shopping - Part 7</h4>


    Anna Jones confirmed to the personal shopper Reba, that she would take the selected items, which she and her assistances removed from the VIP room.


    Anna remembered the price tag on a few of the outfits that she tried on and realised how much was there.She decided she needed to speak to Hou Yi very quickly as she was concerned that she would not have enough funds avable on the cards to cover the purchases.She fished out her phone from her handbag and called Hou Yi, who answered within 2 rings.


    "Darling, you know your offer before¡­"


    "Yes, about repeating our wedding night" came Hou Yi''s response with augh.


    "Get your mind out of the gutter, we can talk about a repeat of thatter, especially with some of what I am purchasing at the moment."


    "Ok I get why you are calling.The power shoppers have struck again, and they have taking you into racks and racks of designer clothes, shoes to match and other items and you need me to increase the limits on one of the cards."


    "Yes Please.But the lovely personal shopper we had today, made sure there are only a few of those more formal dresses, with much more casual and mix and match items.She really got me."


    "Just wait a minute."With that Anna heard typing on a keyboard.Once it stopped Hou Yi came back to speak to her "Anna, sweetheart, the card ending in 8797 has had its daily limit for today lifted to 100 million, and the other card to 70 million.Do not, I repeat do not let my mother and Aunt know how much credit you have today."


    "OK Darling.Once we finish here, we are going for lunch and going to a market rmended by the body guards.As soon as we finish there, I will let you know."With that Anna ended the call.


    Anna simply sat there and closer her eyes listening in the background to the chatter from Du AnLing and Leng Xi.After a few minutes, they were interrupted when Reba returned."Miss Anna, here is your final bill, which you can pay at the desk as you leave?We have made the arrangements for you to leave as requested.Due to the volume purchased from a couple of stores, we were able to negotiate a discount on your behalf which is reflected in the bill.While most personal shoppers would be asking for a percentage tip, if you felt our service on the day was well worth it, I have no problem if you do not leave a tip or just decide to add a lump sum amount.It has been a pleasure."


    "Thank you, Reba.Can you please contact me through the details on the card, or via my husband when the tailors contact you about arranging a first fitting for the order with them."


    "Not a problem."


    With that Anna, Du AnLing, Leng Xi and the bodyguards made their way to the foyer area, where Anna handed over the card Hou Yi had increased the limit on.She added a 400,000 tip for Reba, despite being one percent of the total bill, she advised the person at the desk to ask Reba, if she would be willing on any returns to the VIP area, to be her personal shopper, as she really understood what Anna wanted and needed.As Anna was handed back the card, Du AnLing saw it was a ck card."You mean my son gave you one of those cards.I cannot believe it.He took mine from me.Come on, we can have a lot of fun with that."


    "Mother, remember what I said he told me, plus I have almost maxed out that card with this purchase."She grabbed the bill, and almost passed out with the amount of over 45 million.


    "I m going to have to have words with my son.You have not been married a day, and it appears he has given you cards with a daily limit of about 50 million.Things have to change."


    "Mother, I have to return the cards today.I simply have them to be able to do this shopping.I am getting a card with a monthly limit just like you, is my understanding."


    With that Anna, hurried them out of the door, and they were followed by the female bodyguard.As they exited, they realised the male bodyguard had gone and collected the car for them.They slipped in the backseat, and the car drove away.


    10 minutes after leaving M Mall, they reached an area, where 6 people were waiting.The car stopped, and they were assisted out of the vehicle."Madam Hou''s these are the addition bodyguards we need.The car will be parked, and when we are ready to leave it will be brought back for us to return you Young Madam Home and then for you First Madam and Second Madam to be taken home.

 Chapter 62: Going Power Shopping - Part 8

    <h4>62 Going Power Shopping - Part 8</h4>


    After getting out of the car, Anna Jones, Du AnLing and Leng Xi were introduced to the additional bodyguards who will apany them.


    The three Houdies were escorted into a restaurant, Du AnLing and Leng Xi, following Anna in.On entering the whole party, including the bodyguards were shown to a table.Anna, quickly dove in, and again Du AnLing and Leng Xi followed her lead.As Anna noticed it wasing up to 2pm, she understood while she felt hungry.Anna, paused, and turned to the bodyguards "Please join us in having something to eat and drink.I know you have all gone to trouble for us, but do not ignore your own needs while doing this."


    Du AnLing and Leng Xi, looked at her strangely.Anna realised that they were wondering what she was doing "Remember that one guard has been with us all day, but I do not want to single her out, so I have offered to all of them.It is nothing, just somemon curtesy."


    They both thought that being kind to the staff, who would have time for breaks was strange, but they decided it was not worth saying anything, and they would simply have to educate her in the future about keeping separation from the staff.


    However, the guards realised what Anna was doing, and they decided to indulge her today, so the meal was quickly consumed by everyone.Du AnLing and Leng Xi, realised that the simple meal that they had was amazing to eat.


    As the restaurant has facilities to pay by card, Anna pulled out the first card she used, and paid the bill.On seeing a bill for 10,000 for all drinks and food consumed, Du AnLing and Leng Xi could not believe it.The both grabbed a couple of the restaurant''s business cards, as they realised that they coulde here, eat a wonderful meal and not impact their ability to shop.The thing would be convincing their friends toe and experience it was well.


    When the female bodyguard who had been with them all day, handed Anna most of the cash Hou Yi had given them for Anna.She figured she would deal with Hou Yi, for indulging his mother and aunt, and handed them 30,000 each, saying "Do not tell Hou Yi, I will.We are going to a market, so you might see something you like, although anything designed is going to be a knock off."She paused, and thought "Just remember, not to take the first price from the stall holder, you need to bargain with them, they expect it."


    The group wandered out of the restaurant, and around the corner, and down half a block, and found themselves at the tourist market.Anna felt in heaven.She loved Asian markets and had always found great things to use in gifts for people, who loved them.Du AnLing and Leng Xi, however were worried.How did you go about bargaining?What is trash and what is treasure?They realised that Anna, feltfortable here, and figured they would watch her firstly before they did this for themselves.


    The group entered the market, 2 bodyguards in front, the remaining 4 behind.4 stalls in, and noticed a stall, selling suitcases, bags, and backpacks.She knew from experience that they would be needed, and entered pointing to three she liked and asked, "How much for those three backpacks?"


    The stall holder looked at her and realised the clothes she had on were likely designed and said "4,500 for the three."


    Anna paused. "That is way too much.It is 1,500 per bag.How about 1,500 for all three"


    "Madam that is way too low."


    Anna and the Stall holder went back and forth for a period of time and they settled on 3,000 for the three bags.Du AnLing and Leng Xi, were surprised, that she got all three for such a price.They would have paid what was asked.Once Anna paid for the bags, she went to them, and said "Take your pick.One thing I have learnt from trips to these ces in the past is having a backpack makes it easier to carry purchases."Both selected one, and Anna kept the remaining one.She slung it on one shoulder, and Du AnLing and Leng Xi followed her lead.


    "How did you do that?" asked Leng Xi.Unlike Du AnLing, she came from a wealthy family, and had never had to worry about money even in the past.


    "I would have preferred to pay about 2,500 for all three, but it was close to what I was happy with, so I figured I was not going to haggle further.Usually, I ask how much for how many that I want, and then offer about a third of the price, and we haggle to somewhere between half and two thirds of the original price quoted.More importantly, if you do not feelfortable with the price, walk away.I''ve done that to, and usually the stall holderes with a price I am happy to pay."Anna paused, and thought "I am going to make a suggestion, if you are thinking abouting back to the markets in the future, buy a couple of knock off handbags and purses, to use here, can older clothes to fit in more and you are likely to get a lower starting price as well."


    Anna then turned to one of the guards behind her and said quietly "We forgot to get some bottles of water.Could you please go into a shop and get one for everyone, including each of you.It will get hot was we are wandering."She handed the guard some money, and he went off to do that.


    They continued wandering slowly along the market.In the very next stall, Anna spotted, a painting hanging up.Even though it was mass produced, she knew her assistant in Australia would love it.Like before, she started haggling with the stall holder to get it, which she did, for just on two thirds the original price.


    As she was finishing Du AnLing spotted a painting she liked, and thought, why not give it a go.Following what she had observed with Anna, she gave bargaining a go.By the time she got the price down, she realised how much fun this was.She turned to Leng Xi, and whispered "This is so much fun.And do you realise in doing this here we can indulge in shopping but spend so much less money than if we go to any of the Mall''s."


    For the next hour or so, Anna, Du AnLing and Leng Xi, wandered through the market, buying various items they wanted, not only filling their backpacks, but handing bags to the guards to carry.Anna handed both another 20,000 to spend each, as they had spent their initial amount, Plus they found an ATM and withdrew some cash from their ounts to spend as well.


    When they arrived at the other end of the market, they were all exhausted and ready to go home.The car was called for, and all the items they purchased just fitted in the boot.As they were getting in the car, Anna remembered her promise to Hou Yi, and dialled him.He answered within 3 rings "Darling, we have finished shopping at the market and are heading home."


    "mmm¡­"


    "I have to confess something.I gave your mother and aunt 50,000 each to spend at the market, sorry."


    "Do not worry, I figured that you would end up doing that.See you at home."


    With that Hou Yi ended the call and walked into Assistant Wang''s office."Come on, I need you to apany me home."

 Chapter 63: Meanwhile at the Lus

    <h4>63 Meanwhile at the Lu''s</h4>


    Yang Lin stormed into the house that she and Lu Jinhu were temporarily living in.


    "What is wrong" inquired Lu Jinhu


    "I cannot f**king believe it.I went to M Mall, and they refused to give me the right VIP room.They know I always have to have thergest room and refused to shift who ever was in that room, so I could have it.I will find out who was there, and that b**ch better watch out.No one denies me what I should have, and I will make her life miserable."


    "Lin, calm down, you are pregnant, and need to keep calm."


    "No, I will not.This just adds to everything.Yesterday we had to deal with that w**re you manipted yesterday.It hurt me that you had to y along with what you did for so many years with her, and the only time that we could be together was when you came back here, so she had no idea that she was being used.While it felt good, to do what we did at the Civil Administration Bureau, and then humiliating her at the hotel.The problem is that we could not get herptop, even for an hour so you could take the money from that Hou Enterprises subsidiary in Australia through her employers.That was disappointing as it would havepleted her ruin.I wanted her destroyed, but we were not able to achieve that.It is not fair.The Hotel Manager has already paid for not making sure that we could not get thatptop."


    "Lin ¡­."


    "Then there was that humiliation at Fengs.Why was I put in the second VIP Room?I am entitled to the best, and the first VIP room is the best.That stupid manager, but given Hou Yi knows about us, I do not know how I can get him dismissed.He and that staff need to go, but I have to figure out how to achieve that, as I did not realise that Hou Yi was deemed for some reason the owner of Fengs.I just thought he was some distant rtion.Maybe there are others in the family I can manipte to deal with those staff.To top it off, Hou Yi prevented me from getting the staff to get the rings I wanted.If he had not been there the staff would have eventually done what I wanted.The set with the pink diamonds in it, was only ever going to be produced once, as the designed demanded it.The lesser sets he was not so picky with.When I find out who was in the first VIP Room and who got those rings they better watch out.I will make them pay.Is it right that I am entitled to the best and what I want?"


    "Yes Lin, you are."


    "Then to be told, I cannot get more discounts at Fengs, damn Hou Yi.They have given those discounts to me, but to say that I cannot have them more it inappropriate.They cannot take them away."


    "Lin, calm down please.I am angry enough for both of us.Not getting thatptop was a problem, then the humiliation at Fengs was another issue.Now to find the staff at M Mall disrespected you and gave you a room that was not the right one.We have to get at them."


    Lu Jihnu paused and thought about what he needed to tell Yang Lin them.Their n to have Yang Lin''s second cousin, a senior immigration official, detain her for a search of her luggage had even gone wrong.


    Lu Jinhu took a deep breath, as he knew that he needed to tell her "I am sorry it gets even worse.I was informed that that b**ch was not on the flight that we told her to be on.Your second cousin, was unable to get herptop for us."


    "What the f**k.That b**ch, w**re.Where in the f**king world is she then.She has to be found.We need thatptop, plus she now needs to be humiliated even more that those others I have to deal with."


    Yang Lin paused, and calmed down "Did you get told that Hou Enterprises now belongs to the Lu''s?"


    "The strange this, ording to my spies, is nothing seems to have changed, and it was business as usual at Hou Enterprises.Hou Yi apparently had a meeting with the personal familywyer, and some legal papers were signed.All that I have been able to find out is that Hou Yi''s father and grandfather have resigned their roles within thepany.There was no way that Hou Yi could haveplied with his father and grandfather''s demands by yesterday, and therefore thepany is ours.Father is using all his sources and trying to contact the older Hou''s to find out what is happening.As soon as he has an answer, he will let us know."

 Chapter 64: Returning Home

    <h4>64 Returning Home</h4>


    When the car pulled up in the car park below the apartment, Anna Jones, Du AnLing and Leng Xi were all reassured that the shopping in the car would be sent up to the apartment as soon as possible.


    They were chatting to each other life long time friends, rather than people who had just met less than 24 hours previously.Anna, herself felt happy and safe with them.For Du AnLing and Leng Xi they finally had a daughter not only who they could dote on, but more importantly they gained someone that they knew instinctively they could trust and respect, and for that reason they knew whatever happened in the future, they had to protect her.


    With that, they went to the lift bank, but before they arrived, a security guard who had not met Anna before stopped the three women."First Madam Hou, Second Madam Hou, you both know that I have to contact the Young Master before I am able to let you up to the apartment.I will also need to know who this is with you, so I can request that she is allowed up as well."


    Anna, who by this time was really feeling tired, did not want to have to deal with this, and did not hold back in her anger in responding, before either of Du AnLing or Leng Xi could respond "I do not need my husband''s permission to enter our apartment, nor bring guests with me.Get out of the way, now or I will be telling my husband."


    "Young Madam Hou?"


    "She is, now get out of my daughter-inw''s way, responded Du AnLing.


    All three, then went around the security guard, and Anna, using the key that she was handed opened the lift for them to be taken straight to the apartment.As soon as the lift opened, Anna spotted Hou Yi, who stepped forwarded, and gently puller her to him, and gave her a brief kiss, before raising his head "Mother, Aunt, pleasee into the lounge"


    Anna, out of the corner of her eye, spotted Butler Ge, and before going into the lounge, she walked over, "Butler Ge, there will be a number of bagse up from the car.Can you please find somewhere and ce them out as they have shopping of mine, and my mother-inw and aunt-inw in them, which we need to sort out."


    "No problem Young Madam, we can ce them in the formal dining room, as that has thergest table.Is there anything in particr that you would like for dinner tonight."


    "Just make it a simple meal, but not seafood tonight.Just ensure that is something that my husband likes.My Mother-inw and Aunt-inw will not be staying."


    "I will speak to the chef about that madam and will let you know where it is ready."


    With that, Anna walked into the lounge area, and heard Leng Xi saying "¡­and the meal, while simple was delicious.It is somewhere we will return to.More importantly you charming wife, helped us indulge in shopping, but without spending a fortune.You have to be proud of her."


    "I have already seen the efforts of some of your shopping spree.They seem quite appropriate."With that, Hou Yi, turned and realised that Anna wasing towards them.After saying "Sweetheart,e and sit here," he pulled her down onto hisp.


    "Yi, there is plenty of space beside you," responded Anna, gently pping his hand, and moving to sit beside him.


    "Mother, Aunt, you might be wondering why Assistant Wang is here.Anna and I have spoken about our formal wedding ceremony.Anna, wants this to ur in Australia, preferably close to her parents in Warrnambool, and we want you to work with Assistant Wang to arrange this.Sweetheart?"


    "Sorry, I was just thinking.My preference would be for a church ceremony.While my parents'' had me christened Anglican, I am not overtly religious, but would like a church ceremony if possible.From my memory that would mean Christ Church in Warrnambool, but that may not berge enough, depending on the number of guests you are inviting."


    Anna continued, "Photographs, on the day, subject to weather could be done at the beach, we would travel to Tower Hill, for an. Australian Native background, the botanical gardens, possibly gstaff Hill, or if there was a long time between the ceremony and reception, go somewhere on the Great Ocean Road"


    Anna had to pause for a second, and then continued "As for reception Venues, I''m a little at a loss.My sister used a venue at the local racecourse and one brother used a venue at a local hotel, and the other brother''s reception was at the local performing arts centre, that has arge hall upstairs.The only thing is given my parents'' reactionst night when we told then about our marriage, they are unlikely to help arrange anything, but my father will also be stubborn, in that he will want to pay for everything, like he did for my sister when she married."With that Anna, started to gently cry.


    Hou Yi wiped the tears away, and quietly said "Do not worry, they wille around.Cost is not an object, as I want you to have what you want, and my mother and aunt can work miracles."


    Hou Yi turned back to everyone "A date does not worry us, it is simply when it can be organised.Assistant Wang knows my schedule.Further we need you to work together to arrange this.I know that Assistant Wang''s wife, before they had their daughter was an event nner, so maybe she could help you?Importantly we are happy to generally leave things up to you."


    Hou Yi paused, took a breath, and continued "Now before we kick you out, Mother, Aunt, I understand that you did a lot of shopping today and the bags from the car have arrived, for you to collect your items."With that Anna, Du AnLing and Leng Xi, all got up and followed Butler Ge, into the formal dining room to sort out their market shopping.


    Meanwhile, back in the lounge, Assistant Wang, answered his mobile telephone, and spoke to the person on the other end of the line, repeating a mobile number at the end of the call."Sir we have a problem, and we need your wife here."

 Chapter 65: Interference

    <h4>65 Interference</h4>


    Assistant Wang, answered his mobile telephone that was ringing, and after speaking to the person on the other end of the file, said to Hou Yi "Sir we have a problem and we need your wife here."


    Hou Yi, asked "What is it?"


    "Sir there has been a twofold issue, one here and one in Australia with our subsidiary''s development project.Here Lu Corporation, haveined to the authorities that we have entered into an illegal international developmental project.Not a big issue, more an annoyance to resolve, that can be simply handled by our legal department.All the paperwork is in order, it will just be dealing with the authorities, something simply for the legal department."


    Assistant Wang paused, to deliver the worst part of the news "The issue is in Australia.ANX Lawyers, are highly concerned.The message was that they were trying to contact your wife.The message said that she was on holiday here, and they would see if she coulde in to help deal with it rather than requiring you to travel to Australia.They said they had been trying to reach her without sess.As to the issue, the message did not indicate what it was."


    Hou Yi quickly stood up, called to Butler Ge "Where is my wife?Get all the electronic devices and cables that were in her cabin bag and take them to my study, now."


    "Young Master, Young Madam, is with First Madam and Second Madam in the formal dining room."


    Hou Yi, went quickly to the formal dining room, and saw that Anna, his mother and aunt, had just finished sorting out their purchases."Anna, sweetheart, I need your help with something now.Sorry Mother, Aunt, you need to leave."


    "Son, we were just about to do so, we will talk in the next couple of days.Tell Assistant Wang, that we will be in contact to start wedding arrangements."


    With that Du AnLing and Leng Xi, collected their bags, and went down in the elevator to return to the Hou Ancestral Home.Anna, followed Hou Yi towards his study, and they spotted Butler Ge."Young Master, the items as requested are in the study."


    "Thank you.Please arrange for coffee to be brought in to us, and can you ce the items left in the formal dining room, carefully in one of the spare rooms.I understand these may be gifts for people in Australia from my wife, so be careful."


    "Yes Sir."


    With that Hou Yi, opened the study door, and let Anna proceed him in.Assistant Wang was waiting for them.


    "Sorry, Madam.I received a message that your employers have been attempting to contact you to have you make contact with us to try and resolve a problem for our Australian Subsidiary."


    "OK I will check my emails."With that she plugged herptop into a adaptor and into a power point, turned it on.Once she logged into theputer, she turned to Hou Yi "I need the wi-fi password, please."


    Hou Yi walked over to the desk, sat down on his chair opposite Anna, reached into a draw and pulled out a card, and handed it to Anna "Here they are"


    Anna entered the details and connected to her email served.She noticed immediately an email from the senior partner, asking her as soon as she received the message to call him, any time of the day or night for something they needed her urgent assistant with.She realised that, she did not have her handbag, where her new mobile phone was with her Australia mobile.She went to the door and called out "Butler Ge, can you please get my handbag, and bring it here immediately."


    Within 3 minutes there was a knock on the door, and it was one of the maids with her handbag."Thank you for that," said Anna, taking the bag and closing the door behind her.She picked up her new mobile phone, and dialed the mobile number in the email, cing the phone on speaker.


    When it was answered, Anna immediately said "Good Evening Mr Williams.Anna Jones here sorry to be sote in responding to your email.My phone I brought from Australia has had serious difficulties here, so I have purchased a local mobile, and the number that hase up is it."


    "No, problem Ms Jones.I am just grateful you have gotten back to me as quickly as you have.One of our client''s parentpany is based in City T, where you are.We have had seriousplications arise here with a development deal, due to what we know are false allegations there.Permits being pulled, allegations of breaches of the Corporations Act, all sorts of things.Are you able to help us out by getting in contact with the parentpany and working there to help resolve the matters?I do not want to inconvenience you and Lu Jinhu, but it is important.If you could, we would be grateful as it will mean that we do not have to get the CEO here to Australia to deal with the issues, as it will take more time."


    "Absolutely sir."


    "Great.We have started preparing the documents, we will need you to review them and then go through with the client before having them signed, scan and return to us via email before you send us the originals.About half the documents are done, along with the relevant exnation material so you do not have to learn areas you are notpletely up to date on.The bnce is being done now or will be done in the morning and put into the system, which as I know you have taken yourptop you can ess.I will also ensure that there are information notes for you as I know that these technical areas inmercialw are not your forte."


    "Do you mind telling me the client?"


    "The Australia client is HOUENT (Australia) Limited, and the parentpany is Hou Enterprises.I will email you their contact details for the morning, but I will let them know now that I have contacted you and you will be in contact with them tomorrow."


    "Not a problem"


    With that Anna ended the call, and within two minutes, Hou Yi received a call on his mobile, he answered and ced it on speaker.


    "Mr Hou, it is Stan Williams here from ANX Lawyers in Melbourne, Australia."


    "Yes Mr Williams."


    "I hope you have been made generally aware of there being an issue with the current development project for your Australian Subsidiary?"


    "I have been made aware that there is a problem."


    "Sir, normally given the issues we would need you toe to Australia as soon as possible to deal with, but we are quite lucky that we have been able to contact an employee who is presently in City T, on holidays, a Ms Anna Jones, one of our Lawyers.She has agreed to interrupt her holiday toe to your offices, to assist in dealing with the matter.She is likely to need some space, and it may take her a couple of days to get through everything, but it should resolve matters and eliminate your need to travel here."


    "Fine.Just email all her details to Assistant Wang."


    "Will do," and with that Hou Yi ended the call.


    Anna, while Hou Yi was speaking to her boss, logged into the office software using herptop, and had a quick look at the documents already uploaded.She realised that it was going to be a few days to deal with the issue, as the document wereplex.

 Chapter 66: Planning to deal with the interference

    <h4>66 nning to deal with the interference</h4>


    Anna Jones, while Hou Yi was speaking to her boss Stan Williams in Australia, used herptop and logged into ANX Lawyers legal system.In quickly reviewing the documents already uploaded, she realised that this was going to take a few days to deal with, as they wereplex.


    After Hou Yi ended the call, she turned to him "This is going to take a couple of days.Damn.I had other ns, as I need to rx with everything that has happened, and start to deal with you know what.."


    Hou Yi responded "I know that you did.It is what it is.There is little that we can do tonight, we will just have to deal with it tomorrow."


    He paused, turned to Assistant Wang, and said "Can you arrange for Anna to work within the legal department to enable her to deal with the matter.Exin that she works for our Australian Legal Firm, and his here to deal with specific matters.She can, for public consumption report to you, and you will control her ess to me, however as she need to she cane in and out of my office.Most importantly, no one is to be told her connection to me.Thank you, and feel free to go home."


    "Not a problem Sir.I will see both of you tomorrow."With that Assistant Wang, left the study.


    As soon as the door was shut, Hou Yi in frustration said "Damn the Lu''s.It could only be them, as they have found out that they are not getting Hou Enterprises as they thought.Why in the world have they done this?It makes no sense.Everyone knows that we ticked all the boxes here for this development, and they were checked twice before we even went ahead."


    "Calm down Hou Yi.Let me deal with the legal matters for you."


    "I just thought, have they been told I have married, without your name being revealed, and they are using this as a means to try and get some petty revenge as they did not get thepany?"


    "It could be.Do not worry.Your wife is one hell of awyer, and I will deal with it."


    Before they could continue any further, there was a knock on the door "Young Master, the dinner that Young Madam requested is ready, in the informal dining room.How long will you be so I can arrange for it to be served."


    "Give us 5 minutes", Hou Yi called out.


    With that, Anna logged out of the legal programs, the email and closed down herptop.She carefully packed that and her tablet up, with their cords, to take into Hou Enterprises in the morning.Once they were packed, she handed the bag to Hou Yi "Can you ce this where we will not forget it in the morning."Hou Yi, realised that his briefcase was sitting beside the desk, and ced the bag with it.Anna collected her handbag, and the door was locked behind them.


    Hou Yi escorted Anna, past the formal dining room, into another room just down a corridor from it.When they entered, the table was set romantically for the two of them.Just as Hou Yi helped Anna sit down, another door into the room opened, and in came a man dressed in a chef''s uniform entered "Young Master, Young Madam, just to let you know tonight''s meal, in honour of Young Madam, will be a western inspired meal, with Asian twists.The first course is a Chicken and Sweet Corn Soup, the second course, will be steak and Asian inspired sds, and for dessert there will be pavlova''s with Strawberries and Cream.A red wine has been chosen to apany the steak and champagne will be provided with dessert.Young Madam, how will you prefer your steak cooked?"


    "Medium-rare to Medium, please"


    "Thank you.Your first course will be out in a couple of minutes, and the main course 15 minutester.As dessert is not hot, it can be served whenever you request.Once you finish, I will arrange for the bottle of champagne to be taken to your suite.I understand that Butler Ge as arranged for a small fridge with milk , as well as wine and other drinks and tea/coffee supplies to be ced in your suite, so you do not have to feel as we will interrupt you.Young Madam, please let me know at any time if there is a particr item that you want added to these, so that when I arrange shopping I can add this to the shopping.


    "Thank you", replied Hou Yi.With that they settled in to eat their meal, and around an hourter, they left the dining room, and went upstairs to their suite.


    As soon as the door was closed behind them, Anna dropped her handbag on a table, turned to Hou Yi, and quietly said "You havepletely gone overboard.I agreed to some disys of affection, but you havepletely gone over the top¡­"


    At that time there was a knock on the door, with a female voice calling out "Young Master, Young Madam, Butler Ge requested that I bring you some Champagne."With that Hou Yi turned and opened the door directing the maid where to put the champagne, and she left.


    As soon as the door was closed, Hou Yi turned "I had no damn idea when you were on the phone whether you were on speaker or not, so I had to act as if someone could hear the conversation.As to the in person disys, think about it.We are presenting an image to the staff that we cannot in private keep our hands off each other, me touching you, kissing you, pulling you onto myp, is all about selling the story.Grow up.Tell me how we could otherwise sell it?"


    Hou Yi paused and took a breath before he became too angry and Anna.


    He continued "Just messing up the room each morning before staffe in, will not work, if there is no affection visible outside this room.I know Yang Lin has bluffed some of the staff as to her personality, and they will not like that you are my wife.If we cannot sell it, she will hear about it, giving them ammunition.So what is your idea to sell what we need to sell, at least for a few weeks, when staff will have epted we have fallen into a normal married rtionship?"


    "¡­"


    "I figured you would have no idea on what to do.Forget it.Let us simply go to bed.Ladies first for a shower.When you finish, leave your dirty clothes where I can ess them when I finish.I am going to set the clothes up, as if we could not wait to get into the shower together for the staff to find in the morning."

 Chapter 67: Returning to the Lus

    <h4>67 Returning to the Lu''s</h4>


    Meanwhile, back at the Lu''s Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, were reclining in the lounge of their house, having had wild s*x in the room, as a means to deal with how they were both feeling after their ns in the previous 24 hours had been thwarted.


    Lu Jinhu, when they reclined on the lounge, had pulled a nket over the two of them to keep them warm, while they were thinking about what they were going to do.They were simply off in a world of their own, when in stormed Mr Lu Senior.


    "F**king Hou Yi"


    This shocked Lu Jinhu, "Father, some courtesy would be appropriate.Get the F**k out of this room, and we will meet you in the study in a few minutes.You forget this is our honeymoon, and as we cannot go public for a few days, all we can do is honeymoon here."


    "What in the world do you mean," yelled Mr Lu.


    "Figure it out, by simply looking at the room, and then what you could have walked in on."


    With that Mr Lu realised that his son and daughter-inw had s*x in the lounge, and he could have walked in on they while they were doing so."5 Minutes, the study.Do not make me wait."


    With that he turned and walked away.As soon as he was out of sight, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, quickly grabbed the clothes that they had simply tossed around, and dressed as best they could, and raced to the study.


    After they sat down, Lu Jinhu turned to his father "Father, what is going on?"


    "That f**king Hou Yi.Our spies have finally gotten more information and gotten back to me.He has f**king married, some unknown woman, a w**re.Apparently, he has convinced his family, that he has loved this woman for months, and slowly been working on to get her to marry him, which she did yesterday.He also convinced them, that you Yang Lin, were simply a backup n.No one can find out who the woman is, so that will take time to find out."


    He contined "The other thing that we did not know about the deal, was that if he married, his father and grandfather would step down from all roles with Hou Enterprises, with Hou Yi, now bing chairman, as well as CEO.The vacant seat that was his father''s on the board, while not filled yet is able to be filled by anyone of his choosing at any time."


    "What!" yelled both Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.


    "How in the world did he get married?Why did we not know the specifics if he was sessful?" Lu Jinhu continued.


    "I have no idea about the marriage.As to the other, the Hou''s must have had a separate agreement prepared, other than the one we had ess to through our spies.I have tasked them to find out what they can about the new Madam Hou, so we can destroy her.I have taken a few steps, that while it will notpensate for not getting thepany, will take up chunks of time for them to address, and could cost them international deals.It was all that I could think of at the moment."


    "Father," piped up Yang Lin, "We have another couple of problems.We were not able to get a hold of that w**re''sptop for any period of time, and she has suddenly dropped off the face of the earth.She did not make the flight so I would guess that she is still in country."


    "Oh my god. We needed thatptop, so we could ess her employers systems, to get all the money we could and to find out Hou Enterprises ns in Australia, now we do not have it.How in the f**k could she just disappear?Yang Lin, I will speak to your parents and we will contact those officials we know, to have her arrested as soon as she surfaces.We should then be able to get thatptop.Hopefully it is not toote to get a huge chunk of money, to finish destroying her, and causing issues for the Hou Corporation as well."


    "Well father, you could have phoned and told us this.Just get out of here, and we will see you on Friday, for the public wedding ceremony.Do not bother us unless it is absolutely necessary,We have enough things on our te at the moment."


    With that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, left Mr Lu in the study, going to their master suite, where then engaged in another session of wild s*x.

 Chapter 68: Entering Hou Enterprises

    <h4>68 Entering Hou Enterprises</h4>


    The next morning, Hou Yi and Anna Jones were awoken by a knock on the master suite door.Anna awoke first and grabbed the semi-transparent red embroidered dressing gown to ce over her matching nightdress, that Hou Yi had convinced her to wearst night to keep up appearances to the staff.


    Anna noticed Hou Yi''s handiwork from work from the night before, with their clothes spread over the dark blue carpet and the cushions on the slightly lighter blue couch astray.As she headed to the door, she noticed the bathroom had been made look like, they had engaged in multiple bouts of s*x in there, both in the shower and in therge bath, water was split all over the floor.She went to the door and opened it to see Butler Ge.


    "Apologies Young Madam, it is 7am, and I was concerned that he Young Master was not awake, given he has to go into thepany today, and I understood that you were apanying him."


    "Butler Ge" came Hou Yi''s voice from behind Anna, just as he put his arms around her and bent and kissed her neck.


    Anna slightly turned, and said quietly "Darling, I thought you were asleep."She observed he had a pair of ck silk boxed shorts on, and had throw over him a short ck dressing gown, that was left undone.


    Hou Yi responded, "I awoke when you left the bed."In a much louder voice, he returned to look at Butler Ge "Please bring us breakfast as soon as possible, we will eat in here today."


    With that he shut the suite door and let go of Anna.He turned and said, "I would rmend you get into the shower first.I selectedst night some work style clothes, since you do not have your new suits, that will be fine for the office today.I have also arranged for a bodyguard to drive you to the office, and bring you home."


    Hou Yi paused, before continuing "I cannot provide too much security in the building, so we will have to rely on the internal CCTV.The bodyguard/driver, will be with my team, but if you need to leave the office, he will be avable to apany you.When you need toe and see me, he will be the one to do this.I would love to have better protection for you, but given we do not want anyone to know about you, I cannot do that."


    "I understand that.I will be OK.I can take care of myself."


    "Anna, given what happened on Tuesday, I simple want to make sure you are safe"


    Anna then went into the walk-in robe, and collected the clothes Hou Yi selected for her, being a Navy Blue zer and matching pants and a white shirt.She left the navy shoes, but collected some underwear, and entered the bathroom to shower then changed.When she got out of the bathroom, she noticed that Hou Yi was almost finished his breakfast, so she sat down and started her breakfast.Hou Yi showered and dressed while she was finishing her breakfast.


    As Hou Yi came out of the bathroom, Anna noticed that he was wearing a Navy business suit, almost the exact same colour tone of what he had selected for her.Anna collected her shoes, and put them off.Just before they were ready to leave the suite, Anna went to take off her rings and hand them to Hou Yi.


    Angrily Hou Yi said, "Do not take those rings off.They have been ced on your finger, and they are staying there.Importantly they will protect you in the office from being hit on by male staff."


    "Fine", snapped Anna, and with that she picked up her handbag, and they left the master suite.


    When they arrived downstairs, Hou Yi went into the study, and returned with his briefcase and Anna''sptop bag.As he handed the bag to her, Hou Yi leaned over and gave her a brief kiss, and whispered loud enough so anyone could hear, "I am just sorry that this is thest kiss in can give you until tonight." With that he dropped his briefcase, turned her in his arms and gave her a kiss on the lips.


    The next thing Anna knew was that she heard coughing behind them, and pulled back out of Hou Yi''s embrace, and noticing the two maids who she felt for some reason were untrustworthy and Butler Ge, she started to blush.Butler Ge spoke "Young Master, is there anything you need us to arrange for Young Madam?"


    "No.A crisis has arisen, that given her special talents she ising into the office to assist Assistant Wang in dealing with it.It has somewhat altered our ns.Please make sure that our suite is cleaned, ready for us, and advise the chef, for a simple meal to be ready for us on our return.One of us will let you know when we areing home."


    Hou Yi, turned, picked up his briefcase, and taking Anna''s hand walked into the elevator, and the both went down to the car park.On the way down, Hou Yi indicated, I know it will be wasteful, but we will have to take 2 cars, as I do not want to tip our hand."


    When the doors on the elevator opened, Hou Yi escorted Anna to the second, smaller silver vehicle of the two and helped her into the back seat.He then lifted up her hand and gave it a brief kiss, before closing the door.He then went and climbed into his vehicle.Both vehicles left and headed to Hou Enterprises, Hou Yi arriving 20 minutester, and going straight to his office.


    Anna, due to getting held up in traffic arrived 5 minutester and approached reception, in speaking to the receptionist she said "Hello, my name is Anna Jones, I am from ANX Lawyers in Australia, and I have an urgent appointment with Assistant Wang Long.Could you please telephone him and let him know I have arrived."


    "Assistant Wang Long does not see anyone."


    "Please call him, this appointment was arrangedst night due to an emergency with a project in Australia, and I havee to resolve the matter."With that Anna reached in and pulled out her passport, carefully removing the copy of her marriage certificate stored with her passport, and showing it, saying "This confirms my identification, now please call Assistant Wang Long, or I will be calling my boss who will be calling the CEO, which I do think you want."


    Before the receptionist could make the call, Assistant Wang, walked out of an elevator, towards reception.As he arrived "Ms Jones, it is good to see you again.If you coulde with me to the Legal Department.I have a space set up for you to work."With that he walked back towards the elevators, and Anna followed him.

 Chapter 69: The Witches of the Legal Departmen

    <h4>69 The Witches of the Legal Departmen</h4>


    After Assistant Wang asked her to apany him to the Legal Department, Anna turned and looked at the receptionist, who despite wearing what Anna realised was designer clothes, as she had seen some of the same yesterday when looking with Du AnLing and Leng Xi.


    Anna wondered how a receptionist could have afforded such clothing.She doubted that the receptionists parents were rich, and wondered who was using paying her.She immediately thought of Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, as the people doing this, as they stood to benefit from information.Given the nature of business here she really doubted that it was otherpanies doing it.Anna immediately thought to herself, interesting, I wonder how many other spies there are here answering to Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.


    The elevator stopped at the third floor, and Assistant Wang indicated to Anna to exit the lift.He walked across the foyer and opened a door on the left side of the foyer, ushering Anna in before him.


    As he entered, a middle age woman, about 5 foot 7 inches, wearing a ck business suit, with a pencil skirt approached him "Assistant Wang, Wee to the female only section within Legal Department.How can we help you."


    "Supervisor An, this is Ms Jones, from Hou Enterprises Australian Lawyers.We are lucky that she was in country and has temporarilye in to assist us with an urgent matter.As there is office space in here that is secure., so she will be working in here.You are to provide her with any assistance she requires.Please make her feel quite wee."


    Assistant Wang paused, as he knew what he was about to say would not go down too well "Ms Jones, may be a more permanent member of the legal team.Her husband is from City T, and she is likely to be permanently taking a part-time position here, working with her current Australian employers to assist in dealing with Australian Legal Issues so the CEO does not have to travel as much to Australia.At the moment, she knows that as she needs to, in dealing with the present matter that she is toe to the CEO''s office as and when she needs to, to speak to the CEO or have him sign documents."


    "Are you certain Assistant Wang, that she cane and go freely from the CEO''s office?"Supervisor An was quite shocked, as no one was allowed toe freely like that.They had to have appointments well in advance to enter the CEO''s office.


    "Supervisor An, did you not hear me, she can.The present matter is pressing and cannot wait to be dealt with."Assistant Wang was angry about the disrespect being shown to him, to CEO Hou, and to Madam Hou.He had to stay calm as he knew from the orders of CEO Hou no one was to know that Madam Hou was his wife.


    Assistant Wang walked past Supervisor An, signalling for Anna to follow him, and showed her into an empty office, closing the door behind him.


    In a much quieter voice "Apologies Madam Hou.Please do not let CEO Hou know of the dy and that issue, it will not be worth my job.As CEO Hou''s wife, or what wemonly here call the ''Lady Boss'' here is your pass to Hou Enterprises.It will get you anywhere within any Hou Enterprises building, but please keep it safe.CEO Hou, asked me to give you this," and with that he handed her a piece of paper "as it is the intr password for the CEO''s personal intr within the building.Supervisor An, will give you the details for the general intr that is used within the legal department.Also, CEO Hou asks if at lunch time, about 1pm, if you could join him in his office for ''lunch''."


    "Not a problem." Replied Anna quietly.


    As he was walking out of the door, Assistant Wang said loudly so Supervisor An would hear "Ms Jones, if you need anything please contact me."


    Outside the office Anna, saw a stunned Supervisor An, and three other women standing outside not believing what they heard.The four women rushed their way into the office.


    Supervisor An, spoke "Who in the world are you?"


    "As Assistant Wang indicated Supervisor An, my name is Anna Jones.I am awyer employed by ANX Lawyers in Melbourne, Australia.My husband and I were married a couple of days ago here in City T, as it is his home town.Do you think I really want to be here, rather than enjoying my honeymoon, if this was not an emergency?"


    Anna hoped she said thest part with enough frustration, so these women would get the message, that she really did not want to be here.What woman, supposedly on her honeymoon would want to be in an office working.


    Anna, then continued in a somewhat more calmer and normal voice "I was contacted yesterday, by my employers about dealing with an urgent matter regarding Hou Enterprises Australian Subsidiary.They made the arrangements with Assistant Wang for me toe in and deal with the matter.This prevents CEO Hou, who by the way I have met previously, from having to travel to Australia to deal with the matter."


    Anna noticed that Supervisor An and the other women werepletely annoyed that they cosy work arrangements were somewhat disrupted by an outsider.Supervisor An, the most, which made Anna wonder about her loyalties.


    Supervisor An, however quickly masked her look, andmented "Thesedies are Lawyers Deng, Mei and Bei."


    "Ladies, nice to meet you.Supervisor An, Assistant Wang indicated that you would be able to give me the details to log into the local intr.Could I please get this, as I do not have time to waste."


    "Well, miss you will just have to wait until I am ready to give it to you.You are nothing here, and when all four of us are ready, you can have it.We are thewyers, you have no rights here."


    Anna realised with that that Supervisor An, was angry, and potentially a threat to Hou Enterprises.However she was not certain of the nature of the threat, was it to the business itself or was it because Anna had easy ess to Hou Yi.


    With that the four walked out of the room, leaving the door wide open.Anna went to close the door, and overheard the four of them saying


    "Who does she think she is."


    "I bet she has only met CEO Hou in passing, if at all."


    "I would have spent more time with CEO Hou than her, and will always do so."


    "She is a no one, I bet she is not even awyer just some assistant."


    "She is so pushy."


    "I do not believe she has just gotten married, she is just here with a love.r"


    "Who would want to marry her anyway."


    "Let us make her wait all day for that intr details, then she can get nothing done."


    "I bet she has manipted Assistant Wang, to have him show her deference."


    "We need to back each other up and tell everyone we gave her the details, she simply lost them and did not ask."


    "Let us make everything so difficult for her"


    Anna decided that was enough, and closed the door not wanting to hear them anymore, thinking to herself ''Ladies, if I told my husband what you just said you would all be out of a job like that.''With that Anna took out herptop, plugged it in and used the details Assistant Wang gave her for Hou Yi''s intr.

 Chapter 70: Do you want to deal with them?

    <h4>70 Do you want to deal with them?</h4>


    Thursday, continue ...


    As she realised that the witches she had just met in the Legal Department were going to give her little help and dy her work, she logged into the CEO''s intr.


    As soon as she logged in, up came a message thread box, with the name Hou Yi, and she received a text message on her phone, with the ID Darling Husband.


    The text message read ''Anna, the CEO''s intr, is the only internal inte system not monitored by security staff.The only people with ess are family, and Assistant Wang.That group includes you.The dialogue box that popped up us me, so you can message me, and there is avable a separate one for Assistant Wang if you need to message him.Can you reply in that.''


    ''Got it Yi.''


    ''Anna, heads up that there is CCTV and audio recording throughout the building the only ces not monitored are inside bathrooms, and my office.''


    ''So what about it''


    ''It is not only my bodyguards that monitor this, the normal security staff will be as well''


    ''OK''


    ''At the bottom of your screen there will be a further box, next to the dialogue boxes for Assistant Wang and I''


    ''Found it''


    ''OK when you are logged onto this intr, it automatically turns off the surveince in your office, but if you need to, you can click that button and it will re-start it for 30 minutes unless you turn it off.''


    ''Additionally, can you promise me, when you leave the office, even if it only to go to the bathroom, that you log out of this intr, so no one can ess it.''


    ''Will do.Why did you contact me anyway?You are wasting my time as I need to deal with this matter.''


    ''Not a problem, I will leave you in a few minutes to do that.Do you want me to do anything about the women out there?''


    ''What do you mean''


    ''As soon as Assistant Wang left, they were heard talking about you.The bodyguards were concerned that they may be physical so they showed me the footage.I heard everything that they were saying before and after your closed the door.I can fire them if you want.''


    ''And give away the game.Even a quick nce at the documentsst night led me to take a view that there is likely a spy for the Lu''s in the legal department.I actually think that the receptionist that greeted me is a spy for them.Her clothing screamed designer, and I actually believe I saw it in one of the shops I was in yesterday.As to the spy in the legal department, given how those four are, I would not doubt that one of them is the spy, although it could be a male who Yang Lin, was doing something for.Unless that is urring, I would guess most of the spies are women as Lu Jinhu is, as I can attest, great at manipting women.''


    ''Clever you.I figured that they likely had one spy, but you could be right about there being more in thepany.''


    ''We just have to narrow down the spies and use them against the Lu''s.I will start here in the legal department.I am betting as I havee in and already stepped on toes, their spy in this department will within the next hour or so, be searching my name and details on the inte, and before lunch time will have contracted the Lu''s or Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu and advised them that I am here, so they can try and have me arrested''


    ''Well why do you think I want you here for lunch''


    ''You better leave me alone, so I can get to this work.Let me know once the spy in this department starts to act.''


    ''Will do.See you at lunch, if not before''


    Anna, then opened the legal programs and her emails.She went through and found the emails from work, read them, and pulled out a note pad and pen from theptop bag, making a few notes.She soon became immersed in reading the document that she needed to review.However about 15 minutester, Hou Yi came back into the dialogue box.


    ''Anna, you were right, Lawyer Mei and Supervisor An, both searched your details on the inte, and then sent text messages and made a call.We were not able to make out who the text messages were sent to or who there call was to, but I am guessing at least one of them sent a message to the Lu''s.I''ve sent one of the bodyguards down into the legal research area, and if needed they wille straight in.''


    ''OK, I should be through the first few documents in the next 30 or so minutes.How can I print off what I need you to sign?''


    ''When you go into your printer settings, you should find one that reads CEO Office.That will print in my office but to use it, you need the password you used to log into the intr, as you have to input it for each document you print.Message me and Assistant Wang when you areing up''


    "OK.Message you soon''


    Anna returned to the documents and finished the first batch she needed to go over with Hou Yi in 20 minutes, so she, as per her instructions started to print them off.


    Suddenly she heard a noise outside, and clicked and opened the CCTV recording box on the intr settings and went into the dialogue box


    ''Yi, I think there is a problem.There are some men outside here, in an official uniform.I think that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin know I am here and they are making a move with respect to me electronics.''


    ''Anna one of the bodyguards will be there immediately.When you need to get them into the room, close the door and talk to them.If needed I cane down.''


    ''Let us try and avoid that.''


    With that there was a knock on the door, so Anna spoke "Pleasee in and shut the door behind you."


    With that 4 men entered the room, but they refused to shut the door.The lead one spoke "Miss Anna Jones, we are from the immigration department and are here to arrest you for both being illegally in this country and working without work rights.We are going to seize all items in your possession."

 Chapter 71: Spooked by Immigration

    <h4>71 Spooked by Immigration</h4>


    Thursday continue ...


    Anna, was terrified at the thought that the immigration officials, if they were truly that, would arrest her.Damn.She had no idea that the move by Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu would be like this.However given how they acted, she realised that she should have expected something crazy like this from them.


    Before Anna could respond, the bodyguard who drove her to work this morning, entered the department and came towards the room.Another of the immigration officers stationed outside the room spoke up "Sir, you have no rights to be here, leave."


    However, the bodyguard was able to force himself into the room past the two immigration officials outside the room and shut the door, before saying "Madam Hou, do you need help."


    "Not right at the moment.Yi said if I need him, to call him" replied Anna.


    While she spoke, Anna quickly messaged Yi, saying ''turning off intr now,'' and with that she logged out of the intr to protect it.


    The first immigration official said "Madam Hou?"


    With that Anna, decided that she needed to stop this before it got to far.With that she reached down, and picked up her handbag, pulling out her passport, and her marriage certificate copy."I think that these will rify my situation, but you cannot take them with you."


    With that she opened her passport and the certified copy of her marriage certificate, and the first immigration officer looked at both documents."I do not believe that the marriage certificate is a real copy.You need to show me a real copy"


    "Sir, that is secure at home."


    "Well as you cannot produce it now, I will have to arrest you and seize everything here."


    "I do not think that you want to do that, as it will seriously annoy my husband.What happens if I can get my husband here.Will that help?"


    "We do not care who your husband is, this is fake."


    With that four more people arrived in the department, and they chased the women into one office and made sure the door was closed.One stood outside that door to keep them there and the remaining three stood outside the room Anna was in.One looked like one of the bodyguards for yesterday, so she guessed that Hou Yi sent them down.


    Anna''s mobile started ringing, and she looked and noticed that it was Hou Yi calling.She answered, and put it on speaker, so everyone could hear "Hi darling.I have in my office four immigration officers.They want to arrest me saying that I am illegally in the country and have no right to be working here."


    "Sweetheart, Assistant Wang is on his way down.He has the originals of our marriage certificate, your household register and our household register.If that is not enough, he will escort them up to my office, and I guess you might as welle up to, so we can resolve it without to much difficultly because you wereing up anyway."


    "Ok darling."Anna looked up and spotted Assistant Wang walking in the department door."Assistant Wang has just arrived.Do you want to stay on the phone?"


    "I think I will if you are OK with that."


    By then Assistant Wang was let into the office, and the door was closed behind him.The room was getting very crowded, but at least what was happening was kept quiet.


    "Madam Hou apologies for this.Gentleman, I am Wang Long and I am the personal assistant for CEO Hou Yi, of the Hou Enterprises. CEO Hou has given me the originals of his and Madam Hou''s Marriage Certificate, Madam Hou''s household register, and their joint household register, all issued two days ago by the Civil Administration Bureau.I also have copies of each of these for you to check and keep.Additionally, on an email in my office is the footage provided by the Civil Administration Bureau that shows the issuing of the marriage certificate to CEO Hou and Madam Hou."


    "Let me look at those" responded the first official.He picked up each document separately and started to examine them.Once he had finished, he indicated "They look like they are originals, but I am doubtful until I see this so-called footage.Miss, I doubt that you are married to CEO Hou."


    "Fine, have your doubts, but I expect an apology when I can prove it.Give me a moment, and I will pack up the items I have here and carry them with me up to my husband''s office, as I am aware that you want to seize them.If you are not satisfied then and after you contact the Civil Administration Bureau to confirm our marriage, then you can take them as you said you wanted."


    With that Anna, unplugged herptop, and ced it back in its case.She picked it up, along with her Handbag, and the pass key that Assistant Wang had given her previously.With her head held high she walked out of the legal department with the immigration officials, Assistant Wang and the bodyguards behind her.As Supervisor An opened the room door that they were in Anna heard one woman say "Thank god that fake is being taken away."

 Chapter 72: Shutting Immigration Down

    <h4>72 Shutting Immigration Down</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    Anna Jones, decided, rather than worry about what was happening in the section of the Legal Department she had been working in presently, her immediate focus needed to be in dealing with immigration.


    Anna walked to the elevator bank, and entered the elevator with three bodyguards and all but one of the immigration officials.when the doors closed, she used the pass card, Assistant Wang provided her earlier, she selected the level she instinctively knew where Hou Yi''s office would be located, and the elevator had everyone there within seconds, and everyone exited the elevator.about 30 secondster another elevator door opened and out came Assistant Wang, the remaining bodyguards and immigration official.


    Before Assistant Wang moved, Anna handed him herptop bag and handbag.At the same time he passed to her the original marriage certificate and household registers that he had.He realised that Anna needed to have him keep them safe and whispered "Madam Hou, I will keep a hold of these for you."


    Assistant Wang, then led everyone to Hou Yi''s outer office.In the short walk there, Anna could feel the eyes of a number of staff members, watching her, wondering who she was.Just as they arrived in the outer office, Hou Yi opened the door to his actual office.Anna simply wandered in and the stunned immigration officials followed her in.Immediately, once the bodyguards blocked anyone seeing into the room, Hou Yi pulled Anna gently into his arms, kissed her and quietly asked "Are you OK sweetheart?"


    "I am fine Yi.All I want to do is get this sorted out." came Anna''s quite reply


    "Not a problem."Hou Yi with Anna''s hand in his walked over and sat down on a couch pulling Anna down to sit on hisp. He immediately took the hand he still had a hold of up to his lips and kissed it, and then helped Anna sit in such a way that she wasfortable on hisp.Anna leaned back into Hou Yi, who was rxed and calm about what was happening.


    These actions surprised the immigration officials, as anything any of them had heard about Hou Yi was he was aloof and never showed emotion.Their observation was theplete opposite.All he was doing was disying emotion, and apparently could not keep the hands of the woman that imed she was his wife.


    When Hou Yi called out "Assistant Wang, can you please arrange that footage for these men to see now," he was ying with Anna''s hair, while she had apparently slipped a hand in between two buttons on his shirt.She had, from her initial position, moved partly to the side, slipped off her shoes and stretched out on the couch, sitting beside Hou Yi, but with her legs over hisp.


    The lead immigration official, who was from the illegal workers section, started to wonder if this woman was telling the truth. and the information received was wrong.He looked and noticed that CEO Hou had a wedding ring on, which looked as if it matched that on the woman in question.


    Hou Yi paused his actions and looked directly at the immigration officials."Gentleman, what is the issue?"


    The lead immigration official, cleared his throat but before he could say anything Assistant Wang came into the room."CEO Hou, Madam Hou, I have sent the footage through to the television for these officials to view."He walked and picked up a remote, then handed it to Hou Yi, and left the room, shutting the door behind him.


    "Gentleman, please find yourself a seat.Hopefully this footage will put to pay any doubts about the authenticity of our marriage."With that, he hit y on the remote, which closed the blinds on the widows, and started footage, date and time-stamped clearly disying their movements into the Civil Administration Bureau, and then into the room with Official Song, and the process to obtain the marriage certificate.


    All but one of the immigration officials were focused on the footage.One however was carefully watching Anna or Hou Yi, who not only were ignoring the footage, but seemed lost in their own world with their attention solely focused on the other, ignoring everyone else around them.


    It was only when they heard the first official say "CEO Hou" that they realised that the footage had finished, and the officials wanted to speak to them again.


    "Yes", replied Hou Yi.


    "We need to do one more thing, given that there is on the national records no official recording of your marriage certificate having been issued, is we have to contact this Official Song to confirm"


    "Well we were married less than two days ago, so it does not surprise me that it has not been recorded on the national database.Anyway, stop looking at us strange.Work forced me in to the office, and other issues have now dragged my wife here.Our honeymoon ns have been dyed, so we are taking whatever time we can together."With this Anna reached up and kissed Hou Yi on the lips.While short, the immigration officials viewed that Hou Yi reluctantly pulled away from what looked like it was about to be an extremely passionate kiss.


    Hou Yi continued "Feel free to use the phone on my desk to call the Civil Administration Bureau to confirm what you need to.As you know and will be confirmed on our marriage my wife gained citizenship here.We simply have not had the time to have local identity documents issued, nor a passport from here issued.However due tows on her marriage, she does not lose her Australian Citizenship but we and Australia simply regard her as a dual national."


    With that, the first immigration official picked up the telephone, and called the Civil Administration Bureau.It was very clear within a few minutes, he was able to get the confirmation that he needed that Hou Yi and Anna''s marriage certificate and the other documents were in fact genuine, and he ended the call.


    "Apologies CEO Hou, Madam Hou, for all the misunderstanding.The information we had, in one respect said that Madam Hou, you were an Australian Lawyer working here and nothing within any system indicated you had any permission to work here.Clearly you do, and base on what you have told us, it is an emergency situation that has brought you into Hou Enterprises.The other piece of information was that you hade here to get married and failed to marry who you were to marry, which automatically would revoke your visa, however you are legally married, so this was incorrect.Is there anything we can do?"


    Anna turned to Hou Yi, and realised exactly what needed to be said."Look, we can understand that you need to follow up these reports.However, we are not ready to go public with our marriage and would ask that you keep as minimal information as you need in your records, but more importantly tell no one that you do not have to about our marriage.Can you do that?"


    "We can," said all four officials together


    "Well if that concludes your business with us, would you mind leaving us alone please," came Hou Yi''s short and sharp reply


    With that the immigration officials left the room, all realising that they had some momentous news that they had just agreed to keep as quiet as possible.One official was torn about keeping the secret.He had volunteered to his boss to be involved and had clear instructions to secure theptop his boss told him was highly important.However he was unable to do so.

 Chapter 73: 30 Minutes Later

    <h4>73 30 Minutes Later</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    Thirty minutes after the Immigration Officials left Hou Yi''s office, satisfied that he and Anna Jones were married, and therefore she had the right to stay and work, they all arrived back in their sections within the local immigration department office..


    One official, had the task of going into his superior''s office, and telling him that he has failed at the task he had been given.On walking in, he looked directly at Officer Yang Meghwa, realising that he was not going to be able to give a satisfactory exnation.


    "Where is that Laptop?Which cell is that girl in?"Yang Meghwa demanded.


    "Supervisor Yang ¡­"


    "Answer my questions, now!" Yang Meghwa demanded even more firmly.


    "I have to apologise to Supervisor Yang, but the woman you wanted me to report on being locked up was not able to be detained, and I was unable to get a hold of herptop."


    "What!" Yang Meghwa screamed."You had one task to ensure happened and failed."


    "This lowly worker has to apologise to Supervisor Yang, in failing in the tasks that he was given.The woman in question was able to satisfy the team leader on this raid from he section in charge that she had a valid right to be in the country and work.I saw none of the documentation that confirmed this, but observed some evidence that wold support the conclusion from the team leader.I tried everything to get a hold of thatptop but was unsessful.My apologies Supervisor Yang."


    "Just get out of here." Yang Meghwa demanded.As his subordinate failed to get theptop, he believed he needed to speak to the team leader on the raid, to see what other information he could find, before reporting to his cousin and her husband another failure to get a hold of thatptop.


    Yang Meghwa, walked along the corridor to and entered a new section.He asked "I was just wondering who was the team leader for the group that went to Hou Enterprises, about that report of a woman working illegally, who was the same person we had a report about being illegally in the country?I need a little information to finalise our file."


    A man stood up from a desk in the back of the room "That would be me Supervisor Yang.I have given a report to my supervisor, and he was taking it up the chain, and I believe both matters were going to be rolled together, and finalised based on the report."


    "That is all well and good, until that requestes down to me, I have to work to finalise our file.All my subordinate was able to tell me was that you reviewed the documentation and were satisfied that this woman not only had the right to remain in country, but the right to work.What was that evidence?"


    "Supervisor Yang, my supervisor has agreed that that information cannot specifically be disclosed.There are a number of reasons for this, including the woman''s upation and identity.I am able to confirm that the documentary evidence was confirmed and the woman in question had the right to remain in country and work.Additionally, this was verified due to other observations that I made.My supervisor has directed that any additional queries have to be directed to him."


    "Fine", snapped Yang Meghwa, and he stormed, returning to his office.He realised that he was not going to get anything more at this time due to the games being yed.It may take a few days to get the information, though other means, but he had to tell Yang Lin and Lu JInhu, that there was another failure to secure thatptop.


    Yang Meghwa, located his mobile phone and his cigarettes, and called out to his staff, "I need to have a cigarette break."With that he hurried outside and found a location to have a quick few puffs of his cigarette.


    Once he did this, he located Lu Jinhu''s mobile number, as he knew that he would be more reasonable to deal with and dialled.Lu Jinhu answered within 3 rings, sawing "Yang Meghwa, tell me you have thatptop."


    "Lu Jinhu, I am sorry to report to you and my cousin I failed.Your tip as to her location came in about 10 minutes after a tip from a Lawyer Mei at Hou Enterprises, stating that this Anna Jones was illegally working in county.As another section deals with those, they were given the case to run, the best that I could do was get someone on the team."


    He paused briefly then continued "Somehow, she apparently convinced the team leader of the raid that she had the right to remain in country and to work.All I know if that that team leader saw satisfactory evidence to prove this, but I cannot get ess to any of that information at present.I will try in a few days, when information will be within IT systems, but that is the best that I can do at the moment."


    "F**k.We needed that damnptop urgently.Somehow that b**tard Hou Yi, has satisfied his father and grandfather and is keeping thepany.We need it now.However theptop is the key to get millions from Hou Enterprises, and deal with the b**ch I had to cosy up to for years.Keep me updated as to what you can find out, even if all it is, is where she is located."


    "Apologies Lu Jinhu, I will keep trying."With that Yang Meghwa ended the call, and returned into his office to continue with his work.


    Lu Jinhu, walked over to Yang Lin and gently woke her up."Did Yang Meghwa get thatptop for us?Is that w**re in a cell?"


    Lu Jinhu, braced himself for Yang Lin''s reaction that he knew wasing "Sorry honey, no he did not get theptop and she somehow convinced other immigration officials that she has the right to remain in country and work."

 Chapter 74: Meanwhile at Hou Enterprises

    <h4>74 Meanwhile at Hou Enterprises</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    Immediately on the Immigration Officials leaving Hou Yi office, he and Anna separated.


    "Thank goodness that is over," Anna said in relief."I was about ready to scream."


    Hou Yi got up, and walked over to his desk, and opened hisptop.He immediately saw a message, about the immigration officials presence.So he quickly read the message, and spoke"Anna, we have some more information.Lawyer Mei, called immigration expressing a concern that you were working illegally, but Supervisor An called Yang Lin''s personal assistant.Well we know that she is a spy for Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu."


    "Well I can use that when I go back to the Legal Department.We just have to figure out who else are the spies."


    "The receptionist who was on duty when you arrived also is.Unlike Supervisor An, who at least made the call from her mobile, in an area that she thought was not covered by the cameras and recording, this woman simply made the call from her desk."


    "Two down then.Make sure that she is on duty on reception when I arrive and go to leave each day.She will automatically call and make a report.The fact that I am moving around freely will drive them insane."


    Anna paused, and thought further."We need to get to those documents I printed earlier."


    Hou Yi gathered the documents from the printer, while Anna went and collected herptop bag and purse from Assistant Wang.Assistant Wang, quietly mentioned "Madam Hou, can you please let CEO Hou know that lunch for you will be delivered at 1pm."


    Anna returned in, and shut the door behind her, dropping her handbag, and theptop on the couch, and walked over to the desk."Assistant Wang said lunch would be delivered¡­"Anna paused and looked at her watch "¡­in 30 minutes.We should be able to get though all of this in that time."


    With that, both concentrated on the work in front of them with Anna exined the documents to Hou Yi, who signed them when he was satisfied with them.About 5 minutes before lunch was due, they were finished, and Anna stuck her head out handing the documents that were signed and asked Assistant Wang "Could you please scan and email these to me, then send these back by the quickest international mail to ANX in Melbourne.My email is listed on the documents.Thanks.CEO Hou indicated as soon as you have done that, to take lunch.If you are here please send in lunch when it arrives."


    Anna closed the door, and before she sat down on the couch, Hou Yi moved her handbag andptop, and she sat down.


    Hou Yi, sighed then said, "I would guess that Lu JInhu and Yang Lin are likely to have at least one spy in the catering team.They have reasonably free ess to this floor, and when directed can enter this office.Are you OK with putting on, like with the immigration officials another little show?"


    "Well to mess with those two, well and truly.What is the n?"


    With that Hou Yi, took off his jacket, and dropped it on the floor, he undid and threw his tie partway across the room, and three buttons on his shirt."I need to partially unzip your dress, and am going topletely undo your hair, if you are OK."


    Anna reached up and undid her hair, for Hou Yi, reached and partially unzipped Anna''s dress.He partially sat and partiallyid down on the couch and urged Anna toy on top of him.As they heard the door handle turn, he took Anna''s face in his hands ensuring the wedding band was visible andmenced to kiss her, and Anna put her left hand on his shoulder, again making sure her wedding ring was visible and the other inside the partially undone shirt.


    As the catering staff came in to set up for lunch, they heard "Oh My God, we are so sorry CEO Hou."


    With that Hou Yi reluctantly ended the kiss but made sure that he could keep Anna''s face hidden, and said, in a harsh voice, "Leave it there and get out, shutting the door behind you, and tell Assistant Wang or whoever is out there we do not want to be disturbed."


    The Catering staff clearly understood the apparent message, from Hou Yi, ''how dare you interrupt us, just leave is alone, as we have something that we want to be doing''.He was also certain that two of the catering staff saw both his and Anna''s wedding bands and recognised that they were a matching set.


    Once they heard the door shut. Anna quickly stood up and turned her back to Hou Yi for him to re-zip her dress up, and once he did that, he re-buttoned his shirt, and picked up the jacket and tie to put back on.


    Hou Yi then said "I think that worked.The two women definitely saw both our wedding rings and realised that they matched, so we can safely say it will be over the whole building before the end of the day that I am married and was caught by staff making out with my wife in my office.They did not see your face, so who my wife is will remain a mystery.I wonder how many of the spies nted in this building will call Lu Jinhu, Yang Lin and their families to tell them that."


    "Hopefully it will flush out a few more spies.I would love to be able to see their reaction when they first get the news about that.


    "Let us have some lunch.I think it will need to be around 2pm that you leave, and return back to the female legal office, for this afternoon."

 Chapter 75: Yang Lins Anger

    <h4>75 Yang Lin''s Anger</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    "What in the world to you mean that Yang Meghwa did not get thatptop.Why in the word is that w**re not locked up.We had it all worked out, and somehow, she is avoiding us being able to finish her off," screamed Yang Lin


    "Lin, calm down. You know it will not help the baby.All Yang Meghwa has been able to find out is that information is being protected by someone to protect her.He has no idea who it is, because the section that led the raid was not his.Another section received a tip before we were able tomunicate her location to him.


    Lu Jinhu paused briefly, then continued "Some how she convinced the team leader of the raid that she had the right to remain in country and had the right to work.The problem is we do not know what she used to do that.The best that he could do was get someone on the team, who has been able to give us the information we have, but they have little information to provide."


    "That b**ch.She was meant to be out of way, in jail, hopefully to rot there, while we got on with our lives.She is like a cat, has nine lives, and more importantly for some reason someone is protecting her.I need to know who, because I want to take them down."


    Yang Lin paused for a second "Then there is Hou Enterprises.Who in the world did Hou Yi marry, as I thought we had done enough to ensure that he could not, and it would be yourpany.We need to try and destroy that marriage, so we can get thatpany, as it was meant to be ourpany."


    Before they could talk any further, both Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu received multiple text message notifications, and Yang Lin''s phone started ringing.Yang Lin answered her telephone, and as told by their spy in the catering staff


    "Miss Yang, apologies for calling you, but I thought you needed to know.I was on the catering team that was tasked today with serving CEO Hou his lunch in this office.We had been requested to provide a meal for two people, nothing unusual in that request, but what we found when we walked in was."


    "Tell me what you walked in on?"


    "None of us ever thought we would see it.While it is not unusual for CEO Hou to have women in his office for meetings, this was not a meeting.They were oblivious to us entering, as ¡­"


    "Tell me as what?"


    "Miss Yang, for want of a better term, they were making out, and partially undressed.When CEO Hou realised we were there, he ensured that we did not observe the woman''s face and simply told us to get out.His reactions simply implied that we was intending to continue what we had interrupted.The one other thing I noticed, was that he and the woman in his arms had matching wedding bands on.Further, it has been 20 minutes since we left the office, and no one has seen any sight of this woman leaving the CEO''s office."


    "Try and find out who this woman is, and contact me as soon as you do."


    "Yes Miss Yang."


    Yang Lin, terminated the call, and turned to Lu Jinhu, who ha just finished reading the text messages he had received.


    "What did your text say?"


    "I received messages from either our 10 spies within Hou Enterprises or their cut-out contacts.The only one I did not receive a message from was our spy in the catering staff.Apparently Hou Yi was observed making out with a woman wearing a wedding band identical to the one he was wearing, but no one saw her enter or could see her face, and apparently she has not left his office."


    "Well my call was from the catering staff spy.She was in the group taking Hou Yi his meal and walked in on that.Apparently, he was annoyed that whatever he and the woman, who may be his wife were doing was interrupted."


    "S**t, it appears that it was a love match them, particrly if you add that to the information we received from those two maids that you have manipted into informing for you in Hou Yi''s apartment.They were clear that apparently on their wedding day, even before going to see the rest of the Hou family, they had wild s*x."


    Lu Jihnu continued "They also told us that this morning the evidence in their suite when it was cleaned was that they could not wait to get their hands on each other when they entered their suite.It is a pity that they are banned from having their mobiles or any electronic devices in the apartment, otherwise photos would be useful to identify this woman, and for some reason they are reluctant to describe her, I wonder why?"


    "Most likely as they do not want to be in a situation where the information can be directly traced to them.I do not disagree about having the information, but at the same time, our spies in ce need to protect themselves to give us useful information."


    Yang Lin paused, and again realised how annoyed she was at the whole situation.That b**ch Anna Jones had thwarted their ns to get as much money as they could, and some unknown s**t has married Hou Yi to prevent them from getting Hou Enterprises.Why would the world be so cruel to them, when they finally were able to live together, as they had always intended.

 Chapter 76: Returning to the Legal Departmen

    <h4>76 Returning to the Legal Departmen</h4>


    Thursday, continues ...


    After finishing their lunch, Hou Yi and Anna Jones sat down and contemted the spies that Lu Jinhu, Yang Lin and their families had within Hou Enterprises.


    The quickly agreed that two had been identified.Supervisor An and the receptionist.While they were uncertain as to who it was, they also were certain that there was someone in the catering staff, most likely one of the staff that delivered their meal.


    As they discussed the matter, they questioned where other spies were located.They agreed, that logically one would be in the finance department, and another in the travel department because this would enable them to keep track of financial information and Hou Yi''s travel arrangements.That would mean at least five spies.The question was how many more.


    About 1:50pm, Hou Yi turned to Anna "I guess I need to make the arrangements for you to return back down to the legal department so that you can continue going through the documents, and we can deal with the issues for the current development in Australia."


    "Yi, I would bet that they have a spy in the department responsible for that project as well."


    "Most likely.I am going to speak to the bodyguards so that they can work at getting you at without being identified and they you cane back in."


    Hou Yi paused, and reached beside the couch, handing Anna a small brown paper bag."Now please do not get angry, but we have to make it seem like we took what the catering staff interrupted."


    With that Hou Yi pointed to a door."Over there is a suite, containing a bedroom.I use it when I have veryte night or early morning conferences so I do not have to travel Home.And before you ask, I have not slept with any woman there.While I make the arrangements with the bodyguards, can you mess everything up in there like we had s*x, spray a little bit of your perfume in the bedding, and leave these ''spare'' underpants of yours there as if we could not locate them before you left."


    "Yi, you seem to have a dirty mind."


    "Well we need to try and mess with Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s minds.They need to wonder who my wife is, and send a message that we cannot keep our hands off each other.It may seem petty, ut it is fun to n these things to mess with them.Just imagine their faces the first time that we meet them as a couple, and they then have to deal with all the stories of our s*x life that their spies have reported back."


    "I just thought that we were just trying to locate spies."


    "That is part of it, but I did promise that I would help you get your revenge.Doing this is a little part of it.We show people just enough to suggest what is happening and let them draw their conclusions."


    Hou Yi paused, and then continued "While I have picked it up from your actions when we are alone, you are ufortable with this, I am happy that you are willing to y along.OK we cannot waste any more time, let us get organised."


    Within a few minutes, they organised themselves, and as Hou Yi opened the office door, for Anna to leave, he saw the ring of bodyguards to protect her identity.Before he handed her, her handbag andptop bag, She reached up, put her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss for anyone to see.She reluctantly pulled away, and he handed her the two bags.


    As Anna was walking away, Hou Yi called out "Thank you darling for your visit.See you at home tonight."With that Anna, raised her hand, and waved it ensuring that everyone could see her wedding and engagement rings.


    With the tight circle of bodyguards around her, Anna was escorted into the lift, and downstairs through reception and into a waiting car, which drove off.About one kilometre away, the car stopped, and Anna was helped out, into a waiting Taxi.The bodyguard apologised to her for not apanying her back, and he would collect her tonight when she finished.Anna understood that what they were doing was selling a story to thepany.


    Anna arrived back at Hou Enterprises just after 2pm, and after paying the taxi, ran through the foyer, catching the lift back up to the Legal Department, entering the female legal department.Supervisor An, when she entered responded "What are you doing here?"


    "Supervisor An, I have to apologise.I resolved matters with immigration to their satisfaction, but I had not been able to return until now.I need to start on my work, as the dys from now will be costing Hou Enterprises significant money, so please provide me with the local intr login.If you refuse, I will contact Assistant Wang, and advise him that you are obstructing me doing the job that I am here to do."


    Supervisor An,believed that when Anna was taken away by immigration, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin obtained what they needed, and this woman would not return.However here she was, and implying that if she did not provide the intr login CEO Hou would hear about it, which she did not need.


    Supervisor An, knew that she did not need this, as the first time she met CEO Hou, she fell in love with him, and anything that would bring her to his attention negatively would prevent her from achieving her long-term goal, or marrying him.


    She knew that Yang Lin had married someone else yesterday, which made her goal more possible.The only concern was the rumours already around thepany that CEO Hou was wearing a wedding ring and had been interrupted with a woman engaged in s*xual activity in his office earlier.She dismissed both of these.


    However, she realised that she had no option but to cooperate and went to her desk and took out the intr information, and handed it over to this woman.

 Chapter 77: An Apology

    <h4>77 An Apology</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    Having realised that she had no option but to cooperate with Anna Jones, Supervisor An, collected the local Intr login details from her desk and walked and handed it to Anna.


    "Thank you Supervisor An," responded Anna on being handed the information.


    Anna re-set up herptop and pretended to use the log-in information for the legal department intr to rmence working, but she logged in with the information for the CEO''swork Assistant Wang provided earlier.As soon as she logged in, she received a message from Hou Yi


    ''Are you back safe and sound?''


    ''I am.I am 99% sure that no one saw me when surrounded by the bodyguards and caught a taxi back as if I had been released by the immigration department.''


    ''OK''


    ''Just one thing, if we are going to do the setups like today, we better make sure that I have a second set of clothes with me, a flirty set, like a new bride visiting her CEO husband at lunch time.It will lessen the risk of someone potentially putting things together, especially why I am working here.''


    ''Not a problem.How about the set up being in the future, you leave the legal department on the basis you areing to a meeting about 12pm with documents, you walk up and hand over a set of ''nk'' pages to Assistant Wang, and then go downstairs and leave via taxi, and are picked up at a location, where you change, ande back as my wife, spending until about 1:50pm, and we reverse the process for you toe back as Anna Jones, thewyer.''


    Before Anna could reply, there was a knock on the door.She immediately clicked on the video and audio surveince in the room, and responded "Come In."


    At the same time, she typed to Hou Yi ''Someone ising in.It is Lawyer Mei.I have put the cameras on if you are interested.''


    Lawyer Mei, walked in and took a seat across the desk from Anna "Lawyer Jones"


    "Yes Lawyer Mei," Anna answered somewhat abruptly.


    "I have something that I have to tell you," Lawyer Mei responded quietly."Please do not hate me.After you arrived and were introduced to us, I quickly searched for you on the Inte.While I confirmed that you were a Lawyer in Australia, I doubted that you had the right permits to work here including doubting that you were married, so I called immigration and reported you to them.Given you are back, it appears that they were satisfied that you are entitled to work here.I can only apologise for my actions."


    "Lawyer Mei, thank you for your apology.I can only guess that you were concerned about thepany and did not want any trouble to happen.Please, however do not call me Lawyer Jones, my name is Anna, or if that it too hard call me Miss Jones."


    At the same time of this she typed a message to Hou Yi ''Yi, she admitted she called immigration and apologised.Will message you soon''


    "Again, all I can do is apologise, Miss Anna for what I did.I have to admit that I have never liked the name my parents gave me, so I always introduce myself as Amanda," Responded Lawyer Mei


    "Amanda there is no need to apologise.I can see that you meant no harm."


    "Miss Anna, do you mind telling me a little how you came to be here?"


    With that a message from Hou Yi popped up ''Be careful, I still do not trust her despite her apology for calling immigration''


    Anna responded ''Will do''


    "Amanda, I promised my businessman husband that I would not give out too much information, as he does not want his identity known here.We met in Australia, and agreed to get married here in City T, his hometown.We married a couple of days ago and were nning to have our honeymoon before we returned to Australia and finalised my life there, so we could move here as he needs to be here for business."


    Anna Took a breath and continued, "My employers ANX Lawyers in Australia contacted me yesterday afternoon about a serious issue for the Australia Subsidiary, and as I was here arrangements were made for me toe in and deal with the matter and send documents back to Australia.Look I would love to talk more, but I really need get into the work I need to do, as the quicker it is done the sooner I can go on my honeymoon with my husband."


    "Not a problem," replied Amanda Mei, and she left the room.Once the door was closed, Anna switched off the surveince system again.


    ''I see you told her the absolute truth but admitted nothing.Clever.''


    ''Well, a simple story here in your office is what we need, and it falls exactly in line with what we are telling everyone else''


    ''True''


    ''Yi, I need to deal with the next batch of documents.I will let you know when I am ready toe up to deal with them.Bye.''

 Chapter 78: An Opening

    <h4>78 An Opening</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    After ending the chat exchange with Hou Yi, Anna Jones turned back to concentrate on her work, realising that there was a lot to be done.


    She uploaded the documents Assistant Wang scanned for her into the system and forwarded the email to her assistant to deal with, with the message that original signed documents were going via express mail.


    Anna, then went into the legal program, and started working through the next batch of documents to review, and deal with Hou Yi about, when she received an email from her assistant Jodie Hughes, who given the time difference must be about getting ready to leave work for the day.


    ''Anna, we have had information that you did not marry Lu Jinhu.What is going on, as everyone is concerned.Plus, there is information that hase from the Family Court to you here.It was marked personal and confidential.I opened it in case it was important, and it appears that it is a de facto property settlement, but the signature is not your signature.What do you want me to do? Jodie''


    Anna responded ''Jodie. Let everyone know that I am OK.As to what happened with Lu Jinhu I will exin everything when I get back.Can you scan and email me a copy of those orders and let Alfred know I need to talk to him about them, Anna.''


    Anna kept working through the documents, and about 15 minutester, she received another email ''Anna, orders are attached.Alfred is waiting for your email.Jodie.''


    Anna paused what she was doing, and opened the attachment, and saw the orders she apparently signed.She immediately knew that this was not her signature.She opened up the chat box with Hou Yi


    ''Yi, I think I can get Lu Jinhu.For some reason the court orders he used to get all my assets were sent to work.I still have enough time to appeal them''


    ''Go for it.Is there anything you need from me?''


    ''I am about to email a colleague, but I am guessing that I will have to go back to Australia earlier than I had nned where I came here''


    ''Let me know when you need to be back there.I will personally arrange for one of thepany nes to take us, rather than having to rely onmercial airlines.Let your employers know you will pay for representation, and I can arrange for funds to be transferred to their trust ount for your legal fees.''


    ''Thanks.Will do.Once I email this colleague I think I have about an hour or so to get through the next batch of documents that we need to deal with.''


    "Just let me know when you need toe up, and I will make the time.''


    Anna, then turned to her work emails, sent the next email she knew she needed to send.


    ''Hi Alfred, Jodie emailed me a copy of some Family Law orders received today marked ''Private and Confidential'' involving Lu JInhu and me and a break-down of a de facto rtionship.Jodie stated that the signature was not mine.This is the first that I have seen these orders. ...


    ''Please do not, and I stress do not tell anyone this at the moment, that Lu Jinhu admitted when dumping me a couple of days ago, that he had been using me to gain citizenship and had taken all my assets and I could do nothing about it, even though I knew nothing about it. ...


    ''I need you to immediately lodge an appeal against the orders, with a rush hearing date, so that I can overturn them and stop him taking any more assets than he has out of the country.I''ll draft the affidavit in support tonight and email it through to you to review.Let me know how soon you need me back to sign it, and I will do what I can. ...


    ''I will be paying as a private client for this case and cost it not an issue.Anna.''


    While waiting for a response from Alfred, Anna, kept on her task for Hou Enterprises, sending documents to the printer in Hou Yi''s office.


    About 5 minutester, she received an email from Alfred ''Hi Anna.Sorry to hear about you and Lu Jinhu.Of course, I will not tell anyone until you need me to, but I am going to need to establish a file, so people will have some idea something is happening.I will get Mr William''s permission to limit ess to the file to Jodie, Rosemary, Mr Williams, you and me.Once that it done, I will let you know, and you draft the affidavit in the system, and email me once it is done.Just a warning we only have to Tuesday next week to lodge the appeal.Alfred."


    Anna immediately replied ''Alfred, Thanks.I will be back Monday so clear your diary, so we can do this.Thanks.Anna''


    Anna then opened the chat box with Hou Yi ''Will be up in 45 minutes and can tell you everything.''

 Chapter 79: Steps

    <h4>79 Steps</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Anna Jones, after sending her message to Hou Yi, decided she needed to keep up the charade and use the internal telephone system to call Assistant Wang so that to everyone a meeting was set up.Anna logged out of the CEO''s intr and walked to the door.


    Anna spotted Supervisor An, and asked "Supervisor An, I need to contact Assistant Wang to see if I can set a time to see the CEO to have him sign documents that I need to witness.How do I use the internal phone system to do so?"


    Supervisor An, was reluctant to cooperate, but wary of the implied threat from this woman in the past, she thought better of it, and responded "Lawyer Jones, the best way to do that is to dial #010 on the phone, which will get reception and ask to be put through to Assistant Wang.Any other way would be too difficult."


    "Thank you, Supervisor An."With that Anna closed the door and re-logged onto the CEO''s intr and messaged Assistant Wang ''Wang Long.About to call you through reception to formally request an appointment.If you do not hear from me can you please call me.Thanks Anna''


    With that Anna, called through to reception and asked to be put through to Assistant Wang.The girl on reception, aware of what happened with this woman earlier in the day immediately put Anna through to Assistant Wang.She figured she could continue to listen to the call to see if she could get any information to pass on to Yang Lin.


    As soon as Assistant Wang picked up "Assistant Wang, it is Anna Jones here."


    "Miss Jones a pleasure.Are you calling to set up an time that you cane up to have the CEO sign some of those documents that need to be returned to Australia."


    "That is correct Assistant Wang.Is it possible toe to see the CEO in about 45 minutes."


    "Miss Jones, the CEO has instructed me that he will work around you, given the urgency in dealing with this matter.How long will you need, so I can arrange and put a meeting back?"


    "No more than 30 minutes."


    "Not a problem Miss Jones.See you then."


    With that Assistant Wang, hung up the phone.Anna briefly heard another noise before the call waspletely cut.That confirmed to her that someone was listening to the call.She would have to tell Hou Yi.


    Anna, turned back to theputer and kept working through documents, sending some to Hou Yi''s printer.Just as she was about to pack up and head to the Hou Yi''s office, she received an email ''Anna.File has been opened with restricted ess.Application drafted in there for you to look at, along with cost agreement.Let me know when you have drafted the affidavit.Alfred.''


    Anna Immediately replied "Alfred.Thanks.Will try tonight.Anna.''


    Anna messaged Hou Yi ''Packing up here, will be up in a few minutes.''


    ''See you when you arrive.''


    Anna again logged out of the intr and packed up all her belongings.As she exited the office, Supervisor An spotted her "Lawyer Jones where are you going?The working day is not finished."


    "Supervisor An, I have an appointment with the CEO in a few minutes in his office to go through documents.Once they are done, given the bnce of documents have not arrived from my Australian Employers there is little I can do until tomorrow, so I will not waste Hou Enterprises money by simply remaining her to satisfy and finishing time.I will see you tomorrow."


    "Lawyer Jones, you are under my supervision, that includes your equipment.It has to remain in this office, and more importantly you will have not finished the working day, so you have to return."


    "Supervisor An, no.I am, for want of a better term a contractor brought in or a specific task.Once I have seen CEO Hou, that will finalise the contract work for the day.As a contractor I have supplied my own tools, and I will be taking them with me."


    "We will see about that"


    "Supervisor An, I am not going to argue about this.If you are so determined, then apany me to the CEO''s office and he or Assistant Wang can confirm my role here with Hou Enterprises."


    Supervisor An was surprised, but she realised that this would give he an opportunity to get into the CEO''s office, and she could take steps to start to seduce him, to ensure she could be Madam Hou, the Boss Lady of Hou Enterprises."Fine, let us go then.We will have to go down to have someone escort us up to the CEO''s level."


    With that Anna turned and walked out to the elevators, followed by Supervisor An.Once the Elevator arrived, Anna inserted her pass card, and pressed the button for the CEO''s floor, just as Assistant An was about to press the button for the ground level.


    "How in the world to you have a pass key to get you to the CEO''s office?"


    Anna, by this time was annoyed with Supervisor An, as she realised that the reason that she was cooperating with Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, was that she felt that she could marry Hou Yi.She knew that she needed to cut that off immediately."Ask the CEO if you dare," was her response.


    Less than 30 secondster they arrived at the CEO''s office level, and Supervisor An, ensured that she was getting to Assistant Wang''s Office before Anna, as she wanted to be first in to see the CEO.Anna strolled there after her, and as she arrived in Assistant Wang''s office she closed the door, handing him her purse andptop bag.

 Chapter 80: Cutting down Supervisor An

    <h4>80 Cutting down Supervisor An</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    Anna Jones handed to Assistant Wang, after she shut the door her handbag andptop case.Supervisor An was simply standing there watching what happened.


    "Miss Jones" Assistant Wang said "Here are those documents you needed printed off."With that he handed her the documents.He continued quietly "Madam Hou" before getting louder "why is Supervisor An here at is that woman doing here?"


    "Assistant Wang, I told her that I am here to do a specific task only, but she would not believe me, and demanded that I had to continue to work.I told her if she dared she should ask the CEO what the situation is."Anna then quietly said, "Get security here, as we will be dealing with her and she needs to be arrested and dealt with, because we do not need her talking to those people."


    "Lawyer Jones, I demand you tell me what you said to Assistant Wang that I could not hear.I am your supervisor and need to know."


    "Supervisor An, you are not my supervisor, and I do not have to tell you what I said."


    Anna then turned to Assistant Wang and said, "Remember what I said."


    With that Anna turned back to Supervisor An and said, "I am going in for my appointment with the CEO."


    As Anna got near the door into Hou Yi''s office Supervisor An, pushed Anna out of the way, opened the door and forced her way in "CEO Hou ¡­"


    Hou Yi, yelled "Who in the world are you."He then noticed Anna walking in a little shaken behind this woman.He gently pulled Anna in the room, and shut the door behind her before shouted again at Supervisor An, who was staring at him with a look of infatuation "Who in the world are you."


    "CEO Hou I am Supervisor An¡­"


    Realising that Anna was still shaking with almost having been knocked off her feet by Supervisor An, Hou Yi ignored her and turned to his wife, asking "Sweetheart, are you OK?"


    "Darling Yi, I just need to sit down.I am somewhat shaken with nearly been knocked off my feet."With that Anna, sat down on the couch, and pointedly looked at Supervisor An.


    While he wanted to sit with his wife, Hou Yi knew that standing would project the right message to be heard.As soon as he was sure Anna was settled down on the couch, Hou Yi turned back to Supervisor An, angry as anything with what just appeared to happen "What gives you the right to do that"


    "CEO Hou, Miss Jones here is under my supervision¡­"


    "Supervisor An, get it right she is not under your supervision, she is here on behalf of her Australian Employers to deal with a matter."


    "CEO Hou, she was ced in my section within the legal department and therefore under my supervision and she refused directions."


    By now the anger about the situation could be heard in Hou Yi''s voice "Supervisor An, as I said she is not under your supervision, she is simply here on behalf of her Australian Employers to deal with a matter.It was simply convenience that she was ced in your area in the legal department here there was space."


    "Miss Jones, CEO Hou¡­"


    "You are not listening to me Supervisor An.She is not under your supervision."As Hou Yi was getting more and more angry, Anna realised that she had to calm him down, so she stood up, and forced him to turn and look at her, before reaching up, pulling his head down and giving him a brief kiss on the lips.


    When they broke apart, both could see that Supervisor An, was angry about the fact that Anna had dared touch and kiss the CEO, which she felt she should be the only person to do.


    "Miss Jones, you have no right to touch the CEO.I will see to your discipline as soon as you are out of this office," screamed Supervisor An.


    "No you will not Supervisor An, as you have no right" responded Anna, as she lent into Hou Yi


    "I forgot to correct one other thing with you Supervisor An," stated a now calm Hou Yi."You have her name wrong.It is not Miss Jones, and in no way is she under your supervision."


    "COE Hou she is¡­"


    "Enough," said Hou Yi, in a firm and angry term."Let me finish.As I was saying it is not Miss Jones and in no way is she under your supervision.In fact you are under her supervision, and by the way it is Madam Hou"


    "Madam Hou" stuttered Supervisor An.


    "Yes, Madam Hou."Hou Yi paused for dramatic effect and then continued "As in my wife."


    "By the way, we know that you have been providing information topetitors of this business.You are finished with Hou Enterprises with immediate effect.Your personal possessions are being packed as we speak.The guards outside will keep you with them until such time as the police arrive and you will be charged for offences against this business.Further if you speak about what we have just told you, we will sue you further." followed on Anna.


    With that she went to the door, and asked a couple of the security guards outside, along with one of the bodyguards "Pleasee and remove Supervisor An from the CEO''s office.Assistant Wang was calling the police toe and arrest her for passing onpany secrets to ourpetitors."

 Chapter 81: Planning Travel

    <h4>81 nning Travel</h4>


    Anna Jones requested of the staff waiting outside Hou Yi''s office "Pleasee and remove Supervisor An from the CEO''s office.Assistant Wang was calling the police toe and arrest her for passing onpany secrets to ourpetitors."


    The security guards, not realising that Anna was Madam Hou, simply stood there wondering who this person was to give them directions, however one of the bodyguards who knew who she was, bowed slightly, and responded "Yes Madam Hou."


    This prompted three guards toe in and remove Supervisor An to take her to the security office.As they were leaving the Security Guards were informed by the bodyguard who spoke "Do not say to anyone who thatdy is until CEO Hou authorises it.That information is to be kept quiet, and protected.If you say anything it will mean your jobs."


    As soon as Supervisor An was removed, Anna shut the door, and sat down at the desk with the documents to be dealt with together with Hou Yi.Once want was needed to be signed as signed, Anna went to the door, and handed them to Assistant Wang "Could you scan and send these as you did earlier today.Thank you."


    Anna returned back into the office, shutting the door.Hou Yi, had in the interim gotten a cold drink from a small fridge handing it to Anna as they sat down.


    "So what is going on?"


    "Well, thank you for dealing with that woman."


    "Once we knew about the call today, backtracking her actions and that other information you gave me, we found that she had been passing on information to Lu Corporation for about 12 months.She had to be dealt with, not left in ce.Thank goodness for your sharpness to identify it."


    "Not a problem.Getting rid of a spy for Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, feels good, but we need to get rid of them all."


    "True."


    Hou Yi paused, and then continued "Anna, what is going on for you in Australia?Be honest with me please."


    Anna took a couple of deep breaths, and sat down on the couch.She motioned to Hou Yi to sit down, which he did.


    "As I indicated in the chat I can deal with part of what Lu Jinhu was bragging about, in being able to take everything from me.I found out today that he, trough forgery obtained court orders.He though he was smart and had them sent to a particr address, but it was returned to the court.Apparently when it was returned, a clerk in the court recognised my name, and sent it to work."


    "It was only because my assistant Jodie was wondering what it was that she opened it, and at my request emailed it to me, that I can prove what he did.I have spoke by email to anotherwyers within the firm, and while I have to do a preliminary draft of my affidavit, he will finish it and the application.It has to be done by Tuesday, so I have to go back.Can you arrange for a Commercial flight for tomorrow night, as that should have me back Sunday Morning."


    "Forget amercial flight.I will arrange for thepany ne to take us back.We cannot leave until after tomorrow night.I need to at least show my face at the formal wedding ceremony for Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin tomorrow."


    "Do you want me toe?"


    "And tip our hand?I do not think it is worth it.All I n to do is be there for as short of time as I have to before leaving.Not going, sends the message to those within the societal group we fall in that I am bitter.That is something thatwe do not need that image to get out.Rather thaning home, I can simply meet you at the airport, and we leave directly from there."


    "Yi, I better get home, as I have a lot to do, given I have to draft this damn affidavit to support the application to overturn these orders."


    "Anna, rather than going, why not sit in the sitting room attached to the bedroom and work there until I finish with the meeting I have.I will arrange for some food toe up, as the meeting is likely to be a two or so hours.They you can go home with me.Does that work?"


    "All I was going to do was go into the study to work, but that could work for me as well.Then I can literally fall into bed when I get home.Actually let me rephrase that, pack and then fall into bed."


    "Anna, you do not need to pack, we have staff that will do that for us.We can simply go to bed.Just go get yourself settled and once the food arrives, I will bring it in."


    With that, Hou Yi, went out to Assistant Wang''s desk and retrieved Anna''s handbag andptop, and took them into the sitting room, where Anna settled into tomence her work.

 Chapter 82: The Affidavit Anna and Lu Jinhus Relationship - Part 1

    <h4>82 The Affidavit Anna and Lu Jinhu''s Rtionship - Part 1</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    Once Anna was settled in the sitting room of the suite attached to Hou Yi''s office she removed herptop from its bag, turned it on and connected to the CEO''s intr.Once she was connected, she remotely logged into ANX''s legal software and located the new file for her.


    Anna could not have imagined a week ago, she would be drafting an affidavit about her rtionship with Lu Jinhu, as she had done for many clients in the past.How quickly had things changed.Unlike those client affidavit''s she was not going to have to edit the material.That would be Alfred''s job, given he was the assignedwyer for her matter.


    She opened an Affidavit, took a few deep breaths and started to type, treating it no differently than a number of affidavits she had done in the past.


    In her mind she set out the process that she needed to follow: set out personal details; the rtionship information; what Lu Jinhu had done; and confirming the elements she needed to prove, i.e. that the signature on the original orders was not her signature.


    [start of affidavit text]


    My Name is Anna Hou.My maiden name, and the name I use professionally is Anna Jones.My date of birth is detailed on the application filed with this affidavit and I am 26 years of age.I am an Australian Legal Practitioner.I am the appent in this application.


    The respondent in this appeal is Lu Jinhu, who was born in Country X, but has recently obtained Australian Citizenship.His personal details are on the application filed with this affidavit and he is aged 28 years of age.I do not know the date he obtained such citizenship, but he advised me on the Tuesday prior to the signing of this Affidavit of this fact.I am not certain whether his obtaining of Australian Citizenship automatically cancelled his citizenship of Country X.


    Lu Jinhu and I were in a de facto rtionship for approximately 5 years,mencing approximately 4 months of mymencement of employment with ANX Lawyers, which as on [Note ¨C ALFRED you need to confirm the exact date of mymencement of employment with HR to add this date].This firm remains my current employers.


    [knock, knock] Anna''s work was interrupted, and Hou Yi came in, carrying a tray."Anna the food I arranged for you has arrived.Please try and eat something and send me a message when you finish doing what you need to.I''ll try and end the meeting as soon as I can, so we can return home."With that he put the tray down and left the room.


    [returning to Anna''s work typing the affidavit]


    Lu Jinhu and I had be engaged to marry approximately 10 months ago.We agreed to obtain our marriage certificate in Country X.The reason for this, was based on information Lu Jinhu told me, regarding his parents inability to travel to Australia.It was further agreed that we would have a formal wedding ceremony in Australia after this urred.On the Tuesday prior to the signing of this affidavit I found out the reason behind agreeing to a wedding ceremony in Country X was a lie.Lu Jinhu''s parents frequently engage in business travel, regarding the familypany Lu Corporation, while being headquartered in Country X, has projects throughout the world.


    Approximately 6 months ago Imenced questioning my rtionship with Lu Jinhu, but I had decided that as I had given mymitment to him, I would stand by my word.


    However, a few days before our intended marriage date (which I further discuss in this affidavit), I knew that I would not be able to marry Lu Jinhu.I had not been able tomunicate this fact to him, until just before our intended marriage time on the Tuesday before the swearing of this affidavit.


    On the Tuesday before the swearing of this affidavit, I can confirm in City T, in Country X, Lu Jinhu married a Miss Yang Lin, a citizen of Country X.On the same day I married a Mr Hou Yi, also a citizen of Country X.


    I definitely, and if Lu Jinhu''s obtaining of Australia Citizenship cancelled his citizenship of Country X, due to the operation of Law in both Australia and in Country X, automatically on marriage became a citizen of Country X.


    Presently, I only have an Australian Passport, but I am due to the obtaining of my citizenship in Country X, in the process of obtaining a passport and other identity documents issued in that country.My address in Country X, is [Note ¨C ALFRED I will get the correct address details to you].


    I have been informed by my husband Hou Yi, that the most likely residential address for Lu Jinhu in Country X is [Note ¨C ALFRED I will get this as well ¨C likely given his location we may have to argue with the court for substituted service]

 Chapter 83: The Affidavit Anna and Lu Jinhus Relationship - Part 2

    <h4>83 The Affidavit Anna and Lu Jinhu''s Rtionship - Part 2</h4>


    *** WARNING - this chapter and the following chapters cover issues rting to domestic violence.These themes will continue throughout the bnce of the story.Please be careful when reading this material ***


    Thursday, continued ...


    [Anna is still typing her affidavit]


    As noted previously Lu Jinhu and I were in a de facto rtionship.We initially met at University, when I waspleting my Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws degree and were living in the same university college.We dated on and off through university but, as I felt that Lu Jinhu was notmitted to our rtionship, I refused to allow it to be anything more than the asional date.


    My undergraduate degree was awarded on [ALFRED check my degree on my office wall for the exact date of awarding], and I graduated with with First ss Honours in Law, and Honours in Commerce.My marks saw the university offer me the opportunity toplete a Masters Degree by Research looking towardspleting a Doctoral Degree.Additionally I received multiple employment offers.I selected my the position I have with my current employers, and my legal representatives in this matter ANX Lawyers, undertaking work in a variety of fields includingmercialw, criminalw and familyw to name a few.


    After Ipleted my undergraduate degree, Ipleted through the university my professional qualifications.While this was formally awarded on [Note ¨C ALFRED again check the certificate in my office for the date], I was admitted as Legal Practitioner on [Note ¨C ALFRED check all the admission dates on the certificates].


    As soon as Ipleted these professional qualifications, Imenced my employment.Lu Jinhu finished his undergraduate degree approximately 4 monthster.During this time, wemunicated.When he arrived in Melbourne he literally turned up on my doorstep, indicating that he wanted a rtionship with me, and this was when our rtionshipmenced.


    As I was well aware of Lu Jinhu''s activities at university, before wemenced a s*xual rtionship I demanded, and I believe he felt it demeaning, that he undergo screening for s*xually transmitted diseases.The results were negative, after which wemenced a s*xual rtionship.My employment requires annual full medical reviews to determine any impacts on out ability to travel and meet client''s needs.As part of that we are re-screened for sexually transmitted diseases.Myst medical review was just on 2 months prior to the swearing of this affidavit.The screen as part of that review did not detect any s*xually transmitted diseases.


    Based on the material in the bnce of this affidavit, and applying my professional skill and knowledge, I say that that Lu Jinhu engaged in psychological and economic abuse, as a means of inflicting domestic violence upon me.As at the time of swearing this affidavit I cannot recall any incidents of physical violence or any other forms of domestic violence.


    During our rtionship if Lu Jinhu did not like any of my long-term friends, he slowly poisoned my mind against them, do everything to eventually push them out of my life.A number of these friendsmented to me that Lu Jinhu was lying to me; using me; and manipting me.However I was invested our rtionship and believed Lu Jinhu over these people when he denied their ims of poisoning rtionship through his actions.Over the long-term, which I did not realise at the time Lu Jinhu isted my from friends he did not approve of.My friends had to be his friends and if they fell out of favour they were pushed from out lives.If I listed every example of his actions I can recall I would have to add 30 or 40 pages to this affidavit to provide the court all the information.


    One example,es from three years ago.A high school friend fell sick with cancer, and it was questionable if she would survive.As her treating hospital was near then home, I visited this friend 4 or 5 times per week.About 3 weeks after her admission, Lu Jinhu found out that I was visiting her and told me he was apanying me on the visit.He knew I wanted to spend at least an hour with this friend, but within 5 minutes of arrival hisining was enough that I told him to stop it.By the time another 10 minutes passed, his sulking was such that I ended the visit with my friend.I apologised to my friend, and told her I would see her soon.


    However Lu Jinhu spent the bnce of that day and the next morning pressuring me not to visit her, iming my visits were trying her out.Lu Jinhu, however made sure that he apanied me on almost every visit and his actions on every visit were to constantly tell me that I should leave my friend alone to deal with her treatment, until I the visits became shorter and shorter.


    At home. Lu Jinhu kept pressuring me about whether my visits were making a difference, and whether I should remain her friend.As I saw only after my friend died, and I received a letter from her husband, Lu Jinhu was causing me to be more distant from my friend.I refused to ept her version of what was happening with our friendship because of Lu Jinhu, and this eventually led to her refusing to ept further visits from me.


    My friend survived that cancer scare, but her cancer came back approximately 12 months ago, but this time she lost her battle with cancer 7 months after it resurfaced.While she was in this second cancer fight that she lost I attempted to make contact with her but she refused to have anything to do with me.At her funeral her husband handed me a letter that exined why she ended our friendship, detailing Lu Jihnu''s actions towards her both in and out of my presence.I had not realised or epted what he had done until I read this letter.[Note ¨C ALFRED the original letter is in our deeds system in a packet in my name, should we attach it?].

 Chapter 84: The Affidavit Anna and Lu Jinhus relationship - Part 3

    <h4>84 The Affidavit Anna and Lu Jinhu''s rtionship - Part 3</h4>


    *** WARNING - this chapter and the following chapter cover issues rting to domestic violence.These themes will continue throughout the bnce of the story.Please be careful when reading this material ***


    Thursday, continued ...


    [Anna is still typing her affidavit]


    Lu Jinhu, also engaged in economic abuse.Again, like the domestic violence that he engaged in, if I sat and detailed every incident that I can recall I would likely add a further 30 or 40 pages to this affidavit.Despite his family owning, what I now know is a prosperouspany in Country X; his family provide him with financial support for living expenses and regr trips back to Country X, Lu Jinhu refused to contribute to our joint life.


    I was wholly responsible for paying all bills, providing our amodation, feeding us, purchasing items we needed.He refused to pay.To secure our apartment, while I had some small savings, my family had to loan us the additional amounts required for the bank to give me a mortgage.Further, while I drive a 8 year old vehicle, he convinced me to purchase in his name a $80,000 vehicle, but with the finance solely in my name less than 3 months ago.


    In normal de facto rtionship it would be expected that couples use their joint resources to support themselves and their rtionship.This did not happen in out rtionship.Lu Jinhu, despite his family''s financial support, failed to make any contributions financially.He deemed this my sole responsibility.


    Lu Jinhu, also failed to make contributions of a non-financial nature.While he studied for part of our rtionship he never worked in Australia, to my knowledge.Normal tasks associated with running and managing a home, were tasks he deemed beneath him, as they were "women''s" work as he called it.He imed he would be shamed culturally if he did any of them and demand that I undertake those tasks.I have found out from my husband that this im of it being against culture is in fact a lie.In modern rtionships in Country X, it is quitemon that household tasks are shared, as is the economic support of the rtionship.


    The final and most egregious example of his economic abuse is the orders that this application is asking the court to vacate.


    Attached to this affidavit, is a true copy of the orders made by the court.As an officer of the court I confirm my first knowledge of any orders being made in this matter was on the Tuesday prior to this affidavit being sworn.Lu Jinhu admitted to me, outside the Civil Administration Bureau that he had done everything to ensure that all assets gained during our rtionship were in his name, but I was left with the debt.He said that there was nothing I could do about it.


    It was only on the Thursday prior to the swearing of this affidavit that I could determine what he had done.


    Due to issues for the Australian Subsidiary of my husband''spany Hou Enterprises, I was asked to aid my employers in having my husband sign various documents they needed to deal with the matter.While undertaking this work, in my husband''spany''s corporate offices in City T I received an email from my legal assistant Jodie Hughes.She advised me of the existence of these orders, andmented that the signature on the documents was not my signature.As she has seen me sign my signature on multiple asions over thest 3 years, she has been my assistant, she has enough expertise to say if something is my signature or not [Note ¨C ALFRED we will need an affidavit from Jodie on this point, maybe someone else in the office as well?].


    As soon as I received the scanned and emailed copy of the orders, I knew that I had not signed these documents.The postal address was an address I never used, and the email attributed to me, was an email address that I have never had.The only email addresses I have had are a [emailprotected]</a>; a university issued email address which is now inoperative and [emailprotected]</a> will obtain an email address through my husband''spany in the near future.


    While I do not know specifics, I would guess as the orders were sent to a wrong postal address they were returned to the court, and someone in the court after reviewing the file, connected that I was awyer employed by ANX Lawyers and forwarded a copy of the orders to me there.


    As soon as I became aware of orders being illegally issued, I immediately contacted a fellowwyer at ANX Lawyers, who is acting for me in this matter and instructed them to take all necessary steps to apply to have the court vacate the orders and make orders terminating the financial rtionship in its ce.


    Prior to me verbalising the ending of our rtionship to Lu Jinhu, and from the time of a chance meeting with my husband Hou Yi at my ce of employment 6 months ago I had been questioning my rtionship with Lu Jinhu.My husband did not force anything on me.I had in this time beenmunicating with my husband through instant chat sites, as I did not want Lu Jinhu to find out about it.My husband constantly said to me, that what I did regarding my rtionship with Lu Jinhu had to be my decision alone.He said that he would support any decision that I would make.

 Chapter 85: The Affidavit Anna and Lu Jinhus relationship - Part 4

    <h4>85 The Affidavit Anna and Lu Jinhu''s rtionship - Part 4</h4>


    *** WARNING - this chapter and the following chapters cover issues rting to domestic violence.These themes will continue throughout the bnce of the story.Please be careful when reading this material ***


    Thursday, continued ...


    [Anna is still typing her affidavit]


    The legal requirements, for a foreign citizen to marry in Country X, requirepletion of work at your national embassy in Country X.I attended the Australia Embassy on the day after my arrival for this purpose.In passing I spotted my husband, and knew that I could not marry Lu Jinhu.Given my husband was well known to the Australia Embassy officials, I was able to convince them toplete the necessary paperwork without my husband being present andpleting his details.A letter was attached to this exining why my husband was not present.


    After a confrontation between Lu Jinhu and myself outside the Civil Administration Bureau, but before I could admit to him I was not going to marry me, he informed my he had married a Miss Yang Lin, gained Australian citizenship and indirectly indicated that he had obtained the orders which I am appealing.


    After Lu Jinhu left, I met and had discussions with my now husband, and we agreed to get married.The documents supplied by the Australian Embassy with its attached letter were deemed to be sufficient to allow my husband and I to marry.[Note ¨C ALFRED, separately I will forward to you the footage confirming the issuing of the marriage certificate and I will bring my original marriage certificate, and household registers when Ie so they can be certified, plus a trantion of them, with a letter from an official trantor here confirming the trantion]


    In this application, I am asking that court grant my appeal and set aside the original orders obtained by fraud and make orders that provide for an appropriate financial settlement ending my de facto rtionship with Lu Jinhu [NOTE - ALFRED add what is needed to meet the technical requirements for the appeal - I am too tired and emotionally drained to think about that]


    [Anna stopped typing her affidavit]


    After saving the affidavit Anna took the time to review what she typed, realising that she had what most likely was needed.Additional material Alfred could add, that was his job, not her job in this matter.


    She then opened up her emails, and emailed Alfred.


    ''Alfred, done the preliminary affidavit draft, with a few notes.I could not be bothered checking the requirements to have the orders overturned in the circumstances, add the technicalities, referencing the relevant material, and let me know what I need to read.Let me know what time you need me in.Flying back over the weekend.As to the information in the affidavit, absolutely DO NOT reveal anything to anyone, including Mr Williams, your assistant or my assistant.


    ''I want to tell everyone about that, ending the rtionship with Lu Jinhu, face to face, I do not need them to get it in Affidavit form.The most difficult part will be my marriage, to one of the most powerful men in this country and controls a client of the firm''s.I will arrange for trantions of the wedding certificate and household registers with appropriate certifications here as you will need those.Any other documents needed?Do you need an affidavit from my husband?Let me know.Anna.''


    Once that email was sent, she then opened up the chat box with Hou Yi, ''Finished.Let me know when you are ready to leave.I am just going to pack up myptop for the day, as I am exhausted."


    ''Anna, not a problem.I am chasing everyone out of the office, they should be gone in about 5 minutes, and I wille in to get you.''


    ''OK.Logging off now.''With that Anna, logged of the intr and shut off herptop, packing it in its bag.


    In thinking of what she had drafted, Anna realised that she had kept the information as simple as possible, applying the maxim she learnt with drafting KISS - Keep It Simple Silly/Stupid.She knew it glossed over a number of things, but that was not what was necessary.Setting out basic information about the rtionship and ensuring the technical aspects were covered was what was needed.


    It also made her realise the insidious nature of her rtionship with Lu Jinhu.As she realised, these experiences were not as bad as some client''s she had dealt with, but it still involved domestic violence of a psychological and economic nature, just not physical.


    Anna realised that having the orders Lu Jihnu obtained overturned by the court will be the first giant step in revenge, but one totally in her control..That made her think, even a better revenge will be getting involved with a domestic violence organisation here, while she would not name Lu Jinhu, re-telling her story again and again, will continually harass him.Maybe that was something to talk to Hou Yi about?


    Anna started to rx and fell asleep before Hou Yi arrived.Hou Yi walked in and saw his sleeping wife.He carefully picked up her handbag andptop case, and handed them along with his briefcase to a bodyguard, with the direction to have his car ready to take them home.He returned to the sitting room, carefully dropped a lightweight scarf put aside for a gift over Anna''s head so no one could see her face and reced her shoes on her feet.He bent over and picked her up bridal styleand walked out of his office.Even though his bodyguards surrounded them, the staff still in the office could see him carrying a woman out of his office.The quickly got into an elevator, then into his car to drive home, when she started to wake up.


    Anna, fell back asleep in the car, and Hou Yi carried her back into their suite on they return.She did not awake, so he carefully undressed her, and pulled her into his arms to sleep for the night.

 Chapter 86: Friday on my Mind - Part 1

    <h4>86 Friday on my Mind - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    Anna Jones awoke and found herself in Hou Yi''s arms.He was only starting to wake up himself.


    "How in the world did I get here, and what did you do."


    "Calm down Anna, you fell asleep in my sitting room at the office yesterday, so I carried you down to the car.You would not awake when we arrived home, so I carried you up here and changed you.You had a disturbed nights sleep, despite sleeping through the night.It was as if someone was hurting you in your dreams.Do not worry, you are safe here."


    Before Anna could say anything, there was a knock on the door, and a maid called out "Young Master, Young Madam, Butler Ge has asked me to let you know it is 7am."


    With that Hou Yi, climbed out of bed, and said to Anna "Get into the shower.I will find something for you to wear today, plus your ''wife'' outfit, and those few extra items we talked about.While you are getting ready I will have my shower.We might be sociable today and have breakfast downstairs.And do not worry yourptop and that was locked in my studyst night so it is safe."


    Within 25 minutes both Anna and Hou Yi were ready and walked downstairs.Then went into the small dining room, and quickly breakfast was brought in to them.


    Hou Yi spoke to Butler Ge "As my wife and I have to travel to Australia for about a week, we need staff to pack for us.If you need cases for my wife, arrange for them to be purchased.Make sure there is a day bag for each of us that has sleepwear and a change in clothes, and remind the ne staff it needs to be in cabin.Send the bags to the ne and ensure the items my wife set aside for gifts are also sent to the ne.If there is a query, contact her through Assistant Wang, and she can inform you what has to be sent.We will leave directly from the office tonight."


    "Not a problem Young Master.Both have a good trip and we will see you on your return."


    Once they finished breakfast, both Anna and Hou Yi finished getting ready for the day.Anna remembered that she needed to arrange for their Marriage Certificate and the Household registers to be formally tranted "Yi, I need to today, arrange for formal certified trantions of our Marriage Certificate and the Household Registers.How can it get that done?"


    "Anna, I will consult the in house team, and arrange for someone qualified to do so for legal matters today."


    Hou Yi paused, and continued "Hopefully there will be no issues in the legal department without Supervisor An, who has been charged, but let me know if there is any.I''ve cleared me schedule for you between 12 and 2, and again at 4.Once we have finished, your bodyguard will take you to the ne, while I put in an appearance at the Wedding Ceremony for Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, rubbing in their faces my wedding ring."


    "OK."With that they both went down in the elevators, into their respective cars and were driven to Hou Enterprises.Both arrived about 20 minutester.


    Anna had a much easier path to the Legal department,pared to Thursday.Lawyers Deng, Mei and Bai fired questions at her asking did she know what happened with Supervisor An given she was not there.


    Anna indicated said "I was in the CEO''s office yesterday, when Supervisor An was arrested, for sellingpany secrets to apetitor.I know no more, but I am guessing that you will not have a supervisor for a bit of time until someone is put into the position."Quietly, she hoped that the office rumour mill would get the message around to all the spies, that you will be found out.


    With that Anna walked straight into the same office as yesterday andmenced her work for the day.After logging into the CEO Intr, she logged into the ANX cloud based systems, and found an email from Alfred.


    ''Anna.Thanks.I will protect the affidavit material.Just get in on Monday when you can.I asked around the office, and everyone agrees it is not your signature.I will select 10 people to do affidavits to this.I will draft and settle those simple affidavits today.We will need and affidavit from your husband.I will draft it based on your draft material, and I will have him confirm when you advised him about the domestic violence.See you Monday.Alfred''


    She sent a quick reply ''Alfred.Thanks.See you Monday.As to telling Yi, I am actually going to do that on our flight back to Australia.Anna''


    She also checked in the scan fromst night and emailed that through as well.

 Chapter 87: Friday on my Mind - Part 2

    <h4>87 Friday on my Mind - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ...


    Anna settled in andmenced reviewing and making notes about the next batch of documents to deal with.Just on 11am, she was interrupted by a knock on the door, so she turned on the surveince.It was Amanda Mei, "Miss Anna, out Friday tradition is to take a short morning tea break,e an join us."


    "Sorry Amanda, I have to see CEO Hou at 12pm to deal with another batch of documents, and I need to finish the work.''With that she closed the door, then turned off the surveince and returned back going through the documents needed.She finished thest of the next batch of documents at 11:50am and sent them through to Hou Yi''s printer.


    She opened the chat box with Assistant Wang ''Assistant Wang I have sent a batch of documents through to Yi''s printer for my meeting with him.Be up in about 5 minutes.''


    She then opened Hou Yi''s chat box and messaged him ''Yi, sorry not talked today, been busy as do not want to have to do paperwork on the flight.Coming up.See you in about five.''


    Anna then shut down herptop, and packed it back into its bag, and left the office, and into the elevator.Anna inserted the passkey to take her to the CEO''s office level.Once there she wandered down to Hou Yi''s office. And asked Assistant Wang "Is it OK to go in?"


    "Absolutely Miss Jones.Here are the documents that you need."


    Anna entered Hou Yi''s office, and they sat down, working through them quickly.On leaving the office, Anna handed the document to Assistant Wang, with the same request as the documents on Thursday.He confirmed that he would do this.


    As per yesterday''s ns Anna went straight downstairs and hopped into a taxi to travel to the pre-determined location.She quickly changed on public toilets, and hopped into the waiting car to return to Hou Enterprises, this time as the Lady Boss.AS the car arrived her exit door was surrounded by bodyguards, who surrounded her as she entered the building and escorted her to Hou Yi''s office.


    As soon as the door was shut behind her, she fell onto the couchughing."Yi, you would not believe the gossip that was spreading as I came back in about me as the Lady Boss.You would think that your employees have nothing to do."


    "Well, you know gossip happens in any office."Hou Yi paused, and then continued "As per our ns, I have gotten thins ready in the bedroom, so to the cleaning staff it will be as if we had wild s*x again in the office.At least I have had lunch delivered while you were gone."


    They sat down and took their time eating their meal quietly, and once finished, they went and sat down on the couch.Once they werefortable, Hou Yi advised Anna "When you leave I will be going to the ceremony part of Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s marriage.As I do not want to tip our hands I need to attend so they do not be suspicious.If anyone spots my wedding ring and asks where my wife is I will tell them she is too tired to havee."


    Anna simply rxed, and at about 1:45pm, Hou Yi, said, "Come on we both need to go.How about youe out with me, and we send another messages to the staff?"


    "As I told you yesterday, you have a devious mind for arranging things so people think that something has happened that is not reality."


    They both stood up, and walked out of Hou Yi''s office, and were immediately surrounded by bodyguards.As they reached the elevators, a door on one opened, and the bodyguards blocked off anyone else from getting into the lift with them.


    On crossing the foyer, every few paces, Hou Yi would lean down and kiss Anna.The gossip started quickly, this time about how CEO Hou, was paying attention only to the woman beside him, but hidden by the guards.They climbed onto Hou Yi''s and were driven to the same location where Anna had changed earlier on, and a taxi was gged down for her, and one of the bodyguards handed her, herptop and handbag.


    When she settled back into the Legal department on her return to Hou Enterprises Anna quickly realised that there was only three documents to finish reviewing and for Hou Yi to sign.This took Anna about 45 minutes toplete the work, and she packed up her belongings.


    Anna realised two options existed, sneek away, or talk to Lawyers Deng, Mei and Bai.She opted for thetter "Ladies I know that I refused your offer this morning, but I was concerned that I would not get through the documents required.I have been able to do that, and I have just over an hour before my meeting with CEO Hou.If you can, and there is a coffee shop or caf¨¦ around, I would like to treat you, simply because you have let me do the work that I needed to."


    Amanda Mei, steps up "Miss Anna, I would like to do that but let me buy as an apology for yesterday."However Lawyers Deng and Bei rejected the offer.


    With than Anna and Amanda, go down stairs, and walk across the street from Hou Enterprises to a small caf¨¦, for a snack and a drink.While they rxed, Amanda asked "Do you know what happened for Supervisor An to be taken away?Did you hear anything about a new supervisor"


    "All I know is when she pushed her way into the CEO''s office, she as used of sellingpany secrets topetitors, and detailed by security for the police to arrest.As to a new supervisor, I have no idea.Why?"


    "No reason, I was just wondering".


    Once they finished their snack and drink, Amanda told Anna "I am going to pay for this."


    "Amanda, sit I asked about this, and I will pay."With that Anna walked to the counter and pulled out one of the low daily charge amount credit cards, and paid for their afternoon tea.They returned back to the office, and after Amanda Mei selected the floor for the legal department in the elevator, Anna inserted her key pass an selected the CEO''s office floor."

 Chapter 88: Keeping Calm and Lu Jinhu and Yang Lins wedding

    <h4>88 Keeping Calm and Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s wedding</h4>


    Friday, continued ...


    After dropping Anna off to change and return to the office, Hou Yi continued onto the Key za Hotel for Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s formal wedding ceremony.Wedding are big business for hotels, and as part of Hou Enterprises involvement he insisted on the hotel grounds a wedding chapel had to be built, along with multiple ballrooms to hold receptions.Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s reception would use the Grand Ballroom.


    Hou Yi, arrived right at the end of the time that the invitation, delivered yesterday had said to be there for seating.The ushers tried to have him sit at the front of the chapel, he refused and sat in thest row.About 2 minutes after he sat down, Yang Lin walked into the chapel on the arms of her father.When she saw Hou Yi, she smirked at him but he ignored that and simply watched her continue down the aisle for the formal wedding ceremony.All he could think about was how lucky of an escape that he and Anna both had from those two.


    Once the wedding ceremony waspleted, the bride and groom were determined that in the hotel gardens, they would have photographs with every guest.Yang Lin decided that Hou Yi would be her first target, as a means of humiliating him.She sent the wedding nner over to tell Hou Yi toe to were the bridal couple were.


    Hou Yi was prepared for Yang Lin to be demanding, controlling, and acting superior to everyone who attended the wedding.All he wanted to do today was establish that he did not give a care.Before he went over, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the Red Envelope that Assistant Wang had given him to provide as a gift, deliberately cing it in his left hand to give to them.


    When reaching them he said "Congrattions on your marriage.Lu Jinhu, the man who has her heart won her."He reached out and shook Lu Jinhu''s hand all the time thinking all I want to do is crush him for hurting Anna.


    Once Lu Jinhu let go of his hand, he transferred the red envelope into this right, making sure that they saw his wedding band, and said "This is for you.Congrattion.I am sorry I cannot stay, as I have more work awaiting me at the office."


    Yang Lin, then demanded "Hou Yi, you are not going anywhere.I have decided I am having photographs with every guest, and that means you."


    Hou Yi turned, and said to the photographer "Well Hurry up."With that he stood next to the bride and groom, and a few photographs were taken, making sure again his wedding ring was clearly visible.After the photos were taken Hou Yi walked off.


    Just after he had taken a few steps, he heard Yang Lin utter "F**k, he has a wedding ring on.Who did he marry."After a few seconds pause, she continued "F**k that wedding ring is from the Dream Set I wanted.He f**king kept it for himself.Who in the f**k did he marry?"


    Hou Yi did not pause, respond or look back.He simply continued walked out, only stopping to talk to friend and business acquaintances who were also invited.It was the same faces as previous weddings with a few variations, as those that are considered the elites within City T are a very small selective group.


    Some spotted his wedding ring, and queried him about it.They all got the same response "Yes I am married, and no my wife is not here.I will introduce you to her in the future when we are ready toe out into the public."


    With everyone wanting to talk to him, Hou YI took almost a hour to leave after the wedding.He looked at his watch, and realised that it was just before 4pm.No way he was going to make it back to the office before 4pm.


    Hou Yi therefore took out his phone, and found the contact ''Darling Wife'' and dialed Anna.By this time Anna had taken a seat in Hou YI''s office."Sweetheart, I have to apologise that I am just getting away from the wedding."


    "Do you want me to meet you at the airport then?"


    "That will actually be great.Assistant Wang should have those tranted documents, so ask him for them, and he will make the arrangements."


    "Not a problem.See you there."

 Chapter 89: An Office Problem

    <h4>89 An Office Problem</h4>


    Friday, continued ...


    Just as Anna Jones hung up from Hou Yi about their changed arrangements, Assistant Wang entered the room shutting the door."Madam Hou, I just received a message from CEO Hou''s chief bodyguard.CEO Hou will not make it back in time."


    "Assistant Wang, that is OK.I was just speaking to Yi, and he told me the same thing.Have you those tranted documents?"


    "Here they are Madam, along with thosest documents you provided me and the documents I scanned for you this morning.A car with your bodyguard in it is downstairs.Madam, please be careful there are some rumours about the building about you.I have tried to stop them, but without luck.If there is any issue, press the star and hash keys on your mobile down for 5 seconds, it is an rm on your phone.Good Luck while you are away and see you when you return."


    "You are noting?"


    "No Madam, CEO Hou has indicated that this is a personal trip that might have a little business mixed in.I am to stay here and keep an eye on the business."


    Anna left Hou Yi''s office and walked towards the elevators.As she arrived, a couple of woman, came out of offices, and stood behind her.One said, "Who does that b**th think she is, waltzing into CEO Hou''s office when she likes.She has no right to."Anna thought I absolutely have the right to go in.Just you wait.


    The sarcastic response was "Well she must think she is Madam Hou, the Lady Boss of thepany."Anna, thought then was, how correct you are.


    "Well, CEO Hou is still looking so his wife."With that Anna, really wanted to say I am his wife, but she knew that it was not the time to say anything.


    "Given Miss Yang, married someone else today, both of us have a shot, that woman would not even get anywhere."Anna grinned to herself, how little do you know.Just as the doors were opening on an elevator, Anna was pushed from behind, causing her to fall into a man getting out of the elevator, who became irate at this.


    Anna, carefully picked herself up off the ground.She turned to man and said "I apologise, I was identally bumped and fell."


    "Do not me your clumsiness on anyone else.You did that deliberately to try and humiliate me.Apologise for that."


    "I have already apologised for the situation."


    "No you have not.Well it looks like the only way I am going to get my proper apology is do deal with you.You could only be here because you are staff.Who is your supervisor?"


    "No one, I am simply working here to aid Hou Enterprises deal with an issue in Australia.CEO Hou knows all about the matter."


    "Well then, I will have CEO Hou have you apologise to me, and you fired, and charged."With that he grabbed Anna by the arm, and started to pull her along the corridor.


    Assistant Wang, having seen what happened, immediately called CEO Hou, and ask him to return to the office.He ran down the corridor, and said "Vice-CEO Ji, can you please let thedy go.I let CEO Hou know what happened, and he has said he will be here in about 30 minutes to deal with the situation.I will take her into my office, and feel free to return to your office.As soon as CEO Hou is ready for you, I will call you."


    Assistant Wang, escorted Anna back to Hou Yi''s office. "Madam Hou, CEO Hou has suggested to go and rx in his office, and he will deal with this when he gets back.Do you need anything to drink?"


    "Something cold will be fine"


    "You will find some in the fridge, near the couch Madam Hou."


    Assistant Wang exited Hou Yi''s office, and Anna just fell onto the couch, staring off into the distance, thinking about what she had to tell Hou Yi.She was only diverted from that thought, when Hou Yi walked into the office, and came over and sat by her."Anna, what happened?"


    "I was standing at the elevators waiting to go down to get into the car to meet you at the airport.Two women were talking behind me, effectively calling me nothing.As the elevator door opened I was pushed in the back into a person Assistant Wang called Vice-CEO Ji.Despite my apology for the ident, Vice-CEO Ji demanded I apologise for deliberately doing what I had done, which I refused.When I also refused to provide my supervisors name so he could speak to them, he then demanded you had to deal with me.I got the impression he wants you to dismiss me, and have me charged."


    "The idiot.Let me deal with him for you."


    Anna started shaking, and Hou Yi gathered her in his arms.Less than a minuteter, the door opened, and they heard "CEO Hou, I need to talk to..."

 Chapter 90: Telling Uncle Ji Feng

    <h4>90 Telling Uncle Ji Feng</h4>


    Friday, continued ...


    Hou Yi and Anna both looked up, and Anna realised that this was the man from before.


    "Ji Feng, shut the door to my office.You might be a friend of my father''s but that does not give you the right to simply walk into my office as you choose.I do not know how many times I have told you knock and wait until I tell you to enter," Hou Yi said angrily.


    The door was quickly shut, and Hou Yi realised Anna was still shaking, so he regathered her in his arms again, and whispered "Sweetheart, I will resolve this.Take a couple of deep breaths, and you know that I will let nothing happen to you."


    Anna took a few deep breaths and her shaking stopped.Hou Yi simply kept her gathered in his arms, and turned to Ji Feng "Now tell me what happened."


    "That woman ..." Ji Feng started, pointing at Anna


    "Who, my wife?" responded Hou Yi, fascinated that Ji Feng had not have worked out who Anna due to the rumours swirling around thepany, particrly as Ji Feng was the biggest gossip in the whilepany.


    "Madam Hou," stuttered Ji Feng.


    "Yes, my wife.Given your friendship with Father I am surprised he did not tell you when he visited you after our meeting on Wednesday that I was married."Hou YI was absolutely enjoying himself with this.


    "He mentioned something, but I was not really paying attention."


    "You need to.Assistant Wang emailed me the footage.I cannot see how you could have thought it was deliberate.My wife apologised to you for the incident.Yet you caused a scene and bullied her over it.You know thepany no bullying policy, and if anyone else had done this they would have been immediately fired.This is your only warning on this as I believe my wife will not want me to fire you today."


    "Yes CEO Hou.I have to apologise to you Madam Hou."


    "If it was me, I would say that your apology is toote Ji Feng, but I know my wife, she will ept it.However, do not tell anyone the identity of my wife.She is in the process of uprooting her life so I want her the privacy to do this and settle into her new life before our marriage is known and she gets harassed by everyone, including the media.My wife is likely to be doing some work on and off in the legal department due to her skills, training and education, at least on a part time basis.Can you help me protect her within thepany until I reveal her identity."


    "Yes CEO Hou," responded Ji Feng, very remorsefully.


    "Ji Feng, you are like an uncle, when we are alone discussing personal matters I am not that person.Can you promise me that, Uncle Feng?"With that Ji Feng realised the conversation had shifted from business to personal and sat down on a chair near the couch Anna and Hou Yi were sitting on.


    "Yi you know I can.You and I have had many arguments give I believed Yang Lin was not for you, as I always wanted you to marry the love of your life, not simply settle for someone.You were convinced you had to meet that stupid demand of your father and grandfather, and your parents convinced you if you could not marry the woman you loved that you should settle for someone of a simr background.It appears you have married for love and I cannot be more happier for you."


    Ji Feng paused then continued "Yi there is something I need to tell you, but I have been unable to until now.Yang Lin tried to seduce most of the men around you, including me.She wanted informants around you to help her.She seeded in seducing my son Ji Wing which has messed with his mind for months.Likely she seeded with other male employees, but I have no idea who she has gotten her hooks into?Your wife..."


    "Her name is Anna"


    "Anna, seems to fit you.If first impressions are anything to go on, she suits you.Anna, please except my apology.I was angry, and I should not have taken it out on you."


    "Apology epted Uncle Feng," Anna replied.With that the atmosphere waspletely rxed, sociable, and like being with extended family at home.


    "Uncle Feng, Anna and I are going to Australia tonight for about a week, to deal with some loose ends regarding her life there, so you are in charge.I will be dealing with a few matters regarding the Australian Subsidary.However you will have Assistant Wang to assist you."


    Hou Yi paused, thinking about what Ji Feng has said "Anna and I have worked out there is at least 3 spies for Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu in thepany, a receptionist; a catering staff member; and the legal department supervisor I terminated yesterday.If you find out anything else regarding their spies, let me know.Logical sense tells us there are spies for them in the finance, nning and travel department.As to anywhere else, I have no idea."


    "Not a problem, I have a couple of ideas who these spies might be."


    "Thank you Uncle Feng."


    "You two have to promise something to me, though for my promise and assistance in this spy hunt"


    "What is it Uncle Feng?"


    "Your first child, if it is a boy name it Feng, but regardless of its sex, I want to be a godparent."


    "That Uncle Feng is a promise.If we are lucky to have children, you are going to be a godparent to all of them, not just the oldest."


    "I agree Uncle Feng", piped in Anna.


    "Get going, and call me when you get back."Ji Feng came over and shook Hou Yi''s hand, and bent over giving Anna a light kiss on the forehead."See you in just over a week."And with that he left the office.

 Chapter 91: Boarding

    <h4>91 Boarding</h4>


    Friday, continued ...


    After far welling Ji Feng, Hou Yi and Anna stood up, gathered their belongings, and followed him out the door.As Anna was in the room as herself, rather than as Hou Yi''s wife, there was no need to protect her identity.The bodyguards, on arrival at the elevators, gently stopped her from getting into the same elevator as Hou Yi.One said "Miss Jones, we would appreciate it if you could wait for the next elevator.


    With that the elevator Hou Yi was in closed its doors, and started its decent.Anna summonsed another one to go down to the foyer.As she exited the elevator Anna saw Hou Yi entering his vehicle.Anna, walked out and headed out and got into he car that was for her.


    Just over 30 minutester, when she arrived at the City''s International Airport, she was surprised that they did not go to the Commercial Terminal, but pulled up beside arge corporate jet.After Anna exited the vehicle, Hou Yi walked over to her, and she had to ask the question "Who owes this jet?"


    "Hou Enterprises, technically, but it is for the convenience of the CEO for personal or business use.The flight staff rotate on this and other corporate jets we have."


    Hou Yi paused for a few seconds so Anna could take in the situation, but he knew they could not dy too much."I would love to stay here on the tarmac, but we have a departure slot in about 20 minutes.Butler Ge sent earlier in the day our luggage, and your gift items, so all we need to bring is my briefcase, yourptop and handbag and the papers, all of which we have."


    With that Hou Yi escorted Anna onto the ne and urged her into a seat, which was more like an arm chair than any airne seat that Anna has sat in previously and helped her buckle in before taking his seat.As they sat down the immigration officials boarded toplete the immigration process, quickly and efficiently.Once they left the ne door was closed and secured and they started to taxi for their take-off slot.When they reached cruising altitude, rather than hearing any noise to indicate seat belts could be undone, the flight deck door opened, and our walked someone.


    "Sir, Madam, I am the Co-pilot on this flight.Initially we will stop in Singapore for refueling.You can opt for departure in 3 hours or 8 hours after wend, depending on what you want to do.We will then stop in Darwin for about 30 minutes toplete Australian immigration procedures, which makes our flight into Melbourne a domestic rather than international.While refueling is not strictly necessary in Darwin, as standard practice we will refuel as well.At present we do not know where our flight willnd, Tumarine, Essendon or Avalon, but that will be confirmed in Darwin.Regardless of which airport, a vehicle will meet and transport you into Melbourne''s CBD and to your hotel.As we do not anticipate any turbulence at this time, so if you wish to use the on-board bedroom, please feel free.If things change we will disturb you for your safety."


    With that the co-pilot returned to the cockpit, and one of the cabin crew approached them "Sir, Madam, if you would like toe to the dining area, we will arrange for your dinner.Your two options are Asian or Western.The Asian option is a mixture food from different Asian Countries.It contains for entree sushi , vegetable spring rolls, curry puffs and wontons, the main part of the meal is vegetable congee, Sweet and Sour Pork, Lemon Chicken and Beef and ckbean dishes with rice.The Western option, is three different types of bruchetta for entree, a tomato and capsicum soup, and Beef Wellington with vegetables for main.Desert for both is ice cream and fruit.You can, if you like Mix and match from either menu.


    Hou Yi indicated "I will simply have the Asian option."


    Anna, thought for a minute "I will have the same, but could you remove the congee and rece that with bruchetta."


    "Not a problem.Dinner service willmence in about 15 minutes."


    Hou Yi, took Anna''s hand and said "Come on let me show you the ne."With that he showed her the separate rooms on the ce, A study, two bedrooms, two bathrooms with showers, a small meeting room, an area for the bodyguards to rx in, sleeping space for the bodyguards and other staff on the flight, and a small kitchte where a chef was hard at work..She had already seen the lounge/dining area.


    They returned back to the dining area, and sat down, and within a few minutes their meal was brought out slowly over the next 30 minutes or so.They simply sat, quietly eating their meal.


    Just before they finished desert Anna Looked at Hou Yi and said "I have to talk to you about something.Can we go and sit somewhere quietly?"

 Chapter 92: Revealing to Hou Yi

    <h4>92 Revealing to Hou Yi</h4>


    Friday, continued ...


    Hou Yi considered what Anna had to say.He quietly said "We can either sit on the couch, or if you wantplete privacy, we can go into one of the bedrooms and shut the door.Your choice?"


    "The bedroom I think, as I really do not want anyone to hear."


    Once they werefortable on the bed, Anna quietly built up the courage to say what she needed to. "In working with the office to get the paperwork, I had to confront something I had avoided dealing with for such a long time.It deals with things Lu Jinhu did during our rtionship.I have been ashamed to now to admit it, and during my rtionship I simply dismissed his actions, telling myself he loved me.As we know he never did, but this has given me the courage to admit, at least to myself and what I have to call it."


    "Anna you are worrying me.Was he physically abusive?If he was, he better watch out."


    "No it was not physical abuse, but he was abusive in other ways.It is, all the same given the context of our rtionship. It can only be called domestic violence.He manipted my psychologically.He would pick at little things with friends to the point that what he said was wrong I saw as being the case, hit on them but made me believe that he was being set up."


    Anna paused as she started to feel the tears running down her cheeks, then took a deep breath and continued."He even drove a friend with cancer to cut me out of her life.I was not there to help her in her final three years battling the disease, which not makes me feel ashamed.He isted me from friends that could see through him, allowing only those that he liked or his friends.He verbally abused me, through name calling and things like that"


    "He also engaged in economic abuse.He failed to make any financial contributions to our rtionship, despite his regr returns home and the money from his family, he allowed me to incur unsustainable debt to ensure he had what he wanted, and refused to help out with household tasks, calling them women''s work.I do not recall him working a day at all during our rtionship, yet he seemed to always want me to fund him avish lifestyle."


    "The b**tard, how could he do it."


    "I let him.I was young when we met and young when we started our rtionship.He used my naivety to set a foundation for our rtionship that I did not challenge as I developed professionally.He yed on stereotypes, even my family allowed him to think was right in a modern rtionship.The worst thing is he did what I have counselled clients to get away from to me, and I was not willing to see it.I feel so stupid."With that Anna burst out into tears


    "Anna do not me yourself.It can happen to anyone.When at university I helped a female friend who is from the British Upper ss, granddaughter to a marquis, and after her mother his heir, escape from a domestic violence situation.Her abuser and boyfriend was the son of a duke, and simply thought he could get away with it, because he was of a higher rank."


    "The only reason I knew about his actions was we had been out celebrating with other friends thepletion of a group project.She had a little bit too much to drink so I drove her home and helped her inside.We were greeted by her boyfriend, who helped me get her inside and thanked me for helping her.I figured she was safe and simply left."


    "When I got back to my car, she had left her mobile phone and house keys in my car, so I went back inside to return the.When i arrived at the door, all I could hear was her crying out please do not hit me, I am sorry, and her boyfriend saying you are mine, you spent time with another man and now you will face the consequences of this.I used the keys to open the door and saw her curled up in a ball on the floor, the boyfriend so enraged he did not notice me there, kicking her, beating her with an iron bar, and my friend bleeding from the injuries he had inflicted."


    "I immediately called the police, who arrested and charged him.I helped her get medical treatment, deal with the police over the incident and revealing the extent of the abuse, and get through his trial for his actions.I had to quickly learn about refuges and support systems to help victims of domestic violence and started to support them financially, even in City T.Just know I will do what I can to help you through this.Maybe, when you are not so raw about having to deal with this, you can channel yourself into doing something to help victims and make him pay by turning it into something positive."


    Anna could not help herself and started sobbing "Yi, I ¡­.""


    "Anna, just let me help you through the next few days.Having admitted what he has done will affect you for some time.We can always look in the future what we will do with respect to his actions, and how you use your experiences.I think, rather than sitting here, the best thing for you will be to get some sleep.Just rx and know that you are safe from him.I will wake you when we reach Singapore as while refuelling is happening, we have to get off the ne."


    Hou Yi took Anna in his arms, letting her continue to cry, and once she fell asleep, he was able to rx as well.The next thing either of them knew was that there was a knock on the door."Sir, Madam, we are getting ready to start our descent into Singapore.The Pilot and co-pilot has asked for you to please return to your seats."

 Chapter 93: To Australia We Go

    <h4>93 To Australia We Go</h4>


    Saturday


    For the decent Singapore Anna and Hou Yi quickly returned to the main cabin, sat down and strapped themselves in.The co-pilot came over the internalmunications system."Can everyone be seated for our descent into Singapore.We have been informed that we cannd immediately, however due to other flight dys our departure will be dyed by 2 hours, asmercial flights are being given priority over private flights.We have arranged for you CEO and Madam Hou to be taken into the city for a couple of hours to make the most of this dy with airport VIP Services.They will arrange for whatever shops you require to be open, to remain open"


    Within 5 minutes of that notification from the co-pilot they were on the tarmac in Singapore, and pulled to a stop within a couple of more minutes.As they got up, Anna turned to Hou Yi, and said "I really need to change."


    Hou Yi turned to the cabin crew and said "Give us 5 minutes to change."With that they both hurried into the bedroom they had fallen asleep in.Hou Yi handed Anna a bag, saying "Here is your change of clothes.I''ll just go into the bathroom to change, if you want to change here."


    "That is OK with me."Both quickly changed and headed back out.Anna was handed her handbag and camera as they were departing the ne.


    When they went inside Changi International Airport, they were escorted with 4 bodyguards to a VIP immigration counter, and quickly went through immigration, and were escorted to the awaiting car.Hou Yi turned to Anna and asked "Is there anywhere you would like to go?"


    "I do not know what would be open thiste.While I have always wanted to visit Changi Memorial Chapel, that is associated with World War II, that is unrealistic.Raffles Hotel so I can have a Singapore Sling in the bar where it was invented.No, that is not a priority.Shopping?I do not know.You decide, as I am guessing we only have about 4 hours, so let us not try to pack too much in."


    "I have an idea.How about, rather than the Changi Memorial Chapel, which we leave for another trip, we go to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.Plenty of shopping opportunities if we want to shop, and we can go up to the observation deck, and view a great deal of Singapore.We have choices there."


    "Fine with me."


    With that they settled back, and within 40 minutes they had reached Marina Bay Sands.Despite not having a room in the hotel, Hou Yi was greeted by a VIP Guest manager, who offered to escort them to the viewing tform, and let them use the facilities in the hotel for a couple of hours.Anna turned to him and questioned "Why would they do that?"


    "Darling, usually to ess the bar and other areas on the viewing tforms you have to be a guest.The public can go up there but the space they are allowed is restricted.I am often in Singapore for business, and always stay here, so they are bending the normal rules for me today."


    When they got up to the viewing area and the restricted areas that they were given ess to Anna realised that staying here would be enough.She turned and said "Yi, I am happy to stay here for the time we have.What time do we have?"


    Hou Yi looked at his watch and taking into ount when they would need to be back at the airport, he said "We have about another 2 to 2 and a half hours before we will have to leave.What do you want to drink?"


    "Something cold and non-alcoholic, but give me about 20 minutes as I want to take some photographs" responded Anna.


    With that Anna, stood up and started to take photographs of the views that she was seeing of Singapore, thinking how wonderful these would be to show her family.She then wondered though would her parents actually talk to her?


    Hou Yi, rather than waiting for her, decided to walk with her, and every so often, took her camera from her to take a photo of her with the background of Singapore.As they were wandering around taking photographs, asionally one of the bodyguards offered to take photographs of the two of them together.This took them 30 minutes or so.They returned to the bar, and had a cold, non-alcoholic drink.


    Hou Yi looked at his watch and realised that they still had another hour before they had to be back to Changi International Airport.Realising that most likely in Australia they would y tourist, and that he forgot his camera, he said "Anna, I realise that I forgot my camera.Are you OK if we go downstairs to the shopping za and I will simply buy a new camera?"


    "Not a problem."


    When the returned downstairs, the VIP Guest manager, immediately arranged for them to be escorted to a Nikon Camera store, where Hou Yi, purchased a digital SLR Camera, and essories, for himself.He could not convince Anna to let him buy her a new camera.Soon after this they returned back to the airport and departed Singapore right on schedule.As they were both still tired, as soon as they could they got up, had showers and changed before falling asleep in bed.


    The next thing they knew was that they had reached Darwin, where everyone departed the ne, and while it was being refueledpleted the immigration processes and screenings.As arranged they were in Darwin for no longer than 30 minutes, and departed for Melbourne.

 Chapter 94: Melbourne and Sunday Planning

    <h4>94 Melbourne and Sunday nning</h4>


    Saturday, continued ...


    The private flight carrying Hou Yi and Anna Jones arrived at Tumarine Airport just after lunch on a cold Saturday afternoon.


    Their departure into the heart of Melbourne was swift given they hadpleted the immigration procedures in Darwin.Within 35 minutes they reached their hotel in Southbank and were promptly escorted to their suite.The bodyguards were given a suite across the corridor from them.


    Hou Yi, once they were alone, turned to Anna "I have to apologise, normally we would have a suite muchrger than this, but given that this was a short notice trip, we had to take what we could?"


    "Yi, it is not a problem.It is likely thergest Hotel room I have stayed in.We have a dining/Lounge area, separate bedroom with ensuite, separate study and a powder room.It is bigger than some apartments in this town."


    "Are you sure that you are OK with this?What do you want to do for the rest of the weekend?"


    "I am OK with this rxing."She picked up the newspaper on the table and realised the AFL (Australian Rules Football) game in town was Hawthorn and Geelong at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)."Actually Yi, could we go to the AFL game tonight at the MCG, and tomorrow we go and try and talk to my parents."


    "Anna, there is no time to secure a private box to the game, and the bodyguards could not be certain we would be safe.How about a dinner and a show or a movie?"


    "Yi, I have not been able to go to a game for 5 weeks, and I really want to go," Anna said giving Hou Yi a pleading look "Plus, no one knows that we will be there so being in the public area will be safe.If they are that concerned why not then contact the MCC (Melbourne Cricket Club) or the AFL itself to secure tickets in an area with more restrictions.Come on please, pretty please."


    "If the bodyguards and I think it is safe, then we will go.As to tomorrow, Warrnambool has an airport, right?"


    "Thank You Yi.Yes Warrnambool does have an airport.OK I will call the pilot and see if he can fly the ne to Warrnambool and make arrangements for a car, so that we can maximise the time with your family.Are you OK with that."


    "You are kidding right?It will only take about 3 and a half to four hours to drive there.That is not far."


    "No, the deal is if I agree to an AFL game tonight, we are flying to Warrnambool tomorrow."


    "Fine, but just arrange for a hire car in Warrnambool.I will drive us, no need to send a vehicle down there."


    Anna turned on the television and started to watch the AFL Game on the television, so Hou Yi walked over and spoke to the bodyguards, who started making calls.Steve and Mary Kent were able to help them with ess into a private box that had a couple of spare seats.Steve promised he and Mary woulde and meet them at the hotel before travelling to the game, but reminded him, to make sure what he was wearing something suitable for the game.


    Once the arrangements were made for Sunday, Hou Yi returned to their suite, "Anna, I have got us tickets into a private box, but I was told I needed to wear something suitable to the game.I never could get into this game while studying here, and what does something suitable mean?"


    "Come on we are going shopping.As I do not have my stuff here, and I do not want to fight about it today, I have to get a few things.This is my turf, and you need to listen to me.The bodyguards disappear, at least for today and tomorrow.They can be nearby but not with us.Next thing,e on, and I am going to have some fun spending money."


    With that she grabbed his hand, and dragged Hou Yi out of the hotel, and they went to the mall.She purchased casual clothing for both of them for tonight and tomorrow, as well for the mad Hawthorn fan she was Hawthorn scarfs and beanies for both of them.Despite Hou Yi actually paying for the charges on her credit cards, she decided to pull one out to pay for the purchases.


    They returned to the hotel just after 4pm, and Hou Yi by that time received a text from Steve saying that they would be there about 5:30pm and to be ready.Anna decided to get into the shower and change firstly to rx and make it easier for Hou Yi to do so.After she was finished, Hou Yi reluctantly got ready, thinking if anyone in City T saw him, they would question his sanity, however the things that he was willing to do for his wife!


    Right at 5:30pm, there was a call from reception, which Hou Yi answered, and Anna heard the response "Send them up."


    A couple of minutester there was a knock on the door, and Hou Yi opened it, escorting a couple in."Anna, this is Steve and Mary Kent that I told you about."With that he handed both of them a drink he had poured for them


    "Yi, who is she?" queried Mary


    "My wife, Anna" was the response and Mary dropped the ss that she was holding.


    "F**k Yi, you could have waited until she was sitting before you dropped that bombshell mate.You know my wife does not do surprises."


    "Well you both know I have to mess with you"


    Anna realised that despite Mary and Hou Yi''s previous rtionship the three of them were great friends.


    Mary, now recovered from her shock ran over and hugged Anna "You got this idiot to the altar, I thought no one would.Congrattions."


    After some more small talk, Steve interrupted everyone "Come on, we need to get to the game so we can get out seats.Anna, you are going to fit right in, and at least you are trying to get him to.The box we are in is full of Hawthorn supporters.The only damn thing is that we will have that army of bodyguards"


    "Actually no.I told him, I would prefer none, but the most that he could have as 2 and he agreed."


    "You did not," squealed Mary.


    "I did, and they are not happy, but he knows I hate them, so he is indulging me."


    With that, they left the suite, went downstairs and into a car and were drive to the MCG.On arriving in the suite, Hou Yi and Anna were introduced to the 8 other people there and sat down for their meal before the game.Hou Yi, once the game started, still could not get into it, but everyone else, was having a ball.


    As Anna was enjoying himself, he was OK. Hawthorn won by 1 point, and along with the other almost ny thousand people there, they left the MCG, but in their case returned to the hotel for bed.As they left Hou Yi promised Steve and Mary he would call themter to arrange to get together for a meal.

 Chapter 95: Returning to Annas Childhood Home

    <h4>95 Returning to Anna''s Childhood Home</h4>


    Sunday ...


    Sunday morning, neither Anna Jones or Hou Yi remembered much after returning from the Australian Rules Football game they had seen.They were awoken by a wake-up call from reception at 7:30am.


    "Yi why such an early wake-up call?"


    "Anna, we have to be back at Tumarine before 9am as the only departure slot we could was 9:15am.The authorities did confirm we couldnd and take off in Warrnambool, despite the strip''s length as the ne is a private not amercial ne.We will arrive before 10:30am, but have to depart by 6pm to make our slot back here.That will give us about 7 hours with your family.Come on you need to get going, as we will have to leave in 40 minutes."


    Anna quickly got out of bed, and went and showered.She put on a hotel robe, so that Hou Yi could go into the bathroom and she dressed in a set of casual clothes from her case.15 minutester, Hou Yi came out of the bathroom, dressed.He looked at his watch "Come on, we need to get going as we may otherwise push our luck."Both picked up their cameras and Anna also picked up her hand bag and within 3 minutes they were in the car being driven to the airport.They made it back in time for their flight slot, and were in the air, flying to Warrnambool.


    Once they were free to move around, both were served breakfast.Anna decided on an egg and bacon roll, hash browns and a coffee, and rather than making it more difficult for the staff Hou Yi agreed to the same but with tea rather than coffee.


    As they were eating, Hou Yi spoke "Anna, some bodyguards will apany us in the second vehicle that will be avable, but the rest will remain with the ne.I know you do not want them around us, so I have told them to give us space today."


    "Fine, but keep them out of my parents sight, OK.They are finding this hard enough to adjust to, bodyguards surrounding us will make it impossible."


    Due to the wind, and emergency flights from the Warrnambool Airport theynded just after 10:30am.After dening Anna told the bodyguards, as she knew where she was going she would drive one car, those in the other simply had to follow her.She headed out of the airport driving to her parents house.


    Anna had her fingers cross that today her parents would talk to her, particrly in light of Tuesday night''s conversation.All she could do was try.Less than 15 minutester, Anna pulled up outside her childhood home and turned off the engine.As she got out Hou Yi realised that he needed to get out.


    Anna looked back and realised that the bodyguards had parked right behind them, but stayed in the car.Before going anywhere she walked over to the car and said "Move it.Do not be too close.We will be safe here."


    The echoing call from all five in the vehicle was "Yes Madam Hou."Once she was satisfied as to where they were parked, she went and took Hou Yi''s hand as they went up to the front door and rang the doorbell, rather than Anna using her key to let them in.Around a minuteter the door was answered.


    "Anna, what are you doing here.I though you were away with Lu Jinhu.Who in the f**k is this?"


    "James settle down.Are Mum and Dad home?"


    "Yes.They are in the lounge but for some reason since Tuesday night Mum in particr has been p**sed off about something."


    "James, I need you to do me a couple of favours.Book us somewhere for lunch and tell everyone to get there ASAP.I do not care where, but we all have to talk, and I do not want to have to repeat everything time after time.OK."


    "Fine sis, but who is this with you?"


    "This is Hou Yi, but that is all I am saying at the moment OK."


    "OK, but you own me a me a full exnation."With that James lent in and kissed Anna on the cheek.He pulled his mobile and started making calls.


    "Yi, that was my pain in the a**e baby brother. Thank goodness he is doing what I asked.Now all we need to do is speak to my parents."


    With that Anna, walked inside, and headed to the lounge room.When she and Hou Yi entered, her parents had their back to the entry, so Anna called out "Mum, Dad, could you please turn around."


    They stood up and turned.Meredith Jones spat out "What are you doing here.You have some nerve given what you told us Tuesday night.You threw away a perfectly good man who treated you as a woman is meant to be treated for this person.Why are you here?"


    Anna could feel Hou Yi tensing up right beside her."Mum settle down.I have a lot I need to tell everyone, but James is arranging a lunch with everyone for me, so I can tell everyone together.Can you be civil to my husband and I until then?"


    "Why should I.You totally disrespected your father and I" snapped Meredith.


    "Mrs Jones, please do not get angry at my wife.All we are asking is for you to listen to what we have to say.If you then want nothing to do with us, while it will hurt my wife we will ept it.You, at least own her the respect to hear what she has to say.And I will give you this warning once, I will defend and protect my wife form anyone, it that means you I will do that.Presently I am giving you sometitude as we shocked you on Tuesday and today, but that will not be forever."


    Meredith, turned white after hearing her son-inw speak.To break the ice, Anna''s father walked over to Hou Yi, and held out his hand "Hi I am Stan.We will do that."


    Hou Yi took the outstretched hand and shook it, saying "Hi I am Hou Yi, please call me Yi."


    "Mum and Dad, are you OK with the family lunch, and before you say anything we will pay."


    "Fine," snapped Meredith.


    The room suddenly went quiet, but within a minute."Sis, Lunch is booked at Pippies for 12pm.Susan and I both have to be at the hospital by 3pm, so an early lunch is needed.Ben and Adam are annoyed at you, but given none of us expected you back for a couple of weeks, they areing.The only thing I did not do was tell them that you were not with Lu Jinhu as there must be some story."


    "Thanks baby brother.Mum and Dad are a little angry with me at the moment, so I figure that it might not be the best for us to wait here and travel with you.See you there, OK."


    "Not a problem.Love you sis."


    "Love you to baby brother."Anna leaned over and gave James a kiss on his cheek and with that they walked out of the house.

 Chapter 96: Telling Annas family - Part 1

    <h4>96 Telling Anna''s family - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday, continued ...


    After fare welled her little brother, Anna Jones and Hou Yi walked out of her parents'' home.As they got to the car, Anna bust out into tears.Immediately, Hou Yi gathered her in his arms as best he could, hugging her and gently rubbing her back and saying "It will be OK.It will be OK."


    Before either of them could do anything, one of the bodyguards walked to the car "Madam Hou, if you could give me the keys I will drive you as you appear upset."Anna did not hear the bodyguard, so Hou Yi reached into her pocket and removed them and handed them over.


    Hou Yi maneuvered Anna into the car and sat in himself.Hou Yi told the bodyguard, "Firstly go to the beach, so we can walk there, and she has a chance to calm down.We, need to be at a restaurant called Pippies at 11:50am"


    The bodyguard, using GPS looked to locate the waterfront.Anna, then realised that the car engine was going and spotted the GPS was turned on.Anna said "Turn that thing off.I will tell you where to go."This made her calm slightly, and Anna provided the directions to the Surf Lifesaving Club, where she knew that a walking track could be essed.


    As soon as Anna had climbed out of the car, she and Hou Yi were surrounded by the five bodyguards.They were all very angry about Madam Hou being upset, and wanted to prevent it in the future.They knew CEO Hou adored his bride, and they realised she was sweet, so they always wanted her to be happy.


    Anna did not want to fight with the bodyguards, so she let them be close by as they walked in the beach surrounds for 35 minutes.Hou Yi had simply taken her hand as they had gotten out of he car, and refused to let go for the whole time they walked around.Every so often he moved and rubbed his fingers on her hands.For Hou Yi, he knew is was not only aboutforting Anna given how she felt from her mother''s reaction but it was a small way that he could show her his feelings without overwhelming her.


    Initially, Hou Yi''s refusal to let go of her hand annoyed Anna.She really wanted no one close to her.However it only took a few minutes, and it started to make her feel different.It was not just calming andforting, but something else.The emotions running through her were something more than she had ever felt for Lu Jinhu, but she could not put her finger on what it exactly was.


    However, when they arrived back at the cars, Anna knew she was calm enough to drive, so put out her hand for the keys, and they were handed to her.She and Hou Yi climbed into one car, and all the bodyguards climbed into the other, and they drove to Pippies.


    On arrival, the bodyguards apanied them to the restaurant, and were able to persuade the staff to ce the party in a corner that would allow them to better protect CEO and Madam Hou.Hou Yi and Anna, simply sat down, and awaited her family to arrive in the next 10 to 15 minutes.Anna, however grabbed one of the guards and said, "You need to back off, you will frighten my family."


    "Madam Hou, no one while we are on duty is going to upset you like that.We will be staying close."


    "Well if you are going to do that, see if the restaurant staff can give you a separate table and sit and have a meal, OK."


    "Madam Hou, we arranged that when we arrived.The staff were notpletely happy, but given we offered to pay extra money for that, and our position, they agreed."


    "Well sit down OK."


    "We will once your guests arrive Madam Hou."Anna frustrated with them, simply shook her head and roller her eyes at them.The guards simplyughed as they realised Madam Hou was annoyed, but she could do nothing about them being protective at the moment.Hou Yi, recognised that the bodyguards had not only realised how he felt about his wife, but they had fallen under her spell and would protect her from anything if they could.


    As Anna finished speaking to the bodyguard, she was in walking her brothers Ben and Adam.Neither were apanied by their wives of children.As they started to walk towards the Anna said "Ben, Adam, get over here.Now where are your wives and children."


    Ben responded "My lovely wife Rosemary, will be here in 5 minutes, she just had one thing to do, and the kids are with her parent''s today for their monthly visit.Reba is home with their kids as they have a virus."


    "Damn, I was so hoping to see her."


    Adam then broke in "You and Reba together, a total disaster.I had to carry home my drunk wife after yourst escapade, and then I get the news the following day of what you two spent and did.I cannot take that so soon after thest time, you hear me."


    "Chill out brother.You know she loves me."


    "I cannot figure out why. And more importantly I cannot figure out why I do."Adam and Anna then broke out intougher, which confused Hou Yi.


    Anna leaned over to Hou Yi and whispered "We are simply joking.We always stir each other as he knows I help Reba get into mischief and she does the same with me.Do not worry, he loves me dearly."


    At that time another couple with a couple of young children walked in.Anna realised that it was her sister Susan Adamson and her husband Wayne.As soon as the children spotted Anna, all she heard was the squeals of "Aunty Anna, Aunty Anna" as they ran across the restaurant, and threw themselves at Anna.


    "Hello Pippa and Hannah.I have missed you so much."


    "Really Aunty Anna," asked Pippa.


    Before she could respond "Sister, what are you doing here without Lu Jinhu, I want to know" asked Susan.


    "When Mum, Dad and James get here I will tell you all what is going on."


    Before anything else could be said, in walked a scowling Meredith Jones, and behind there was Stan Jones and James.


    Anna urged everyone to sit down, sending a look to the bodyguards to sit and let the conversation ur before interrupting."Please order whatever you want.I am paying today.Once we have ordered, I will tell you all what is going on."

 Chapter 97: Telling Annas Family - Part 2

    <h4>97 Telling Anna''s Family - Part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued ...


    As everyone had arrived, Anna urged everyone to sit down, and order anything they wanted as she and Hou Yi were paying for the meal.


    Hou Yi realised that Anna was barely holding it together with how her mother was acting.Underneath the table he gently squeezed her leg, simply to indicate that it would be OK.She squeezed his hand back and looked at Hou Yi, sending a unspoken message, that she knew he would make sure she was OK.A few minutester the waitress came and took everyone''s orders, including the bodyguards on the nearby table.


    "Stop dying Sister, dear.What is going on?Tell me or I will get it out of you" ground our Ben.At the sound of Ben''s voice two of the bodyguards started to stand up, but at the shake of Anna''s head, the immediately sat back down.


    Adam, saw the movement of the bodyguards and their reaction to Anna."What is with the heavies on that other table.They reacted to Ben being somewhat Angry.Tell us now!"


    Before she could say anything, Susan''s mobile rang and she answered the call.All everyone heard was "Yes" "What" and "You are kidding me."When she hung up she said, you would not believe what I just was told, there is a huge airne at the airport.All anyone knows is that it belongs to some international corporation, and it arrived this morning, and two cars of people left the airport."


    Anna, turned to Hou Yi, and the look between them was ''now we have to exin that as well''.


    Hou Yi picked up his mobile and texted the guards.''Do not move, but if someone gets a sense that we have been found out, step in and protect my wife.''He then texted the pilot ''The existence of the ne has been announced locally.If you feel that there is an issue, take off and return to Melbourne.Arrange for the hire cars to be returned in Melbourne if necessary.Reply Yes when done.''


    The idea of arge private ne at the airport surprised everyone and distracted all of Anna''s family, including her three brothers, her sister, sister-inw Rosemary, and brother-inw Wayne for a couple of minutes.The only two people not distracted were Pippa and Hannah.


    Ben, however turned everyone back to the point "Come on Sister, stop dying and tell us what is happening.You cannot distract us anymore."


    Before Anna could say anything, their entrees were brought out.Anna thought that at least while everyone was eating that there would not be a much interruption even if she could not finish her entr¨¦e.Hou Yi, simply squeezed the hand on the table, and said nothing knowing that she had to do this herself.


    Anna took a deep breath "Since Tuesday Mum and Dad have know some, but not all of this.You all need to know the background to understand what has gone on.Throughout the time that Lu Jinhu and I were living together I was the victim of domestic violence."


    Anna could see the reaction of her three brothers and father, who if Lu Jinhu was here in front of them would have killed him there and then.


    "He did not physically hurt me, but was psychologically maniptive, verbally abusive.He also was economically abusive, where I was fully responsible for your financial support, despite his and his family wealth.He also expected me, to run our household, cook and clean.He refused to do anything.I was not willing to admit anything.I almost think that when he proposed 10 months ago, I was ready to walk away, regardless of what it took, but his proposal made me rmit to the rtionship."


    "Things started change about 6 months ago, with a chance meeting at work.I literally ran into Hou Yi."with that she indicated to Hou Yi."We started tomunicate between each other.He was concerned about how I looked, and simply wanted to know that I was OK.He knew that I hadmitted to my rtionship, but the more wemunicated through instant messaging apps, the more I started to question within myself was the rtionship with Lu Jinhu right for me."


    "Before you ask, he never pressed me to leave the rtionship but was always clear that he would be there for me whatever I decided to do.By the time that Lu Jinhu and I left Australia a week and a half ago, I was almost over the rtionshippletely, but I was not ready to take that final step.It was only when I passed Yi in the Australia Embassy that I realised I was not in love with Lu Jinhu and had not been for months.It was Yi I loved and who I wanted to marry."


    "We spoke further after this and I knew that I had made the right decision.All I had to do was tell Lu Jinhu and remain safe.Tuesday, before I could do this I found out that throughout our rtionship Lu Jinhu just used me, and married someone else before telling me this.Rather than waiting to marry Yi, we decided that we would simply marry there and then, rather than waiting some time like we had nned, as we felt we owed Lu Jinhu no respect.It is the best decision that I have made, so can you all be happy for me."


    After a few minutes silence, Anna could see Ben''s anger was over the top "That b**tard Lu Jinhu.I will kill him with what he has put you through.No f**king man should do that to a woman."


    "Calm down Ben, I got out of the rtionship.No, Yi is not a rebound rtionship, he is what makes me happy."

 Chapter 98: Telling Annas Family - Part 3

    <h4>98 Telling Anna''s Family - Part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued ...


    "So, you guys are back to stay then," jumped in Anna''s baby brother James.


    "Actually no, this is a flying visit, we have to go back."Replied Anna.


    "You have a job, family and friend here, you do not need to go back," said Adam and Susan, in unison.


    Before Anna or Yi could respond the waitresses came in and removed the entr¨¦e tes and ced everyone''s mail course down in front of them.Everyone arranged for new drinks, before the conversation continued.


    Hou Yi leaned over to Anna "I''ll continue so you can have something to eat."With that he raised her hand and briefly kissed it, before setting it down on the table.Anna felt goosebumps up her arms when Hou Yi kissed her hand.She knew to her that that meant more than justfort, but she did not know what it exactly meant.


    Hou Yi, turned to the family "No we have to go back.This is simply a flying visit to resolve some matters for Anna, before we return, back home.We will be looking for somewhere here locally as a holiday home, but Australia will only be for visits.I am unable to leave and relocate here, even though if Anna wants it.She understands and epts this."


    "Why the f**king hell not.Anna has a good job, and a huge supportwork, and you are asking her to sacrifice everything for you.You are just like that Lu Jinhu, not respecting her as a person," came an angry response from Ben.


    "Yi, I think you have no choice but to tell them the rest."


    "Sweetheart are you sure you want me to let them know all of that?"


    "Absolutely, they have to understand.You know that I am happy with my decision."Anna then leaned over and slightly turned Hou Yi''s head, so she could give him a short, sweet kiss on the lips.For Anna the jolt that went through her in pressing her lips to Hou Yi was amazing.What did it mean?that she could not answer.


    For Hou Yi, his wife''s voluntary actions, while sending a message to her family was amazing.His wife had done it herself, without feeling pressured.He wished that he could capture that feeling for all his life, the love of his life showed some affection to him for the first time in public.


    "OK.Anna has said I have to tell you the other part.We did not want to tell you that on this trip, as we knew taking on what Anna had to tell you about what Lu Jinhu did was significant, but this will make you even more stressed out."


    "What it is, do not tell me she is pregnant," yelled Meredith.


    Meredith''s voice caused a reaction on the bodyguards who ran to beside Hou Yi and Anna, who both turned and snapped at them to "sit back down" in unison, which they did.


    Hou Yi continued "I think that you have gathered that the gentleman at the table over there are bodyguards.They are here specifically for Anna and I."Anna noticed a number of shocked looks around the table."I am CEO of our family owned Corporation in Country X¡­"


    "So you are a businessman, you can run a business here" jumped in James.


    "Sorry it is not that easy.The familypany, with its worldwide subsidiaries is considered to be one of the top 500panies in the world¡­"


    "You have to be f**king kidding," said Ben and Adam almost in unison.


    "No, I am not.On one site alone, we have over over ten thousand employees.I could not tell you how many employees there are worldwide, as that changes depending on various projects within certain divisions.I simply cannot up and relocate.Anna knows, that anytime she needs toe and see you, all she has to do is ask and one of thepany nes is at her disposal, and you all have a standing invitation toe and visit when you like¡­"


    Stan finally reacted "But the cost, none of us could afford us."


    "Mr Jones, we would not expect any of you to pay.We would arrange the travel and cover the costs.I am also intending to purchase a Melbourne Unit for us, as well as a property in the area so we can rx.As I understand you work on farms, Ben and Adam we would ask you to look after the property and the farming business on it would be yours, as I have no interest in that."


    "The only things I would do, is install arge enough airstrip and some associated buildings.I will have to secure those and the homestead and the driveway, but the rest of the property will be yours to use all the time, and when we are not there all but the homestead area will be yours to use, provided that you clean the strip before we arrive.Do not give us an answer now, you can think about it."


    As Hou Yi stopped talking, something finally twigged for Rosemary "S**t you own that f**king ne at the airport?"

 Chapter 99: Telling Annas Family - Part Chapter 4: Wondering

    <h4>99 Telling Anna''s Family - Part 4 Wondering</h4>


    Sunday, continued ...


    "Yes, that ne is mine.We flew down to maximise the time with you as we have no choice but to be in Melbourne tomorrow.Despite being slightly short, my pilot determined we couldnd and take, however given the interest if he feels that people are at risk, he will return to Melbourne and we will drive back."


    The discussion finally sunk it to everyone, and the only person who could say something was Wayne, "My sister-inw married a billionaire.Oh my God.S**t."


    "Thest thing that I need is for Anna to be worried about your safety.So what I am going to arrange in the next few days, is improved security for all of you.I also will have a security team in the area that can protect you if there are threats or you are concerned.But maintaining your safety will rely on you not disclosing your connection to me."


    "If you do that, it will ce your lives at risk, and the only way that I can do to protect you is relocate you, secure you behind high walls, and having you apanied by guards everywhere.The choices Anna and I make, are reflective of the inbuilt security in my job.However thest thing that any of you will want is to have choices taken away from you, your jobs would be forced to change, as would your lives, which none of you signed on for."


    Hou Yi noticed that the waitresses wereing to remove their main course tes, so he fell into silence.He asked spoke to one of the waitresses and asked "Could you please hold our desserts for 10 minutes.We need some privacy to finish this conversation."


    The waitress left, and Hou Yi turned to the table.He and Anna reached for each other''s hand at the same time, and Hou Yi lifted it to his mouth giving it a kiss.Anna decided that she was ready to speak "Mum, Dad, now that you have heard everything, is there anything you, or anyone else want to say.Before youment, all I am going to tell you is that I have made the decision that makes me happier than I have ever been.I know I have a huge transition that I am making, but I need you all not to hate me for following my heart."


    As soon as Anna stopped speaking James, immediately jumped in "Sis, you know that you always will have my love and support for whatever decision you make.Go and be happy but remember toe back and visit me regrly."


    Wayne and Susan looked at each other and nodded, before Susan said "James is right.You have our love and support.Go be happy ande back to visit."


    Ben, Adam and Rosemary all answered together "Same for us."Rosemary then continued "You know we love you anding to visit you.Maybe we will even just send the kids during school holidays, so they can harass their Aunty Anna and Uncle Yi and give us a break."With that Ben and Adam bust outughing.They knew their children would have Anna and Hou Yi pulling their hair out within two days of arriving.


    Anna looked at her parents, who had not responded."Mum, Dad, what do you say."


    "Why did you not tell us what was happening, we would have helped you," said Stan in a defeated voice, realising that he had failed to protect his little girl.


    "I could not admit what Lu Jinhu did.Yi has only made it possible for me to fully admit what had happened, as I know I have his love and unconditional support."


    Stan pondered for a few seconds "Anna, if you are certain on your decision, all I can do is support your choices regardless of what I think, and simply be there to deal with any fall out.Mr Hou, you better make sure you treat my daughter well.If I find out you have not, those bodyguards and your wealth will not save you as I will kill you.She has been hurt too much now, and she needs no more."


    "Mr Jones, you have my word.I will treat her like the queen she is."


    Anna, looked at Meredith "Mum?"

 Chapter 100: Telling Annas family - Part 5

    <h4>100 Telling Anna''s family - Part 5</h4>


    Sunday, continued ...


    "As I said on Tuesday, you have made the biggest mistake of your life, and I want no part of it.You are not the daughter that I raised.You are lying about Lu Jinhu and are simply trying to excuse your behaviour through ndering his reputation.He treated you as a man should treat his wife."


    Hou Yi looked at Anna, who simply burst into tears.The tears immediately prompted the bodyguards to react, and circle Anna.


    Hou Yi, looked at his mother-inw, with a look to total disgust that she could say that to her own daughter.


    "While you are entitled to your opinion, Mrs Jones do not speak to my wife like that ever again.Presently our bodyguards are being polite, as the next time you upset my wife I do not think they will simply stop at surrounding us.You will likely find yourself dragged away from your daughter or something even more.You need to apologise to her for upsetting her.


    "My wife has made her own decision, and the more polite way to have responded, which I would have respected was that you could have told her you disagreed with her actions, but you will ept it as it was her choice.Calling her a liar, and support the man who has abused your daughter to her is uneptable.It tells your daughter, my wife, you do not believe that she has been abused.No woman deserves being told that to her face.For my wife''s well-being we need to leave now.Mrs Jones you need to decide do you want a rtionship with your daughter or not."


    Anna''s brothers James, Ben, Adam, her sister Susan, sister-inw Rosemary and brother-inw Wayne all stood up, with Wayne grabbing his daughters Pippa and Hannah, who has simply been watching what was going on.


    Susan, spoke up "Mum, Dad.I think it is better if we leave you two here to finish your meal.We are going to say goodbye to Hou Yi and Anna and going home.None of us can believe what you just said.You need to think about it or you could force us all to make a choice, which we do not think you will end up liking."


    "You would not choose them over me" screamed Meredith.With that the four of the bodyguards escorted Anna out of the restaurant and Hou Yi went and paid the bill and followed Anna out with the remaining bodyguard.


    "Mum shut up now, or we will make that choice now.Keep, your opinions to yourself.We are leaving, and I think that most of us will not talk to you for a little bit of time, until you calm down," responded Adam.


    James followed on "Mum, I am going to stay with Susan, Wayne and the kids for a few days.I wille and collect it belongings, because if I stay at the moment I am likely to say the wrong thing to you."


    With that James, Ben, Adam, Rosemary, Susan, Wayne and the children left the restaurant leaving Stan and Meredith Jones alone.They all knew that Meredith was angry as she did not have them agree with her


    Outside, they found Anna balling her eyes out in Hou Yi''s arms surrounded by bodyguards.Susan and Rosemary came running towards them, and once the bodyguards realised that they were not a threat, let them in.


    Hou Yi let them take Anna in their arms with Susan saying "Sis, do not worry about her.You just need to be happy.Call meter and leave a message on my phone that you are OK.I would stay, but I need to get home and change for work.James also needs to get ready for his cement shift.Guess who gets to be his supervisor, his big, pain in the neck sister, and he better not think he going to get away with anything."


    This drew a littleugh from Anna, which made Susanfortable leaving with Wayne, Pippa, Hannah and James.Rosemary looked to Adam, who called out "Spend the time you need with her.Just call me and let me know where to pick you up from, if that it OK with Anna and Hou Yi."


    "It is fine with us," said Hou Yi, and with that Adam and Ben also left.


    Hou Yi turned to Rosemary "We have a couple of hours left, before we have to go to the airport.What can we do to help cheer her up?"

 Chapter 101: Cheering Up Anna

    <h4>101 Cheering Up Anna</h4>


    Sunday, continued ...


    "If Reba was here I, would say take us to somewhere where there is alcohol and let us drink, but I do not think that these guys surrounding us would like that too much.How about, we go walking through gstaff Hill just over there, then on the way back to the airport, we could go via Tower Hill.Simple, easy, and these guys can lighten up a little, and have some fun."When she was talking about gstaff Hill, Rosemary pointed in a direction towards the Museum''s entrance.


    Taking Rosemary''s suggestion, Hou Yi turned to her "I guess that it is OK.Not moving to far, but walking might be all that she needs."With that they turned and walked to the entrance of gstaff Hill.


    Hou Yi, pulled out his credit card, and handed it over to pay for their entry, plus they told the staff to add the charge so that they could pay for the next 20 adults'' to arrive entry as well, and charge a further $2,000 as a donation.As they spent the next hour and a half walking simply walking around, Anna started to calm down, and by the end she was happy being teased by her sister-inw.Hou Yi, on and off would take Anna''s hand, not only to keep her by his side, but send the message he wanted her to try and understand in how much he loved her.


    As they were heading up the hill, Hou Yi spotted a little chapel in the grounds, and was interested in it so he wandered over.Rosemary walked over to him "What are you finding interesting about that."


    "I just found it interesting.Do you know if it is just for disy?"


    "Actually, it is considered consecrated ground.There are often weddings that use the church, and couples oftene in and take photographs here.Why are you interested?"


    "How people get married in my country is different here.We have to attend a government authority and register our rtionship.We get issued by the government a wedding certificate.Wedding ceremonies are only if you want them, but are not required.Most couples have such ceremonies for friends and family to celebrate their rtionship.I wanted to give Anna a wedding here, with her family and friends around, but given your mother''s attitude that may be impossible to achieve without contacts."


    "Look Yi, I can do that.Stuff my mother-inw.She thought Lu Jinhu was a saint, and always med Anna for any little problems.Meredith believes that men, particrly men who put women in what she sees as their ce, walk on water, and mes any rtionship on the woman.To her, despite how she treats Stan, she views that in a rtionship a man is entitled to do what he needs to asserting his authority."


    "Her parent''s own religious beliefs are the cause of this.It is, as Anna described it best cult-like.While Meredith left and married Stan, for her children she expects them to follow her parents'' beliefs as to the rtionship between a man and his woman/wife.Ben, and I, Adam and Rosemary, Susan and Wayne all pay this lip service in front of Meredith, simply as she is Stan''s wife.Ben, Adam and Susan are lucky that she is only their stepmother, and they have the buffer of their mother''s family to defeat the imposition of Meredith''s beliefs on them."


    "Reba and I do not give a care about Rosemary''s beliefs, but we respect them in front of her not to cause an argument.However, as Anna is her daughter, she really ingrained those beliefs into her, and Anna had no real escape from it.While I am not a psychologist, I would guess this made her vulnerable to Lu Jinhu.Meredith will never change, but your wealth may change her attitude as she worships money.The problem is for Anna, her mother will never really ept her."


    "As to a wedding ceremony here, I am happy to help, and I know Rosemary and Susan will be to.All we will do is not say anything to Meredith to thest minute and tell her that she is the mother of the bride and give her an outfit.That will inte her self-esteem for the day and she will behave."


    "Thank you, Rosemary.My mother and Aunt, along with my assistant are working on matters back home.Can I get your details to give to them, so they can contact you?"


    "I will write them down for you before you go."


    Anna, turned around, and saw Hou Yi and Rosemary standing near the chapel."What are you two talking about?"


    Hou Yi immediately said "The church made me think how wonderful you will look as a bride."


    This made Anna blush, but before she could reply, Reba jumped in "Come on you two, you are not going to make me feel as if I am not needed.We are going to Tower Hill, so get moving."Rosemary came over to Anna, and gently pulled her nose and started running.Annaughed and ran after her sister-inw, which despite needing to run put a smile on the bodyguards faces as well.Hou Yi, walked behind everyone else, with one bodyguard at his side.

 Chapter 102: A surprise for the bodyguards

    <h4>102 A surprise for the bodyguards</h4>


    Sunday, continued ...


    When they got outside, Rosemary hurried everyone into the cars, her driving the vehicle with Hou Yi, Anna and one bodyguard and the other four in the following car.


    Rosemary drove west, out of Warrnambool to Tower Hill, and as they drove into the crater, they saw a Ko climbing up a tree, so she stopped, so everyone could have a look.The bodyguards could not believe that they could get this close to something so iconic to Australia.


    Anna, realised that they all wanted to get very close to the Ko''s so she had to warn them that they were wild animals, and if they got too close they could be seriously hurt. Anna snapped away taking photographs for all of the bodyguards, with them close to the Ko but not touching it.As they turned around to return to the cars, they saw some Emus and a couple of Kangaroos, which further surprised the bodyguards.They were having great fun, and for Anna, it was rxing as she was having great fun taking photos.


    Hou Yi, kept looking at his wife and realised she had rxed, and was having fun.He could see in her eyes that she was still hurt by what her mother had said, but having this bit of fun was such that she was not as emotional challenged by it as she had been.He, like the bodyguards was having fun getting so close to iconic Australian wildlife.


    As they drove through Tower Hill they stopped on 5 asions to wander around.Once they left Tower Hill, Rosemary drove back to the airport, with the bodyguard''s following behind in the second vehicle.Despite the crowd looking at the ne, as the guards Hou Yi left with the ne identified him to the police, they were able to get in.


    Hou Yi looked at his watch and noticed that they had 20 minutes before the pilot would ensure that everything was ready to fly.He turned to Rosemary and said, "Assuming my pilot does not want to leave immediately, or is requested to leave immediately, would you like toe aboard and have a look."


    "You are kidding?"


    "Absolutely not," responded Hou Yi.


    As they walked towards the foot of the ne''s stairs, they were greeted by the pilot, and Hou Yi asked "Are we required to leave immediately?"


    The response from the pilot was "No, they have advised we still have our twenty minutes.The police would like us gone, but as the airport authorities know our slot at Tumarine, they are not demanding an early departure."


    "This is my wife''s sister-inw.She ising on the ne for a brief look before we leave.We are not to leave before she has departed the ne."


    With that the climbed the stairs and entered the ne.Rosemary''s eyes were wide open throughout the tour.At the end she said, "Just the two of you and the bodyguards flew on this?"


    "Yes.Usually when I am travelling, I have a lot of work that needs to be done, and I have to get there as quickly as I can.Commercial flights usually do not allow that.Plus, on this ne, my security can be guaranteed."


    Rosemary, called Ben, and made arrangements for him to collect her.She said her final goodbyes to Anna and left the ne with a promise that Anna would call her when she was back in Melbourne.The pilot and cabin crew made all the arrangements and carefully checked everything was ready for departure and took off returning to Melbourne.Within 90 minutes, they were back at the hotel, and Anna was sending text messages to confirm her return to Melbourne, as she did not feel like talking.

 Chapter 103: Why Mum has her relationship beliefs

    <h4>103 Why Mum has her rtionship beliefs</h4>


    Sunday, continued ...


    When Anna Jones and Hou Yi returned to the hotel, a simple tea was arranged for them and they sat on the couch eating.Hou Yi turned to Anna "I am sorry about your mother today."


    "Yi, I should have realised that she would view that I was the problem.I have only met her parents about ten time in my life, that I can remember.They belong to a cult.There is no other way to describe it.The mentality is that the man is the head of his household.His word must be obeyed.If he says no to education or work for a woman, they they are not allowed it.They have to always submit to the demands and controls of the head of the household.


    "I did not realise how bad it was until I acted for a client who sued this group.She was being being badly beaten by a group member, when she was 8 months pregnant, and rescued by a passing stranger.The beating was that bad that it broke 6 ribs, both arms and a leg for the woman, killed the baby and left her blind in one eye.The stranger took her to the hospital for treatment.When the abuser realised she was in the hospital he came to remove his wife, simply because she was his wife."


    "My client had contacted the police because of how bad the beating was, and they obtained a intervention order to protect her, at least while she recovered.her injuries were such that she spent 4 months in hospital to recover from them, as well as deal with the psychological impact.When she was eventually released from hospital she refused to return to her husband, and sort a divorce."


    "We became involved in the proceedings as the husband in her attempt to reach a property settlement imed that he was not only able to do what he did and that all their assets belonged to him, as she had agreed to this when they married.He raised the fact that this was part of their religious beliefs and in refusing to return when he demanded it she broke their religious agreements therefore she should received nothing."


    Anna paused for a second and took a deep breath to continue."One thing that this group have women sign on their marriage, is a marital agreement that states that everything that is umted in the rtionship, including superannuation by a woman, is property of her husband, and she waives all ims against it.If a woman refuses to return to her husband at any time, that provision of the marital contract is triggered, and he gets everything."


    "Our involvement was to assist on a pro-bono basis in bringing the so-called church into the proceedings as a party so she could get a settlement andpensation for her injuries.I did not realise that my grandfather was a church elder, until we went into a court ordered conference to attempt to reach a resolution."


    "During that conference his firstment was that as the head of his household which I belonged to, he was telling me that the proceedings were to be dropped, and that I was to immediately return to his household and submit to his demands.He then also proceeded to tell me that I was to be married to another church member within a few days, and then added a few things about how my marriage would be.One thing that was telling was that all my assets belonged to him."


    "While, due to hisments I was immediately removed from the case, they resulted in our client not only receiving a familyw agreement, but arge amount ofpensation from the church.


    Mum lived with that attitude until she was 25 years old.Her first husband was arranged by her father and he followed those beliefs."


    "When he died, the elders allowed her to go away and grieve.It was during this time she met my father, who had recently lost his wife.Even though he was not of their religious beliefs, my grandfather epted dad, as from what he saw, dad followed their religious teachings.It is no wonder that I got the reaction I did on Tuesday and today.She will never change.At least everyone else supports me."


    "Anna, just rx.Do not worry about your mother.We have so much to do tomorrow.Go rx, have a bath or shower and head to bed.I have to tele-confence with Assistant Wang about some matters.I am actually feeling guilty about having him go in on a weekend, but it cannot be avoided, as there are things not organised that need to be, given on how short of notice we left."


    "OK."As Anna wandered into the bedroom, Hou Yi went into the study, and had an hourly long teleconference with Assistant Wang.When he finished and went into the bedroom, Anna was asleep.Hou Yi carefully and quietly walked into the bathroom and had a shower, before dressing and heading to bed.

 Chapter 104: Heading to ANX

    <h4>104 Heading to ANX</h4>


    Monday


    The next morning, Anna Jones awoke still so drained from everything that had happened while visiting her parents.


    She really did not want to get up but remembered that there was a lot that had to be done today.She started to sit up, and realised that Hou Yi was still asleep beside her, but he had his arm around her.While it wasforting, and made her feel something she was not sure it was, she knew she needed to get up.


    Anna tried to dislodge his arm but was unable to do so.Eventually she realised that she had no option and shook him to wake him up.It took her a few minutes to wake him up, but eventually he started to stir.Once he was partially awake, she pushed him as hard as she could to move away from him.


    "You knew that I did not agree to you doing this, if there was no chance anyone would walk in on us."As she spoke, Anna''s voice became more and more angry


    "Anna, calm down.During the night you were so upset, you begged my to hold you.As soon as I did, you became calm and fell asleep.Each time I removed my arms, you became upset again, so in the end I just stopped trying to take my arms away."


    "I do not believe you.You are lying."And with that Hou Yi realised that Anna was still very angry.


    "Fine Anna, you may not consciously believe me, but subconsciously you know that this is the truth.However, you do not need this argument, so I will apologise for making you upset about this."


    "You damn well better apologise to me."


    "Anna. Calm down.I apologise for upset you."


    "Fine.Just leave me alone"


    "Anna, I will not leave you alone, I will simply give you the space you need presently.You need to remember what you agreed to in the long term regarding giving our rtionship a chance.Go, get ready, and I will arrange for breakfast to be sent up.Is there anything that you specifically want?"Hou Yi paused, and when he got no response "OK I will order a selection for us.Take your time in getting ready."


    With that Hou Yi got out of bed, picked up the mobile beside the bed, and switched off the rm that he had set the night before.Anna realised that all he had on was a pair of boxed shorts."Hou Yi, put something on." And with that Anna turned her head and buried it in a pillow.While she was embarrassed, Anna realised that Hou Yi''s body was ... yummy was the only word to describe it.Lu Jihnu''s body was nothingpared to it.


    "Anna, calm down.I think the better option will be for me to shower now, and they when you are ready you can get ready, and then I will order breakfast."With that Hou Yi walked over to the wardrobe, and took out a suit, shirt and underwear and walked into the bathroom, having his shower and getting ready for the day.About 10 minutester, when left the bathroom, he noticed that Anna had drifted back to sleep.He figured that given how bad she had slept the night before, he would let her sleep for another half hour or so, before waking her.


    He walked into the study area of the suite, and obtained herptop bag, the paperwork she collected on Friday, and his briefcase.He slipped out hisptop from the briefcase and started to read through the reports that had been sent to him, keeping an eye on the time.When 30 minutes passed, he stood up, and ced hisptop down.He went back into the bedroom, and woke Anna, shaking her gently "Anna, time to get up.You need to get ready, so we can go and deal with things."


    Anna awoke with a start and realised that she had fallen back to sleep."Fine, now get out and let me get ready."


    Hou Yi turned around, realising that Anna was unhappy at being woken, and left the bedroom.He called and ordered breakfast for the two of them and called the bodyguards for them to arrange for the car in about 30 minutes to take them to ANX Lawyers.He picked up hisptop and continued to read the reports, until there was a knock on his door.He closed theptop down, and answer the door, which was the hotel staff with breakfast.They brought this in and set in on the table for them and left.2 minutester Anna walked from the bedroom, having changed into somewhat business attire for the day ahead.


    Hou Yi urged Anna to sit down, and they both quietly ate breakfast, and finished getting ready.As they left the suite, the bodyguards came to them, and escorted them down stairs, where they entered the car and were driven towards ANX Lawyers.Hou Yi nced over at Anna and realised that she was tensing up.He turned and said "Everything will be OK.Just tell them the bare minimum, but if you need me to speak, I will.OK."


    Anna turned and looked at him and realised that all Hou Yi was trying to keep her calm.She had a small smile and said "OK."With that Hou Yi took Anna''s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze which made her realise that she was not going to go through this day alone.With that they simply sat quietly until they arrived at the building where ANX Lawyers offices were located.One of the bodyguards opened the door, and helped Anna get out of the car, and Hou Yi exited after her.


    The bodyguards escorted the two of them up to the offices, one carrying Anna''s Laptop and the paperwork she had, and another carrying Hou Yi''s briefcase.They soon found themselves in the lift and going up to reception.Firstly, Anna stepped out, and the receptionist immediately recognised her, and responded "Miss Jones, I thought you were on leave for a couple of more weeks."

 Chapter 105: Talking to the Boss

    <h4>105 Talking to the Boss</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    The receptionist looked again and noticed Hou Yiing out of the elevator behind Anna Jones followed by the bodyguards.All she could stutter was "Mr Hou, I did not know that you had an appointment..."


    Anna, realised that she needed to stop things going to far and creating too much of a scene."I am not actually back to work.Could you let Alfred know that I am here and in Interview Room three.I will take Mr Hou with me, and could you also pleae ask Mr Williams if he is free could he join us.They both know what this is about."


    Anna reached into her handbag and took out her Office pass card using it to open Interview Room Three.One of the bodyguards handed her, herptop and Hou Yi is briefcase.Hou Yi then waited until she walked in and then followed, cing a gentle hand on her back.As soon as the door closed behind then, Anna opened herptop bag, pulled out herptop, connected it to the power and the office Inte.


    Within a few minutes, Alfred walked into the room.Anna stood up, to introduce Alfred and Hou Yi "Alfred this is my husband Hou Yi.Yi this is Alfred Walters."


    "Anna, your drafting, as usual was generally spot on.What you have drafted, I simply reorganised, no significant changes.On Friday and over the weekend I consulted a Senior Council [1] to ensure all technical aspects were covered.In doing that we referenced a few cases.We went back and forth and are happy so all you need to do is review.Senior Council however is not further engaged as I could not confirm your instructions to have them involved due to costs."


    "Alfred, cost is not an object, engage who you need and the bill will be paid." responded Hou Yi quickly, knowing that overturning these orders would be important to Anna in taking her revenge.


    "OK then.Anna I will leave you to review this, and where necessary make changes, and let me know when you are ready.Mr Hou, I have also drafted an affidavit for you to review and will leave that.See you soon." Responded Alfred, who turned to leave the office,


    However, before Alfred could left the room Mr Williams entered the room, and was shocked to see Hou Yi there."CEO Hou, I did not realise that you wereing to deal with the issues Miss Jones was assisting you withst week."


    Anna responded "Mr Williams, Alfred.Could you please both sit.You both need to know the whole truth, before anything.As Alfred is aware during my rtionship with Lu Jinhu I was unwilling to admit that I was a victim of domestic violence.Unlike many I was simply a victim of emotional, psychological and economic abuse, not physical abuse."


    Stan Williams, looked at his employee and realised that she was unwilling to admit what he knew was the truth, Lu Jinhu has physically assaulted her on a number of asions.Yes her injuries as far as could be determined was minor bruising, which given previous police concerns for Anna they had documented.He wished Anna would admit the truth, but it seemed difficult for her to admit what she had.All he could hope is eventually she would admit it, when she was ready, and then what he had documented could be used.


    Anna, continued "Just before Lu Jinhu proposed, I was about to end or rtionship but when I epted his proposal I rmitted to the rtionship."


    Stan Williams thought, well that was when her bruises be more frequent.He was so tempted to hand the information to the police, but Anna would be unlikely to cooperate with them at the moment.He will have to do it when she is ready.


    Anna took a deep breath to calm down."As you might remember around 6 months ago CEO Hou was here for a meeting.We literally bumped into each other.Through various means we startedmunicating with each other.Nothing happened, but our discussions made me question my rtionship with Lu Jinhu.It was only seeing him in passing at the Australia Embassy when I waspleting the paperwork to marry, I realised I could not marry Lu Jinhu."


    "When I spoke to Yi, it confirmed to me that he was who I wanted to marry.We simply agreed that I would end the rtionship with Lu Jinhu, and we would wait a bit of time before marrying.I had not been able to tell Lu Jinhu before our intended marriage date ofst Tuesday.I met him outside the Civil Administration Bureau but found out he never intended to marry me, used me to obtain Australian Citizenship, and fraudulently obtained the orders we are appealing."


    "He had no remorse for his actions, particrly given he had married someone else before telling me he would not marry me.Given this, Yi and I decided we would not wait, so we marriedst Tuesday.


    As you can guess this means that I my returns to Australia now will be visits only.I am not going to tell everything to everyone, but you both need to know.Oh by the way, Alfred there are the original and tranted documents you need for the affidavit.Can you please give me the originals back ASAP."


    With that Anna handed to Alfred the envelope from the trantor.With that Alfred left the room.She then grabbed a second envelop and turned to Mr Williams and said as she handed it to him "And these are the bnce of the original document you were waiting on."


    Before either could say anything Hou Yi spoke, "Mr Williams¡­"


    Alfred interrupted Hou Yi "Excuse me, I do not believe I am needed here for this conversation.Anna, when you are finished with your review and changes, let me know, and I will review again, and we will get these documents sworn for filing."With that Alfred walked out of the interview room, shutting the door behind him.


    [1] Rather than getting into the technicalities, a brief exnation of what Senior Counsel is, will let you have an idea.In certain countries where the English system ofw operates, there often is a demarcation between variouswyer''s tasks that they perform and how the public can get ess to them.In Australia these are called barristers, and they specialise in a few areas ofw, in some states Senior Counsel are very experiencedwyers whose experience and skills have been recognised and appointed to that position.In the United Kingdom, for example they are known as Queens/Kings Counsel.Other countries that follow the same legal tradition use variations on these terms.

 Chapter 106: The new work proposal

    <h4>106 The new work proposal</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    After Alfred left the room Hou Yi turned back to Stan Williams, and restarted what he had been trying to say before he had been interrupted. "Mr Williams, as you know our business is increasing, and given that it is often difficult for me toe to Australia to deal with legal matters with you.I have a proposal that I want to talk to you about, involving my wife."


    "What is it Mr Hou?"


    "We thought, that Anna could work on permanent part-time secondment within Hou Enterprises headquarters, to deal with the Australian legal matters.We often have foreignwyers on temporary secondments for specific projects.The only difference that I am proposing is that as Anna, because she is my wife, would be permanent, until she decides to stop practicing or we have children or there is other reasons that she is unavable.You could also, use her to do drafting and other work that does not require face-to-face client interactions that can be done remotely."


    Hou Yi looked directly at Anna, and briefly smiled, and she smiled back.


    "What I would propose is that Hou Enterprises would reimburse you all relevant costs for her to remain awyer within your firm here in Australia, plus the required fees for her to work on a permanent at home.We would pay her part-time wage, and youmercial rates for all the work she does.The only thing that we would ask, is that the amount of her wage equal to the work she does not rted to Hou Enterprises is simply credited as a pre-payment by us for work done."


    "It is important for me, as I know my wife has spent time developing her career, and to the extent I can I want to give her the opportunity to continue her work.Further, as you know in Country X, business is usually on a coborative process.My wife would give you a foothold to provide legal services to other businesses looking to expand into Australia.You can offer them an immediate contact, and it will be something to differentiate you from everyone elsepeting for their work."


    Stan Williams, paused for a few seconds "Actually, what happenedst week made me realise that there were real risks to you within quick ess to awyer given the current stages of your various projects here in Australia.I had nned to suggest a rotating secondment, not a permanent secondment of Anna''s given levels ofmercialw knowledge is not as much as those within the firm who practice specifically in the area.Something could be worked out though."


    "Mr Williams, I realise this.Hou Enterprises is a family ownedpany, with no outside shareholders.I therefore have the incentive not to mess up, not only for my husband but for any children we have in the future.You know I learn new things reasonably quickly and can put thing into practice.Yi is right, I do not want my marriage to end my career, but my husband''s suggestion has benefits for all of us."


    "I can deal with the matters that can be addressed remotely.If I do not know something emails, teleconferencing and legal research will give me answers.Further as you know almost everyone says in this office, I am the best at drafting affidavits and court documents.This is work I can do remotely between work for Hou Enterprises or other client i the future.All I would need the file notes, or alternatively we can ask clients to record the interviews, and I can go from listening to that to the interview.If I am drafting affidavits, that leaves whoever I am doing that for free to do other work.All they have to do is review, and ensure technicalities are all met."


    "CEO Hou, Ms Jones.Sorry I could call you Mrs Hou. The proposal interests me, but as you know Anna, I have to get the agreement from the other partners for that.If we agree, then the whole situation will have to be documented in a contract.How long are you here for"


    "It depends on dealing with this situation to get the orders overturned.The court may be persuaded to list an urgent hearing, as I believe Lu Jinhu is likely to try and move assets overseas as quickly as possible, making it more difficult his actions to be stopped.Plus I need to arrange for my personal items to be packed and taken back."


    "We are also starign looking for properties, one here in Melbourne and the other around my family in the Warrnambool area.once we find them, we will have you do the conveyancing for them.Are you OK, if I look at the various sale we are doing the legal work for to see if there is something that suits our needs."Anna paused, then rmenced "The other thing, and how I tell everyone will depend on the answer as to the permanent secondment, and I want to make sure that is done."


    "Let me go and speak to the other senior partners, and I will let you know what their decision is.Now I understand you have documents you need to go through for those proceedings.I will leave you to do that."


    Just after Stan Williams left, Anna realised that she left the boxes back at the hotel that had the gifts from the market for everyone "Yi, can we send one of the bodyguards back to the office to collect the boxes of gifts that I picked up at the market for everyone."

 Chapter 107: Finalising some things

    <h4>107 Finalising some things</h4>


    Monday, continued...


    "Fine, I will send one back now," replied an almost frustrated Hou Yi, who opened the door and had a quiet word with one of the bodyguards.Realising Anna had simply been forgetful given what happened yesterday in continuing he softened his tone. "Done.Now let us get to dealing with what we need to."


    With that Anna handed Hou Yi a paper version of his Affidavit to review, and said "If you want to make changes, simply use a pen and hand-make them.I am going make my changes directly into the electronic version of my affidavit."


    With that Anna and Hou Yi settled in to review the affidavits.As Anna was so use to doing this, despite her affidavit being over 5 times longer than Hou YI''s and having to read supporting cases to confirm her understanding of thew, Anna finished reviewing her affidavit less than 5 minutes after Hou Yi, who had simply watched his wife at work.He was captivated, about how at times she could be so vulnerable but then like now was demonstrating how capable she was.


    Without saying anything Anna picked up Hou Yi''s affidavit, and opened up the electronic version of his affidavit to make the changes.While making the changes a couple of times she turned to Hou Yi and questioned him about the amendments, and discussed them with him to finalise it.Once Hou Yi''''s affidavit was done,Anna emailed Alfred, ''Alfred, changes made in affidavit.Just reviewing the application and financial statement.Will let you know when they are done. Anna.''


    With that Anna, turned to the other documents and started to work through them, filling in the nks.Again Hou Yi could not believe how quickly his wife was going through the material.


    As Anna reached the end of the financial statement she knew that she had to enter information about the financial resources she had ess to since her split with Lu Jinhu.Anna, paused "Yi, I hate to do this, but one of the documents requires information about financial resources I have ess.All I want to put is ''My now husband, owns and manages the familypany in based in Country X but with national and international aspects, ad the value of financial resource is difficult to calcte, but likely in the billions of Australian dors''."


    "That is OK.You better mention Lu Corporation, and Yang Lin''s family''spany resources that Lu Jinhu has ess to."


    "Thank you."And with that Annapleted the bnce of the documents.Anna sent another brief email to Alfred ''Alfred, documents all done.Anna''


    Just as she sent the email, Mr Williams walked back into the room."Mr Hou, Anna.I have had a discussion with the partners, and they actually are OK with the deal.Rather than getting a secretary to draft the deal, Anna, do you have time, as it will allow us to test yourmercialw skill set to see what we will have to get you up to date on."


    "Absolutely.What I will do, before doing the final version is email you in dot points the recitals and the terms to review firstly and then turn it into the agreement,Is that OK?"


    "Fine.Just email it to me when you are done.Once it is done and signed, if you want we will then call a firm wide meeting and announce what is happening.I would prefer to have everything sorted, so that no one causes an issue."


    "OK."And with that Stan Williams left the room again.


    "Yi, can youe and sit next to me, looking at the agreement points, so you are happy before I send them through."With that Hou Yi moved beside Anna and bent in watching her type the information and reading the screen.Every so often he would lean over and say something quietly that needed to change.Just as she was getting ready to send the email through, Hou Yi heard a noise outside the door as if it was about to be opened, so he leaned over and turned Anna''s head gently towards him, and leaned over as if he was about to kiss his bride.


    Alfred, walked in and saw what he interpreted as a intimate moment, and made a coughing sound to drag attention back to him.


    "Anna, just spoke to the Senior Counsel, and they are happy with the few amendments made.Senior Counsel wanted more information about thepanies mentioned in the Financial Statement, but I think we can try and get away without it.Are you ready to sign all of this?"


    "I need to send this email, and we are ready."With than Anna clicked send, and the three of them worked through the documents executing them as needed.


    After the documents were signed, Alfred spoke "Anna, I am going to personally take the documents to the court for filing with the request for the urgent hearing, due to our concerns about Lul Jihnu removing assets from Australia permanently, loosing you any security for payments we seek.However, I just want to rify one matter.Why are you happy to let him keep the physical assets, but keep your superannuation and receive a payment from him to reach the percentage we are iming?"


    "Alfred, given the extent he has gone to to get them, he can keep them.All I want is what is fair, and he can pay out my interest in them, and then receive them.I do not need the apartment as Yi and I are buying property here and I do not want reminders, so receiving cash is easier.Additionally, I understand that back in Country X, I can register the orders requiring him to pay the amount and if he fails, I can seek to force payment there and if he then fails, he can face jail.Given what he has done to me, I hope he refuses to pay, as then he will be sent to jail."


    "I will let you know an oue regarding an urgent hearing as soon as possible."


    "Thanks"


    As Anna, looked at herptop, she realised she had received a message from Stan Williams ''Anna, the points are agreed.Type it up for you and your husband to sign, and then we will sign.Use a HOUENT file to save it in.''

 Chapter 108: Telling her assistan

    <h4>108 Telling her assistan</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    When she finished reading the email from her boss, Anna Jones realised what time it was, and turned to Yi "I just need to turn those points emailed into the agreement, but I realised that it is 12:30pm.What do you want to do for lunch?"


    "Anna, I will send one of the guards to get something for us and stay with you here."Hou Yi then went to the door, and opened it, speaking to one of the bodyguards, who Anna seen walking off.


    Anna paid little attention and kept working on herptop as she wanted to get this agreement done, quickly.As she started, a bulk email was received to everyone in the firm ''There is a staff meeting for ALL staff, no exceptions at 1:45pm.Staff will bepensated for the 15 minutes shorter lunch, with an early finish on Friday.''She realised that to her, this was the meeting to advise everyone of her marriage and her moving to Country X, and all else that is going on.


    Anna noted the email and kept working.Just as she finished the agreement, there was a knock on the door, and a bodyguard with lunch entered.The bodyguard simply handed the lunch to each of them.Given theck of printer in the interview room, Anna logged out and went through reception into the work area, and headed straight to Jodie.Jodie had her back to Anna, so Anna, touched her on the shoulder "Hi Jodie"


    Jodie jumped in shock, and then replied "Anna, why did you not tell me you wereing back?"


    "The staff meeting will let you know what is going on with me.Can you print off from the youngest HOUENT file the agreement in there and bring it to me in Interview Room 3.I am guessing as it is a Monday that you brought your lunchBring it with you, and I will give you a heads up about everything."


    "Will do boss.See you in a couple of minutes."


    Anna walked back out and returned to Interview Room three.She paused and told the bodyguards "In a couple of minutes, my assistant Jodie Hughes will be here.Do not stop her.She will use her own pass card to get in."


    "Yes Madam Hou."


    Anna went in, and sat next to Hou Yi."Yi, my assistant ising in with the agreement.I would like to see if she would be willing to resign from here, and relocate to be my personal assistant, both in work matters and everything else.I trust her, and I know I need someone around me I fully trust.Can we pay all her costs to relocate, and get her a house, and help her partner get a job"


    "Anna, absolutely, whatever you want.You and I will sponsor her working visa, and so that she is safe I will arrange for a secure apartment for her, if she wille.Triple her current wage, because you trust her, I will trust her.As to her partner, we will help him, but the only thing for him, is that they will have to be married, for us to sponsor their visas."


    Before they could get into anything else or Annamence eating her lunch, Jodie came in with the document, and not realising that Hou Yi was there, said "Anna what is with those heavies outside?They almost were not going to let me in, until I identified that I was your assistant.Here is that document, and that makes me ask another question, what is going on with your life."


    "Jodie, this is Hou Yi.Can you witness both of us signing this document, and take it to Mr William''s office.Once youe back I will give you the exnation.I promise."


    "Fine" was Jodie''s snappy reply.Very quickly Anna, and Hou Yi signed the document, Hou Yi signing it personally and as the CEO of Hou Enterprises, and Jodie witnessed the signatures.She left and dealt with the document as Anna has asked.She returned a couple of minutester, just as Anna was quickly finishing the sd roll the bodyguard had purchased for her.


    "Come on Anna, spill.When I was those Family Law Orders, I knew something was going on.I respected you so I did not go digging into that restricted file with your name on it.So tell."


    "Settle in, and why I am telling you eat, as I do not want you interrupting me, as you tend to do."Anna paused while Jodie opened her lunch.


    "Let me just say with respect to Lu Jinhu, as you likely gathered from the orders, he was out to get everything from me.But for him messing up with the post office box he had for me, I would have not seen the orders and been able to stop him.But that is the tip of the iceberg."


    "You never liked him as you believed he was abusive, and I refused to listen to your concerns.You were right, he was verbally abusive, psychologically maniptive to the point he pushed almost all my friends out of my life, and economically abusive.I do not want to go into details.He used me to get Australian Citizenship.And no I have not married him.Hou Yi, is not just a representative of a client, he and I were marriedst Tuesday."


    "What!" spat out a shocked Jodie."You have to be kidding me, you escape him, and you marry someone else.Are you stupid?"

 Chapter 109: The Job Offer

    <h4>109 The Job Offer</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    "Jodie is it not like that.I actually met Yi here 6 months ago.As I had epted Lu Jinhu''s proposal, I had nned for nothing to happen.However wemunicated on and off since then, Yi always told me that he would support whatever decision I made regarding my rtionship.When I was at the Australian Embassy toplete the paperwork to Marry in Country X, when I saw Yi in passing, I realised that I could never marry Lu Jinhu."


    Anna briefly paused, then quietly continued "Before I could tell Lu Jinhu of my decision, he married another woman in an arranged marriage.Yi and I had decided originally to wait between my ending of the rtionship with Lu Jinhu, and our marriage, but this made us decide to immediately marry."


    "So, I stand by my view, you rushed from one rtionship to another."


    "I have not Jodie.I had, all but admitted it to myself months ago ended my rtionship with Lu Jinhu, I just could tell no one."


    "Well I guess you areing back sooner rather thanter, which will be good,I do not have to deal with some of the ..."


    "Do not say it Jodie.And no, I am noting back.This is a flying visit to deal with the legal matter, sort out my belongings and for me to start the process of permanently relocating to Country X.The partners have agreed that I can remain working on a part-time basis on permanent secondment to Hou Enterprises, and the document you took to Mr William''s office was that.I have a question for you, given that I will not be here, are you going to remain and be appointed as someone else''s assistant, or leave?"


    "Damn, Anna, so much to dump on me.When I was printing the document. I googled Hou Enterprises, and it is a massive internationalpany.As long as he" with that Jodie was pointing at Hou Yi "treats you well, all I can do is wish you the best.As to what I am going to do, I had the thought when I believed you were marrying Lu Jinhu, that if you left the firm I would leave."


    Jodie paused, as if thinking about the past."Before bing your assistant, I had been assigned to 4 differentwyers as their assistant in 3 years.None cold stick out the job here, and I do not want to go through that again.I am going to resign from here, but I will not have an issue in getting a job elsewhere.John and I need me working, as John''s employer sacked him forining about unsafe work practices.He is fighting the dismissal, but no one is willing to employ him, and money is tight."


    "Jodie, I have an option, if you and John are interested.How about you relocate to Country X, and be my assistant there.There would be some legal work, but the full extent will depend on how much work I opt to do, and my other activities around social and charitable events andpany needs.We would pay your relocation costs, and regr trips back here to see family.Additionally, we will help you secure your amodation, and John find a job."


    Hou Yi, knew that he needed to speak up"Jodie, there is a couple of things that you need to be aware of.Anna and I can sponsor your visa as you will be working for us personally, in a niche position.The only way that your partner would have working rights under a sponsored visa is if you are married.He could, if you were not married, only obtain a spousal visa which has no working rights attached to it."


    "I told Yi you and John live together, Jodie"


    Hou Yi continued "I confirmed with the embassy, if there is a confirmation of a marriage ceremony booking, and you subsequently provide your marriage certificate, John''s working rights visa, that is linked to your visa, can be processed at the same time.Neither visa would be issued for about 5 to 6 weeks, which I understand is enough time for you to marry here.We do not want to put pressure on you, but Anna exined that John enjoys working, so we want him to have options."


    "By the way, Anna did not let you know, we will personally be paying your amodation costs, as we need to know you are safe so people cannot use you to get at Anna.Your sry would be three times your current sry, and we would pay for you to return to Australia up to three times per year for 10 days each time to visit your family and friends.Additionally due to the nature of the work, you will be provided with an annual clothing budget, as part of your position will be to attend charity events, which have a particr dress code."


    "Jodie, and before you say it, we are not kidding."


    "If I did not have to talk to John, I would say yes straight away.Can I let you know as soon as I have spoken to him?"


    "Not a problem.It is a big step to have to consider, but I would like it if you would.One favour, as I really do not want to do it myself.Can you please arrange and pack up my office for me, today or tomorrow if possible?"


    "Not a problem Anna."Jodie looked down at her watch "Damn, we have 5 minutes before that staff meeting.I guess you have to be there as well."


    "Well it is called to announce a few things.Plus, I have gifts for everyone."


    "Typical, you go on a holiday and bring everyone back something small," Jodie said having to get in thest word.


    Anna, Jodie and Hou Yi left the office, to head inside the main office area.Hou Yi signaled that only two bodyguards should apany them and reminding them to carry in the boxes of gifts that Anna had requested be brought earlier.

 Chapter 110: Telling Work

    <h4>110 Telling Work</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    Anna Jones, Jodie Hughes and Hou Yi all left the interview room where they had been talking and Anna and Hou Yi made their job offer to Jodie, to ensure that the reached the staff meeting in time.


    Right on 1:45pm, Stan Williams called the staff meeting to order "We firstly want to apologies to everyone for disrupting their lunch break.you will have this made up by being able to finish 15 minutes early on Friday.We have called this meeting to make a couple of announcements."Stan Williams paused and signaled to Anna and Hou Yi toe to the front of the group.


    "Most of you know Anna Jones, and that she was on a few weeks leave to travel with Lu Jinhu to Country X to get married.However for various reasons, and these will not be discussed here as they are personal, she has married Hou Yi.Some of you within themercial team have met him with respect to work of his familypany''s Hou Enterprises Australia subsidiary HOUENT.Due to her marriage Anna will be permanently relocating to Country X, however she will not be permanently leaving us."


    "The partners have agreed to a proposal, given the increased activity of HOUENT in Australia, that it is advantageous for us and HOUENT and Hou Enterprises that she will deal with much of themercial paperwork in Country X, minimising CEO Hou''s need to travel to Australia.The position is only part time, as Anna will have responsibilities as the CEO''s wife, but she is also going to be training to be a qualifiedwyer in Country X, enabling us to offer opportunities to Australian clients who are involved in Country X, but also to create additional opportunities for new clients from Country X."


    "I know there are a number of you within the office that call her the drafting queen.Part of the arrangement is if there is insufficient work with respect to Hou Enterprises or the other work we hope to attract in the long term, she will be avable for drafting of affidavits and other documents, which will help all of you."


    "Finally, I have something to raise with everyone of you.On Thursday a restricted ess file was created, with Anna''s name on it.Since then a number of staff have attempted to a ess it. I am providing this once only reminder, when the partners have restricted ess to any file, there is good reason for this.Any further attempts to ess this file, or other restricted ess files will result in a written warning.Some of you have two written warnings and if you attempt to ess the file, it will be grounds for your dismissal.No one can say that they have not been warned.However in the future if we restrict ess to a file, all staff will be receiving an email advising that the file has restricted ess, and there will be no warnings like this given again.Anna, is there anything you wanted to say."


    "Look, there is not much I want to add.I will admit that this is a hard general farewell to make, as I have enjoyed working in this office, but as Mr WIlliams said, I am not leaving the firm, I am simply changing how I work, and I will be an email away.As to answering what happened with my rtionship with Lu Jinhu ending and my marriage to my husband, I will not be talking about that, as it is between us alone, and impacts no one here."


    Anna paused and indicated to the table at the back of the room where the bodyguards had put the boxes containing the gifts on the table.She continued "Now as most of you know when I travel into Asia I always bring gifts back.They are in the boxes on the table.There should be enough for everyone to have two gifts, one as my usually I''ve been on holiday gift and the other is my see you in the future gift."


    "OK everyone, meeting ended.Those that have to be somewhere this afternoon, go and select your gifts now, and everyone else can do it as time allows during the afternoon."


    Anna was tapped on the shoulder by Alfred "Anna, I got the documents to the court.They have a urgent hearing listed for 2:30pm, and have requested your presence.We need to get going."


    Anna in turn tapped Hou Yi on the shoulder "Alfred got an urgent listing at 2:30pm at court, I need to be there."


    "Not a problem."With than Hou Yi signaled to the bodyguards that they needed to leave.


    Anna spotted Jodie "Jodie, myptop is in Interview Room 3.Can you pack it up for me, and ce it in my office, and start packing that up.Once we have dealt with the court, I wille back and get my personal items."


    "Will do Anna" responded Jodie.


    With that Anna hurried out, and went into interview room to grab her handbag, but made sure that she turned off her mobile, indicating to Hou Yi and the bodyguards to do the same, which they did.Then went downstairs, and entered in the car, along with Alfred to drive to the court.

 Chapter 111: The Court Hearing

    <h4>111 The Court Hearing</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    Within 10 minutes of leaving ANX Lawyers, Anna, Hou Yi and Alfred Walters arrived in the car outside.Just before entering the court building Anna made it clear to the bodyguards that then needed to follow court and security staff directions or they would be arrested.She made it clear that the needed to sit at the back of the court room as well..


    After locating the court room, Anna and Alfred, showed the way to reach the room, and took their ce at the bar table.Hou Yi sat down in the second row, and the bodyguards were in the back row.Anna, who had decided to act as if she was instructing Alfred, st across the bar table from him.


    Promptly on 2:30pm, the judge entered the court room, and not spotting a client asked "Mr Walters, where is your client?You knew when this matter was filed that your client was required."


    Anna, immediately stood up and turned around before addressing the court.She stated "Your Honour, I am the appent Anna Hou, previously known as Anna Jones.I still use this name professionally and for a few other minor matters.As an officer of the court I have opted to be part of the legal team involved in my case."


    "Mrs Hou, this is something I do not appreciate in my court, unless awyer acts as a self-represented party.Technically you can do this, but I prefer that you sit as if you are a party, to prevent perceptions of bias in judgement and minimising appeal potential.As this is a ex parte hearing today, I will ept you sitting beside Mr Walters."


    The judge paused, then continued "Mr Walters, Mrs Hou, I have read the application and support material filed in this matter.Given the situation I have already dictated formal reasons for my decision.These will be emailed to you once it is typed along with a copy of my orders, and a transcript of today.I am going to make remarks, that I want clearly on the record, and will indicate what my orders are."


    "Given the information contained in Mr and Mrs Hou''s affidavits, while it is usible that jurisdiction to deal with this matter is both in Australia and in Country X.I am satisfied, however, that the rtionship in question between Applicant, Mrs Hou and the Respondent Mr Jinhu Lu urred in Australia, and therefore I have jurisdiction to continue to make orders here."


    "Further based on the affidavits filed in support of the application, including from Mr Walters and Mr Stan Williams, both legal practitioners I an satisfied that there is sufficient doubt that the orders, the subject of this appeal, were ever signed by the Appent, given they do not believe the signature contained in them is that of the Appent."


    "Given the doubt as to the authenticity of the signature iming to be the Applicant''s on the orders, I will order that the Court Registry make avable ten separate files from the Registry there the Appent was involved in and her signature appears on documents.The Registry, will select these at random eliminating all other identifying features in the orders to protect the parties involved in them."


    "The Appent, is directed to arrange for appropriate forensic analysis on the signature contained in the order, in those sample documents and in her material as soon as possible, with the report to be provided to the court within eight weeks of this date.In the event that the analysis confirms that the signature is not that of the Appent, the respondent will reimburse the Appent for the costs of the analysis."


    "Additionally I am ordering that the orders in question are hereby revoked by this court.Regardless of any questions as to the Appent''s signature on the documents, the orders in and of themselves are inherently against all the rules of natural justice, as they provide the Respondent receive almost 100% of the assets and the Appent takes 100% of the debt."


    "Further, the Appent is personally required to serve on the Respondent the application, supporting documentation, the orders in this matter, my reasons for decision and a transcript of today''s proceedings.Mr Walters, you and ANX Lawyers, as thewyers of record are to also arrange for these to be served on the Respondent''s practitioners as in the orders.Affidavits of service are to be filed as soon as possible after service.The Applicant is required to have her affidavit of personal service witnessed by an Australian Embassy Official in Couintry X."


    "Regardless of the oue of the analysis, I will order that once the forensic analysis report has been filed with the court, orders as set out in the Appent''s application, despite that I have reformed a view that arger split of the assets of the parties would be justified.However, if the report confirms that the signature is not the Appent''s I will order the Respondent to pay the Appent''s legal fees and disbursements, plus a further ten percent of the next value of the parties assets."


    "I note, Mr Walters and Mrs Hou that there will be anciry procedural orders, however my reasons for decision will detail all my reasoning for these and other orders that I make.The anciry orders will, if appropriate provide for a Audio VIsual Link to Country X if this can be facilitated, to enable you Mrs Hou, and the respondent to appear, rather than having to force you to return."


    "Given the urgency of the matter, and the potential for assets to be permanently removed from this jurisdiction, if the orders, reasons for decision and transcript are not avable today, they will be provided first thing in the morning.Mrs Hou, please ensure that my associate has your personal email address as well, and copies will be emailed to you, along with copies of all material filed, to enable you to serve the documents on the Respondent."


    "Yes Your Honour."


    With that, Anna and Alfred stood up and moved away from the bar table, and out of the court, while other matters were being called.Hou Yi and the bodyguards followed.Once they were far enough away from the court, Anna turned to Alfred "All I expected was that the original orders would have been stayed until the issue as to whether it was my signature was resolved."


    "Anna, you were lucky.While I was talking to the court staff, Her Honour was in the registry and overheard the conversation.She quickly reviewed the documents and ordered an immediate listing of the case.I was shocked, however to the extent of her orders, particrly the orders once the analysis is done and the report filed.Lu Jinhu has no opportunity to argue about different orders.The court has already condemned him."


    With that they left the court, and returned to ANX Lawyers.Jodie Hughes was still working on packing her office, but confirmed that arrangements would be made to deliver them to her tonight.


    Anna collectedptop, and she and Hou YI left returning to the hotel.


    As she was so exhausted Anna copsed on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.Hou Yi could not wake her to even change, let alone eat tea.He carefully undressed her, put on her pajamas and settled her into bed.He also teleconferenced with Assistant Wang and did other necessary work remotely.Before heading to bed, he had a cold sd sent up and ced this in the refrigerator for Anna in case she woke up hungry, and left a note as to its location.Anna, however did not wake until 8am Tuesday.

 Chapter 112: Finalising the visi

    <h4>112 Finalising the visi</h4>


    Tuesday,


    Anna got out of bed and went and selected clothes for the day ahead, and went into the bathroom to get ready for the day ahead.It was only when she came out of the bedroom and into the lounge/dining area of the suite that she finally saw Hou Yi.She looked around and found that there was seven red roses sitting beside a te on the table, and that there were different bunches of flowers around the room."What is going on?"


    "Anna, it is the 1-week anniversary of us obtaining our marriage certificate.Regardless of the circumstances, it needed to be marked in some way.You have spent money on clothes, and I guess you do not want to buy more, and the only other option would be jewelry, which I will buy at some stage today.Flowers, seemed somewhat appropriate for today."


    Hou YI just hoped that she misconstrued the romantic gesture he made, as he wanted to sent her a subliminal message."All I wanted to do with the flowers is to cheer you up given everything that has happened in thest week.After we leave the suite today, I have arranged for the flowers to be taken to a domestic violence refuge and used to brighten some lives today.Plus, I am donating to the same refuge money for them to use in your name.I figured that you would appreciate that."


    "Yi, you did not need to."Anna was surprised that not only was he trying to cheer her up, he was taking to heart making a difference to provide cheer and assistance to victims of domestic violence


    "Anna, breakfast will be up soon, but we could leave today, if we get a few things started or done today, in particrly dealing with your belongings here, and starting the process of locating properties we are after.Steve and Mary have put me in contact with a real estate agent to assist us on the search, and have agreed if we do not find something today, they will look at additional properties to help us. Do you want to go back, or actually wait until we locate the properties?"


    "Yi, if Jodie epts the job offer, I would way tonight.If I do not finalise dealing with my belongings, she can do that for me, and as you trust Steve and Mary regarding our property, I will trust them as well.IF you want to buy me jewelry, you can buy me another Pandora Bracelet.Inexpensive,pared to what you are thinking about.Lu Jinhu knows I use the ones I have to mark special and important asions, but one for us that I wear out to events.He will know what it means, but no one else will, and it will mess around with him."


    "Absolutely fine."With that he called for their breakfast and within 5 minutes it arrived in their suite.


    After a leisurely breakfast, Anna decided to call Jodie and see what she had decided.Once she reached Jodie "Hi Jodie, how did things gost night?"


    "I somewhat made a mess of it when I talked to John.I told him about a job offer, about me working visa being sponsor, but the fact that he would need to marry me to get a visa as well.He was angry, telling me I was attempting to manipte him, however I said to him I was serious about taking the job.It was his decision what he wanted to do, refuse to marry me and lose me, or marry me and relocate."


    "John stormed out but came back about 15 minutester.You would not believe him.He found a florist and came back with a dozen red roses, got down on one knee and proposed, but told me I had to wait for a ring.When he stormed out, he said he realised that he could marry me or loose me.Given I am the most important thing in his life he decided that he would marry me as soon as he could, rather than losing me.After I settled from his proposal, I then told him about the job offer.He cannot believe that you want me to start as soon as I can."


    "Jodie, I cannot believe it.Given how anti-marriage John is I thought he would have walked away, but I am so d he realised you are the most important thing for him.Can I suggest that you put in your notice at work, as by the time it expires it will be just before your wedding,You can use the time between your marriage and when your visa is issued to have a honeymoon and finalise your affairs.I would also ask if I email you a list of things I did not get finalised before I leave today, if you could resolve them for me as well."


    Anna paused, looked at Hou Yi, and then continued "Yi is indicating to me, we will pass your contact details onto his assistant Wang Long, who will contact you about arranging the visas, and the practicalities of your relocation.I have a big favour to ask.We are heading back tonight.If I do not finalise dealing with my belongings today, can you sort that our for me?"


    "No problem Anna.Now get going, and deal with what you have to today, but call me before you leave, OK?"


    "Will do."


    With that Anna ended the call, and walked over to Hou Yi "So what first?"


    "I spoke to the agent, who will be here any moment.Our appointment with the passport office, to sport out the change of name on your passport at 11:30am.Then Lunch, and deal with your personally belongings before shopping.We have a departure slot of 10:30pm from Tumarine.A hotel staff member wille in and pack our belongings while we are dealing with the agent."


    As Hou Yi finished, there was a knock on the door, with two people there.One, was identifiable as a hotel staff member who went into the bedroom to pack their belongings under the supervision of a bodyguard, and the other introduced himself as the real estate agent.Between Anna, Hou Yi and two bodyguards, their requirements for the Melbourne property and the Warrnambool area property were discussed.The agent, advised that he would have options emailed as soon as possible and would liaise with Steve and Mary to review the properties.


    The rest of their tasks flowed, and as Anna predicted she did not finalise dealing with her personal belongings, and got as much done as she could, knowing that thest remaining things Jodie would see to for her.


    Around 4pm. Hou Yi took Anna into a Pandora Store, buying a bracelet and they chose three charms to mark their journey as a couple as Anna wanted it represent.However Hou Yi was determined to purchase some higher end items so he pulled Anna into a jewelry store to purchase some other pieces for her, before they headed to Tumarine for their departure.Anna called Jodie and spoke to her about what she needed done.As soon as they reached cruising height after take-off they retired to the bedroom, and fell asleep, only awaking as they were getting ready for their descent into Singapore for a refuelling stop.

 Chapter 113: Rage at the Lus

    <h4>113 Rage at the Lu''s</h4>


    Wednesday


    Anna Jones and Hou Yi arrived back in City Tte Wednesday morning, local time.Hou Yi escorted Anna an exhausted and stressed Anna home to allow her to rx , and went into the office to deal with urgent business matters.


    Meanwhile, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, were at home.Lu Jinhu Australian Lawyer had just informed him about the documents served on them, by ANX Lawyers.


    Yang Lin, also was angry as the previous day when she went to Fengs for jewelry shopping, they refused to give her any discount as she knew she was entitled to.The staff refused to say who denied her discountWhat made the situation even worse was eventually they called the police to have her escorted from the store in front of her friends.She could not believe how she had been treated.


    Yang Lin''s cursing of the situation was interrupted when she heard Lu Jihnu''s loud "F**k. How in the world did that b**ch achieve that.She should not have been able to do anything, and I was home free but somehow ¡­"


    Yang Lin was worried.The hups in their ns, so far had been minor, and only here.Lu Jinhu had achieved everything they had nned.He had duped an Australian woman, getting citizenship so that they could move away from here when they wanted, and stripping her of all her assets without him having to pay anything.While the value was somewhat small, her gullibility from the outset made her the perfect target.


    "Jinhu, what is it?"


    "F**king Anna, she got court orders on Monday that overturned the orders that took me all that time to arrange with her signature copied on to every page.F**k, f**k, f**k, all that time wasted and I may end up with nothing to show for it."


    "What do you mean?"


    "ording to thatwyer, who was a dumb as anything and did what they were told blindly, tht b**ch got orders that revoked the ones I had taken the effort to get.The court ordered forensic analysis on her signature, and while the forger I used is good, it will not stand up to that analysis.The court gave her orders allowing her to keep her superannuation and that whatever I wanted to keep, I have to pay her fifty percent of the value, and take on finance."


    "F**k this was not meant to happen.I was meant to have all the assets and she all the debt.I knew she had an appeal period, but I thought I had done everything to ensure she knew nothing until it was up.I knew she worked with some smartwyers, but I never thought she could pull this off.F**k, F**k, F**k.Thewyer told me that they will have draft responding documents to me early next week, along with copies of everything filed."


    "The b**ch"


    "I know Lin.I have no f**king idea how that b**ch Anna got to Melbourne.The only thing interesting was that Hou Yi name hase up and some how he is involved.How in the f**k do they know each other.Maybe when I see the documents, I will get an idea."


    Yang Lin took a breath, and calmed herself down.She needed Lu Jinhu to focus."Jinhu, we got everything we could back here before you arrived, so there is little she can do.You know the courts will not allow her to enforce her orders here as she is not a citizen.What is the worst that could happen?We have to pay her out fifty percent of the value of the apartment, after we deal with the debt.The worst case scenario, for us given the buyer we have lined up is we miss out on about seven hundred thousand dors.We will still clear over tow and a half million, which is enough to buy the property we want, without a cost to us.Look at the big picture."


    Yang Lin paused, "However that b**ch does not want to cross my path.She had no rights, and I will make her pay for costing us money."


    Lu Jinhu turned to Yang Lin and asked "Have we any idea who was behind that situation at Fengs yesterday."


    "My guess would be Hou Yi, but apparently his ne left the country Friday night and only returned this morning.All our spies at Hou Enterprises are quite as to where he went.However, Friday there is that reception that everyone has been invited to.It may be petty, but I intend to make his life miserable there, so it he had anything to do with it, I can have some measure of revenge on him, until I can figure out what I will do further."

 Chapter 114: Spy Identification - Part 1

    <h4>114 Spy Identification - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    The employees of Hou Enterprises were stunned when they say their CEO walking across the foyer Wednesday afternoon, when the understood he was gone for the week.


    Four people, where very interested with this, and realised their need to urgently tell Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.The loyal security team, caught them quickly through their slip ups.


    Within five minutes of his entry into the building four separate texts were sent all to Yang Lin''s number from staff of Hou Enterprises from within the building.The first was sent by the receptionist that Hou Yi and Anna has already determined was a spy; the second from a member of the cleaning team, the third from an assistant to a manger within the finance department, and the final one from a member of Hou Yi''s own administration team.


    Hou Yi, oblivious to this at that moment, walked into Vice-CEO Ji Feng''s office, closed the door after him, and sat down "Uncle Feng, sorry to bother you¡­"


    "Yi, I did not think that you would be in until tomorrow, given you have just gotten back from Australia.Why are you nor sending time with that beautiful wife, who you adore."


    "I am worried, Uncle Feng, I have asked her topletely uproot herself, and move here.I am just so worried that she will not cope, and leave."


    "Yi, sit down and listen to me.Something about this does not add up, given what I know from your parents, you, and your bodyguards who remained. All I am certain of is you met your wife 6 months ago, and in passing at the Australia embassy just before you got married.I cannot find any othermunications."


    Ji Feng looked Hou Yi in the eyes "Knowing you, and they way you are you fell in love on sight, and have been looking for a way into her life.Something was preventing you beforest Tuesday and then an opportunity presented itself which you snatched with both hands.You took it.But is leaves you more invested and much further into the rtionship that Anna, who is just at the start."


    "You have faith in her that everything will be alright but at the same time you are worried, and some upset will derail your rtionship.Am I right?Do you want to tell me more?I promise you, what you tell me, I will not tell your parents, however if I am right you need support to achieve your goal of Anna falling as deeply in love with you as you are already with her, and agreeing to remain by your side until you are separated by death."


    Hou Yi paused.He wondered if he really wanted to tell someone about their rtionship, but at the same time, not having any support was starting to get to him.How could he sustain the rtionship he wanted without help.He then realised, particrly after taking into ount the look from Ji Feng that he had no option but to answer.


    "You have most things right, Uncle Feng.I fell for Anna on sight, but the situation is more insidious that you could think.When I met her she was engaged to Lu JInhu ..."


    "That devil spawn from Lu Corporation."


    "The very same.Wemunicated through instant messaging apps on and off.I did not let her know how I felt, just indicated I would support and help her whatever she did.I never confessed how I felt, but Anna was doubting the rtionship, and after we ran into each other at the Australian Embassy, she decided to end it andmence a rtionship with me.Before she could do that amicably, Lu Jinhu dumped her in spectacr fashion in front of the Civil Administration Bureau."


    "Well I stand by my view he is devil''s spwan."


    "Uncle Feng."ughed Hou Yi.


    When he stoppedughing, he continued "Anna proposed, and I am worried that her only reason is revenge.I epted not realising all that he had done.Tuesday, after we married, we went to collect her belongings form the Key za Hotel where he and Yang Lin verbally abused, physically assaulted and humiliated her.That better be the only time he has done that, or I will make him pay."


    "The verbal abuse and humiliation was not the first.What I found out when we went to Australia, is that he did that throughout their rtionship as well as ripping her off, and isting her from friends.In Australia, they call all of that domestic violence as it is as bad as when a man physically hurts his wife or partner.Anna, will not admit it but she is terrified that I might hurt her like she has previously been hurt, given she has had to deal with Lu Jinhu also trying to take everything from her and ruin her career."


    "It is all impacting hermitment to our rtionship, and I cannot ask my mother or Aunt for help, as it will only drive her further away.I do not want to drive her away but I want to help her."But this time Hou YI was utterly exhausted, and had a look of desperation in his eyes.

 Chapter 115: Spy Identification - Part 2

    <h4>115 Spy Identification - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued


    Ji Feng, looked at his boss and honorary nephew.He paused to think how he could help."Yi all you have to do is be there and support your wife.She needs to know that she is safe and protected and that you will always be there for herDo not worry if this requires you to take a half day or day out of the office.If it needs to be done, do it, because she needs to realise that she is always your top priority, not this business.Hou Enterprises will not fall apart if you do this, and I can generally cope, but if I need to I will call on your father to help me."


    "It might be necessary to get some professional advice to help her.I heard that your university friend from Ennd, Phillipa Chen is here with her parents visiting extended family.Did I not read somewhere that dealing with this stuff is her area of expertise?Talk to her, she might be able to help you to work out what to do."


    "Yi, you need to break through this barrier you feel to move forward, however you cannot push your wife, as if you do it will backfire.She needs to be in control, as from what I understand what he has done leaves her without control.I will promise you, other than the asional request of your father for help with Hou Enterprises I will not tell your family anything unless you ask me.But remember, my door is always open if you need to talk.Do not bottle it up inside, as it will do you or Anna no good.


    "How did you get so wise, Uncle Feng."


    "It is a talent Yi, a talent, hence why your father and now you keep me on here.Now speaking of the business, as you arrived a received an email on the spy hunt.They confirmed Supervisor An was a spy.Your sudden departure on Friday and arrival today tripped up four others, and we have confirmed evidence.The receptionist you and Anna believed was one called Yang Lin directly.Further, they have just confirmed a manager in the travel department, who passed your departure to Lu Jinhu''s assistant on Friday, and confirmed your reappearance today."


    "The travel department manager''s slip-up was that she used her business mobile, not her personal mobile to pass on the information.We then went back over the records, and have found a number of instances where information was passed on, through that mobile."


    "We also located a mail clerk who was working in conjunction with a junior assistant in your administrative team.I had been awaiting a documents from City A on Friday, and the way it had been sent required them to receive a notification of delivery.They contacted my Monday afternoon asking why I had not responded when the document arrived Friday.The investigations showed the mail clerk and the assistant would hold up documents for up to twenty-four hours, to copy and pass on the information to Lu Jinhu and Lu Corporation."


    Ji Feng pulled a file out and handed it to Hou Yi "Here is the investigation information, which is solid."as he finished that, message alert sounded, and he read the email that it told him hade in.


    "Yi, we have identified three other potential spies.They all were stupid and used their mobiles within the building or its surrounds either to text Yang Lin or Lu Jinhu directly or someone connected to them, with a simr message ''Hou Yi is back in country and has entered Hou Enterprises''.Their actions will have to be investigated to confirm that they are spies, but I will print that email off for you with the preliminary information.What are your going to do?"


    "Anna had it right, we need to use them to feed information to them, and that will let us deal with the two of them.Uncle Feng, I need to go, so I wille and talk to you before the end of the week."And with that Hou Yi stood up and left Ji Feng''s office, walking to his office.

 Chapter 116: Charity

    <h4>116 Charity</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Rather than going directly home on leaving Ji Feng''s office Hou Yi headed to his own and called Assistant Wang into his office, to deal with pressing business matters


    Thest thing he did, before he left was provide him with the details for Jodie Hughes, so that he couldmence the process to obtain the necessary visas she and her soon to be husband required.


    With that, he left the office and returned home, wanting to make sure that Anna was OK.When he arrived home, she was sitting having a hot drink in the lounge.Hou Yi walked over to Anna and sat down.He asked, "How are you?"


    "I feel a lot better now that I am home.I have received the orders and the court decision, which I need to print out, but otherwise got everything ready to hand over the documents.I just have to find the right time."


    Hou Yi realise that she had ced her tablet andptop on the table in front of her, and he looked at Anna wondering what she was up to.


    "Yi, while siting here I have thought about something you mentioned in passing on Friday.I have done some research and it showed me little support exists here in City T for victims of domestic violence.If you are willing to, I want to do something to help.If I can help victims to get the courage to leave and seek support, then I want to do it.Do you know how I can do it?"


    "Honey, there is a small refuge here in the city that I have helped personally support, but they receive little other support.It is difficult for them to use me help fund raise, as I am a man, and their clients are all women.So I have simply stayed in the background, and provided some financial support."


    Hou Yi paused, as if thinking of an option."What about, through the Public Rtions department, we release a media statement that confirms that I have married, but omitting your name.We will then state that as my wife you will be entering into fundraising to assist the victims of domestic violence.We can put into the release the details of the abuse you suffered, and make it clear that the reason for sharing your story is to prevent is not only to prevent this from remaining hidden, but to encourage victims to tell their stories and get help.


    "It would announce, that Hou Enterprises care making donation to kick start the campaign for services to assist victims, and mention the service that I have personally been supporting.We can set out that you intend to start serious fundraising, and will be looking to form amittee to help you.


    Importantly the release in telling your story, will give enough information so that when you personally serve him with the court papers, people will start to re-examine his actions and personality."


    "Sounds like a good idea.I am being charitable, but at the same time indirectly I am telling the elite society here in City T about how he behaves."


    "To do the press release with the public rtions department, how do you want to go about it?"


    "I had the thought about that.Do you have meetings in your office tomorrow?"


    "Yes, but I can move them to a meeting room, why?"


    "I figured that I could be in your office,municate with them via email, but one trusted person within the department cane back and forth to talk to me about the release."


    "Can be done."Hou Yi paused and knew that he had to confess about the conversation he had with Ji Feng.


    "I have to confess something.When I was in the office, Uncle Feng spoke to me, stating he thought something was not right.I ended up rather than telling him the whole truth, and I am so sorry about this, told him about what that b**tard of an ex put you through.He told me I needed to support you, which you know I will, but gave me the idea that maybe we need to consider getting you some professional assistance to help.I am not going to push, it is your choice if we do this.If you want to let me know what type of help you want, and I will arrange it.He suggested I might contact a visiting university friend, Phillipa Chen, who is a psychologist to see if she can help."


    Anna looked at Hou Yi, realising that he was so worried that he had done the wrong thing and was only trying to help."Yi, do not worry about your discussions with Uncle Feng.Just let me think about thing."


    Anna, otherwise sat rxing, while Hou Yi, picked up his mobile and contacted Ji Feng to locate a trustworthy person in the public rtions department, to assist Anna tomorrow.Once this was done, he made arrangements for them to have a light dinner, and they drifted towards their suite for bed.However, he made sure that Anna''s tablet andptop were ced securely in his office.


    Meanwhile, unknown to Anna and Hou Yi, the two spies within the household overheard some of the conversation, so determined that the needed to tell Yang Lin about this.Their problem was that they their hours for the next few days would require them to remain within the staff quarters.That night when the finished for the day, the quietly discussed how they could get word out.The both realised that the earliest would be Friday night after the Young Master and Madam left for the charity function.

 Chapter 117: The Press Release - Part 1

    <h4>117 The Press Release - Part 1</h4>


    Thursday,


    Given how draining thest few days had been Hou Yi tried to let Anna sleep in.


    Hou Yi quietly got out of bed and readied himself for the day, rather than disturbing his wife.He made sure that there were signs that the staff would see that they had another night of wild s*x.He wondered to himself, given the discussion with Uncle Feng the previous day when he clearly admitted how much he loved Anna, whether his marriage would ever progress to a point where it would be consummated, let alone having the wild sex that they were portraying to staff that was happening in the room.


    When he was ready to leave he told Butler Ge, that his wife was only to be woken if she had not gotten out of bed when he calledter in the day.He also asked him to ensure that when she was ready to go to Hou Enterprises, that the bodyguards were informed to escort her.


    When he arrived in his office Hou Yi, was met by Ji Feng, who has a public rtions department member Wu Hai with him.Ji Feng whispered to Hou Yi "I trust her."


    Hou Yi turned and whispered "OK Uncle Feng"


    Ji Feng excused himself due to needing to deal with other matters, and reminded Hou Yi about their off-site meetingter in the day.


    Hou Yi escorted Wu Hai into his office, and exined what that his wife would be inter to the day, but gave her the preliminary information tomence drafting the release.He also confirmed that when his wife arrived, she would consult with her to finalise the release.Wu Hai then left the room and returned to the public rtions department, tomence working on the release.


    Once Hou Yi was alone in his office, he called the apartment, and requested that he be put through to his wife.As Anna did not immediately answer Butler Ge had one of the maids enter the suite, waking her up, and having her pick up the phone, and in her drowsy state she said "Yes"


    "Apologise Anna for not staying, I have a full day in the office, and you were so tired that I decided to let you sleep aste as possible.I have someone on the public rtions department working on the preliminary press release that you can finalise for release today.Butler Ge already has instructions to arrange with your bodyguards for you toe to the office, and when you arrive, you will be escorted up to my office where you can work."


    "Fine Yi.You could have let me sleep a bit longer though.I am still tired after ¡­," replied Anna, her voice getting sexier as she spoke due to the presence of the maids.


    "OK I get it, there are maids in the suite, and you want to create an impression.I will see you soon."


    "Cannot wait to see you."


    "You Idiot.Goodbye."


    With that Anna hung up the phone and got out of bed.Unlike a week ago when she went to Hou Enterprises, this time she was simply entering as the CEO''s wife.She selected what she thought would be appropriate showered and dressed.As she left the suite she collected her handbag and phone, and went down stairs for breakfast.On her way leaving the apartment, she collected herptop, and was driven to Hou Enterprises.


    Anna was surprised to find Hou Yi, hade down to greet her on her arrival, and like thest time she came in as his wife, they were surrounded by bodyguards, so no one could see her.As they walked across the foyer, Anna could here people wondering who she was, and they were quickly taken up to Hou Yi''s office level.


    Hou Yi, on shutting the door said "Wu Hai, this is my wife Anna.I have agreed while I attend the meetings I have, that you can work here in my office."He walked over to where Anna was sitting, sat beside her, and whispered loud enough that Wu Hai heard, "See you as soon as I am done."With that he leaned over and gave her a passionate looking kiss.


    Anna, however gently pulled back, and looking at Hou Yi quietly said "Yi, we are not alone, and ¡­"


    Hou Yi pulled back slightly and looked at Anna "You are right.There is a more appropriate ce for that than here where we could be interrupted."


    Anna turned and said "You better get to those meetings, I do not want you to me me for your day dragging on."


    Hou Yi stood up, picked up some files on his desk and walked out of the office.


    Wu Hai, came over and sat beside Anna, andmented "CEO Hou does love you Madam Hou."

 Chapter 118: The Press Release - Part 2

    <h4>118 The Press Release - Part 2</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    As Hou Yi left, the Public Rtions department assistant Wu Hai came over and sat beside Anna Jones andmented "CEO Hou does love you Madam Hou."


    "Miss Wu, I am lucky to have Yi in my life."Anna paused, and then continued "Has he told you want I am wanting to do?"


    "Madam Hou, CEO Hou gave me general information in that you wanted to focus your efforts on raising funds to support victims of, what did he call it ¡­ Domestic Violence.As I am not exactly certain of what was specifically meant all I could do is start some preliminary work."


    "That is alright.Understanding what is domestic violence can be challenging.There can be lots of exnations as to what Domestic Violence is.An obvious example is a man whoes home, and because something is not exactly as he wants turns around and hits his wife."


    "However it is not always physical violence.It can be a man who istes his partner from her friends and family or constantly calls her names or tells her the is not good enough, or despite his own ie and assets requires his wife to support the rtionship with an money or assets she earns without contributing."


    Anna paused, and took three deep breaths before continuing "What Domestic violence is about is actions designed to control. the targetWhile most victims are women and most perpetrators are men, it can be the opposite way, or happen in same-sex rtionships as well.Children can be targeted or threatened as well, and are always victims when they are in the home where it urs."


    "Oh, I did not realise that.I just thought it was a partner hitting the other."


    "No, it is very insidious."


    "Madam Hou, do you mind me asking why you are doing this?"


    "Actually it was Yi''s suggestion.In my rtionship before I met him, my partner engaged in most activities that would be considered domestic violence or intimate partner violence if you want to give it another name.The only lucky thing about my rtionship was he was not physically violent, he just did everything else.Yi realised that I am struggling toe to terms with what happened, and suggested that I do this, as a means to show that it can happen to anyone, but there is hope for all victims that things can change."


    "I did not realise.I am so sorry, Madam Hou."


    "No need to apologise.Meeting and marrying Yi, has given me a whole different outlook on life and rtionship.I know that with him, I will be safe."


    "Madam Hou, just listening to that I have an Idea on how we could to this press release, if you would let me walk you through it.The only thing is, I will have to go and type it up, and then bring it back, and as we amend return."


    "Actually Miss Wu, no you will not."With that Anna pulled out herptop and turned it on.She opened word, and said, "You can use myptop at the moment to type up what you need."


    "OK Madam Hou, lets get started."


    And with that Annamenced looking over the shoulder of Wu Mai, as she typed:


    ''Hou Enterprises, wishes to announce the formation of a new charitable initiative drive by its CEO Hou Yi, and his bride''


    Anna stopped here there."Yi and I have made a decision that we do not want my name put in the press release."


    "Fine Madam Hou."Wu Mai then continued to type''


    ''The aim of the charitable initiative is to assist in funding services and supports for people who the victims of domestic violence or intimate partner violence.The efforts will be kicked off by a donation from Hou Enterprises of expert staff assistance to assist in fundraising efforts, along with a corporate donation and a personal donation from CEO and Madam Hou.''


    ''CEO Hou and Madam Hou, announcing this initiative desire themunity to understand how insidious such violence can be.It is not minor and limited to any particr groups within themunity.It can ur throughout society and take forms more than simply one partner hitting the other or children.''


    ''The initiative will, as from Monday be taking people''s direct donations, that can be made as advertised on the website at the end of this press release.Fundraising activities announced in the future, both through media releases and on this same website.

 Chapter 119: The Press Release - Part 3

    <h4>119 The Press Release - Part 3</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    Miss Wu, let me go from here, OK.It will be rough, and you will need to edit it, nut it will give you''re your start to get towards the final version of the press release for Yi and I to approve."


    "Fine Madam Hou."


    With that Anna deleted thest paragraph and started anew


    ''Bravely CEO Hou and Madam Hou, have decided to share their stories about their interactions with such violence with the public, not only as a means to show what they know, but to encourage people to share their stories, and work to stop the violence.


    ''CEO Hou observed the seriousness of such violence while studying in Ennd.During his studies, he formed a close group of friends of both sexes.After one night out with friends, rather than allowing an alcohol affected female friend travel home on public transport, he took her home personally.When he escorted her to her apartment, his concerns about her ongoing safety were ayed as his friend''s boyfriend was there, and helped him take her inside.''


    "CEO Hou''s view that his friend was safe was quickly proven wrong.When he got back to his car, he located his friend''s mobile and house keys so he returned to her apartment.He heard his friend screaming, and her boyfriend ming her for his actions and asking for her forgiveness for doing what he was doing.''


    ''CEO Hou used the keys in his possession he observed his friend''s boyfriend not only kicking her, hit hitting her with a metal bar.CEO Hou not only called the police but stepped in to stop the assault.The police arrested the man in question, and charged him.''


    ''To support, his friend CEO Hou had to step in and locate services to assist his friend, initially and in the long term, and to assist her in getting through the criminal case against her abuser.As a result, CEO Hou in cities he visits for work rted to Hou Enterprises makes the effort to make a personal donation to services throughout the work, to carry out the work that assisted his friend.''


    ''Madam Hou''s story, is just aspelling.Professionally Madam Hou, is a trainedwyer, and during the course of her work, she often dealt with victims of intimate partner violence, in a supportive safe environment.She was, however blind to what was happening in her own rtionship with her former partner.''


    Madam Hou''s former partner was someone she met at university, and was almost 5 years older than her.During that rtionship he used his life experiences to slowly iste Madam Hou from her friends who challenged his actions; undermined her self-worth so that despite all her job sess she believe that she was nothing without him; her belittled and verbally abused Madam Hou; and used dependence developed in the rtionship to ensure she totally depended on him.''


    ''Madam Hou, despite her former partner''swealth was the sole person responsible for the financial support of their rtionship and refused to undertake any normal household tasks to assist Madam Hou who worked full time, when he rarely worked.The only lucky thing for Madam Hou was her former partner was not physically abusive to her.''


    ''As Madam Hou says, it take the support of just one person, who believes in a victim of intimate partner violence, whether physically or in other any other form, to tell them that they are worthwhile, they do not need to suffer this violence to make a difference.Madam Hou, knows that she was lucky to find that in her husband, however there is not often person close to a victim that the victim will open up to about their abuse, and start the healing process.''


    ''CEO Hou and Madam Hou''s goal for the initiative, is to create awork of services that will provide that support to victims of such violence and aid them to work to deal with the violence and move forward with their life.''


    Anna paused, and said "I think I have taken this as far as I can."


    With that Wu Mei, tool Ana''sptop with from her and started working to polish the information.Anna simply sat quietly, drinking on a cold drink that she had taken from the fridge.


    About an hourter, Hou Yi walked back into his office, and the final version, was polished, and released to meet the dinner news bulletins.

 Chapter 120: Rumblings of shock

    <h4>120 Rumblings of shock</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    As the press release was in the process of being sent out to the media outlets, Hou Yi, telephoned the ancestral home, to speak to everyone who was there.


    Unluckily for him, the only people present were his grandfather, grandmother and father.His mother and aunt, having found the joys of the tourist markets for shopping, decided to throw their bodyguards into fits of terror.


    Now, they were not only willing to enter simpler restaurants for meals, but were willing to walk around the streets looking not only for bargains but tailors who can make them quality tailored casual wear and were willing to make more formal wear.They recognised with one trip with Anna that they would indulge in their shopping passion much more by doing this, than simply going to the malls.In just a week, they had even convinced four friends to join them.


    Hou Jang put the call on speaker phone so that the whole conversation could be heard from everyone.


    Hou Yi, spoke up "Grandfather, Grandmother, Father, I have to tell you something.Father I think you may know some of this, as I guess Uncle Feng spoke to you, rather than leaving things alone."


    "Yi, he did say that you would need to talk to us about something."


    "Anna and I have just issued a press release about an initiative, to support funding of services for victims of intimate partner violence.You all know what happened to my friend in Ennd.To cut a long story short, Anna in her rtionship before me, was emotionally and financially abused by her former partner."


    "Anna''s former partner manipted her emotionally, cut her off from friends who dared challenged him, and despite his personal and family wealth, had her bare all the financial responsibility for the rtionship.After she split with him, as she would not submit to him maintaining his control over her, he hit her."


    Hou Jang, saw the reaction on his parent''s face, they could not believe that someone would do that to their lovely granddaughter-inw."Son, I can saw without us having to speak, we have no problem.We will support you, not only in what you are doing, but anything Anna needs us for."


    "Thanks dad.We are going to leave the office now, and spend a quiet night in, and see whates from the situation."Hou Yi ended the call and realised that he still had a couple of meetings to go.Rahter than letting Anna go home on her own, he urged her into the bedroom, to rest.Anna fell asleep almost immediately, and he continued with his meetings.


    However. within 5 minutes of the press release going out to the public, it became the talk all levels of themunity.For some victims of intimate partner/domestic violence, it dawned on them that they were not to me.Some people could not believe that the simple belief of the man she loved allowed Madam Hou to confront her past and start to deal with what had happened


    Some people stated to wonder about Madam Hou.She was not named other than by her title, but she had caused someone most considered to be cold, a level of devotion women wanted in their partner and for men, concern that they would not live up to that standard.


    For those who considered themselves the elites of City T, telephones started ringing hot.People wanted to know who had seen or met this Madam Hou, and who they believed was her ex was.The woman thought he was an idiot to do so, and the men knew that they would not allow him near their daughters sisters or cousins.They wold kill him before that happened.


    For one couple however, they missed the news.The were having to deal with a crisis that had juste to them from Australia.Lu Jinhu, finally received from his Australia Lawyer, a copy of all the material and the court order.


    "How in the f**king world did she do this.She had no right.Everything was foolproof, yet she found some f**king way.It was meant to be mine, and she was meant to have nothing.How could a f**king court overturn something that she apparently agreed to.She had to manipte the system, as the n was foolproof."


    "Jinhu, calm down.We can still deal with her and ruin her, we just will have to take a little bit of extra time.Think of it this way, that b**th will now go down slower that we wanted, but she will go down as we intended.Given how she believed you, psychologically we will only have to push her a little, and I think she will not cope and try andmit suicide.That willpletely mess up not only her life but screw up her career.Still goo."


    "Yang, you are right.I have to stop focusing on these little road blocks.Anyway, one thing she has to go to get her orders is personally serve them on me.No way that she is going to be able to do that as she will not get near me, therefore she will not haveplied and we can argue that she cannot get what she wants.Sess."

 Chapter 121: Serving the documents

    <h4>121 Serving the documents</h4>


    Thursday, continued ...


    After Hou Yipleted his meetings he found Anna asleep, but was unable to wake her.He stuck his head out the door and asked a bodyguard toe in and carry out their personal items, while he carried his bride.


    Again, to protect Anna''s identity, Hou Yi used a shawl to cover Anna''s head, and as they moved to the elevators and then across the ground floor foyer, their bodyguards surrounded them.All anyone could see was their big boss, carrying a woman rumoured to be thedy boss out of the building.The women watching, could not believe how romantic he was being, and envied thedy boss.They wished that their boyfriends would be as wonderful, as Hou Yi was to her.


    It was only when the car pulled up the apartment that Anna stirred, and made her way into the elevator on her own two feet.However, given that Hou Yi, had telephoned ahead as soon as they arrived in the apartment a light dinner was ready for them.As soon as they finished they retired to their suite, Anna changing and immediately falling to sleep.Hou Yi however did some further work remotely before changing and joining her.


    Friday,


    Anna stirred at the same time as Hou Yi in the morning, and she quickly got up and hurried into the shower so she could eat breakfast with him before he left for Hou Enterprises.


    Hou Yi, however sprung a surprise on Anna, as they headed down stairs."There is a charity dinner, which I had originally not intended to attend tonight.I am aware that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin will be there, so it may be appropriate to attend.Not only would you make your public debut as my wife, but you could serve the court documents on Lu Jinhu.He would not be able to deny service given the public nature of the event."


    "I am not sure."


    "Anna, do not feel pressured, make your choice and I can deal with it.Remember, as I told you I am here to help and support you.I believe that you can cope with whatever tonight might throw at you.Plus I will arrange for my mother and aunt toe and help you get ready for tonight, so it can eliminate many problems.We will get back to a normal routine on Monday.."


    "Thank you."


    As Hou Yi was leaving, his mother and aunt arrived, promising to make sure his bride looked perfect for tonight.


    Anna, for the whole day felt trapped in the whirlwind that was Du AnLing and Leng Xi, who filled the day not only with some shopping, but a visit to a day spa and hairdresser to make everything perfect for tonight.As they left Anna at 4pm to head home and finish getting ready themselves, all that she had to do was slip on the dress and shoes that they had selected for her.


    Hou Yi, arrived home about 20 minutes after his mother and left, and came immediately into the suite."How did it do today."


    "I cannot keep up with those two.I knew they were power shoppers, but they kept me on the move constantly.We went from shopping, to a Day Spa and finally a hairdressers.While I am use to being busy, the way they approached today was out of my league.The dress they decided I need to wear is over there, so I am concerned about damaging it, I will get you to help me finish getting ready as we leave."


    "Not a problem.Let me get ready, and I will help you.There are pre-dinner drinks at 6pm, followed by the dinner and charity auction from 7:30pm.We need to be gone at about 5pm, as it will take us, given Friday Night traffic around an hour to arrive at the venue.Assistant Wang has organised the documents you need to serve, and I will put them in my jacket pocket so they are not forgotten.


    Hou Yi entered into the walk-in robe, selected his clothing and went into the bathroom to bathe and get ready.He came out 20 minutester and helped Anna finish getting ready by zipping up her dress.


    As Anna went to leave the suite, Hou Yi reached into his briefcase, that he had brought into the suite and extracted a jewellery box.Anna recognised that the box was from Fengs.On Hou Yi opening it, she saw two simple peices of jewellery, a pair of earrings and a pendant ne, both with pink diamonds to match her wedding and engagement rings.


    Before Anna could say anything, Hou Yi put his fingers over her lips as to silence her.She put the earrings in, and Hou Yi put on the ne for her.The only other thing she added was their Pandora Bracelet.She knew that Lu Jinhu would get the subtle message that Anna and Hou Yi were giving with this.


    They hurried downstairs and into the car to travel to the reception, leaving at 5:10pm and arriving as predicted 1 hourter.As they were on their way into the venue, Anna partially turned and immediately recognised Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin behind them.She ignored them and walked into the venue Hou Yi.


    They each took a drink of champagne and drifted into a quiet space in the room, to everyone else there, apparently lost in each other, but carefully watching Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu, who had not spotted them.When Anna and Hou Yi saw that both Lu Jinhu and Yang LIn had their backs to them, they moved walking towards them, with Hou Yi handing Anna the documents he had taken from his jacket pocket.


    Anna tapped Lu Jinhu on the shoulder, and as he turned around, he had an expression of shock on his face.Before he could do anything, Anna thrust at him all the documents she was required and said "Lu Jinhu, consider yourself served with the documents in ordance with the order made in this matter on Monday in Melbourne Australia."

 Chapter 122: Did he just call her my wife?

    <h4>122 Did he just call her my wife?</h4>


    Friday, continued ...


    Before either of Lu Jinhu or Yang Lin could react or say anything, Anna took Hou Yi offered arm and they walked away over to where Ji Feng was talking to a number of people.As they arrived, he turned and greeted them "Yi, Anna, wonderful to see you," and with that he leaned over and kissed Anna on the cheek.


    Before anything could be said, they heard screaming from behind them, and instinctively they turned towards it.Hou Yi immediately saw Yang Lining towards the, screaming "F**k, b**th, w**re" with a look that she was going to harm Anna.


    Hou Yi stepped in front of Anna and was trying to push her back "Anna was just doing her job so back off.If you cannot I will have you removed."


    Yang Lin then turned and pped Hou Yi on the face, "Get out of my f**king way, that b**ch deserves what she gets."


    Lu Jinhu, by this time was strolled over, and Hou Yi realises that the look on his face means that he is also a threat to Anna.Having heard the screaming Hou Yi''s bodyguards had manoeuvred themselves just inside the door in case they needed to protect Hou Yi or Anna.Responding to Anna''s signal, they remained near the door but were alert in case the situation became worse to rush to protect Hou Yi and Anna.


    Hou Yi, could feel Anna shaking behind him at the viciousness of Yang Lin, and was concerned that Lu Jinhu would be violent.He turned and gathered his wife in his arms, trying not only to calm her down, but help protect her.


    The host of the function, until he saw Yang Lin p Hou Yi, was struggling to determine what to do.This, however told him that he had to get someone or a couple out of the room to prevent the fundraiser from bing an utter disaster.He figured the one unknown woman, who he observed handing documents to Lu Jinhu had to be the one to leave, despite CEO Hou''s apparent affection for her, as she cause the situation to get to the point it was at


    As he reached the group, Hou Yi'';s bodyguards were barely keeping themselves from rushing in to protect Hou Yi and Anna, as all that could be heard was Yang Lin repeatedly calling Anna a "b**th and w**re".The further observed Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu trying to get at Anna, who was safe in the arms of Hou Yi.


    The host turned to Anna, and said "Miss, we do not tolerate what you did.You have set off this scene, and while you have apanied CEO Hou, no one here really knows you, so you need to leave.CEO Hou you are wee to stay, as this woman has just used you to cause a problem at this function."Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu had a look of pure pleasure in that Anna was being asked to leave


    "Yi¡­"


    Hou Yi caught Ji Feng''s eye who simply nodded at him, and he turned to face the host and ground out "So you want this woman to leave."


    "Yes CEO Hou.I will give her two minutes to leave the venue or I will have her escorted here by security."By this time Anna was almost copsing, only staying upright because she was in Hou Yi''s arms.


    "Fine my wife and I will leave, and you can forget about that donation that I know you are counting on.No one treats my wife that way.And by the way forget about Hou Enterprises support tonight.All my wife was doing is what she was ordered to do by an Australian Court."


    With that Hou Yi swung Anna into his arms, his left arm under her legs, and his right arm supporting her back.Anna cooperated and put her arms around his neck and dropped her head to his shoulders.Their bodyguards, immediately came over and loosely surrounded them, while Hou Yi proceeded to carry his bride from the venue.


    Ji Feng, followed his boss, as did other senior Hou Enterprises staff who were there, stunned by what they had heard, and observed their boss do, but decided to follow his lead and leave.When Hou Jang, Du AnLing and Leng Xi, who had just arrived saw Hou Yi carrying Anna out of the room, they also turned and followed him out.


    The room was absolutely silent at what they had just seen, and someone to break the silence said "Did CEO Hou Yi just call the woman he swung into his arms his wife?

 Chapter 123: Digesting the News

    <h4>123 Digesting the News</h4>


    Friday, continued ...


    The eerie silence within the room was only broken when someoe asked "Did CEO Hou Yi just call the woman he swung into his arms his wife?"


    These words ignited everyone to discuss what they had just seen and heard.Everyone knew about the press release yesterday, but really thought it was bluff to enable Hou Yi to undertake charity work, despite it mentioning of ''Madam Hou'', as it would be inappropriate for a single male to be involved in charity efforts to help women.No one had met Madam Hou, and given Yang Lin had married Lu Jinhu they had no idea who this Madam Hou could be as he had no one in his life, so they thought.


    Who Anna was sparked debate within the gathered social elites of City T.Some believed they had misheared Hou Yi, as they viewed he had been devoted to Yang Lin before her marriage, and despite hisown heartbreak he willing went to her formal marriage ceremony.In those circumstances they believed he would not have married so soon.


    Many of the single young women, were grateful he had not married Yang Lin as they believed this gave them a chance.Hou Yi''s words shattered their dreams of bing his wife and the Lady Boss of Hou Enterprises.


    The bnce generally believed that they heard the truth, in that Hou Yi was legally married to this woman, or as good as.His reaction as soon as he saw a threat to the her were to protect her.No one had ever caused him to react as he did.he always appeared aloof, and when she started to copse he picked her up and carried her away.This group was split between a that believed it was simply a marriage to save face given Yang Lin''s marriage and others that believed it to be a love match.


    The problem for the social elites in City T, was no one seemed to know who she was except Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, and therefore the next time they run into her they were uncertain on how to treat her.Thisplication was added to by the fact that the Hou family members and senior Hou Enterprises staff all followed Hou Yi out the door.


    People started to pull out mobile phones andmenced making calls to people who were not present or had some connections with government to see if they could figure out who she was.


    Yang Lin and Lu JInhu were furious.They been publically humuiliated by Annam when she had gorten into the room without them knowing.Somehow they found out she had gotten her hooks into Hou Yi, who Yang Lin still thought she had wrapped around her fingers and could get anything out of.


    Yang Lin was shocked at what he did, so publicly. It was humiliating how Hou Yi looked at Anna, as he had never looked at her that way, and ruined her reputation. she knew she had to make her suffer, but how was the question.Also the realisation hit her that she had been deluding herself as to Hou Yi''s feelings and that made her more determined than ever to make Anna pay.


    Lu Jinhu could not ept Anna had gotten into the room, let alone being able to roam free around the country, leave and return, and not to have been arrested and deported.He did everything to ensure she would be humiliated and he got herptop to ess her work systems to get as much money as he could andplete her humiliation.


    Now, apparently Anna had the backing of one of the most influential people in the country, and could humiliate him, Lu Jinhu.He was also annoyed that before Hou Yi dropped his bombshell she had managed to serve him with the documents in such a public ce.He could never deny that he had been served with them.


    The crowd, after talking about Hou Yi, then turned their attention to Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, and realised that both of them were so annoyed at something.One of Lu Jinhu''s school friends, a fellow so-called princeling, Ang Hung came up to him, and while trying to snatch the papers out of his hand asked "What has got into you two, our newly-wed bride and groom?"


    All Yang Lin could say, was "Go away and leave us alone."With that she grabbed Lu Jinhu''s hand and pulled him out of the room.there was no way she could remain and ept the humiliation of being talked about like she knew people were.That b**ch was ruining her social position.


    Those who remained, however felt that there was something else going on, and they simply gossiped the whole night through.The host however could not believe that the gossip and scandal that urred in the pre-dinner drinks led to one of the best fundraising nights that he had been involved in for years.Who knew gossip and scandal would be such a great fundraiser!

 Chapter 124: Returning Fire

    <h4>124 Returning Fire</h4>


    Friday to Monday


    After leaving the charity dinner, Hou Yi and Anna simple returned home, and remained there for the weekend.The only thing that they did, was that building security on Saturday reported to them less then 2 hours after they left for the dinner, two maids were detected calling Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, to report that the two of them would be attending the dinner.


    Hou Yi called the maids into his study, and immediately terminated their employment, for passing on information to Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.Both protested their termination, but as they were being escorted from the apartment Butler Ge told them "Ladies, employers like Young Master and Young Madam, expect staff like us to respect their privacy and not tell people what they are doing.They ept that you will quietly talk about your work, but not further..


    Anna spent part of the weekend preparing herself for the return to work part-time, but in Hou Enterprises, and debating with Hou Yi exactly where she would work within the building.They called Ji Feng over to ultimately settle the debate.She also returned and collected the suits that were made at the tailors in M Mall.


    Lu Jinhu, decided to use his position as Vice-CEO at Lu Corporation to make hits at Hou Enterprises, and gain back some pride.Most of their spies without Hou Enterprises had their employment terminated so, they were getting limited information about its activities, particrly overseas activities.


    He knew that Hou Enterprises were at their most vulnerable in Australia and the United States, with Australia being the most vulnerable as the activities were only in their beginning phase.The United States Activities had been going a little longer, but with the recent change in governmental policy Hou Enterprises were finding issues being a foreignpanypeting with domestic USpanies.


    Despite having been dismissive of his education and the business,Lu Jinhu believed he needed to be a public face for Lu Corporation''s benefit rather than actually working in it.However he was not ignorant as to Lu Corporation''s structure and its operations, generally.He attended meetings, and at least ensured he understood what was urring.


    On Saturday morning, he called all the senior executives in for a meeting toe up with the ns to deal with Hou Enterprises.


    The first salvo firedst week by a junior senior executive about Hou Enterprises notplying with outward bound investment guidelines, failed to achieve much.But, as Lu Jinhu told the assembled staff that destroying Hou Enterprises was now the goal at any cost.Some raised concerns that if was fine trying to bring them down, but not at the cost of thepany.


    Lu Jinhu refused to hear this. "I am Vice-CEO of thispany, and unless the CEO determines differently we are destroying Hou Enterprises at any cost.Additionally if youe across a woman in doing that called Anna Jones, then she is also to be destroyed."


    Someone, unidentified by Lu Jinhu said "Vice-CEO Lu, how should we achieve this?"


    "Well I do not know, that is what you are here for.Thatpany has to be destroyed.You have an hour to have the next steps."


    With that he stormed out of the meeting, leaving the senior executives questioning between themselves how they would achieve this, and whether they should leave thepany before Lu Jinhu destroyed it in an unrestrained attempt to destroy Hou Enterprises.One even said, it was a pity that the CEO had left the country with his wife for two weeks and would be un-contactable for that time, otherwise he could have put restraints on his son.


    They looked at the clock and realised that in their discussions they had lost 15 minutes of their allotted time.


    When Lu Jinhu walked back into the meeting, he demanded "What ns have youe up with."


    The allotted spokesperson, who knew that he would be fired if this was not liked "Sir,e up with two ns, with the steps to implement them.I will hand them to you to review.We have a list of other ideas that we will continue to work on."


    With that, Lu Jinhu took the documents and quickly read over the ns."Implement them, but I want another 10 things to be implemented by Monday night, as we have to have Hou Enterprises starting to crumble within 10 days, otherwise you are fired."


    Lu Jinhu stormed out, and everyone looked at each other, knowing fully well then had nothing else that was even viable for the Vice-CEO and that would achieve his goals.Three peoplemenced implementing the approved actions, while everyone else continued to work on options.


    Monday morning, Hou Yi and Anna after having spent a quiet weekend simply rxing at home, were sitting down having breakfast, both ready to head into Hou Corporation, when Hou Yi received a call from Assistant Wang.


    "CEO Hou, as you anticipated Lu Corporation, have started to act against thepany."


    "Doing what?"


    "Firstly to be seen as more charitable they have announced a funding imitative for service for children, with significant donations from all the other majorpanies in the town.The on-line abuse and picketers outside Hou Enterprises, calling for the government to immediately liquidate us for failure to be a good corporate citizen is growing.They have used social media well to achieve this in such a short time."


    "Secondly, they are attempting to undermine the Australian deal again.I understand details of what is happening in Australia is being emailed to Madam Hou, but here the attack is directed at Madam Hou.Part of what they are doing is iming having legal staff from various countries on secondment, undermines localw graduates andwyers.There is ims that we intend to employ only foreigners, and pointed to Madam Hou working here the week beforest dealing the previous Australian legal matter."

 Chapter 125: Childish Games

    <h4>125 Childish Games</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    "Assistant Wang, you know I thought this would happen, particrly as Lu Jinhu has, due to his father being away and not contactable, an unchecked ability to run Lu Corporation.Arrange a Press Conference for 10am to deal with this."


    Hou Yi ended the call, and looked at Anna "Sorry, that we are going to have to go public before you really wanted, but if he wants to ¡­"


    "He is ying childish games¡­"


    "You are right, ying childish games indeed.Try and humiliate someone, because something happened you did not like.Are you OK with going too public now, as I really do not think we have a choice?"


    "Yi we talked about this over the weekend.It has to be done.I am sick of him and his wife and their actions.Neither have taken the subtle hints to settle down and leave me alone.We have to take the direct approach and take him down.As long as it will not damage Hou Enterprises or ANX Lawyers I do not want to y nice anymore, so we have to deal with him."


    Given that, Hou Yi and Anna, decided two separate arrivals at Hou Enterprises to maintain a fiction were unnecessary.They drove to Hou Enterprises together and walked in together, without the body guards forming too tight of a circle around them.When they reached the elevator Hou Yi lent over and Anna lifted her lips for a gentle kiss.


    Hou Yi then said "I wille and collect you 10 minutes early for the press conference."He then handed Anna a key "This is to the new lockable cab in your office, so you can leave yourptop secure there, and itbwillbalso lock your office door."


    As the elevator reached the level with the legal department Anna walked into the office that she had used previously, which had been made ready for her.Within 5 minutes, Amanda Mei walked in "Miss Anna, I did not think you would be back?"


    "I am Amanda, only part time, initially using my Australia knowledge, but I will be studying to be awyer here as well."


    "Well it is nice to see you."


    With that she walked out and Anna heard three voices saying "She will not be here longer than today", and then Amanda Mei countering "I hope she is, and she is nice if you really talk to her"


    Anna settled in and started her work for the day, and the next thing she knew it was 9:40am, so she shut down herptop, locked it secure and touched up her makeup.As she finished and locked her bag away with herptop she could hear the noise from people within the legal department noticing CEO Hou was in their level.Anna exited her office and locked the door behind her, and out to where Hou Yi was waiting.


    When Hou Yi spotted her, he asked Anna, as she moved through the crowd surrounding him "Are you ready?"He had a slight smirk on his face.


    Anna knew he was ready for a small, but fun childish game, and as soon as she was in front of Hou Yi, she reached up deliberately showing to everyone her wedding and engagement rings, pulled Hou Yi''s head down so she could passionately, but briefly kiss him.As she pulled away, she said "For you, Yi, always.For this press conference ask me in an hour."


    Hou Yi burst outughing, getting exactly what she was doing, and responded "Do not tease¡­"


    "Or what I will get it tonight," responded Anna, joining Hou Yi in hisughter.By this time Anna could hear people gasping around them, hot believing how she was treating the CEO.Those there all though she was about to get fired.


    "Come on, we need to go, or that crowd down there will have our heads."


    With that, Hou Yi escorted Anna into the elevator, and they went downstairs to the foyer.As the doors were shutting, all the could hear was the questioning who Anna was.


    As they left the elevator, they were shown to the podium area for the press conference, and stood behind the Public Rtions Department director, who started the press conference."We would like to wee all the media here to Hou Enterprises for this press conference.Before wemence, there are a few rules that all media will be asked to respect.Failure to follow these rules will see us escorting you from the premises."


    "Your Press passes must be visible, along with the separate number tag or letter tag.There will be a statement given, and then there will be the ability to ask questions.Each organisation has, at random chosen a number, and this will be the order each organisation can ask, initially no more than 2 questions."


    "Only those with a number on their pass will have the right to ask questions, if your pass has a letter there is no such rights.They simply identify your media organisation.Once each organisation has had the opportunity to ask their two questions, if time permits further questions can be asked by anyone present."


    "However, if there bes a safety risk to people or this building, those attending this press conference or people outside, the press conference will end.Additionally, as you will note in the area in front of the podium there is a line.Anyone crossing that line, and the the person next to them will be escorted from the building immediately."


    "Without any further dys, please let me introduce you to the CEO of Hou Enterprises Hou Yi, and his wife Hou Anna."

 Chapter 126: The Press Conference - Part 1

    <h4>126 The Press Conference - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    Hou Yi stepped up to the microphone, tomence making his statement, with Anna standing beside him


    "Good Morning, members of the press, and wee.This press conference is called to address the matters that have sprung up on the inte in thest 24 hours, and enraged citizens not only here in City T but throughout this whole country.Both are designed, not to hurt and damage Hou Enterprises, as we alwaysply with thew wherever we operate, taking into ount our obligations as a corporate citizen here, but to deliberately target my wife and I."


    "Firstly to address the allegations about Hou Enterprises being a poor corporate citizen, and the calls to liquidate us.As members of the press fully well know, we have initiated a fundraising drive for services to assist victims of intimate partner violence.On Sunday, Vice-CEO and Madam Lu announced their own fundraising program for children''s services throughout this country, and had secured multi million in donations from allrge and medium corporations in this city."


    "We do not know why Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu made no contact with Hou Enterprises about a donation to their efforts.While we wold love to be in a position in the world to say such services as that will be assisted by the fundraising program initiated by Vice-CEO and Madam Lu, would never be needed, as like those funded by my wife and my initiative that will never be the case.We also note that both initiative have some ovepping areas, when dealing with children exposed to violence between their parents or be hurt because of it as a means to control a parent."


    "However, Hou Enterprises, as a corporation is willing to provide a donation of 1.2 times the donation Lu Enterprises makes to our initiative on domestic violence made within the next fortnight.Personally, my wife and I will also be making a 10 million donation, and we will also match the donations made by staff in this building today and tomorrow to this project.Hou Enterprises will also be matching the donations from staff dor for dor.And before anyone asks, an email has been sent to all staff to advise of this, as this press conference is urring."


    "Secondly, there is the allegation about us using foreign trained legal staff permanently.Untilst week, we would on an as needed basis have legal staff working in Hou Enterprises headquarters to deal with specific matters rting on projects we were involved with in their countries.They would be working with local staff, and together they would ensure legal requirements here and in that country wereplied with.They remained under the control of their employers in the other country, and had the appropriate visa to do such work.We only pay their wages and associated professional costs while they are here."


    "These legal staff have always been temporary, and they stay no longer than three months in country.While that worker is here, awyer from out legal department is working in that country in the legal firm the person working here hase from.This enables out legal staff to obtain exposure to different legal environments and expand their skills."


    "As I said, there has been a minor change in thest week.My wife is Australian by birth.She holds a Commerce/Law Degree and is a qualified Legal Practitioner.She graduated from University when only 20 years of age, havingpleted a five-year degree in only four years.This degree was a first ss Honours Degree, and she was awarded the prize for the top legal graduate in her year.She was given offers to be a legal academic but opted to be awyer."


    "The firm that she works for in Australia, just happens to be the legal firm Hou Enterprises uses in Australia for its legal work.Last week, an agreement was reached with her employers, that she will continue to work, part time for them, assisting with legal work rting to Hou Enterprises, but also doing a other work for them remotely.It is anticipated that most of her work while here will be work done remotely for them, rather than work for Hou Enterprises."


    "My wife has already made contact with the authorities here to determine what she much do to be a qualifiedwyer here as well.Once shepletes that qualification, her work within Hou Enterprises will be split between her work for us, and the work that she does keeping her qualifications and skills in Australia as well."


    "It should be noted, my wife has moved almost a third of the world away from her family and her life.It should not be surprising with someone as skilled as her, that I do not want to force her to give up her career at this time.All we have done is found another way for her to continue it."


    "As to the specific allegation, save and except for my wife, whose position was specifically created for her, is it not now, now will it ever be Hou Enterprises intention to solely employ foreign workers in this country.We always, wherever we operate and whenever possible seek to employ local staff.It is only when we cannot recruit locally, do we seek to hire internationally."


    "Is there any questions?"


    Reported with the number 1 stepped up, and asked "CEO Hou and Madam Hou, information came from multiple sources about an incident at the pre-dinner drinks for Friday night''s fundraiser between you and Vice-CEO and Madam Lu.Can you please exin why this urred and how this is not connected to your failure to donate to their children''s services fundraising organisation?"

 Chapter 127: The Press Conference - Part 2

    <h4>127 The Press Conference - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    Hou Yi in hearing the first question, realised that the reporter had gotten to the heart of the issue.


    "Before I hand this question to my wife to finishing answering, I need to make it clear that neither Hou Enterprises or ourselves personally were approached to make a donation.However Hou enterprises and my wife and I will make donations for this cause.They would have been made over the weekend, if any effort had been made to contact us."Hou Yi turned to Anna, and said "Sweetheart¡­"


    Anna moved to the microphones "Firstly, I can only echo my husband''sments about the donations.It is petty and a childish game not to have made contact with either Hou Enterprises or my husband and I personally.The only people hurt in this whole process are the children that the Lu''s want to help with their fundraising initiatives.Additionally, I will make contact with the various resources and contacts that I have in Australia and put them in contact with the Lu''s or people associated with their initiative to see not only how things can be done, but what assistance they can offer, including to maximize the benefits of all donations received."


    "And I wish to make it clear that if Vice-CEO Lu wants to deny he knows how contact my husband and I, it needs to be clear to him that my contact details, particrly my personal mobile has not changed since we met at the same university college, and even if he lost it, many of our mutual friends have this number so all he had to do was ask someone."


    "As to the incident on Friday Night, on Monday afternoon I was in Australia in a court, doing what is called instructing another solicitor in court.What this effectively means is that I was assisting them in court with the matter.I cannot, given the applicablew say anything about the proceedings, but due to what was observed and heard, I can confirm that I was ordered by the court to personally serve certain documents on Mr Lu which I did."


    "It was observed that neither Vice-CEO or Madam Lu were happy that Iplied with what I was ordered to do by the Court, hence they came towards us, abusing me.My husband was concerned about my safety and he got between them and me, to ensure my safety from another assault as they inflicted on me tomorrow fortnight ago at the Key za Hotel."


    The same reporter asked his second question "Madam Hou, on a rted point, both CEO Hou and yourself mentioned about you being awyer.What sort ofw did you practice in Australia, and why do you wish to continue working despite being CEO Hou''s wife?"


    "In Australia, I was employed by a firm whose specialty was Commercial Law, but is also had a generalist practice.I worked in the generalist practice group, however I am required as part of my employment to spend at least twenty percent of my time on Commercial Work, and the bnce in areas including criminalw, familyw, wills and estates."


    "I am grateful that my husband realises that being awyer is part of me, particrly as it is how we met.He has made it clear that he wants me to follow my dreams, and achieve my potential, both personally and within my career.He knows that I love him, and am happy with my life here, despite moving from my family and friends, but has made it clear that he does not want me to feel as if I have made all the sacrifices for our rtionship."


    "While we want a family, we are also realistic that this may be a period of time away for us.My husband knows that charitable work will only fill part of my day, hence why he has gone to the lengths he has for me, to continue my career.I am lucky that the arrangement that we have worked out with my Australian employers benefits them, but will enable me to travel with my husband when business requires it."


    The Second reporter stepped up "CEO and Madam Hou.We saw your initiative''s press release, two ring omissions were made.There is no indication that Hou Enterprises is donating funds to the initiative and as we do not know the names of the people you referred to in your stories, how can we verify the information as correct an they are not tales just to gain sympathy?"


    Hou Yi took back over "Hou Enterprises is making a donation, but we will not be stating the amount, as in part the total of Hou Enterprises donation will be impacted by funds that staff wish to donate.Further, we are willing to allow any staff who wish to ''donate'' up to five days work each year to the initiative to aid them in their activities.For our Staff, this will be paid by Hou Enterprises at their normal rates plus money to cover their out of pockets.This we hope will encourage staff from throughout thepany to be involved, bringing a wide range of skills to assist programs."


    "Further, and at the urging my my wife a newpany policy has been implemented that enables staff who are the victims of such violence to take immediate leave to address the issues for them of intimate partner, or as my wife calls it domestic violence.This is a paid entitlement for staff, and the amount of time will vary depending on all the surrounding circumstances and evidence provided supporting that leave."


    "My wife and I have made a personal donation, but we will not be disclosing the amount.Our reason for the non-disclosure is not to hide anything, but because we do not people or organisations to feel pressured to make a particr level of donation, they make the donation they want."


    "As to my friend who was the victim, the case itself was widely reported nine and ten years ago in the United Kingdom and my name was mentioned in respect of that.As reporters you should be able to use that information to locate the fact that my story is true.As to my wife''s story, she cannot say who it was, as the matters are still before the court in Australia, but I guess you could ask¡­"

 Chapter 128: Revealing her abuser

    <h4>128 Revealing her abuser</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    Hou Yi paused, as he noticed Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin had walking into the building, so rather than giving a name he stared directly at Lu Jinhu.Anna did too, but at the same time Hou Yi noticed she was trembling slightly,Hou Yi signaled to the bodyguards to immediately remove Anna, and before he left "I am sorry we have to cut this short, but there is a threat to my wife."With this he was still directly looking at Lu Jinhu.


    Yang Lin heard thement about a threat to Anna, and forgetting the press and the image she wanted to project screamed "Stop running you b**th.You deserved what you got," before Lu Jinhu could even put his hand over her mouth to stop her.While he agreed with the sentiment that Yang Lin expressed he knew that you should never make statements like that when the press are nearby because all they will do is pounce on you and demand answers.


    The press in hearing that, started to put two and two together, and surrounded Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, throwing question after question at them, none of which they could answer, while getting closer and closer to the couple.


    Hou Yi noticed that Lu Jinhu, was attempting to shield and protect Yang Lin, especially her stomach area.To him that confirmed the rumours he heard that Yang Lin might be pregnant, and this stopped Lu Jinhu''s previous ns to have Anna raped at the time he dumped her, because he needed to be married as soon as possible to Yang Lin without scandal.One thing he did not want on his conscious is that their unborn child be injured or for Yang Lin to miscarry it because of this, particrly in his building.He quietly advised the security in the foyer area that they needed to protect Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin and ensure that they were able to safely leave the premises.


    With that Hou Yi escorted Anna up to his office.He arranged for tea to be brought in to allow Anna to calm down.Anna sipped the drink for about 10 minutes and over this time Hou Yi could see the tension drifting out of her body.When she felt calm, she reached over to him, and kissed him on the cheek and whispered "Thank you," before kissing him again lightly on the cheek.


    Anna paused before continuing "I cannot believe that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin turned up at that exact time, we could not have scripted it.I think they understood the unsaid name, and I guess that is why they surrounded them."


    Hou Yi replied "You are right, they arrived for us right on time.However, I am conscious that the media were surrounding them, and I told security to ensure that they get out of the building safely.


    We do not need an incident happening here with them being harmed, particrly as there are rumours that Yang Lin is pregnant with Lu Jinhu''s child"


    "You are kidding me, that a**ehole was cheating on me with her."


    "Anna do not worry.You do not have to have anything to do within him.What they did, does not matter."Hou Yi paused, and continued "I have to ask a question, you mentioned in that press conference about children?"


    "Well what did you expect me to say.Look, we both know that I have said that I will give our rtionship a chance, but I am struggling as Lu Jinhu continually is messing with my mind.Long term I am hopeful, but we also do not know what the future holds for us."Anna paused, knowing that she was starting to feel something for Hou Yi but not certain what it was.She blurted out "I am so tempted to walk out now."


    Hou Yi had to take a breath to prevent him from blurting out what he wanted to tell his wife, that he loved her and wanted her to be with him for the rest of their lives."Anna, what happens in our rtionship will be the future.At the present you need to focus on dealing with the impacts of confronting what he did to you during your rtionship, then together we can make decisions about our rtionship.Would you be OK if I arranged for a psychologist who deals with victims of intimate partner violence toe and speak to both of us.Will that help you?"


    "I am willing to give it a go, it is not you, it is what he is doing to me still.He has messed me up so much in my mind.I thought getting revenge would make me feel good, but I do not know."


    With that Anna threw herself into Hou Yi''s arms and burst out crying.He simply held her until she stopped crying.He suggested to her that she clean up in his bathroom and could make a decision on what she wanted to do for the rest of the day, stay and work or go home.After she tidied up she decided to continue to work, and left to go back to her office.


    When Anna left his office, Hou Yi picked up the telephone and dialed.Within 2 rings his call was answered "Hi Phillipa, it is Yi here."

 Chapter 129: How do we deal with a problem like this?

    <h4>129 How do we deal with a problem like this?</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    Within 2 rings his call was answered "Hi Phillipa, it is Yi here."


    "What in the world are you calling for?" came a sharp reply.


    "Well..." said Hou Yi yfully.


    "Yi do not mess with me, you know I hate it."The voice on the other end of the line was serious.


    "Pip.Stop ying games." Laughed Hou Yi


    "You know I do not y games, particrly the ones you like to y.I saw your press conference and it was a dangerous game you started to y.You and I both know that Lu Jinhu will not take what you did lying down.You made him look like a abuser without saying it"Came the response, trying to get Hou Yi to respond.


    "No Pip, we are that many moves into the game you would not believe."


    "Tell me what in the world you are calling for.Come on be serious for once in your life."


    "Pip you know I cannot be serious ..."ughed Hou Yi, still trying to bait a response.


    "Yi" was the strong response


    "Well, OK Dr Phillipa Chen ..." drifted Hou YI in the conversation.


    "Stop it, now focus on this.You know you keep messing with me I will tell my parents, and you know how much that will mess up your deals." Came the angry retort.


    "Fine, you cannot take a joke, and threaten me with your politician mother."


    With that Hou Yi paused, and then continued "OK I will be serious.I need your help, especially since you are here in town."


    "Oh my god, I wish I had just recorded that, the great and powerful Hou Yi asking little old me for help," came the almost sarcastic reply.


    "Pip,e on I will be serious.I need your help.You saw the press conference, you read the media releasest week.I need the help of an expert."


    "You got that right."


    "Anna is a mess, all because of what that b**tard Lu Jinhu has done to her.I cannot break through her walls at the moment.She is ready to walk away.I know we did not marry in the best of circumstances, but I could not take it if she walked away, particrly as hurt as she is."


    "That is not the reason.I realised as soon as we spoke almost a fortnight ago, you had found the woman that you love to distraction, and married her.I thought it was a love match, but what I saw today and read the other day told me, that she had different motives.You want to care and protect her.She however is broken by her experiences."


    "Pip, true.You know all about that, yet have be one of the worlds best known counselors for Domestic Violence survivors and run your foundation to help people.I need that skill from my friend now.Not for me, but for her.She said just before she is ready to walk out."


    "Yi, I hope you have not made a mistake, but you better tell me the details when I get there in 20 minutes.Once you and I have talked, you need to get your bride there and then disappear.I need to talk to her.Hopefully then I will have the answers."


    "Well hurry up and get here...".Before he could finish the call was ended, so Hou Yi telephoned Assistant Wang and advised him that Phillipa would being to see him, and to get her up to his office as soon as possible.


    Meanwhile, Anna returned downstairs to the legal department, apanied by two bodyguards.As soon as she arrived, she started to be swamped by members of the various Department/teams within the group, all wanting to talk to her about matters.Rather than fighting, she indicated that she would speak to the supervisors in her office in 5 minutes.


    With that she walked back to her office.Amanda Mei, came up and said "Miss Anna ... Sorry Madam Hou, can we talk?"


    Immediately after she said this Lawyers Deng and Bei also asked to talk to her.


    "Amanda, after I speak to the other supervisors, you and I can talk."She turned ignoring the others who now wanted to know her and entered her office.The bodyguards stood outside the door.


    Once she had gotten herself set back up, the supervisors all started to arrive, and were shown in.Anna really did not want to deal with them, but she knew as the CEO''s wife and their so-called Lady Boss ultimately she would have to deal with them at some time.


    "Hello everyone.I think you know who I am.When I am here in this office I have a job to do, as much as you do."


    "Yes Madam Hou" they all said with almost one voice.


    "I am sorry to have to rush you, but I have things that I need to do, so could you please tell me what is your issue."


    Everyone started talking together, so Anna could not make out what any of them were saying."Stop" Anna called out. "This is going to get us nowhere.I am not here to take anyone else job.I am simply here to do work, and eventually be a qualifiedwyer here as well."


    "All you need to do is treat me generally the same as everyone else.If you have specific matters, please email them to me.I believe an email will be established and monitored by my husband''s assistant to ensure that I only receive relevant emails.Can you please leave."by the time Anna finished she was quite angry.


    They supervisors all wanted to argue, but the bodyguards heard Anna ask them to leave so came in and escorted them out of her office.

 Chapter 130: Introducing our counselor

    <h4>130 Introducing our counselor</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    At the same time as the supervisors were being escorted out. Amanda Mei stuck her head in the door "Madam Hou, is it OK toe in."


    Anna was much more calmer now that she had seen a friendly face with her said "Yes.And Amanda when I am here working it is still Anna, not Madam Hou.I need someone here, who was willing to talk and treat me normally before, do the same and I trust you to do that."


    "Yes you are, you are the Lady Boss of thepany, and I have to respect that."


    "Amanda, I am giving you a direct order, and you are the only one getting this privilege, here at work, it is Anna, or if you cannot manage that Miss Anna.You made the effort not only to apologise for your error, but be involved with me, before you knew who my husband was.That gives you the right."


    "Miss Anna, I just wanted to warn you, earlier today before the press conference Lawyers Deng and Bei were saying how they wanted to get you fired, but now are saying that they want to make sure that they be your friend here.I hate to speak ill of someone, but I would suggest that you simply watch out for them.They have either acted against or been nice to and then dumped on other staff to get them out of here."


    "Thank you Amanda.At some stage this week, I am going to take you out to lunch, without them, to thank you for making someone feel wee."


    With that Amanda Mei left, and Anna logged onto the CEO intr.The conversation box with Hou Yi popped up, with a message.''Anna, let me know when you will be free.The psychologist who is willing to help us is free this afternoon, and would like to talk to us together and then you alone.''


    Anna replied ''Given me an hour and I should be free.Will message you to let you know I am on the way up.''


    Anna simply focused on work, and the time flew by, and she noticed the chat message from Hou Yi, reminding her toe up.Again, she closed her up herptop, and locked it up, and then secured her office as she went up to Hou Yi''s office.


    As she was about to enter Hou Yi''s office, she heard "Yi, you are evil" being squealed out by some woman.


    Hou Yi then responded, "You know it."


    Anna opened the door and found Hou Yi sitting at his desk and an unknown woman on the couch, throwing scrunched up paper at each other.All Anna could do wasugh at the look on their faces having been caught out having fun and shut the door behind her.


    Before she moved far from the door, the woman, who Anna realised seemed familiar, got up and walked over giving Anna a hug."Hi I am Phillipa Chen, but Yi here calls me Pip, which he knows that I hate.Take a seat, and maybe that idiot can take a seat with you."


    "You dare call me an idiot, Pip squeak."


    "Yi, remember I know where the photos of you being a idiot at University are, particrly that one where you did the nudie run.Do you want me to get them out?"


    "Fine" ground out Hou Yi as he sat down on the couch next to Anna.


    "Anna, as you most likely guessed I met Hou Yi at university, so firstly as his friend if you want the embarrassing photos, ask I will quite happily supply you with a copy."With that sheughed.


    Phillipa paused, then continued "In all seriousness, Yi asked me toe and meet with you.You know a little of my story, as Yi has for 10 years protected my secret¡­"


    Anna interrupted "You are the person he helped?"


    Phillipa continued "I am.However, while that event was traumatic, and still causes me problems today, it shaped my career.I was studying psychology, but it made me focus on responses to Domestic Violence in my undergraduate and post graduate studies, through to my doctoral degree."


    Anna interrupted again, "I know why I can ce you.You are Dr Phillipa Chen, one of the world''s leading experts in treatment of victims of Domestic Violence.I attended a lecture you gave about 12 months ago in Melbourne at a National Conference about Domestic Violence Responses.I was highly impressed at what you had to say."


    "I recall that conference, it was focusing on integrating services to support Domestic Violence victims.Actually, Yi called me ten days ago, and asked me toe and see if I could help you.He knows he can trust me to keep secrets, and importantly not talk to the media.Now, before you ask I has not spoken to me about anything, all he did was hand me copies of all the court documents, so I could have some idea about the situation in your words."

 Chapter 131: Getting Help - Part 1

    <h4>131 Getting Help - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    Phillipa continued "Now, while Yi knows how I operate when dealing with people, I figured you need to understand Anna."


    "Given the ze of publicity regarding your marriage in thest few days, be being Yi''s friend is a good thing, as it gives me an excuse to be around both of you within people realising that I am actually doing a professional task at the same time as being a friend."


    "Just so you know my normal process with clients is to meet with the briefly and then meet individually with them, beforeing back together.However for you, if I need to I will adapt this.However there are some ground rules on how I do things.I listen and talk to you about issues, I do not judge and do not tell the other anything in your absence, unless I believe that there is a risk of self-harm or increased psychological trauma."


    "Most importantly you both need to be conscious of and follow my rmendations.This is not only allow you to start to recover as best you can Anna for for Yi to be your support, but to give your rtionship the opportunity for sess in the long term given the stress the trauma of the past will ce on it.Are you both OK with this?"


    "You have to ask Pip."


    "Yes Phillipa."


    "Yi, I need you to scram for some time.Your wife and I will talk, and when we are ready one of us will call you."


    "You are kicking me out of my office."


    "Of course, go visit some project or something.We do not need you here."


    Hou Yi turned to Anna "You will be OK?Do not let her bully you."


    "Yi, go.I need help, otherwise I am just going to be aplete wreck."


    Hou Yi, being satisfied that things would be OK, left his office, shutting the door firmly behind him.


    "Anna, I cannot believe it.I have never seen Yi act like that before.You have a hold over him, which I do not think you yet realise.You told him to go and do something, and he went.In the past he would have ignored everyone who asked him."


    Phillipa paused, then continued "I am going to ask this question as your therapist, not Yi''s friend.How do you feel about him?"


    "Truthfully, I only recall meeting Yi on the day that we married.He promised to help me get revenge on the idiot who hurt me, and I promised to help keep Hou Enterprises out of that same idiot''s hands due to a deal he struck with his father and grandfather.He has, however grown on me."Anna paused and took a couple of breaths.


    "He can be dominating and controlling, but at the same time he is so determined to help me and protect me.I wonder if our rtionship has a real chance of sess, but at the same time I am so worried that my past is going to prevent us from having a chance of happiness.That is something I want.However, I do not know how he feels about me, but I do get the impression that he wants to give this rtionship all the chance of sess as he can."


    "The biggest thing you need to do for me is tell me what you see your goal or goals are from this."


    With that Anna, had to pause, and with Phillipa, the went into deep conversation about what Lu Jinhu did to her and even he mother and grandfather and their impact on her.


    When they stopped and looked at the time they realised that it was 1:30pm so they decided to call Hou Yi and have hime back.Phillipa suggested as Anna had spent a block of time crying that while Phillipa was talking to Yi that she got herself cleaned up, knowing that there was a bathroom attached to the Office.


    When Hou Yi arrived back Anna was promptly chased into the bathroom and told firmly to wait in the sitting room, until called.


    Once Phillipa heard the water running, she turned to Hou Yi "What ever prompted you to marry her."


    Hou Yi took a breath, and quietly said "I am in love with her.I fell in love with her on sight, and when she proposed marriage, I figured it would give me a shot at happiness.I still want that shot, but Lu Jinhu has damaged her, which has been added to by her mother and maternal grandfather.But at least she does not know some things, about what he was doing and saying when he was back here on his visits."

 Chapter 132: Getting Help - Part 2

    <h4>132 Getting Help - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    "Damn it Yi if I had known I would have told you to back off.Anna has a lot of issues and work to be done, but the biggest hurdle is done, she has admitted and is willing to ept help.She needs to feel safe and supported, which I can clearly see she feels with you.If you take that from her she willpletely fall to pieces.But and I have to stress this any sexual rtionship between you has to be controlled by her.If you pressure her in any way it will end in disaster."


    "Pip, when we sleep of a night time, if I move away from her, or leave the bed, she starts yelling, and thrashing about.It worries me."


    "Yi, in her dreams she is dealing with some of the trauma.She relies on you to be with her, and in her sleep thatck of connection she needs, makes it impossible for her to cope."


    With that they were interrupted by a knock on the door with the catering staff bringing in lunch, which they set up on the dining table.Just as they were leaving they heard Anna finishing off in the bathroom, so they called Anna toe in for lunch.


    As the three of them had lunch Phillipa spoke "Having spoken to both of you, I can start the process for you before I have to head home in three weeks.However what it achieves will be up to you.I am going to mix my normal process, as you both need each other to go through this.It is clear that you are each others support systems"


    "Anna you need Yi to feel safe, reveal what has happened and cope with the oue of your revtions, and Yi you need Anna to help you deal with what is revealed.Now, I am not going dictate that every session has to be like today as you need joint sessions, however what we do is up to the two of you.Anna, you can have Yi with you or not, it is your call."


    Phillipa paused looking at the two of them.She realised that each of them was looking at the other with a look of longing, when the felt the other was not watching them.Anna, however clearly did not realise what her feelings were, and she needed support to realise that she was as much in love with Yi as he was with her.However, she knew as a trained professional, Anna could not get to that point without significant help given how much her previous rtionship has messed her up.


    "I will be in your hands as to how we proceed.But I will be as intensive with the sessions as I can be before I leave.However I will before I leave I will arrange for less intensive help once I leave.Yi, you can fly me back about every four to six weeks, where I will review where things are at and work out the steps forward for you.However, the two of you have to realise that this is a long-term process, but I do believe that in the end, regardless of how your rtionship started, it will survive, and it will surprise both of you."


    Anna and Hou Yi looked at each other and seemed to get lost looking in each others eyes for a few seconds.Hou Yi then responded "Pip, I will do whatever Anna wants.It needs to be her choice."


    Hou Yi looked at Anna, and she thought for a few seconds, "Actually, I think I would like to try with Yi being there, but if I need him to leave, he leaves."


    "I can agree with that."


    "OK we have worked out how we are going to proceed.Now, I have something that I have noticed that you need to understand.Presently, for some reason you each are dependent on the other.While that means that you will help each other through what is ahead, you need to have outside supports, engage with friends and other activities that are not dependent on the other.You need something to escape to, when dealing with troubling things."


    "However, one thing, at least for the next few weeks, I would be suggesting that at night, you both remain sleeping in the same room.You have both reported that the other bes distressed if they move away too far from the other when they are asleep.Conventional wisdom would say that you need space even at night, but you two are different."


    "I would be saying that of a night, you do not sleep apart, so that means that if you need to go away on business Yi, take Anna with you.Given the trauma that you will be confronting, solid sleep is necessary to stand the pressure.What you do behind your bedroom door is your choice but think carefully about it."


    They drifted off into more personal discussions, while finishing lunch, marking arrangements for a further appointment tomorrow.


    As Phillipa was leaving, she turned to the two of them "Yi, you and Anna better be ready to apany me tomorrow night to the theatre.I hate going on my own, particrly when my old man is involved, so if I have to drag the two of you with me, I will."She gave an almost evilugh and turn around and left before either of them could say anything.


    With Phillipa gone, and Anna and Hou Yi drifted toward the couch, simply sitting down, rxing.

 Chapter 133: Uncle Feng

    <h4>133 Uncle Feng</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    As they were rxing on the couch Anna Jones and Hou Yi were interrupted by a knock on the door, which turned out to be Ji Feng."Yi, Assistant Wang called me an let me know that you might want to see me."


    "Thank you Uncle Feng,e in and sit down, we have a favour to ask."


    Ji Feng came in and shut the door behind him."Does this have something to do with what has urred in thest few days, and the fact that I just saw that trouble making friend of yours Ms Chan leave here.She was not simply visiting her friend was she?"


    Hou Yi paused and looked at Anna who simply nodded "It does.You read the press release, where there on Friday and saw the press conference.Anna, given everything is not coping well, and it is impacting both of us.I called Phillipa to help us, given her professional background to see if she coulde up with a way that I can help Anna work through some issues, although most people will just assume she is here as a friend.Her professional rmendation is that we need intensive counselling for part of each day for most of the next three weeks."


    Hou Yi paused, and then reluctantly continued "I need your help, as I will have to delegate a few matters to you in the next few weeks that will involve travel so I can remain here.I will also going to talk to my father and see if he cane in for this time, to help you and I out.Despite not being involved in the day to day running of thepany for years, he does know what is happening."


    "Yi, I am surprised that you are asking for some help.You would not have in the past, but Anna I have to say that you are a good influence on him.I had figured with the press release and what urred on Friday, that the two of you had something to deal with.You know that you do not need to ask, as I will do what is needed.However, please keep me updated as I am taking a break in a month, and I will need it."


    "Thank you Uncle Feng, it is a weight off my shoulders knowing that I can deal with the personal thing for the next few weeks and business is not going to suffer."


    "Not a problem.I will simply leave you two, but remember we have that meeting in about 20 minutes, that you cannot get out of."Li Feng, nodded and then turned and left the office, shutting the door behind him.


    Hou Yi, looked at Anna, and quietly asked "What do you want to do?You can go home, rx here or go back and do work."


    "Yi, I need to keep busy, at least for the next few hours, so I will go back to work."Anna paused."Actually, there is something that I need to talk to you about with that department.It just does not work.Everyone is shut off in offices, separated, and almost like each office is isted.We are further separated into small groups within connection to everyone else."


    "While at ANX, seniorwyers had offices, juniorwyers shared space, and assistants were avable.The windows on the offices to the open space ensured that there was connection, and people when necessary could work coboratively.I felt as the senior staff were building little empires, and it is not going to work.Before I came up, all the senior staff were attempting to have me help their little empires."


    "Theyout and everything needs to be restructured, from theyout to the way people work.It is going to bring thepany undone eventually.The senior management after the press conference, who wanted nothing to do with me before then were all trying to impress me, inviting me to lunch and other things, all on thepany time and at thepany cost.They did everything to make sure that they got on my good side to impress you."


    "You are certain?"


    "Absolutely.Can you look to see if the department can be remodelled, to make it easier to work in.Changing theyout with meeting rooms will still mean that the various areas within the department can work together, but if there are wiser issues that can seek assistance from others."


    "I''ll see to it."With that Anna got up and left and went back to the legal department and got down to work.She did not realise that it was getting to the end of the day, until Hou Yi walked into her office, and said that it was time to go home.

 Chapter 134: Back to the Lus

    <h4>134 Back to the Lu''s</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin walked into the foyer of Hou Enterprises with the intention to further confront Hou Yi and Anna.Neither of them had foreseen that Hou Yi would turn the tables on them, and they would be surrounded by the press, asking questions.


    Lu Jinhu was even more frustrated, as could not believe Anna allow what he did to her be discussed in the public.He thought he had intimidated her so much she would always keep quiet, while he achieved his goals.Having Hou Yi backing her up, seemed to have given her power and the willingness to open herself up on this.He thought that he could change that around through being at the press conference.


    Yang Lin turned to her husband "How in the world did that go wrong.They should not have been able to turn that around.We had the press on side, as they were meant to humiliate them for not bing involved in our charitable moves.F**king hell, they announced a donation and effectively challenged us to donate.It took all our work to persuade everyone to donate."


    "I have no f**king idea.We need to get that b**ch.She has to go down.But how in the f**k do we get to her, when Hou Yi will have her surrounded by guards."Lu Jinhu was highly angry, in talking to his wife.


    "Yang Lin responded angrily "Do not get f**king mad at me.We need to be ready to respond if we find her alone."


    Both stormed into the lounge room, Yang Lin demanding something non-alcoholic and Lu Jinhu a whisky, with the bottle to be brought in.After sitting down with his drink Lu Jinhu turned to his wife, realising that he may have upset her and did not want to risk their child "Lin, please do not stress out, but that b**ch has to go down.She has thwarted my ns, which should have not failed."


    "Honey, I know that you love me, but you are right.She kept me away from you for too long, and how we have had to rush everything simply to not to be seen as going too much against convention.Plus she has driven a wedge between Hou Yi and me, which we had ensured was cultivated to stand up to our marriage so that we could get anything that you did not get when he failed to marry.He is slowly getting rid of our spies.All simply to help that b**ch, who is nothing and does not deserve what ising her way."


    Yang Lin paused, and a thought hit her "I just had this thought.F**king b**ch, I bet she was the one who got the Dream wedding rings I wanted, and I am also betting that she was the one in my room at M Mall.F**k it, she is taking over what was meant to be mine.Married to you, but continued to be spoilt by Hou Yi as he cared for me, so we could rip him off for more."


    Lu Jinhu, continued "And those so called executives at Lu Corporation.I told them toe up with options to ruin Hou Enterprises so we could get it as cheap as possible, and their two initial ns failed.They cannot be trusted."


    "They talked me into wasting money that should have been spent by us on us, and setting up a charity on the basis we bullied everyone else into donating, and tried to make them seem uncharitable to anything thatpeted with their efforts.And the f**king b**th that is using her knowledge and skill to undermine a valid argument, portraying herself as the can do woman, able to confront, what she ims as abuse, marry a powerful CEO and still work.Wonder Woman she is not."


    "Hey, that is how we can get at her.Put forward that she is lying about the abuse, undermine their charitable efforts, and the image that they are already creating for her, as this, as you called it ''Wonder Woman''."


    "I will definitely get someone onto that immediately."With that Lu Jinhu contacted the Lu Corporation Public Rtions department and started the process to undermine the image that was being created for Anna.

 Chapter 135: Tuesdays Come

    <h4>135 Tuesday''s Come</h4>


    Tuesday


    For Anna and Hou Yi, Tuesday started like any normal day with them going to Hou Enterprises and dealing with various matters, until lunch time, when Anna received a call from Du AnLing and Leng Xi.


    "Anna, darling, we know that you have been invited to go to theatre tonight.We need to go shopping.Given what has happened in thest few days you need some engage in some retail therapy." Said Du AnLing


    "Come on sweetheart, we need to spend some time with you."Chimed in Leng Xi.


    "Mum, Aunt, today does not work.Hou Yi and I have some things we have to do this afternoon before we get ready for the theatre.I need more notice than simply a phone call.As we told youst night, I am working in thepany, and I need to take that into ount.How about tomorrow?I can work around it then."


    "Anna, tomorrow will not do, it needs to be today.We know my nephew loves uou, but you need to have time with others who also love you, this time namely us.We read the press release, saw what urred on Friday night, and the press conference yesterday.We are not stupid that we cannot things together and realise that Lu Jinhu was the one that did all that to you.While you have Yi and you love each other you need a supportwork, and that includes us, and we want to take you shopping," came Leng Xi over the phone


    "Mum, Aunty, Yi and I actually have an appointment with someone to talk through some issues¡­"


    "Knowing my son, given how shaken you were on Friday and yesterday I am guessing he called in Phillipa Chen, to ''talk'' to you" came Du AnLing, and Anna could almost hear her using her fingers to represent a quote around the word talk.


    "Mum, what we are doing is for us to know.If we feel that it is necessary to tell you about it we will," replied Anna, but more quietly.


    "Promises will not do daughter, we want to be there and help."


    "Sister, niece, rather than arguing, I have a better idea.Let us have a girls day out.I will book our favourite day spa, and treatments for all of us tomorrow morning.It will give you something to rx with.While this afternoon would be better, given the theatre performance tonight, which I am guessing Phillipa invited you to, so you look your best, but we do it tomorrow or Thursday so you can at least have something to rx with."


    "Aunty, I am really not sure that it will work.I am busy at work."


    "Anna, you are my son''s wife, and you do not need to work."


    "Mum, I want to work and Yi supports me.We struck a deal with my Australian employers that has me doong work for them, including some things rted to Hou Enterprises remotely.It lets me keep busy, but I am also working to bing a qualifiedwyer here as well.I need to do something at the moment to keep busy, the future we can deal with"


    "Anna, Anna, what will we do with you?You do not need to work, you want to, and it is about you and my son putting off having a family."


    "True Anna"


    "Mum, Aunty.Yi and I are waiting.He realises that I have had a significant change in my life, in marrying him and moving here, that things like a family are down the track.We have time."


    Just as she was saying this, Anna received a conversation message from Hou Yi, that read ''Anna,e on up.Lunch is here, and Pip indicated that she would be here about 2:30 pm for our next appointment.''


    Anna quickly responded ''Yi, I am on the phone to your mother and Aunt, who want me to go shopping with them, today, but appear to be willing topromise and take me to a day spa tomorrow or Thursday.''


    ''Go with them Thursday.You need something different to do, and at least you can have a break away from the office, and indulge yourself for a few hours.''


    Anna heard on the phone "Anna, you are not listening to us."


    ''See you soon'' she responded to Hou Yi, then continued on the phone "Mum, Aunty, I just received a message from Yi that I needed to respond to.Tomorrow will not work so it needs to be Thursday, so please make the appointment.I apologise, but I have to go."

 Chapter 136: The Second Session

    <h4>136 The Second Session</h4>


    Tuesday, continued...


    Once Anna ended the call, and packed up herptop to secure it, before heading up to Hou Yi''s office for lunch and an appointment with Phillipa.


    After a leisurely lunch, with Hou Yi, Phillipa walked into the office right on time at 2:30 pm, shutting the door behind her and taking a seat on a chair."Hello Yi and Anna."


    "Hello Phillipa," responded Anna.


    Hou Yi smirked and responded "Pip, right on time as usual."


    "I want to get right down to business with respect to matters.The first and most important thing, is did you follow the advice from yesterday, in not to sleep apart?"


    "Yes, Pip, and you have a dirty mind"


    "Yi, you are my friend, and I owe you a lot, but please be serious, as you will make Anna run for the hills, which will not help either of you."


    "Yes Phillipa, we did."


    "Anna, how did you feel when you awoke this morning, and how did you feel that Yi slept?"


    "Actually I awoke feeling generally refreshed, and that I had a good night''s sleep.As to Yi, I felt that he had a good night''s sleep."


    "Yi, and to the same question how would you respond."


    "I hate to say this, but Anna is not telling the full truth.She awoke at some stage during the night with a nightmare, calling out ''Jinhu, do not hit me, please do not hit me.'' and was frightened.She had her eyes open, but did not realise what was happening.It was when I calmed her down did she drift off into a peaceful sleep.As I was worried about her, it took me some time to settle back to sleep.Once I realised that she was OK, I then was able to go back to sleep."


    "I did not realise I did that.I just felt so rested."


    "Anna, do not worry.It is just part of the process of dealing with matters.It appears that you had some nightmare about an event, triggered by what we talked about yesterday, but it did not wake you.Yi''s calming of you down let you go back to sleep."


    "Now, I will not get into all the technicalities, as I know you Yi, and suspect you are the same Anna, you will want to understand the technical side and the reasons.The simple answer is that there is no real reason.I simply sensed yesterday talking to the both of you that you needed the other nearby to be calm, and able to face matters.All that is important is that this needs to continue."


    "Do some activities separately, but make sure that there is time that you spend together.It will be the only way that you both can open up, importantly for you Anna that is about facing the past as you have supressed a lot of what happened to you as a means to cope.Yi you need to be open to helping Anna with what she is needed.I suspect as Lu Jinhu visited his family on a regr basis here, while with Anna, as I know I met him at events when I went as your guest, that you overheard things he said.Those things have toe out, but not now."


    Phillipa paused, and then looked at both of them."Now enough of me going on about this.What I need you to focus on is what we are going to address today.Yesterday, you both told me things separately.I need you to each pick three things, and we will talk about those points."


    With that, they all went into deeply discussing things that Hou Yi and Anna had picked.


    At 4:30 pm Phillipa looked at her watch and realised the time.She stopped the discussion and recapped with Hou Yi and Anna what they had been talking about.As she stood up and was getting ready to leave she said "You two better make sure that you are on time for tonight.I do not want to deal with my stressed out parents alone.You two have to help me."


    "Just get going Pip, and I promise we will be as close to time as possible."With that Phillipa left Hou Yi''s office.


    Hou Yi, looked at Anna, and said "Just give me 5 minutes, and I will be ready."


    "Yi, I''ll go and collect my stuff and we can meet at the car."


    "Are you sure"


    "Yes Yi."


    With that Anna left, and collected her belongings from her office.She met Yi at the car for the drive home.

 Chapter 137: Tuesday night, must be the theatre

    <h4>137 Tuesday night, must be the theatre</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ...


    On arriving home, Anna confessed to Hou Yi, she really had no idea what she needed to wear that night.


    Hou Yi entered their walk-in robe, and picked something out he thought was suitable, and sent a photograph of it to Leng Xi, asking ''Is this OK for the theatre tonight.''


    Within 30 seconds, Anna''s mobile started ringing, and she answered it cing it on speaker phone "Anna, sweetheart, tell that nephew of mine he is an idiot has no idea on how to pick clothes."


    "Aunt, I heard that.I am not an idiot, as I have already told someone else a couple of times over thest few days.And before you say anything it was not Anna who told me this."


    "Aunty, what should I wear?"


    "A ck simple cocktail dress.Add one of those beautiful simple scarfs that you brought the other week for a ssh of colour.No jewellery except your rings, a pendant, a watch.I noticed that bracelet on your wrist on Friday.What is it?"


    "Aunty, it is not high-end jewellery.It is a Pandora Bracelet.I love them, and Yi brought me one that as our life together progresses, we will add charms for events, sometimes identifiable to the event, other times being special for us."


    "Add that.Look you two better get ready, so I will see you there."Leng Xi ended the call, and following her advice, Anna picked out a cocktail dress, and the essories that was indicated.Both then got ready, and they reached the theatre at 7pm, as requested by Phillipa, who was on the step waiting for her, along with an older woman.


    Hou Yi leaned over and said "That is Pip''s mother Lady Amelia John-Chen.Her father is a British Marques, do not ask me the exact title as I never paid attention to that or the honorary titles that pass down to the heirs.As I understand it Pip''s grandfather''s title is one of a rare few titles that can be inherited by a woman if there is no male heirs.As her mother is the heir, she has an honorary title, I think she is a countess, plus she is also a British politician and some minor minister in the UK government."


    "By the way, Pip is her parent''s oldest daughter, so she will eventually inherit her grandfather''s title, so I believe that she has an honorary title, a viscountess.Neither of them really use their title, Lady Amelia is simply happy to be addressed as a Lady, as that is what she received when she was born, as she had an older brother who was the heir, but he died when he was 15."


    Hou Yi paused "If she gets too much, Pip hates being referred to by her title. asionally do it to annoy her.Now her father will not be there, as he is, in addition to being a businessperson, a world ss violinist.He will be ying with the orchestra tonight."


    Hou Yi, climbed out of the car and helped Anna out.Together they walked to Phillipa and her mother."Lady Amelia, can I introduce you to my wife Anna."


    "Hou Yi. How dare you get married without telling me and inviting me.You know I view you as my second son," responded an angry sounding Lady Amelia


    With that Lady Amelia lightly pped Hou Yi''s hand, leaned in and kissed Anna, and in a much gentler voice "Anna, do not worry.As my daughter says he is an idiot and needs to be reminded and disciplined at times."


    "Lady Amelia, I am not an idiot."


    "Yi darling," she drawled out, "It is a matter of opinion and this is my opinion, which I will tell you.Now based what my daughter has said, we do not want to be out here while peoplee in.Let us go inside, and your family Yi will be shown to your box.Phillipa has said the two of you have agreed to sit with us."


    "More like Pip squeak ckmailed us to sit with you.We wereing and had intended to sit with my family."


    "Yi, thest thing as newly weds that you want to do is sit with your parents if you can avoid it.Tonight you can.More importantly, we need somepany,"


    With that, Hou Yi, took his wife''s arm, and Lady Amelia and Phillipa taking each other''s and walked in.As they walked in, people interrupted the to talk about matters.Hou Yi started to engage in business discussions, Phillipa was dragged into those or into discussions regarding Domestic Violence, and Lady Amelia about British Politics.Anna stood on her own for a couple of minutes, and soon as Hou Yi realised she was on her own, he drew her close to him, and convinced her to engage in the conversations.

 Chapter 138: Another confrontation

    <h4>138 Another confrontation</h4>


    Tuesday, continued...


    About 15 minutes after they arrived Anna realised that she could hear Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin speaking, so she tapped Hou Yi on the shoulder.They both excused themselves from the conversation and moved away slightly.


    Anna heard Lu Jinhu state "Hou Yi has been duped.That woman he calls a wife has lied to him.She imed that she was abused, and that she had decided to marry him before dumping her ex.A pack of lies.She could not tell the truth if it came up and bit her.Just like any typical Australian Lawyer.No sense of treating her social superiors like she should."


    The voice of an unknown person responded "How do you know?"


    "I am the person that she is using of all these awful crimes.You all know me, there is no way that I would do such things.She could not get over that I had ended the rtionship with her to marry my wife and is simply out for revenge."


    The unknown voice responded, "How could someone be so duped?"


    "She is good, I have to give her that.But I have never harmed her.She can tell a lie with the best, and be convincing to everyone, even the courts"


    With that, neither Hou Yi or Anna could restrain themselves for doing anyone, and they walked over.


    "Lu Jinhu, you are a liar.Remember what happened two weeks ago, in the Key za Hotel, where you and your wife assaulted me."


    "You have no evidence, I know that as that is what the hotel told me."


    "That is a lie.There is footage, and it will be proven what you did to me.As to the court matter, I know you are baiting me to reply.I will not give you the satisfaction, however I am warning you, you keep talking about it, I will be informing the court, as you there is restrictions making parts of the orders public in them, so I guess you cannot read well, as much as you can lie.And by the way breaching those obligations can be up to a year''s imprisonment."


    Lu Jinhu turned to the person he was talking to "See how good she is, she turns everything around.She is threatening me with jail simply because I tell the truth."


    Hou Yi, realised that his wife was almost ready to hit her ex, so he put his hand on her arm "You have no idea Lu Jinhu.All we wanted to do was tell you to stop saying what you were saying, as we otherwise would be taking action against you for nder.However, you do not deserve such consideration."


    "Ourwyers will be writing to you about it tomorrow.And by the way, I was not duped.Anna and I had been in touch behind your back for months, but we did nothing as we both gave respect to the rtionship you had with her.You dumped her and we simply took our chance, that presented itself.At least we had respect to the rtionship, you were sleeping with your now wife behind her back.And by the way there is footage of you two assaulting her at the Key za Hotel."


    "Lies, all lies" screamed Yang Lin.


    "Yang Lin, do you really need me to produce all the evidence.The only time I ever slept with you during the time we were together was almost 12 months ago, and I was so drunk I had no idea what I was doing.The only other male you were close to was Lu Jinhu.So how can you be over 2 months pregnant if you did nothing and it is all lies?"


    "You B**tard, Hou Yi.F**k you" screamed Yang Lin.


    "Get out of our f**king sight, and take that w**re with you," came the angry soundingment from Lu Jinhu.


    Looking around, Anna could see that they were the focus of almost everyone in the foyer of the theatre.


    "Language, Yang Lin, Lu Jinhu.We are in public.You need to calm down and behave reasonably." Responded a calm Hou Yi.He then turned to Anna and deliberately said "There is no talking to some people.They cannot be reasonable, and simply respond with verbal or physical abuse."


    "True Yi.They have no ss and me everyone else for their problems, rather than taking a look at themselves."


    However before they could turn to leave, Yang Lin, grabbed Anna''s arm, and pulled her towards her and Lu Jinhu, and the anger in both their faces.They could not help themselves and hit Anna, Yang Lin with an open p to the face and Lu Jinhu with a fist to the stomach 6 times, which shocked everyone present.

 Chapter 139: The reaction

    <h4>139 The reaction</h4>


    Tuesday, continued...


    The foyer area of the theatre could went deathly silent, after seeing Yang Lin p and Lu Jinhu punch Anna.Everyone focused on the two couples to see what Hou Yi''s reaction would be.


    Hou Yi immediately pulled his wife to him, cradling her in his arms, whispering "I am so sorry sweetheart.I should have stopped them, but it will be alright," and wiping away Anna''s tears.He knew he had failed Anna by not preventing either of Lu Jinhu or Yang Lin hurting her.He cursed himself for telling the bodyguards to wait outside not thinking that they would do something in such a public way.


    Everyone looking at Hou Yi knew from look on his face he was ready to kill both of them for daring to hurt and humiliate his wife in such a public way.They observed him, wondering what revenge he would extract, and how he would protect his wife.Anna, however could not see the look in Hou Yi''s eyes as she had buried her face in her husband''s chest.


    Du AnLing and Leng Xi, who had just walking in and saw the assault rushed over pulling Anna from Hou Yi''s arms, and moving her to a safe area, keeping their bodies between Anna and Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin so she could not be hurt again.They noticed a few chairs beside a wall, so helped her sit down on one and surrounded her,forting her the best that they could.


    Hou Yi, however remained standing staring at the two.He growled and said "You had no right toy a hand on my wife.You hate her and hate me for supporting her, but this goes beyond the pale.You realise ¡­"


    "I do not give a f**k that she is your wife.She is a b**ch, and a liar, and she deserves to be exposed.Her presence is intolerable to everyone and you have to realise it.She needs to get the f**k away from this city, and out of this country, as she does not belong.You want to support her, well go ahead, it will ruin your business, and I cannot wait, as it means that thepany wille to where it should have, under my control at the Lu Corporation."


    "Dream on Lu Jinhu.Hou Enterprises is staying where it is, and people will see you for what you are, a maniptive abuser, selfish to the extreme.Everyone has seen what you did, and you think they will stand by you, and allow you to get away with your behaviour, you are fooling yourself.You need to face reality."


    Hou Yi paused, and continued growling out "I would so love to pay the two of you back physically, but that makes you a victim.I will not give you that satisfaction, as you are worthless, beneath either of us.You are done socially and in the business field as no one can support an abuser.We will make sure the police deal with this.I am going to make it my mission to see you punished, and we will pursue you in every avenue we can.You will pay, and they way I will make you pay will hurt more than anything I could physically do to you now."


    With that Hou Yi turned around and walked away, towards his wife.She needed his support, and for him to respect what was an important part of her life, thew, rather than engaging in retaliative justice.He knew thew would support them, and bringing them down that way, would give great pleasure.


    As he was walking to Anna, Hou Yi could hear Yang Lin scream "You b**tard Hou Yi.You know nothing."He decided responding to them, only yed into their hands, so ignoring them felt good.


    As soon as Hou Yi reached his wife, who was surrounded by his mother, his Aunt and Phillipa who had alsoe to help her.He went onto his knees before her, taking both her hands in his."Anna, it is alright.You are safe, but I apologise that I did not react quick enough to prevent them from doing that to you."


    At Hou Yi''s words, Anna threw herself into his arms, and while sobbing cried out "Yi, it was not your fault, I cannot cope if you do me yourself.Just love and hold me, I know in your arms I am safe."


    Hou YI simply put his arms around her and kept saying "I will sweetheart, I will.You are safe."


    Phillipa lent over and said to Hou YI "You need to go.Stay at home, and I wille and visit the two of you tomorrow.I can see those two are about to explode, and I fear they will be more violent, as they did not get the reaction they were hoping for from you."


    Hou Yi lifted his head, looked at Phillipa in the eyes and simply nodded.He bent his head back down and looked at Anna, whispering "We do not need to stay here any longer, lets go."


    He stood up, put out his hand and helped Anna standAs soon as she was on her feet, he swept her into his arms and carried her towards the exit.One bodyguard, who has heard amotion inside hade in and seen Hou Yi carrying Anna and urgently notified the others to bring the car up.With the look on Hou Yi''s face, he realised they had failed to see any risks tonight and Madam Hou had gotten injured.


    As the car pulled up Hou Yi carefully ced Anna into the car, entering after her.As soon as he was in, all she did was throw herself back into his arms.The door was shut, and the car pulled away taking them home.

 Chapter 140: Society Response - Part 1

    <h4>140 Society Response - Part 1</h4>


    Tuesday, continued...


    A number of people within high society had been milling around the theatre foyer, wanting to watch the confrontation between Hou Yi, Anna Jones, Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu.


    They knew, after Friday night, there was bad blood between the two couples, but no one really understood what was happening, save and except a few select people.No matter how much Du AnLing, Leng Xi and Phillipa Chen or friends of Yang Lin''s were pressured them, none would say much about the situation.Du AnLing, Leng Xi and Phillipa Chen refused to say anything to protect Hou Yi and Anna, and thetter simply because Yang Lin had not told them anything about the situation.


    What really caught there attention was the im from Lu Jinhu that Hou Yi had been duped, and that his so called bride was maniptive and a liar.That, fitted with their view, that the woman Hou Yi called his wife had manipted him into marriage, as they knew he was amitted bachelor.They were grateful someone was calling her on it and would help to get him away from her clutches.


    However, they then heard the allegation that Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu had physically assaulted Anna shocked them.There were rumours around of an assault at the Key za Hotel, but they had dismissed it as there had been no evidence to support the im.Hou Yi, not only confirmed it had urred but that the the footage of the incident was in his possession before it could been hidden.It must therefore have happened for Hou Yi to have gone to the lengths to secure the footage.


    Then to hear, Hou Yi threaten legal action for nder.That really made them strain and look at what was happening.No one in their circle threatened another with that.For it to have gotten to that point, things must be really bad with Lu Jinhu''s statements.It always is a blunt instrument and given everyone''s businesses were connected, such action couldceasily ruin business and Hou Yi wad not that stupid.


    Then the shocks continued, Hou Yi had been courting his wife behind the back of her then partner, Lu Jinhu, which really was out of character.Hou Yi, was known for respecting people''s rtionships, and for him to go against all of his past behaviour and do this was so out of character, Hou Yi''s wife had to be something so special for him to abandon his behaviour and principals.


    They all wanted to know why he was willing to risk rejection by someone already in a rtionship and as soon as the first opportunity that presented to him, he took it to secure his bride.What was so special about her for Hou Yi to do that and the single women ptesent wondered if there was something that they could learn that would have their partners propose to them as soon as possible.


    When they heard that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin had been cheating on their rtionships and Yang Lin was 2 months pregnant caused everyone to grasp in shock.While affairs were tolerate within their group, treating a partner poorly was not.


    By this time anyone that had only been paying passing attention to what was happening stopped what they were doing.Phillipa Chen, however was being restrained by her mother Lady Amelia, who said "Phillipa, you have to trust your friends.Yi will protect his wife.I know that you are helping them professionally, and but you would not race in normally, so do not do it now, unless there is a imminent threat.There is security around to protect everyone, and Yi''s bodyguards are outside so they can be quickly summoned."


    "Mother, they are my friends, and Anna has been through so much at their hands, I cannot let them get hurt more."


    "Phillipa, calm down.Step in only when you need to, and you know objectively this is not now."


    "Yes mother."


    Everyone herd the abuse directed to Hou Yi and Anna, and really wondered if Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu were the people that they knew.How could such foulnguagee out of their mouths.It made them appearmon, not the people that they knew, unlike Hou Yi and Anna, who did not usenguage, but were reaching their target with well-directedments.


    However, when Yang Lin raised her had and pped Anna, and Lu Jinhu punched her, everyone knew that they had stepped outside the bounds of any eptable behaviour.The sound of the p, simply echoed through the foyer area, and there was the sound of breaking ss given a number of people had, in pure shock simply dropped their ss.

 Chapter 141: Societys Response - Part 2

    <h4>141 Society''s Response - Part 2</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ...


    The sound and sight of Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu assaulting Anna made everyone pause inplete shock.


    However, this onlysted for a few seconds, then thements could be heard, even though they were over each other.


    "Oh my God, how could he hit a woman."


    "That is exactly what Hou Yi and his wife want to campaign about."


    "No matter what, that was not deserved."


    "Yang Lin is a real b**ch.She seduced Lu Jinhu when he was in a rtionship with Hou Yi''s wife, fell pregnant, and now has the gall to p the woman whose life she ruined."


    "If that is what the Vice-CEO of Lu Corporationis like, I think we need to re-consider being in business with Lu Corporation."


    "I wish I had not agreed to provide a donation to Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s children''s charity.While what they are doing is good, I cannot stand that mypany and I are linked with it.I will have to insist that they have nothing to do with it, to protect it."


    "I recall overheardin Lu Jinhu telling some friends that he was going to dump some woman he had duped in Australia to marry someone here, and he would make sure that she was avable to his friends.How evil is this man.Screwing around behind his partners back, and nning to shop her around to his friends when she was of no use to him."


    "Lu Jinhu is a b**tard."


    "Yang Lin is a b**ch."


    "I wish I never considered them my friends, I feel so tainted having ever been associated with them."


    "Lu Jihnu would not have dared to do this if his father was around.He is out of control, without supervision.I better get rid of any shares in Lu Corporation I own, as he will ruin it within a week if he keeps going."


    They all looked to see what Hou Yi''s reaction was.Given he stopped violence directed to a friend, what would he do with it being directed to his wife.Before he could do anything, Anna threw herself into his arms, sobbing.All he did wasfort his wife, which no one could believe.


    Hou Yi was gentle and making sure that his wife was so sure of how much he cared for her.However, all were d that they were not in Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s position when they saw the look in Hou Yi''s eyes.They knew that if looks would kill someone. They would have been dead there and then.


    The next shock was to see Du AnLing and Leng Xi step in to help Hou Yi''s wife, and take her away from the scene.While they had supported the couple in their walkout Friday night, it was clear that they cared for the woman who was Hou Yi''s wife, rather than simply tolerating her.


    Would wonders never cease, as everyone there never thought there would be a woman that would win over these two women in being involved in Hou Yi''s life.It they cared for her, the elder Madam Hou would be adoring her granddaughter-inw.


    When thenguage started toe out from Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu, they started to turn their back on any person connected with Lu Corporation, as they did not want to be seen to be connected to thepany.


    When Hou Yi fell to his knees in front of his wife, she was definitely loved, but she seemed to be uncertain as to whether she was worthy of his love.The other thing that clicked for them is that they realised, based on what was overheard andst week''s press release, Lu Jinhu was the person who subjected her to abuse in her previous rtionship.


    Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, when Hou Yi walked away, started turning towards their friends for support.Some simply turned their backs, but others could not help themselves but to make ament.


    "You are despicable.I want nothing to do with you."


    "How could I ever have thought you were a friend, when you abused a partner."


    "You b**tard, you wanted to try and trap me in your pathetic need to get revenge on Madam Hou, and but for a quirk of fate you would have ensured that I made an enemy of Hou Yi."


    "You w**re.I wish I was not associated with you."


    "Stay away for me.I wish I never helped you with your rtionship with Lu Jinhu, given what you have done I am ashamed of my part."


    "Lose my number, I do not want to have any more contact with you."


    Given thements and that fact that people did not want to be associated with them, they decided today that it was appropriate that they left and regrouped for another day to attack them and achieve their goals.

 Chapter 142: Thank God Tuesdays Gone - Part 1

    <h4>142 Thank God Tuesday''s Gone - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday


    Hou Yi awoke, and found his wife snuggled into his arms.He levered himself up and watched her continue to sleep.


    All he could do is rey in his mind what happened when they arrived homest night.Yes the scene at the theatre distressed him, as his wife was hurt emotionally and physically, and he felt it as if it urred to him.However it seemed the break down barriers that had existed between them since their marriage.


    He wanted everything from their rtionship, but Anna despite what she agreed to allow to ur in public, ultimately was reluctant to have anything to do with him, in the privacy of their suite.He knew how understandable that was due to how Lu Jinhu had hurt her in their rtionship.Her focus was on revenge, but in his mind there had been something else, almost as if Anna felt that she owed some loyalty to Lu Jinhu for some reason.


    However, what happenedst night, ripped away any sense of a residual loyalty to Lu Jinhu.It not only brought her to tears and caused physical pain, but it broke at least one of the invisible barriers that he felt has been guing their rtionship before then.


    On the trip home, all Anna could do in his arms, was cry, and ask him two questions ''Why did that happen'' and ''do you love me.''He had no real answer for the first question save and except to say that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were angry that what they had nned to achieve did not eventuate, and they needed tosh out at people that they believed had prevented them from achieving their ns.


    Hou Yi knew the real answer to her question would cause her to run in the other direction, in normal circumstances, but this was not normal.All he could do was look her in the eyes, kiss her and say "I love you, and I always will."


    The funny thing was, that as soon as Anna heard this, every time, she would stop crying for a few seconds, and look him directly in the eyes and say "I do too."She then proceeded to kiss him passionately for a few seconds before withdrawing, and then dwelling on had urred.


    He could not believe her admission but wondered to himself is it was simply an emotional response to what had urred or in fact was the real truth.He wanted it to be the real truth, but he knew that he had to take his queues from his wife as to whether it was the case.


    When they arrived home, he decided that he did not want to let Anna walk, so as soon as he helped her out of the car, he swept her into his arms, carried her to their lift, and into their suite.Anna, however as soon as she was in his arms, put her arms around his neck and then proceeded to kiss him.By the time they reached the apartment, her kisses were even more passionate, if that was possible than their kisses in the car.She proceeded to undo the tie he was wearing and threw it to the ground, as he was climbing the stairs to the second level.


    By the time that he had reached their suite, she had somehow managed to undo a couple of buttons on his shirt.As he put her gently down on their bed, she refused to let him go.She kept pulling him to her, with her kisses bing more passionate and almost desperate for something.


    When he eventually was able to create a small space between them, all he recalls was Anna saying "Do you not want me?I want you, I need you."


    Those words to Hou Yi were a balm to his soul, but he was worried that they were not what Anna really wanted, and if he gave in to her, that it would destroy any hopes he had for the future.


    Her pleas, about wanting him however were sopelling.He shifted on the bed, and looked directly into her eyes, and could see that Anna desired him, but there was something clouding this desire.


    He lent in and gave her a brief, hard and passionate kiss in the lips, before withdrawing."Sweetheart, you do not know how much I want you, and how I constantly want you."


    Hou Yi, recalled he paused and again leaned in and gave her another passionate, short kiss, before continuing "I am so worried however that if I give in to our desire tonight that you will regret the situation in the morning, and it will ruin our rtionship for the future."


    "Yi, all I need is you, and I need you now."With that Anna, simply slid Hou Yi''s jacket off his shoulders, and pulled at his shirt sending buttons everywhere, before reaching up and giving him another passionate kiss.

 Chapter 143: Thank God Tuesdays Gone - Part 2

    <h4>143 Thank God Tuesday''s Gone - Part 2</h4>


    ** Warning Highly sexualised behaviour.Persons under 18 should reconsider their need to read the chapter **


    Wednesday, continued ...


    As Hou Yi continued to rememberst night, Anna''s actions simply broke his resolve to wait to take their rtionship to this level he was absolutely sure that bing intimate was what Anna wanted.


    The passionate kissing between them, soon saw Hou Yi''s shirt thrown onto the floor.Hou Yi leaned over Anna, and gently pushed her down onto the bed, still kissing her with Anna running her hands over the parts of his body that she had already bared.But this was not enough for her.She pulled away slightly and used all her strength to push Hou Yi over beside her on the bed, and then started to lean over him, kissing his chest, ending up straddling him.


    Hou Yi reached behind her, and undid the zipper on her dress, slipping his hands inside it, because it was still hooked together at the top with a hook and loop, and undid her strapless bra.While she continued to kiss him, he simply ran his hands along the skin he had exposed.Anna, when she wanted more, sat up and turned so Hou Yi could finish undoing the dress, and then stood up, letting it fall to the ground along with the bra.


    She stood there for a few seconds, simply in her underpants, stockings, and shoes, before she kicked off the shoes, and stated to remove the stockings.Hou Yi sat up and quickly helped her finish that task, and as soon as she did, Hou Yi hooked his fingers into the side of her underpants and slid them down her legs, as she reached in and undid the zipper on his trousers.


    Hou Yi, stood up, and helped Anna not only remove his trousers but his boxers, before Hou Yi gently pushed her down onto the bed, and lent over her kissing down her body causing her to move and moan, until she started pleading with him, to stop teasing her, and that she needed more.


    Hou Yi, felt Anna moving beside him, and knew that is he continued to think about the s*x that they hadst night, no he stopped thinking of is as simple s*x, it was more than that.To him, they made love, and it was an expression for him of how he felt about this wife, rather than anything else.He also realised that his recollections were arousing him, and he did not want Anna to feel any regrets about what happened.


    Anna, however had awoken, but had her eyes closed.She clearly remembered what had happened the night before.The fact that the eyes of a lot of yhe elite society in City T were on her when the confrontation and assault happened, the fact that despite Hou YI, Du AnLing and Leng Xi supporting her that she was alone and unwanted, and when she left with Hou Yi the utter devastation that she felt over everything.


    Her life was a mess because of Lu Jinhu, and she recognised that she had, until that second public assault, remained in denial about his physical abuse of her.He would p her and punch her if he did not get what he wanted, particrly when she would deny him s*x when he wanted it, to the point that she would give in and let him have his way.


    Hou Yi''s treatment of her, was theplete opposite of Lu Jinhu.He showed her that he was loving and caring, and made her feel safe for the first time in years, let alone feel safe in any rtionship with a man.


    She recalled her actions when she arrived home, and Hou Yi brought her into their suite.She could not believe how sexually aggressive she had been towards Hou Yi.She knew that she had, at that moment in time recognised her feelings towards Hou Yi were something more than simply tolerating him, and what he could do for her.


    To Anna, saying she liked Hou Yi was a tepid word to describe how much she loved him.She knew that she was not able to express her feelings verbally, particrly given how her rtionship with Lu Jinhu, had impacted her, and was worried about how vulnerable such a confession would make her.


    Anna, in her own mind, she realisedst night, that the only way that she could even show her emotions in any way to Hou Yi was through s*x.She could not believe that she was the aggressor in their activities ofst night.It was all about telling her husband how much she loved him and wanted him.She just hoped that he got and understood the message.


    The words Hou Yi said about how much he wanted her were like a balm to her soul.Anna hoped that this was more than simply his need for s*x talking but did not want to read anything into them more than that as she did not want her heart broken if it was not the case.She remembered how aggressive she was and relived in her mind how blissful the passionate kisses were to her.She relived in her mind their actions, and how she felt when finally he gave into her pleas and finished what they had started.


    How goodst night was something that Anna could not even really describe to herself.It was nothing like that before with Lu Jinhu when they had s*x.S*x with him felt like a chore, and in thest 6 months of their rtionship it was something she hated.This was somethingpletely different, and that she wanted to experience again and again with Hou Yi, as she knew that he was the only one that she could feel this with.


    At that moment, Anna despite having her eyes closed realised that Hou Yi was aroused.She thought to herself, that she really could repeatst night this morning, but decided that she had to be sneaky about it as she did not want to be rejected because he may have regrettedst night.

 Chapter 144: Thank God Tuesdays Gone - Part 3

    <h4>144 Thank God Tuesday''s Gone - Part 3</h4>


    ** Warning Highly sexualised behaviour.Persons under 18 should reconsider their need to read the chapter **


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Anna, pretending to still be sleepy, and just about to wake pushed herself back in the bed slightly to nestle in closer to Hou Yi, which she realised immediately made him more aroused.


    Anna, moved and started to turn towards Hou Yi and opened her eyes to look at him.She fleetingly thought she saw two rted emotions in his eyes, that of desire and of love, but Anna knew, within herself that she was kidding herself that this is what she saw.The most that there would have been is desire, which she knew was the case because of he was aroused.


    Hou Yi, on the other hand, was shocked when Anna moved back in bed, as if she was searching him out for some reason.Her actions were causing a tug of war in his mind.The rational part of him knew that he could not stay there as it would only result in one thing, which while it was what he wanted would cause Anna to ultimately hate him and ruin any chance.


    The other side of him, was that he needed to take the chance and grab whatever he could with both hands.Bind Anna to him, initially through s*x, not making love, that would result in her feeling more than being simply tolerant of him, and help hermit, even if a while to their rtionship as he was willing to take whatever opportunities could present itself to have a happy marriage with the love of his life, even if it was only for a short time.


    When Anna opened her eyes and looked directly at him Hou Yi took a couple of seconds to hide what he knew was expressed in his eyes, his love for her.His desire for her, he knew he could not hide, given how aroused he was.


    Anna leaned up and kissed Hou Yi on the lips, leaving one hand resting on his chest, before pulling back.For Hou Yi, in a quite but sexy voice, Anna said "Good Morning Yi."She then returned to his lips, but this time the kiss was more passionate than the first one.


    Hou Yi, pulled back slightly, and in a husky voice, which he knew did not hide his desire for Anna, responded "Good Morning¡­"


    Before Hou Yi could say anything more, Anna, reached behind his head, and pulled him towards her, and kissed him a third time, even more passionately than before.She moved her body as close as she could to him, and started to move against him, and felt his arousal continuing to grow.


    Hou Yi, with Anna''s actions realised that she did not regret what they had done the night before and broke away from her lips and started to kiss her body.Both, quickly started to lose rational thought about what was happening.


    The next thing either of them could clearly think about was when Hou Yiying on his back, with Anna halfying over him, looking at him.


    Hou Yi looked at Anna in the eyes and realised that he could not read anything there as she was hiding whatever she was feeling.He knew he was being careful to mask his real emotions, but needed to know that Anna had no regrets, so he had to ask the question "No Regrets?"


    "None.Afterst night''s incident, I needed something good to happen, and what we did was that, both when we got home and now."Replied Anna.


    Internally Anna knew it was hurting her not to blurt out more, but she had no idea how Hou Yi really felt about her.Yes, he indulged her, spoiled her with ess to money, and did everything to make sure to anyone else that they believed that this rtionship was based on love, but that to her did not signal how he really felt.


    Anna, was too worried about misreading feelings of a man to her, given how much she had for years misread how Lu Jinhu had felt about her.She did not recognise that he was only using her, and his abuse was a means of control.How, could she be loved after allowing someone to do that to her?She knew she had to hold back from talking about anything regarding her feelings until she was certain, not only in her own feelings, but in that of Hou Yi.


    Hou Yi meanwhile, could see Anna was questioning herself about something.What he had no idea, but he knew not to push her, as that would simply make her run further away, and destroy his dreams of asting rtionship with her.

 Chapter 145: Thank God Tuesdays Gone - Part 4

    <h4>145 Thank God Tuesday''s Gone - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Meanwhile, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin at their home, had been up for hours.The were wishing that they could re-do the night before.


    Lu Jinhu, prior to arriving had ckmailed a friend to listen to whatever he needed to say about Anna.He had no worries about the friend, and knew that whatever he said he would spread like wildfire, as he as a gossip.He also knew that he could position the discussion so people would overhear it and gossip about it.


    He had not counted on Hou Yi and Anna Jones arriving early.Hou Yi detested the theatre and despite his friendship with the Chen''s showed up no earlier than 10 minutes before people needed to be seated.He believed he had at least 40 minutes from their arrival to spread their version of events to destroy Anna socially and undermine Hou Yi''s character therefore damaging Hou Enterprises in the one breath.


    The important thing is that it would make Hou Enterprises vulnerable to further attacks, lose alliances with otherpanies and in the long term, allow Lu Corporation to overtake its position and consume it.That would rece what they lost when Hou Yi married that witch Anna.


    He thought everyone had epted his version that Anna was a lying maniptive b**ch, but then she confronted him with the back up of Hou Yi, not only iming video footage survived of the Key za Hotel but threatened him regarding the Australian Court proceedings.He knew enough from having lived with her for 5 years that she was an extremelypetentwyer, and if she was iming he could be charged with contempt of court, that it would be true.


    The worst part was that Yang Lin''s pregnancy had been disclosed.How in the f**k did Hou Yi find out about that?They had not told either family, and they received an aggressive phone call from Yang''s Lin''s parents earlier that morning.They were just waiting for the same call from his parents, about not knowing about her pregnancy.


    He was so annoyed that it became known how much of a yer he was, manipting women for his own ends.Yes, he knew that he cared for Yang Lin, and more importantly for the child that she was carrying as it would secure his position as the heir to Lu Corporation given what extended family members were trying to do to push him out of thepany.


    The problem was, he knew that it was only a temporary marriage, as there was no way he trusted his wife.He could control her presently, but she could be a b**ch herself.He knew she was greedy and grasping, and ultimately out for herself.He knew that he had to stay married to her for at least 12 months after their child, provided it was a male, was born and he would divorce her, keeping their child and throwing her to the curb.He just hoped that the baby was a boy, as he did not think he could deal with her if she had a daughter.There was no way he wanted to remain married to someone who he could notpletely control.


    Yang Lin, on the other hand, had been trying to contact her friends.None of them would reply to any text messages she sent.Some refused to answer her calls, and others would answer and tell her bluntly that they wanted to have nothing to do with her.Yang Lin knew of herself that she was a popr friend within the elites within City T, as everyone wanted to be her friend.


    Her parents had always assured her that she was the most beautiful person, with the best personality in that social group.To her, she knew that this meant that she received and was entitled to the best of everything, and was entitled to the biggest discounts.Business knew that without her grace and favour she would destroy them if she did nto get what she wanted.Her mother''s side of the family were descended from Royalty and her father''s side of the family were military elites for generations, save and except in thest 4 generations where business became important.


    Yang Lin knew that no one could top her standing.Yet here were those socially inferior to her, that in the past she could simply destroy, now trying to destroy her, and take her ce at the top of society, which she would not stand for.The unwillingness of her friends to support her, was feeling like a crushing blow, as she did not know how she could destroy everyone of them who was offending her.


    She knew, that she had to ensure that Anna and Hou Yi were destroyed, as that would ensure that she would return to her position within society.More importantly, Anna deserved everything that she got, including the p from herst night.

 Chapter 146: Thank God Tuesdays Gone - Part 5

    <h4>146 Thank God Tuesday''s Gone - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Before Yang Lin could think about anything else, her thoughts were interrupted by Lu Jinhu''s mobile ringing.


    Before she could even utter the words, who is calling, she heard Lu Jinhu, spit out "F**K"


    With that he answered the call and put in on speaker as he wanted Yang Lin to be involved with the call, as it was his father.


    "Hello father" Lu Jinhu answered, even to his own ears in a surprisingly calm voice.


    Before another word could be uttered, an absolutely livid voice responded "Do not try and cate me son.What the f**k have you been up to."


    "I do not know what you mean father," responded Lu Jinhu in a calm voice, hoping that he could calm his father down quickly.


    "Do not pretend with me.You know exactly what I mean."


    Yang Lin decided that she better make it known that she was there, as she knew that Lu Jinhu''s father adored her "Dad, please keep it calm.I am here, and we have some news to tell you."


    "Shut Up Yang Lin, I do not need to hear from you."


    "Dad, I wanted to let you know that I am pregnant.We were waiting until I reached 13 weeks, but someonest night figured out that I was pregnant and blurted it out at the theatre.We had nned to call you in a couple of hours to let you know."


    "Stupid girl.Your parents called me before they had even called you today.How in the f**k did you two not think that as soon as you knew we would not want to know?You both should know secrets like this cannot be kept within our group in society.As soon as someone knows everyone will know."


    "Dad ¡­" started Yang Lin in a whining voice.


    "Lu Jinhu, as I had told you, you should kept it in your pants.I know you two could not wait to get married and I have no issue with you anticipating your wedding knight, but I f**king told you the one thing that you could not do is for Lin to pregnant before your marriage.People knew of your rtionship in Australia Jinhu.Even though it was simple a means to an end, it now makes you look like a manw**re, and unfaithful b**tard."


    "Dad watch it.You know how I feel about¡­"


    "Just shut the f**k up you two, you need to listen to me."


    "Yes Dad," responded Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin meekly.


    "Leaving aside that issue, what the f**k did you do.I have had that many calls from senior managers in the business about you being on a crusade Jinhu."


    "That f**king w**re on Friday night.You heard what she did?"


    "Served you with some legal papers?"


    "Yes, that b**ch.How in the world she got orders I do not know, I had done everything right to make sure she could not appeal anything, but somehow?"


    "I do not care how she did what she did, you idiot.Why in the world did you react?"


    "She deserved it."


    "Idiot.Have I not taught you to remain calm?If you had, no thought would have been given to Friday.You two could not just stay calm."


    "Dad, she threatened Jinhu."


    "Just shut up Yang Lin, I am not talking to you at the moment, I need to f**king talk to my son, then I will talk to you."By now, Yang Lin realised how angry her father-inw was with both of them, despite her pregnancy.She knew that she needed to remain silent to prevent drawing too much of his anger.


    "Yes Dad," came the quiet meek response from Yang Lin.


    "While Friday night I could excuse Yang Lin reacting about Jinhu being served with document, that would have been expected, as it could have been dismissed as something that you knew nothing about at least initially, you should have pulled her away Jinhu.You let it keep going."


    "Dad Yang Lin should not have to stop defending me."whinedLu Jinhu.


    "Idiot, you did not think.Once you knew she had remained in country, you should have realised at some time there would have been a confrontation.You failed to n, and as I have told you a failure to n leads to disaster.And the disaster happened.Hou Yi let the world know he married your b**ch of ex , Junhu."

 Chapter 147: Thank God Tuesdays Gone - Part 6

    <h4>147 Thank God Tuesday''s Gone - Part 6</h4>


    Wednesday, continued...


    "Dad, settle down."


    "No I will not, son."Lu Jinhu finally clicked how annoyed at him his father was, so he decided to be quiet.


    "Then you, like an idiot decided to usepany resources for your revenge, in particr senior management.Did you not think they would report to me?I might have left you in charge, but they know who their boss is, and it is not you, despite being the Vice-CEO.You have no f**king idea how to run apany."


    "OK, I will have to give it to you, the children''s charity was a brilliant move, and ensuring that no one connected with Hou Enterprises knew about it and could be one of he initial donors was great.It would always cut off their charitable initiative and make them look like idiots.Children against women victims of violence.We know this country does not give a care about thetter, but children they are a blessing."


    "However, you should know that Hou Yi is not an idiot.He would respond.It was predictable he would challenge you to donate to his charity and match that and more as a donation to the your charity.It was however not predictable the challenge set to his staff.But it is donations, and that is good."


    "However, you two idiots did not think.You had to attend the press conference, to be there to gloat about them being grilled, and walked into a situation where you had no control. You should have thought and realised going was not a good idea, and if and Lu Corporation Public Rtions staff advised you two to go, I will have their heads, they know better."


    "And the f**king press simply had to ask the question.Not saying anything and looking at you was a masterstroke.Combined with hustling that f**king wife of his away, gave the answer without words, and in such a way that you can do nothing."


    "Then,st night, you screwed up big time.It was a good tactic to talk to a friend Jinhu, I have to give you that.But you did not have Hou Yi watched.You assumed that he would follow his usual routine.You should have had them watched and ensured that they were dyed before taking the step.They arrived and overheard the conversation."


    "That was recoverable from, but you two could not control yourself.You simply had to physically attack her where it could be seen.Do you two not even think."


    By this time both Lu JInhu and Yang Lin, realised that even more and more anger wasing through in the call.


    "Dad, I knew I had someone I could trust to talk to¡­"


    "That does not matter.You failed to n which guaranteed failure.Your actions now have significant consequences.I have spent half of the night on the phone trying to save business connections.Everyone wants to dump being involved with us, because you dared to assault Hou Yi''s wife.They fear the damage to their business from Hou Enterprises more than the damage we can cause them."


    "Dad¡­"


    "Just shut the f**k up.I am going to have my say" he screamed down the phone.


    Yang Lin reached over and put her hand on Lu Jinhu''s shoulder to try and settle him down, as thest thing that they needed to do was annoy his father so much that he was cut off from all the Lu''s money.Lu Jinhu, paused and decided not to respond taking the message that his wife was sending him.


    "I have to cut this break short with your mother.We needed it.Do not step back into thepany at this time.Thepany needs to be seen apart from you to protect it.You cane back inter.It will be announced that Yang Lin''s pregnancy has some difficulties, hence why no one knew about it, and you are going to spend time with her, and focus her at this time."


    "Your mother will take over the charity, and after a few months we will ease you back into it quietly before youe back to thepany."


    "I just pray that this will prevent too much damage to thepany.And Jinhu ¡­


    "Yes Dad?"


    "You better stop all actions to destroy Hou Enterprises, Hou YI and that b**ch of an ex of yours before it goes to much further.Thepany has to be protected"


    "Yes dad.I will send an email immediately."


    "No, I''ve sent an email to all senior management, to stop anything you nned regarding Hou Enterprises, Hou Yi and his wife.My assistant is backing up your office and will bring your items to you.I will not, however cut you off from money, provided you follow my rules.Those I will tell you face to face in a few hours."

 Chapter 148: Thank God Tuesdays Gone - Part 7

    <h4>148 Thank God Tuesday''s Gone - Part 7</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    "Yang Lin, you need to calm your temper down.Yes, you are pregnant, and in protection mode, but not keeping calm has consequences.You were made look like a spoiled child."


    "Dad¡­"


    "Do not try and get around my anger.I am not as annoyed at you, as I can understand your actions, you need to protect what is yours for your child''s sake.But girl, you put your child at risk.Think about what could have happened."


    "What do you mean?Nothing would have happened to the baby I carry."


    "Lin, Lin, Lin.You physically have assaulted someone, if the stories in the newspapers and on-line are correct on at least two asions in two weeks.She could have reacted and hit out at you, hitting you in the stomach or causing you to fall to the ground.Or her bodyguards, could have hit you or caused you to fall.I am not a doctor, but even I know that could have caused you to miscarry. You are carrying Jinhu''s heir, and ultimately my heir.You need to be careful."


    "Dad, I did not think."


    "Lin, a truer phrase could not have been spoken.You did not think.Most of your reactions could be ounted for and exined.All we will keep telling everyone that you felt threatened by that w**re and simply acted to protect yourself, your child and your family.People will eventually forgive you."


    There was a brief pause "Now I will back in City T in about 3 hours.You two need to stay out of sight, contact no one.The press presently wants to humiliate you, for what has happened over thest few days.Lu Corporation will release their press release about you Jinhu in an hour or two.It will say that you will be releasing a statement in a few hours after its release.I have employed an independent public rtions expert who will be with you two in about 30 minutes, and she will work with you on your statement."


    "Dad do not make me leave thepany" whined Jinhu.


    "Jinhu, it has to be this way presently.We must survive for you to take over, and for us to bring Hou Enterprises down.We will win this war.When I get there, we will go over and finalise your statement that will be released.Then you two are getting out of City T for a few days, a bted honeymoon we will call it, simply to allow things to settle.Goodbye."


    Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin felt when the call ended it was almost as if the phone was mmed down to end the call, but they knew it was a mobile call, so it was not going to be the case.


    Yang Lin heard thement about the press, and realised that before this public rtions person arrived, they needed to look at what was being said.She picked up a nearbyptop, and to start to look at various websites.


    Yang Lin started with the news sites, and she saw, in even a brief look that it was all negative, with statements like:


    ? ''Married to the mistress.Lu Corporation heir, abuses and cheats on Australian partner then marries pregnant mistress''


    ? ''So alike, abusive and maniptive, Lu Corporation heir and Yang Heiress, a match made in hell.''


    ? ''A tale of two couples.Honest and caring (with a pitcher of Hou Yi and Anna) and abusive and bulling (them)''


    ? ''Charge them with assaulting the innocent woman.A report from the charitable theatre eventst night revealed that Lu Corporation heir Lu Jinhu and his new wife, the Yang Heiress, Yang Lin physically assaulted the wife of Hou Corporation CEO Hou Yi, Australian Anna Jones, and that this was not the first assault in thest few weeks that they have inflicted on this innocent woman''


    ? ''Pregnant and an abuser.The pregnant Yang Heiress Yang Lin, assaulted her ex-partner''s new wife''


    ? ''The cheating abuser and the pregnant mistress.The recently married couple of the Lu Corporation Heir Lu Jinhu and Yang Heiress Yang Lin,st night were revealed as a cheating lying couple, willing to manipte people to achieve their goals, without filters.Lu Jinhu, so it is reported was revealed to have cheated on his former Australian Partner who has married Hou Corporation CEO Hou Yi, with his wife who is two months pregnant.Further it has been put together from information from various sources, that he is also the same abuser that was revealed in the press release that founded the Hou couple''s foundation to support victims of all forms of domestic abuse and provide services that the need.''


    Yang Lin stopped reading the news sites and decided to turn to her various social media pages that were open to the public.Thements were, even worse, including:


    ? ''Die b**ch, you do not deserve to live.''


    ? ''I hope your child dies.''


    ? ''I hope you two go to jail, you assaulted someone, and deserve to be there.''


    ? ''I hope the authorities take your child from you.You do not deserve to have a child, when you hurt people.''


    ? ''I hope you two end up with nothing, that is what you deserve for doing that.''


    Yang Lin stopped reading as thements were turning her stomach.

 Chapter 149: Thank God Tuesdays gone - Part 8

    <h4>149 Thank God Tuesday''s gone - Part 8</h4>


    ** Warning Highly sexualised behaviour.Persons under 18 should reconsider their need to read the chapter **


    Wednesday, continued ...


    After catching their breaths from what they had been doing, Anna, simply snuggled into Hou YI, and started to drift off to sleep.


    Hou Yi looked down and could not believe that his wife did not run the other way this morning.He was sure that she would, but to his amazement she took the lead in them making love a second time.It was, whether or not Anna ever admitted it more that simply s*x for him and achieving a release.He expressed in his actions what he could not express in words, that he loved her, adored her, wanted to protect her and make her happy for all the rest of their time on earth.


    He was, like the previous generations of his family.Fell in love with his life partner on sight.Unlike them, it was simply a quirk of fate that meant that he was able to marry her, but he was not going to object to that.


    He rolled over towards his bedside table, and picked up his mobile and noticed the time was just before 10am.Assistant Wang, was not expecting him in the office, as he messaged himst night telling him he needed to be with Anna due to her being assaulted.He was surprised that Butler Ge had not knocked on the door asking him did they want breakfast.


    Hou Yi then remembered, as they were going up the stairs to the suitest night Anna called out "Do not disturb us tomorrow" and giggled.At least this was obeyed by Butler Ge, who tended to be a nanny towards him.


    He felt a vibration of his phone and realised he had just received a text message.He opened the text messages on his mobile and saw hundreds of messages.The business-rted ones, were forwarded them to Assistant Wang to address.He sent out a bulk message to his friends, telling them he will be in contactter, he needed to concentrate on his wife.That left only a few to address.


    Anna, however was getting frustrated with Hou Yi ignoring her, while looking at his mobile.She slid herself across the bed, and proceeded to kiss him, not only on the face, as that failed to distract him, but started to move down Hou Yi''s body, while using her hands firstly to touch his body, and then to take his p*nis in her hands and arouse him again, to the point that he would leave his mobile along and have s*x with her again.No, not s*x she said to herself, but make love to me, as I see it.


    Hou Yi saw he had 10 messages from Uncle Feng.While most were business, he knew he needed to reply.''Uncle Feng.Received your messages.As to the business matters, I trust you, and work with Dad, where necessary.I will not being in at all, even for a brief bit of time.Just let me know if there is something that you cannot deal with and I will try and get in.Anna is OK but given what happened she needs to be my focus at the moment.What they did, not only hurt her physically, but has impacted her mentally.''


    By this time, he was gettingpletely distracted by Anna''s touching of his body, to the point that he needed to forget about the mobile, and do what was more important, touch and interact with his wife in the most pleasurable way.He sat the mobile down, and lifted Anna''s head up, trying to sit up.


    Anna knowing how aroused she had quickly made her husband, debated whether to perform oral s*x on him, or that they reachedpletion together.Looking at Hou Yi''s face, made her realise that she needed him inside her as soon as possible, so she gently pushed his body back down.As she did that, she knew that she was so aroused herself that this needed to be quick.


    Anna moved and straddled Hou Yi, quickly impaling herself on his erection.Hou Yi, reached up and started to rub her breasts and try to bring her topletion as quickly as possible as he knew he was not going to be able tost long.Anna kept moving herself up and down, meeting Hou Yi''s thrusts.It was not long before they reached theirpletion together, and Anna simply copsed onto Hou Yi.

 Chapter 150: Thank God Tuesdays gone - Part 9

    <h4>150 Thank God Tuesday''s gone - Part 9</h4>


    ** Warning Highly sexualised behaviour.Persons under 18 should reconsider their need to read the chapter **


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Hou Yi, was struggling to keep awake, but knew that he needed to respond to the rest of the texts as quickly as possible, before he got further distracted with Anna again.He started to read the texts in a way Anna could see them, and his final message.


    He then turned to the three messages from his Dad and read those ''Dad.Anna is still shaken about what happened, but we are OK, but I absolutely need to be away from thepany for a few days.Can you help Uncle Feng, but if there is something you cannot do, let me know and I will try ande in.We will try toe home tonight so you can see us.''


    There were about 70 messages from his mother and aunt, starting fromst night, and bing more and more desperate that neither he or Anna had responded to them.''Mum, Aunty.We are OK.We know you love us, but we need alone time. ...''When he typed that, Anna reached up and gave him a passionate kiss.


    As Hou Yi pulled away, he quietly said "Anna, do you know if I do not respond to these texts, I cannot focus on you."He reached down and lifted her face up to him for another passionate kiss.


    As they pulled apart, Anna said "Well hurry up, we have more important things to do."


    Hou Yi continued the test to his mother and aunt ''Your darling daughter, as you call my wife is OK, shaken but OK.What about your darling son and nephew?If you want to know I am coping.It was a shock to me that they did that, and I feel ashamed that I did not react to protect her.Do not worry, please.We need time alone.We will try ande home to see you all tonight.If Anna wants to talk, I will get her to call you.DO NOT, and I repeat DO NOT show up here, it is thest thing that we need, despite how we love you.''


    Hou Yi was surprised that he even received a text message from both his grandmother and grandfather.While both had mobile phones, he knew that they only used them to call.The refused to text anyone as they viewed that if people wanted tomunicate with them, they should call them.To go to the extent of sending a message each, they must be worried, so he decided to send them a short message, so they knew they were OK. ''Grandmother and Grandfather.We are OK and will try ande to see you tonight.''


    Thest 3 messages he needed to respond to were from Phillipa about a further session ''Pip.I have only just woken up.Anna is still asleep.Once she is awake and we are up, we will call.''He figured what she did not know about what they were doing, did not matter.


    As soon as that message was sent, he received a notification ''Yi, I told you not to call me Pip.Now get yourself downstairs now.I am here in your lounge and have been here since 9am.Once you are ready wake your wife, ande and talk to me first, before she gets down here.I will not take no for an answer, and if I do not see you in 15 minutes, I will be up there pounding on your bedroom door until you get out of bed.''


    ''Fine Pip.Give me 20 minutes.''Damn, Hou Yi knew that they could not continue what they were doing, otherwise Phillipa would carry out her threat.He was hoping that the could spend some more time here in their bed, before finally getting out of bed, and then possibly ...


    Anna realised that Hou Yi was distracted by the message on his mobile, and for her that would not do.She reached over and dropped the mobile on the bedside table.Dealing with any responding text could wait.There was something more important that she needed from her husband here and now.She needed to tell him, again with her actions how she felt about him as the words could note out of her mouth.


    Hou Yi realised, when he saw the desire in his wife''s eyes and felt her rubbing her body against his.Phillipa, the world could wait.He needed to reaffirm to his bride that she was safe andmunicate with her through his actions how he felt.He started kissing her down her body, and knew that this time, he was going to make her reach her peak at least twice this time, firstly through oral s*x and then ...[use your imagination as to what was happening here]

 Chapter 151: Wednesdays session - Part 1

    <h4>151 Wednesday''s session - Part 1</h4>


    ** Warning Highly sexualised behaviour.Persons under 18 should reconsider their need to read the chapter **


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Hou Yi knew Phillipa was serious.As he moved away from Anna, she stretched ensuring that Hou Yi, could clearly see her breasts.


    "Yie back to bed.All I want to do is stay here with you.I am safe here, nothing can hurt me."


    "Anna, Phillipa has gotten her way in and is in the lounge.She threatened me that if I did not get down to speak to her within 15 to 20 minutes, she woulde up here and pound on the door to wake both of us.I need to shower and go and deal with her.You can take your time."


    "No, I''m going to talk to her and tell her we will both be there in 30 or so minutes.I need to spend some more alone time with you, before dealing with her."


    With that, she grabbed Hou Yi''s phone out of his hand and immediately dialed Phillipa.


    When Phillipa answered, she said "Yi I am not giving you any more time, get down here, you now have 13 minutes."


    "Phillipa, it is Anna¡­"


    "Sorry Anna, I thought that it was that idiot of a husband of yours calling."


    "Not a problem.Yi told me about you wanting him down before me.I do not want to be alone, so we wille down together in about 30 minutes of so.The staff can organise something for you to eat and drink, and something for us when wee down.Get them to do whatever you want.And by the way, you better note up here pounding on our door."


    With that Anna, ended the call and climbed out of the bed, moving to stand directly in front of Hou Yi, who she could see was getting more aroused.How much this meant to her, regardless of his feelings for her, she knew that he desired her, and in that it was enough in that moment support her love for him.


    Anna took his left hand in her right cing it on her breast, and with her left hand pulled his face down so she could kiss him.She then reached reached down taking his erection in her hand.She briefly squeezed him and pulled out of the kiss.


    Looking at him, Anna said "I would love to spend more time here alone, I need it, but let''s enjoy a shower together, even if it is shorter than we would really want."


    Hou Yi stared at his wife, not knowing what to say.He really hoped that the words that wereing out of her mouth were the reality that he would have in his marriage.He wanted that so much, He hoped, but was unable to express it in words that it was a sign that she loved him as much as he loved her.He was, however realistic that Anna was hurting with what happenedst night and that this might be the only time for this so he was going to snatch the opportunity that presented itself..


    Anna started to walk ahead of Hou Yi, and dragged him into the bathroom, and into the shower.She knew there time was short, and while she would love to spend hours in here with her love, that was as impossible as, in her mind her love returning her feelings.


    In all her time with Lu Jinhu, he was only interested in s*x in bed, in one position and the only goal was that he had to be satisfied, her satisfaction did not matter.Hou Yi, had already showed her in just one night, that there were many possibilities, and for her despite not being able to express her feelings to him, each and every time they hade together was as magical as the next.He was not happy unless he knew she reached her satisfaction and that was aplete revtion.


    However, Anna was concerned that Hou Yi was only doing this because he felt sorry for her, and it would notst.All she knew was that she had to take every opportunity that she had, before he decided to pull away from her.The memories from this time would have to sustain her in the future.


    Anna shook off her thoughts, as Hou Yi had turned on the shower.Anna decided that she had to tease Hou Yi a little, as it was the best enjoyment that either of them could get presently.She reached out and grabbed Hou YI''s shower gel, emptying a little into her hands.


    She stood in front of him, and started to move her hands over his arms, while starting to kiss his chest.As she reached the top of his arms, she continued rubbing her hands down his chest she kissed his torso lower and lower, until she was on her knees.Anna realised that she could not resist the temptation that presented itself to her in the form of Hou Yi''s erection, and took him into her mouth.


    Hou Yi knew as soon as Anna put shower gel into her hands, that she was likely to use her hands to excite him, he picked up her shower gel and rubbed his hands on her back.As Anna started to move down his torso, he immediately realised what was going to happen.He decided that he would keep his hands in her hair, so grabbed her shampoo and started to wash her hair, keeping rubbing and ying with it as she went lower.


    Once the shampoo washed out, he then started to do the same with conditioner, but before he could get far, Anna had taken him into her mouth.Hou Yi was so excited by this, but there was no way that he was going to let Anna not reach her satisfaction.He let her go for no more than a minute, before he carefully pulled her away.


    "Yi, I wanted to ¡­"


    "Hush, we are going to do this together."


    With that he picked Anna up, and wrapped her legs around him and very quickly he had backed them up onto the shower wall, before ¡­ [I will leave it up to your imagination as to what happened]

 Chapter 152: Wednesdays Session - Part 2

    <h4>152 Wednesday''s Session - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday continue ...


    Anna and Hou YI, slowly withdrew from each other, and finished helping the other clean themselves before reluctantly ending their time in the shower.


    After they dried themselves, they walked across the hallway into the walk-in wardrobe to dress.Anna turned her back on Hou Yi, self-conscious of what not only they had donest night, but this morning.While she enjoyed it, she really felt that she had pushed Hou Yi into something that he did not want and would regret it.She did not want to drive him away, she loved him and needed him in her life.She therefore knew that it was difficult to face him, at least until they were dressed.


    Hou Yi, however was watching his wife, trying to avoid looking at him.She really looked cute, but he recognised that she was regretting not onlyst night, but this morning and then just in the shower.He immediately realised that he needed to step back and let her dictate what happens next.Thest thing that he wanted was to drive herpletely away, as this would break his heart.He loved her and needed her always in his life.


    They both quickly dressed, and headed out of the suite, down to the lounge where Phillipa was waiting for them, rxing on a chair across from a couch with a brunch on a coffee table between her and the couch.


    Phillipa took one look at them as they came towards her, and observed three things, the had repeatedly had s*xst night and this morning; they both were scared that the other would regret what they had done and that the both had deep feelings for each other, but they did not want the other to know in case they were rejected.


    Phillipa quietly sighed to herself, not wanting to have to deal with the situation, not only caused byst night, but now by their own actions when they got home.She wished Hou Yi had really taken her advice and not consummated their marriage.However, she could not change what happened.She just had to help these two had to work through this along with everything else and not end up driving the other away from their unwillingness to speak their feelings.Well, it was not by chance she was considered one of the worlds leading experts in dealing with intimate partner violence.


    "Come on you two.I gather that you have not been down before now, so I arranged for a light brunch given it is almost noon."The coffee table had three orange juices, three cups of coffee, a teapot and three empty cups, some filled croissants, strawberries, apples and pears sliced on a te and a few other bits and pieces for them to eat.


    Phillipa, paused for a few seconds "By the way, Yi where will be the best ce we can talk in private?And no, do not say your bedroom.That is your space."


    Anna spat out the orange juice that she had taken a sip of, as she could not believe Phillipa clear innuendo .


    Hou Yi, well in tune with Phillipa''s actions decided to wait until she had her say.He took a sip, and then looked at Phillipa "Pip, it would be the best ce."


    "Screw you Yi.Somewhere private now,"


    Anna was grateful she had not taken another sip of her orange juice, as she would have spat it out again.She really did not want to have to deal with Yi teasing his friend as given what had happened in thest day, she had no energy."Phillipa, how about Yi''s study?"


    "Damn Anna, I wanted to keep that out of the mix."


    "Then it is perfect Anna," said Phillipa, and then she turned to Hou Yi, with a teasing grin on her face "S**k it up Yi, you are not a precious princess.I could always give Anna the Nudie run photos."


    Annaughed at that, as the look on Yi''s face was that one ofplete indignation.Sometimes her husband really did need to be grounded, and at least he has a friend in Phillipa who could easily do that.


    "You two are ganging up on me." Came a sulky response from Hou Yi.


    Phillipa could see that despite their teasing, Hou Yi was starting to get a little frustrated at the banter.While that was interesting in and of itself, from a therapy standpoint it was thest thing that she needed.


    "Yi calm down.You know we are only kidding" responded Phillipa.At the same time Anna had leaned over and touched his hand, which drew his attention, and put a small shy smile on his face, as he looked at Anna.


    Before anything else could be said, Butler Ge, walked into the room carrying a number of newspapers in his hand."Sir, Madam, Dr Chen.I heard that there was some things in the paper involving you, so I made sure I obtained copies for you to review."


    With that he moved in and sat the papers on a coffee table there their brunch was sitting,

 Chapter 153: Wednesdays Session - Part 3

    <h4>153 Wednesday''s Session - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continue ¡­


    Anna, and Hou Yi reached over at the same time and took one of the newspapers each.Phillipa then also took a newspaper.


    Anna, found on the front page of the paper she had picked up a story about the eventsst night.


    "Listen to this. ''Last night at the charity theatre event, the heir of the Lu Corporation Lu Jinhu and his new wife, the Yang Heiress Yang Lin verbally and then physically attacked the new wife of Hou Corporation''s CEO Hou Yi."


    "Lu Jinhu was heard calling the new Madam Hou, the former Ms Anna Jones from Australia, a liar and a maniptor.He stated that she lied during the announcement of the new charitable initiative to be spearheaded by CEO and Madam Hou regarding domestic violence, and was trying to harm him as he had dumped her to marry Yang Lin."


    "Further allegations came from Lu Jinhu that Hou Anna had not only manipted her husband, but had manipted the Australia Legal System to cheat him out of his entitlements when their rtionship ended.Such allegations if true, could speak volumes about Hou Anna.Additionally, Lu Jinhu implied that she was stalking him and Yang Lin."


    "The situation dramatically changed when Hou Yi and Hou Anna spoke.Hou Anna stated that Vice-CEO and Madam Lu, assaulted her a yesterday fortnight ago at the Key za Hotel, and then proceeded to warn him that is he continued to talk about Australian Court proceedings, she would be informing the court, and he could possibly face charges."


    "Lu Jinhu became quite angry about being threatened to be dealt with by Australian courts for breaching court orders.Hou Yi then stepped in warning both Vice-CEO and Madam Lu to back off our they would be suing them for nder, as well as confirming the existence footage of the assault."


    "Hou Yi then dropped a bombshell to all present, that Yang Lin was two months pregnant.This coincided with, where at least publicly Lu Jinhu was engaged to the now Hou Anna in Australia, and Yang Lin was involved with Hou Yi.Hou Yi, questioned whose child she was carrying, denying it could be his as the only time they had been intimate was 12 months earlier when he was drunk.This provoked a disy of foulnguage from Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin."


    "After a retort about Lu Jinhu and Yang Lincking ss and ming others for their problems, Yang Lin pulled Hou Anna towards her.Yang Lin proceeded to p Hou Anna with an open hand to the face and Lu JInhu then proceeded to punch her in the stomach."


    "These actions shocked all who were present.Hou Anna was escorted away by her mother-inw Du AnLing and Aunt-inw Leng Xi to beforted, and then was provided additional supported by a close personal friend of Hou Yi Dr Chen Phillipa, a world renown expert in dealing with matters of domestic violence and the sole Chen Heiress as well as second in line to a British Marquessate behind her mother Lady Amelia."


    "Eventually Hou Yi escorted his wife from the theatre and soon afterwards, all members of the Hou family, Dr Chen, and Lady Amelia, along with a number of senior members of Hou Enterprises who were present all left the building."


    "This paper, however, has been able to undertake some preliminary investigations as to the allegations.We have been able to locate photographs that show Lu Jinhu apanying the then Jones Anna to a Legal Function in Melbourne, Victoria some 7 weeks ago.At that time he was clearly described as her fiance.We have also been able to confirm that there are legal proceedings on foot in Australia involving Hou Anna and Lu Jinhu.These proceedings are in what is called the family court, and so far, we have not been able to determine what is the exact nature of these proceedings."


    "Our police sources have confirmed the existence of the CCTV footage of the assault in the Key za Hotel.However little more information was provided due to there being an ongoing investigation."


    "As a responsible member of the press, we are charged with providing information about events to the public.We find any assault on a woman by a partner, former partner, family member or stranger.In terms of Yang Lin, given the existence of her pregnancy we can understand a mother-to-be wants to protect her family, in the immediacy of the argument reacted as she did, however we believe in the fullness of time she will regret what she didst night."


    "For this organisation our concern is that the person who publicly punched a woman 6 times in the stomach if the Vice-CEO of on of this town and countries most powerfulpany''s Lu Corporation.No person who is willing to do this to a woman, should be allowed to be in a position of power where he can victimise anyone."


    "We call for CEO Lu to immediately fire his son from the familypany, and for the police to charge him over his actions.If the police cannot protect the wife of CEO Hou, how can any woman feel safe about being protected from violence in any form from a current of former partner."


    "While the editorial staff of this organisation usually do not endorse any charitable organisation or initiative, we would urge citizens who are concerned about these events to donate to the initiative founded by CEO and Madam Hou.Details are below, or on our website on how to donate."

 Chapter 154: Wednesdays Session - Part 4

    <h4>154 Wednesday''s Session - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Anna paused after reading out the article."You can see that they did this in a rush. Poorly drafted but they wanted to make a point about the behaviourst night."


    "I cannot believe it was on the front page.The paper I had only had a short little piece, with the notation that more toe on their website and more than likely there will be more in their paper tomorrow" responded Phillipa.


    "Same in the three paper I looked at," came Hou Yi''s response.He paused "Then I am guessing the on-line world is savaging them for this."


    "Could not happen to a nicer couple," came Anna''s sarcastic reply. Which provokedughter from Hou Yi and Phillipa.


    When they settled down, Phillipa observed Hou YI and Anna for a few of minutes while they were finishing their brunch.They, kept stealing looks at each other, when they thought the other was not looking.As soon as they realised the other observed them watching them, they looked away.


    Phillipa decided that she needed to talk to Hou Yi immediately, before talking to Anna, either with or without Hou Yi present.


    "Anna, Yi.I would love to sit here and gossip about what is in the papers and on-line, but we have more important things to deal with today.Anna, I am sorry, but I have to go back on our original ns to handle matters, at least for today.I need to have a discussion with Yi firstly, and then a discussion with you.Then we can cane back together to talk."


    "OK Phillipa," said Anna, who was distracted by reading the various newspapers, and having a second cup of coffee.


    "Come on Yi," said Phillipa, in a determined voice.Hou Yi realised that it was not worth arguing with his angry friend, so leaned over and kissed Anna on the cheek, before getting up and leaving with Phillipa.


    As soon as they walked into his study and shut the door, Phillipa turned and angry spat out "What the f**k Yi.What in the world have you done?"


    "I do not know what you mean Pip," said Hou YI sheepishly.


    "Do not try and be cute.Youpletely ignored my advice from Monday.You simply need to be there to be a support to your wife, nothing more.She cannot cope now with any fears that you might leave her.She is fragile emotionally."


    "Pip¡­"


    "And do not call me Pip, Yi.That does not get you out of anything.Be honest with me.I need that as I have to work with Anna carefully.They scared her so muchst night.You did not see it, but before you got there she was physically shaking, trying to pull herself into the smallest target that she could possibly be.She was terrified that they were going toe after her again."


    "Phillipa, as you told me Monday, you do not need to know what goes on behind closed doors, so I am not telling you."


    "Yi do not test my patience.Tell me what happened once you left the theatre.I need the details if I am going to help your wife."


    "No you do not."


    "Yi" ground out Phillipa "You tell me now or you will have to find someone else to help you.Presently I am not your friend, I am the therapist trying to help you and your wife deal with the trauma in her past.I need to f**king know, and I need to f**king know now."


    Hou Yi realised that Phillipa was more than angry with him.As his friends in Australia would say she was p*ssed off with him. He knew that her threats were real, and for Anna''s sake thest thing he wanted to to was jeopardise the help that Phillipa could give them.Anna, due to her work already knew about Phillipa''s reputation, and was putting all her trust in her to do what they had asked her to do.


    Hou Yi sighed."Phillipa, when we got out into the car, she almost copsed in shock.She wanted nothing other than staying in my arms as she felt safe there.She also quietly admitted that that was not the second time that he had been physically violent towards her.I knew better than to press her as to what he had done, but I got the impression that he assaulted her and used physical violence to manipte her into s*xual intercourse during their rtionship."


    Hou Yi paused and realised that he did not want to say anything about what urred when they arrived home.That was personal, and his most desired thing.No way did he want to tell any therapist about that, let alone his friend.


    Phillipa was looking and Hou Yi and concluded that he was not telling her everything."Yi, what happened when you got home.Do not say that it behind closed doors.You need to be honest."


    Phillipa looked across at Hou Yi who was blushing.Immediately Phillipa confirmed to herself, that they had had s*xual intercourse, which she wished they had not.However she needed Hou Yi to confirm it to her.

 Chapter 155: Wednesdays Session - Part 5

    <h4>155 Wednesday''s Session - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Hou Yi looked at Phillipa and he realised that he was not going to be able to avoid the question that she wanted answered.He wanted to savour and keep his memories to himself ofst night, just in case it was the only time that he would have the love of his life in his arms.


    In his mind to Hou Yi, despite everything that happenedst night, he was certain that when this current crisis was over Anna would regret what happened.All that he could hope for, he knew, was that she would not walk away from giving their marriage a chance.That is all he needed as he believed that she would eventually start to trust him and that they could have a rtionship.


    Hou Yi took a deep breath. "Given Anna''s reluctance to be separated from me, in the car, I knew she would not want to be too far from me when we arrived home, so I carried her into the elevator and then into our suite.The closer we got to our suite, the more and more she made it known that she wanted to remain in my arms close to me.Let me just say, things simply went from there ¡­"


    "So you had s*x"


    "Do not be so crude Pip, it was not just s*x, as you put it.I know, whether or not Anna will admit it at this time, we made love, pure and simple."


    "Yi, I know how you feel about Anna, but you are deluding yourself, you and Anna had s*x, pure and simple.It might have felt as if you made love, given it is obvious to anyone that knows you well, that you love her to the exclusion of any other woman.Given what my Chen Grandparents have told me, you are no different to your father, uncle and grandfather in that respect."


    Phillipa paused, took a breath and continued "However, you have to recognise that you are 6 months into this rtionship, and in reality she is only two weeks.In that two weeks all she has been dealing with, emotionally, is the hurt that Lu Jinhu has caused her for years.Based on what you told me now, means that that rtionship was worse than I actually thought.Physical, Verbal, Mental and Economic abuse, istion, and god knows what else."


    "She has to have control of what happens in your rtionship at this time.She needs space to identify her issues, and start to work with them.While in most women, given what ising out of a situation like Anna, will take years to process, analyse, adjust and ept the circumstances of her rtionship.Anna is different, as her intelligence, background, and employment however will mean she will do most of this so much quicker than most."


    "The only problem, is Lu Jinhu damaged her inbuilt willingness to trust in her rtionships.That will mean that she will be fragile in some respects.You, in two short weeks have be her support, her rock and foundation of her recovery.For her you are the one person in the world who she needs to never let her down, never criticise her and never take her for granted.Any pushing will send her the other way and undo any good achieved."


    "Pip ¡­"


    Phillipa ground out "It is Phillipa not Pip.Now details as to what happened, or the door is behind me and I will walk out of it.You can deal with the fallout."


    "Fine.But you do not tell her I told you this.When I carried her to our bed, I sat her down, with the intention to help her undress and simply get ready and go to bed, while providing her with thefort that she desired.However that was not what she wanted."


    "While Anna instigated every s*xual encounter that we had, I was as you can guess not difficult to persuade.I let her control what happened, and she remained in control.Even, to the point of what happened when she called you and we had a shower.I am not going to give you any more details that is Anna''s decision, not mine."


    "Fine Yi, at least to a point you where honest with me.Now I have to ask you a question.If she walked through the door, came to you and told you she wanted an immediate divorce and wanted youpletely out of her life what would you do?"


    Phillipa, immediately observed the joy and happiness that had been in Hou Yi''s eyes immediately drain."I would give her want she wanted, regardless of my feelings.All I want if for he to be happy and safe.If me beingpletely out of her life is what is necessary for that I would agree.I would, however, always keep an eye on her to ensure that she remains safe and never has a worry."


    "If that means that I pay her an allowance for the rest of her life, and always ensures she has security, and I have to see her in the arms of someone else, that is what I will do.Her happiness is worth everything even it is means that I am miserable and sad for the rest of my life.At least I would have had my love in my life, my home, my bed, even if it was for a short time, it would always remain the most blessed time of my life."


    Between her tears "Stuff if Yi, that makes me cry."


    "Pip it is the truth, I will always be alright is she is happy, safe and living as she wants to."

 Chapter 156: Wednesdays Session - Part 6

    <h4>156 Wednesday''s Session - Part 6</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    "Yi, stop being so sappy.I know it will break your heart."


    "It does not matter, she is the important one.I simply have to make sure she is happy."


    Phillipa looked at Hou Yi and realised that he was serious about everything.She said to herself, I hope and pray that he does not end up without her in his life, as he will not cope.Rather than continuing to press her friend, she figured that she better talk to Anna, and figure out what is happening with her.Hopefully she can steer these two in the direction to get them to admit to the other how they feel about each other.


    "Yi, I think I need to have a chat with Anna.Do not disappear, as when Anna is ready I will call you, as there are some things that we will need to discuss."


    "Fine Pip.Just do not make her feel guilty or concerned about anything.She does not need that, and it will make me forget that you are my friend."


    "Fine Yi, now go, before I get angry about you calling me Pip."


    With that Hou Yi, walked out of his study and walked into the lounge, and let Anna know that Phillipa wanted to talk to her.Anna walked into the study, shut the door behind her, and sat down on a chair across from Phillipa.


    In a calm voice "Anna, how are you?"


    Quietly Anna responded "Fine"


    "Anna, I am going to tell you, in only a way an Australian would understand, do not bull s**t me.And to quote Tom Cruise from A Few Good Men ''Tell me the truth''."


    With that Annaughed, but realised that Phillip wanted her to be serious and give her truthful answers.


    "Phillipa,st night terrified me.I really through those two were going to assault me further.They have no filters and I am their constant target as I have been thwarting their ns, without stepping outside thew in any way.That they do not like."


    "Anna, given I am back and forth from Ennd to here, I know those two idiots.They think that they are the best in society, but they have no ss and are full of themselves.I see the best and worst in society, both here and in Ennd, in my personal life and my professional life.I see what men can do day in and day out, and how people act, so I can judge, and as of the fact that I will eventually inherit my maternal grandfather''s title, I am invited to the top of English Society events, including Royal Events."


    "They do not understand that having a position in societyes with obligations to society.I have learnt that from my maternal grandfather, and my paternal grandparents here.All Yang Lin worries about is being a social media influencer, but she has no substance, and as I think you are realising Lu Jinhu is a bully.They only focus on themselves, themunity does not matter.


    "Phillipa, ... "


    "Now we have talked a little trash about the two idiots, you owe me the truth."


    "Fine Phillipa.When Lu Jinhu hit me, I had to admit to myself that that was not the second time he physically assaulted me.While the physical violence was not as frequent as the other violence he directed at me, he use it to try and control me when he did not get what he wanted.I realise that I quickly learnt to give him want he wanted, regardless of my feelings to avoid the physical violence.Usually it was simply a p, often just on the hand, to the arm, leg or backside, just hard enough for me to pay attention.I recall once confronting him about it, and the anger that arose in him over than, made me stop."


    "Anna, damn.You needed to be honest."


    "Phillipa, I could not.As I said, it was infrequent, and only happened when he did not get what he wanted.If I gave him what he wanted, it did not happen.So it was not an issue, generally."With that Anna burst into tears.


    Phillipa took Anna into her arms, and simply let her cry as she needed.Once she realised that Anna was starting to calm down, she pulled back, and asked "You are lying, it really bother''s you?"


    Anna stared at Phillipa, and looked away, realising that she would have to admit the truth "Yes it does.It was difficult enough to admit the other things he had done, now to admit this to myself."


    "Anna, admitting to what happened, if the first step towards being able to deal with it."


    "Phillipa, but how do I tell people that I did not let them know everything about what he did?"


    "Anna, that is many steps down the track.You have admitted it to me, and I am guessing you told Yi about it as well?"

 Chapter 157: Wednesdays Session - Part 7

    <h4>157 Wednesday''s Session - Part 7</h4>


    Wednesday continued ...


    "Phillipa, I did tell Yi, but ¡­"


    "Anna, telling Yi is important.He will be there to support you, and you need that."


    "Phillipa ¡­"


    "What Anna?"


    "It was not a direct admission, but I really hinted to him that it happened.But, in doing that I really pushed him into something that I think he now regrets."


    "Anna, while I do not want to pry into what happens inside your bedroom, I think you need to tell me, as it is messing with your mind."With that Phillipa looked directly at Anna, who was blushing and unable to look her in the eyes.


    There stretched out a period of silence, and Phillipa, realised that based on what Hou Yi had told her, she was going to have to push Anna slightly, to get her to admit what happened.


    "Anna, based on your reaction, and Yi''s earlier reaction, I am guessing you had s*x, and you are now regretting it."


    "I do not regret having s*x with Yi, it was so much better than anything with Lu Jinhu, it felt natural, as if it was meant to be.I did not feel that I was pressured into anything, which was always the case with Lu Jinhu.Nothing there felt natural, it always felt forced, and what he wanted.But ¡­"


    "But what?"


    "I really think that I pressured him into having s*x.I remember asking him ''Do you no want me'' and telling him that I wanted him.I felt, and I still do that I manipted him into having s*x, and despite his reassurances that he does not regret it, I think he does.I am so confused."


    "Anna, Yi is an adult, and able to make his own decisions.The question is you.How do you feel about what happened?"


    "I am just worried, that in pushing, I have ruined the trust in the rtionship we had.I do not know how I feel, but I do not want him to resent anything.With everything that I have had to admit happened in that toxic rtionship thest two weeks, Yi is the one constant that I have had to rely on.I do not know what I would do without his."


    "Anna, do you regret it?"


    "Actually no, but ¡­"


    "No buts.If you do not regret what happened, then it is OK.Everything will be alright."Phillip paused, then continued "Now stay here I will go get Yi, and you two need to talk."


    Phillipa then stood up and left the room, heading into the lounge where Hou Yi was sitting.She sat down "Yi, I am going to be honest with you.Anna is confused.When we go in there, I need you to confirm one thing, and one thing only, that you do not regret what happenedst night or me her."


    "Anna feels vulnerable and that she pressured youst night but is not willing to open up.She needs to know that you will be there to support her.You and I both know that this is the case, but she does not.We are then going to talk about issues that are bothering her."


    "Before we go in, ifst night is repeated, she needs topletely understand that you agree to it, and remains in control of what happens.She needs to be given time to understand what her feelings are, and with how much Lu Jinhu has messed her around that is going to take time.Do not confess how you feel, as it will send her running away, preventing any chance you two have to build a lifelong rtionship.Do you understand me?"


    "Yes Pip.All I want is for her to be happy and safe.I have told you this."


    "Come on then, lets go."


    With that Phillipa and Hou Yi stood and walked into the study.Hou Yi shut the door after they entered and sat down.Neither Anna or Hou Yi were ready to talk, but could not help stealing nces at each other.


    Phillipa, broke the silence."Now, while I have told you two, I really do not want to know what goes on behind your bedroom door, but it is obvious the two of you have issues with what happenedst night.We need to address that before we can get into dealing with other stuff.Yi?"

 Chapter 158: Wednesdays Session - Part 8

    <h4>158 Wednesday''s Session - Part 8</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "Anna, Phillipa told me, that you feel that you forced or manipted me into having s*xst night.That is far from the truth.Last night, despite everything that happened just seemed right to have happened.Let me make it clear to you I do not regret what happened, and please do not regret what happened."


    It was so hard for Hou Yi to stop.He was so ready to confess his true feelings to Anna.He wanted to tell her thatst night and this morning were perfect.It was the best experience of his life, and he loved her some much.It was so hard not to say this but having taken a brief look at her face before starting to talk, he knew that if he did this, she would be devastated, and there would be no hope for their rtionship.


    He took a further nce at Anna and knew that his words were like a pressure valve had been released in how she felt.She was not as tense, but there is no way that she would be able to handle his real feelings should he break and confess them.He knew that he had to remain strong and not say everything, just enough to ensure that she was asfortable as could be with what they did.


    Hou Yi took another deep breath before continuing."Anna, do not worry.I will not pressure you as to whether we have s*x, that will be your choice, and be assured that I will not regret it in any way.OK?"As he finished, he was so pleased with himself that he used words that did not reveal his true feelings, as he knew within himself that if he had he would send Anna running,


    Anna looked at Hou Yi as he spoke.His words effectively gave a green light to them having s*x in the future when she chose it.She was surprised, because she recalled how much he seemed to enjoyst night and this morning and figured that he would want as much as her could get.Thinking aboutst night immediately brought a blush to her face.


    Despite how much she loved him, there was no way that she wasfortable in confessing that to Hou Yi.She knew, despite him having married her, he knew where she was just two weeks ago.There is no way that he would believe in such a short space of time that her feelings would have changed so much, given what else she was having to deal with.


    Watching his wife, Hou Yi reached the conclusion that she was thinking about events in their bedroom.He moved over, knelled in front of her, taking her face into his hands, and pressed a quick, gentle kiss to her lips.Being here, it was almost impossible not to tell his bride how he felt.It was so tempting to do, but even if he was certain about her feelings and he would not confess how he felt in front of anyone else.When he confessed how much and for how long he had loved her, she needed that done in privacy, so that they could enjoy that exact moment together.


    Hou Yi then whispered, so only she could here, while looking at her directly in the eyes."Do not be embarrassed.If things happen, it is because we want them, not for any other reason.OK?"


    Anna realised that Yi was sending her a message about s*x would ur, because they wanted it, not for any other reason.She whispered back, looking Hou Yi in the eyes "Yes, it will be."


    She could not believe that he was not ming her, and he was open to things happening in the future.Anna then started to question in her own mind what this meant.Was it that he simply wanted s*x again, or was it something deeper, a revealing that he has some feelings for her?As soon as she had that thought, Anna immediately dismissed it as despite it being what she wanted it was impossible that it was the truth, as he only agreed to a marriage to salvage things and stop Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s ns.


    Feeling confident that Anna understood what he was saying, Hou Yi pulled back and sat back down on the chair that he was previously sitting in.


    Phillipa, continued "Now that we have gotten over that, we need to actually deal with the important issues."

 Chapter 159: Wednesdays session - Part 9

    <h4>159 Wednesday''s session - Part 9</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ....


    Phillipa continued "I have to apologise for going back on my word, as I realised when the two of you walked in there was something bothering you.Hopefully we have dealt with that, now herees the hard part.Anna"


    "What do you want me to say."


    "Tell the truth about ¡­"


    Anna, shrunk back into the chair, not being ready to admit the realities of things in her rtionship with Lu Jinhu.


    Hou Yi observed this, and based on Anna''s reaction and what she saidst night, he paused and quietly asked "He has physically hurt you on multiple asions, not just the couple I know about?"


    With that Anna burst out into tears, which to Hou Yi confirmed that he had, and all he could do was move over to Anna, pick her up in his arms, and sit down with her on hisp letting her cry into his chest.He realised that this was raw for Anna.It was breaking his heart to see his wife in so much pain.If he could take the pain of this admission for her he would.


    Hou Yi looked over to Phillipa, who was simply sitting there, silently asking her for help.She shook her head to the silent message he was sending and was almost saying let her go for the moment.


    About 5 minutester Anna, finally started to settle down and was not crying as hard.Hou Yi took her head in his hands, lifted it up to look at him, and using his thumbs wiped the tears away from her eyes."Sweetheart, you have nothing to be ashamed of.You know you are safe with me.Do you want to talk about it?"


    Anna, saw in Hou YI''s eyes, all he wanted to do was keep her safe, and that in telling him what had happened, she would be safe.


    Anna took a couple of deep breaths, and realised as she was doing it, she was sitting on Hou Yi''sp.Thest thing, however, she wanted to do was move.Despite not being certain on how she felt about Hou Yi and their rtionship, she knew at that time if she moved it would impact what could happen to them in the future.That was something she wanted to happen.What that future was, she did not care.


    In a very quiet voice Anna said "I was not ready to admit it.He hit me to get his way.If I refused to do what he wanted, whether that was simply something around the house, going out to do what he wanted, or agreeing to whatever s*xual activity he wanted."


    Anna started to shake in Hou Yi''s arms, and he started to rub a hand down her back, which made her calm down.Damn that b*stard, Hou Yi thought, I wish I had not held backst night and actually hit him, as it would have made him feel better both then and now.


    Anna continued "The worst thing was that it was not a punch likest night that really hurt, except on one asion.The hits, were, unless it rted to s*xual activity, was ps on the hand or on the shoulders.Not to hard but hard enough to send the message which I soon got the message.If me refusal to cooperate was rting to s*xual activities, he always hit me on the backside, and then would im it was part of those activities."


    Anna took a breath, paused, looked at Hou Yi, and gained the strength to continue "None was very hard not causing any real bruising.There was only one time that I refused to cooperate with him, he hit me, and I still refused to cooperate.He told me I had one warning and that I needed to cooperate.I still refused, and then he was savage."


    "He hit me so hard, I fell down and broke my wrist.Lu Jinhu told me at that time, it was my fault, and that I now knew the consequences of refusing him.It was over 18 hourster, after I had engaged in the s*xual activities he wanted, and he had slept that I allowed me to get medical treatment, and I think that was only because I had work, the following morning."


    "He apanied me to the hospital and made it clear that if I told the truth about how my injury urred, then I would face worse.There was no way that I wanted to go through that again, so I cooperated with what he wanted, when he used that so called gentle physical violence as I knew the consequences."


    By the time that she finished telling this, the tears wereing down her face stronger than before.Hou Yi, simply urged her to lean into him and cry as she needed to.Phillipa came over and quietly told Hou Yi, she would collect something to drink from the staff, ande back in.


    About 10 minutester, after Phillipa''s return, Anna finally stopped crying, she was handed a drink, and a cloth to wipe her face with.

 Chapter 160: Wednesdays session - Part 10

    <h4>160 Wednesday''s session - Part 10</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    When Anna calmed down, Phillipa said "I always knew that he had been physically violent, but the first and hardest step is admitting it.While some people would say that knowing specifics is always important about each incident, my view is that it is not.Each incident adds to how you feel and has gotten us to the point where you are."


    Phillipa paused and looked at the two people before her.She could read, how they felt, but knew that she needed to ask the next question."I need you both to be honest.How do you feel about what Anna as said, and what happenedst night.I need this to formte how we will go forward.Anna?"


    Anna took a deep breath "I feel so ashamed.Not only that I allowed him to do everything to me that he did, but the fact that I lies and hid everything from my family and friends.I dismissed any of their concerns, telling them they were imagining things and that he was not abusive towards me.If they observed something, I dismissed it iming it was from an ident, or im that it was from our consensual s*xual activities.If anyone saw anything, I wouldugh it off, and state they did not have to be worried"


    Phillipa, looked at Anna, "Why did you feel ashamed?"


    "I know better.I deal with domestic violence victims at work, helping them with their legal issues and to protect themselves.I ignored it, though in my own rtionship and let it get me to the point that Lu Jinhu controlled my life and was able to ce me in a position that I did nothing.I should have done something and gotten rid of him."


    With that Anna burst out into tears, and Hou Yi again let her lean into his chest, rubbing her back and saying repeatedly "Sweetheart you are not to me.He is.You are safe"


    "Anna, Yi is right.You are not to me, nor should you feel guilty.Lu Jinhu is at fault, and you know that.No one should abuse or manipte a partner.Think about it, remember what you know from your work.You know the answers."


    Everyone stayed quiet until Anna, again had started to calm down.She nodded in response to Phillipa''s statements.


    "Yi, given what Anna has said, how do you feel."


    "Last night I was ready to hurt him physically for hurting Anna, but given what she has revealed I wish I had, despite knowing it achieves nothing.No one has the right to do to another what he has done.He has caused so much harm, but is oblivious to it.He has added to the in-rtionship harm through what he did a fortnight ago outside the Civil Administration Bureau and the Key za Hotel byst night."


    "I feel guilty as I did not step in to stop him hurting herst night.I should have realised what they would do, given what they did at the Key za Hotel and acted to make sure she was safe.Now that I know he used violence or the threat of them to control Anna, if he was here, I would ¡­"By the end Hou Yi was extremely angry.


    "Yi stop that.I know that you are angry, but we do not need you to finish that sentence."Interrupted Phillipa.


    Anna, however heard the words from Hou Yi, and could not believe that he felt guilty."Yi, you have nothing to be guilty for.It is me."


    "No Anna, I did not protect you.I know what the Lu family are like and I did nothing to shield you from him."


    In a firm and determined voice, Phillipa interrupted."Stop trying to take the me.You both are intelligent enough in this area to know that neither of you are to me, but you are doing it.You know Lu Jinhu is to me, as are his parents who enable and support his behaviour and allow him to use power over and above that what he happens."


    Phillipa paused "Now, where we are going.The two of them need to be charged forst night, so you need to contact the police to make a report.To go forward Anna, you also need to contract Victorian Police, and report him for at least the broken arm, as there will be medical records.Tell them everything, and see what they can do.Neither of you can let him get away with it.It has to stop, as he will keep acting here as he believes he can act with impunity."


    "Tomorrow, with you two I will work out the long term strategy, including bringing in a local psychologist I trust to establish the long term counselling timetable, so you can n to move forward.When I am here I will be and additional resource, but you need the long-term stability of a local counselor rather than the short sharp hits I can give you."

 Chapter 161: Public Relations at the Lus - Part 1

    <h4>161 Public Rtions at the Lu''s - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Meanwhile, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, were faced with dealing with the Public Rtions person sent to them by Lu Jinhu''s parents.


    While they were contemting what was about to happen, their butler interrupted their thoughts, and said "Young Master, Young Madam, there is a person who says that were sent by the Master, to deal with matters here.They told me to tell you they had been informed by the Master, that if you refused to see them, that he would be immediately told"


    "Send them in."said Lu Jinhu, and turning to Yang Lin "I guess we have no choice."


    "F**k Hou Yi and that w**re of an ex of yours.We are being punished and should not be."


    "Lin, calm down, let us just see what the proposal is, OK."


    "Fine, but I am not happy with it."


    Before either of them could say anything, they were interrupted by a young woman at the threshold of the lounge room where they were sitting.She was about 5 foot 8 inches high and wearing a bright purple dress topped with a ck jacket and other essories.


    Yang Lin leaned over and whispered to Lu Jinhu "I wonder what she could be persuaded to do, something good for us I imagine."


    Lu Jinhu, started to have a small smile on his face, noting the double meaning him her words.Yang Lin continued "It has been some time since we have been able to persuade someone to join us in bed, I think we could persuade her.We could use the excuse of privacy to get her into our suite."


    Lu Jinhu''s smile grew wider, and he turned and whispered to Yang Lin "Sounds like fun, but we will have to deal with the matter the old man has her here for before convincing her."


    Yang Lin then whispered, "Do not spoil my fun."


    "Young Master and Young Madam Lu, pardon the interruption.My name is Zhi Ning I have drafted what Master Lu has instructed needed to be prepared, and I am here to go over it with you, make the necessary changes and sent it through to be finalised and released."


    "Miss Zhi, we have been speaking about this.While the staff have been with the family for a period of time, we believe we need privacy to discuss this matter.The only ce we can guarantee this is our suite, which has a sitting area that will be sufficient for our needs." Responded Lu Jinhu, calmly, trying to hide the excitement with what he and Yang Lin have nned.


    "Young Master, I do not know if that is appropriate."


    "Miss Zhi, no one including my father will not enter without permission, so we will not be disturbed and no one will be able to say anything until we release the statement.It is the only reason that we are suggesting this.If we thought there was somewhere that could be as secure as it, we would use it, but we do not have such a location."Replied Lu Jinhu.He could however feel Yang Lin, squeezing his hand and he realised that she was excited for what they had nned to happen.


    "If you put it that way, Young Master."


    Having gotten the agreement with Zhi Ning, Lu Jinhu stood up, and helped Yang Lin stand up.Yang Lin responded, "Please follow us." With that they walked across the foyer, and up the stairs and into the master suite, carefully closing the door behind them.While Zhi Ning was not looking, Yang Lin ensured that the door was locked, as thest thing either of them wanted before they could persuade Zhi Ning to join them in s*xual activity is for her to leave or them to be interrupted.


    Zhi Ning, having been fully briefed by CEO Lu as to what his son and daughter-inw would do, positioned her bag with the main camera focused on the bed to record, so CEO Lu could get his ckmail material on these two.Given she was getting $US 20 million for today to secure the ckmail material, along with the promise of legal assistance if it became known, she was willing to put aside her own morals and do this.There were also promises of simr money is she delivered additional ckmail material.


    While removing herptop from the bag, she confirmed that the cameras were working.As she sat on the couch, she opened the electronic version of the press release for editing.


    Yang Lin, slipped off her light blue jacket, and draped it over a table near the door, and slipped off her shoes."Miss Zhi, could I take your jacket.You will be morefortable without it.It might also be more rxing if you slip off your shoes.I will put both of them near the door.We know this will be gruelling to go through, so we want to make sure that you are asfortable as possible."


    "Young Madam¡­"She realised that CEO Lu was right, when he briefed her, and they reached their agreement.Their behaviour disgusted her, but the money was so good.


    "Miss Zhi, I tend to indulge my wife.She is pregnant, and thest thing that I need her to be is further upset, as she is upset with the current situation.Could you please indulge her?"


    "Young Master, if you put it that way."Not trying to be transparent, Lu Jinhu collected her jacket and shoes, sitting them at the door.Zhi Ning, however found it so obvious when she saw that Lu Jinhu saw that she had stockings not tight on, what they will want.

 Chapter 162: Public Relations at the Lus - Part 2

    <h4>162 Public Rtions at the Lu''s - Part 2</h4>


    **Warning contains some explicit references.Contents only suitable for those over 18 years of age**


    Wednesday, continue ...


    Lu Jinhu returned and sat down on one side of her on the couch, but away from Zhi Ning to prevent causing her any suspicions.Zhi Ning due to the discussions with CEO Lu and their n, fully aware that they were getting things somewhat ready if they could persuade her to join them in their so called fun.


    "Miss Zhi, my wife is just sorting a couple of things, and she wille and join us.However we think it is important that you are in the middle of the two of us, so as can work together to sort this out" responded Lu Jinhu.


    Zhi Ning, despite agreeing to this with CEO Lu, who apparently knew somethings about her own sexual background overseas, was still ufortable.She stupidly agreed to a threesome as a university student in the United States and those images got published.Afterwards she had hated what she had done, but the damage had been done.


    CEO Lu, knew of this past, and knew of her need for money to help her ill mother.It was for that reason she agreed to be involved.CEO Lu wanted the evidence to ckmail his son and daughter-inw to control them.That she did not disagree with.


    Being a member of Lu Corporation''s Public Rtions department she knew of the disaster facing Lu Corporation, if not properly handled and them controlled in the future it could end thepany.She was also hopeful if she did a good job here, when the current public rtions department head retired she would be considered for the job.


    "Young Master, Young Madam.The easiest thing, I think is for me to read out the release, and as we go through it amendments can be made.There are limits on that I can do as Master Lu has made it clear that there needs to be certain things in the press release, not only for Lu Corporation, but more importantly for you two.Are you OK with this?"


    Lu Linhu responded, "Go ahead."


    With that Zhi Ning picked up the hard copy of the draft press release.Lu Jinhu turned his head, and saw that his wife has loosened the bed clothes, but was arranging a number of condoms and toys in hidden locations but easily essible.Her opened top revealed that she had removed her bra, and knowing her if she had not already done so she would remove her underpants before re-dressing anding to the couch.


    He turned to listen to Zhi Ning "This press release is issued on behalf of Lu Corporation''s Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu and his wife Yang Lin.While they had not intended to release the news until they had reached the second trimester of her pregnancy, they are d to confirm that Mrs Lu is about 10 weeks pregnant with their first child.This child will be the first grandchild of both the Lu and Yang families."


    "In light of Mrs Lu''s pregnancy announcement, a donation that was about to be made to local maternity services will slightly be altered.Initially they were going to make a one-off donation, however their decision is to establish a trust that will ensure that Maternity services will be avable for all women and will assist in covering their costs.This will be funded from their own personal wealth, rather than anything associated with their families."


    Zhi Ning paused."Before you say anything, your father has the charitable trust in hand and its establishment while being funded by Lu Corporation will not be able to be traced back to them.Based on my instructions he figured that there needed to be additional charitable works, to help mitigate againstst night."


    "Sounds alright" said Yang Lin as she came back and sat on the couch.She made sure that as she sat, she was right next to Zhi Ning."Please continue Miss Ning."


    "As to the events over thest few days involving Mr and Mrs Lu, and Hou Yi, CEO of Hou Enterprises and the woman referred to as his wife.Despite CEO Hou''s statements there has been no public ceremony of evidence provided to confirm this and therefore Mr and Mrs Lu have concerns that a fraud is being perpetrated on the public.Should such evidence be forting they apologise for their concerns and wish Mr and Mrs Hou the best."


    "However, the situation between Mr and Mrs Lu and Mr Hou and Miss Jones, is not as it seems.Mr Lu, while living in Australia was in a rtionship with Miss Jones, that ended badly.Miss Jones mes Mr Lu for the ending of the rtionship.Mr Lu rightfully perused his rights on the breakdown of that rtionship and Miss Jones, now disputes the rightful ims of Mr Lu."


    "Miss Jones further has ndered Mr Lu, through making ims that he was abusive to her in the rtionship.Mr Lu denies any allegations that me was violent and says to Miss Jones that she needs to prove her ims, otherwise he will sue her for everything that she has, and if she is indeed married to Mr Hou, join him in the im, and sue for all his assets.ndering his reputation is what has led to the current situation."


    "As to the incident at the Key za Hotel, Mr Lu was attempting to prevent Miss Jones from stealing hisptop, which was among the assets awarded to him as a result of the ending of their rtion ship in Australia.Miss Jones has no right to thatptop, and she continues to refuse to hand over an asset that legitimately belongs to Mr Lu.Both Mr & Mrs Lu''s actions were designed to secure this asset, that Mr Lu requires for business purposes."

 Chapter 163: Public Relations at the Lus - Part 3

    <h4>163 Public Rtions at the Lu''s - Part 3</h4>


    **Warning contains some explicit references.Contents only suitable for those over 18 years of age**


    Wednesday, continued ...


    "As to the incidentst night at the Charitable Theatre Performance, Mr Lu was exining to an acquaintance the lies and maniption of Miss Jones.These were statements of fact, and Miss Jones interrupted a private conversation."


    "Mrs Lu, frustrated at the ongoing threatsing from Miss Jones, in an underhanded way that are causing psychological harm to her husband, and impacting both on her and her pregnancy, reacted.Her instinct was, and which was fair and reasonable, to simply protect her husband and her family."


    "Mr and Mrs Lu note that after the p, Miss Jones grabbed Mrs Lu''s hand.Mr Lu reacted as he was scared for his wife and their unborn child, particrly as there have been multiple issues with Mrs Lu''s pregnancy, and punched her.While to an outsider the number of punches might seem excessive, but given his protective concerns and knowledge about how Miss Jones can be aggressive, his actions were fair and reasonable.In these circumstances no one should me his reaction."


    "However, to Mr and Mrs Lu, it appears that people have jumped to the wrong conclusions about the whole situation.They reacted without hearing all the correct information and jumped to conclusions about them."


    "Mr Lu overnight made the decision to resign from the board and as Vice-CEO of Lu Corporation, the former with immediate effect and thetter once someone has been appointed to the position.He informed his father, the CEO and Chairman of Lu Corporation of this fact early this morning.Both resignations have been epted on these terms.Mr Lu does not want his reaction in protecting his wife and unborn child to reflect negatively on Lu Corporation, and its employees.It will be CEO Lu''s decision if at any time in the future Mr Lu returns to the Lu Corporation."


    "For the foreseeable future, Mr and Mrs Lu''s primary concern will be dealing with theplications guing Mrs Lu''s pregnancy.They will not answer any questions, and request that the press and the public leave them alone so not to risk Mrs Lu''s pregnancy further.Once her pregnancy is stable or after the birth of their child, whicheveres first, they will then answer questions in this matter."


    "Young Master, Young Madam.Are you alright with this?Is there any changes that you want to make?"


    "Actually, it sounds good.While we would want to be harder on that woman, ¡­"


    "Young Master, that your be a wrong move."


    "Actually Ms Zhi, I was about the say that would be the case.Let my father know that the press release can go and ensure that is sent out."


    "Yes, young master."With a few clicks on her Laptop, Zhi Ning sent out confirmation to the press release, and authorised its release.As she closed theptop, she felt, Yang Lin''s hands working up her thighs, and that Lu Jinhu had his hands at the back of her dress and was starting to undo the zipper.


    Zhi Ning, realised what they were doing.She was grateful she was prepared for this, through her discussions with CEO Lu.She looked at Lu Jinhu and then Yang Lin, and saw that they were both s*xuallt excited.She paused as not to seem too easy, and said "Young Master, Young Madam, Can I take from your actions that you are s*xualy interested in me?"


    "Absolutely" came Lu Jinhu''s response "Are you interested in a threesome, or having s*x with one of us with the other watching?Your choice.By the way it is Jinhu and Lin."By the time he had finished speaking, his words came out heavy with s*xual desire.


    "I am not sure, is it not illegal?"She knew to protect herself if this footage ever got out she had to act as if she was manipted into this


    "It is only you, my husband and me in here", said Yang Lin while slipping her hand into her dress and starting to caress her breasts.


    "I am not sure."


    Lu Jinhu leaned over and whispered "I can smell and see that you are already excited about my wife caressing your breasts.How about what we do is we all get undressed, and you let us y with you a little before you make a final decision."


    "Well Jinhu, I am reluctant but ...," responded Zhi Ning in a shaky voice, knowing this would all protect her.Yang Lin stood up and pulled her to her feet, while Lu Jinhu finished unzippering her dress and undoing her bras.She let the dress drop to her feet, and Yang Lin quickly helped her remove the bra and underpants.


    Yang Lin, and Lu Jinhu quickly threw off their clothes, and as they sat back on the couch, Zhi Ning asked "What do I do?"


    "Just sit there, we are going to do the work for you."With that both Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin reached over and grabbed one of Zhi Ning''s breasts caressing them, until they moved heads in and each took one breast in their mouth sucking them deeply.Yang Lin''s hands roamed over Zhi Ning''s body, and Lu Jinhu immediately went to insert his fingers into her vagina to arouse her further.


    The kept this up about 10 minutes, before Yang Lin reached into a small draw in the side table, before taking a condom out and handing it to Lu Jinhu, who looked at Zhi Ning, and asked "Are you willing?"Given his exact position fully covered her face from view she nodded.Lu Jinhu then opened the condom and slipped it onto his erect p*nis, before prating her.


    Yang Lin gently pushed her down toy on the couch, and positioned herself over Zhi Ning''s mouth, and she realised Yang Lin wanted oral s*x performed on her, which she did.After they climaxed and came down, Yang Lin suggested that they move to the bed.However being conscious of the camera''s shortfalls, Zhi Ning persuaded them to remain at the couch.


    Yang Lin retrieved some of their toys, and performed various acts involving Zhi Ning for three hours including tying her up and using the various toys.


    Eventually Zhi Ning indicted that she needed to leave, and left the house.As soon as she was outside, she called CEO Lu and said "I have the material.You stated for each various act that it would be twenty million US dors.There was 10 different acts, but I am not that greedy.Make it 120 Million for today."


    "I will transfer twenty million now, and when I see the footage, I will pay the remaining 100 million."

 Chapter 164: The Police - Part 1

    <h4>164 The Police - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Back at Hou Yi and Anna''s home.


    Hou Yi, after hearing what Phillipa had to say, carefully stood up and sat Anna back down in a chair, before going to his desk and located the card that Officer Mu had given then just over two weeks earlier.Once he located it, he picked up the telephone and dialed the number on it.


    When there was an answer, Hou Yi "Officer Mu, it is Hou Yi here.I know that you gave my wife some time to consider what she would do, with respect to the statement she gave you at our home."


    "CEO Hou, thank you for calling me.I was in fact going to make contact with you and your wife.We have had 30 people who were presentst night contact us and provided statements as to what they witnessed."


    "Oh"


    "Yes CEO Hou, my superiors have decided that they were going to take the decision out of your wife''s hands on whether to charge Vice-CEO Lu over the Key za Hotel incident, and they are going to charge him overst night."


    "As to Madam Lu, after looking at the Key za Hotel footage and considering the various statements that we have received as tost night that Madam Lu will not be charged.In their view, given Madam Lu''s pregnancy and the past rtionship of Madam Hou with Vice-CEO Lu, that Madam Lu''s actions are exinable."


    "CEO Hou, is it possible for us toe and speak to you and Madam Hou aboutst night?We just need to rify some things before we can finalise the charges."


    "Not a problem Officer Mu, our friend Dr Chen, who was also therest night is visiting us.Do you need to speak to her?"


    "Actually, that would be good.We can never have enough information.I can be at your home in about 15 minutes, if that is convenient for you."


    "I will let the security staff know.We will see you then."


    Hou Yi ended the call and called down to the security desk. "There will in about 15 or so minutes, and Officer Mu here to see us.When he arrives please let Butler Ge know and send him up."


    "Yes CEO Hou."And with that Hou Yi ended the call.


    "Yi tell us what is going on."


    "Let us leave here and go and sit in the lounge, and I will tell you both."


    With that Hou Yi, went over and helped Anna stand up. Phillipa stood up on her own and they walked out of the study, going back towards the lounge.Anna, pulled her hand from Yi''s, lent over and whispered, "I am just going to pop into a bathroom and clean up a little, can you arrange for coffee and a light snack to be provided."


    With than Anna turned and headed to the small powder room under the stairs, to wash her face.Hou Yi, saw Butler Ge, and stopped him."Can you please arrange for coffee and tea to be brought to the lounge along with a light snack.We are expecting Officer Mu in about 15 minutes.I have alerted security that he will being, and can you please bring him in once he arrives."


    With that Hou Yi escorted Phillipa into the lounge, that had been cleaned from their earlier brunch.They both sat down where they had sat previously.


    Phillips, looked at Yi "Are you OK?"


    A somewhat dejected Hou Yi responded "I have to be.I know how I feel, but now I have to focus on Anna.She is the important one, as she needs to know she is safe and protected so she can try and deal with the impacts of what he has done to her."


    "Yi, promise me that you will not ignore how you feel.You cannot help Anna, is you do not deal with how you feel."


    "Pip, the counselor you arrange can help me there, OK.Now let us leave this alone."


    Just as Phillipa was about to say something in return a maid came into the lounge with the tea and coffee and light snack.She sat the tray down on the coffee table and left the lounge.Both Hou YI and Phillipa, concentrated on the tray ced between them.


    Inside she was seething as the Young Master and that woman he called a wife had harmed the lovely Miss Yang.She wanted to do something to help Miss Yang, and give them some humiliation, and figured that she had to wait her chance.She had been feeding whatever little bits of information she could when she could to Miss Yang.


    She knew that she needed to tell her that the Young Master and that w**re appeared to be having some counselling with Dr Chen.That little bit of humiliating news would impact the w**re as it would say she had done something wrong.


    As she arrived at the threshold of the lounge, she noticed Anna about to walk into the lounge.She decided to add a little humiliation and stuck her foot out to trip Anna.Hou Yi rather than looking at the tray, happened to look up and noticed the maid had her foot out, and that Anna was about to be tripped.He immediately stood up, and ran over to prevent Anna from hitting the floor.


    When Anna was safely in his arms, he turned to the maid, and yelled "You are fired.No one does anything like that to my wife."

 Chapter 165: The Police - Part 2

    <h4>165 The Police - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    The maid, annoyed that she had gotten caught with her petty action, that seemed justified at the time.Quickly thinking on her feet."Young Master, it was an ident.I did not mean to do it."


    "I do not care.You are a member of staff and meant to be professional.idents like a broken cup, or dropping something, or forgetting to do a task I can ept, we everyone makes mistakes.That was deliberate, and you intended to hurt my wife.That I will not forgive, and I now do not trust that you will not hurt my wife in the future."Hou YI was extremely angry, and Anna, who was still in his arms and shaking could feel that anger vibrating through his body.


    "But ¡­"


    "There are no buts or second chances with this."Hou Yi paused and noted that Butler Ge was approaching them with Officer Mu in tow.


    Hou Yi, put Anna up on her feet, and whispered to her "Go and sit down, I will be here in a minute."Anna, lent in and kissed Hou Yi on the cheek and walked to the couch sitting down.


    Hou Yi turned to Butler Ge "She is fired.I want her out of the apartment by the end of the day.Given her a normal termination package, plus the amount for termination in lieu of notice.She is a risk to my wife and I and we do not need her around."


    "Yes Sir" responded a shocked Butler Ge.Butler Ge, grabbed the maid''s arm, and pulled her away.


    Hou Yi turned to Officer Mu, "Apologies for that Officer Mu, it was a minor domestic matter.Please follow me."


    With that Hou Yi and Officer Mu walked over.Hou Yi sat down next to Anna, and Officer Mu on the spare chair.Officer Mu turned to Phillipa, and asked "Are you Dr Chen?"


    "I am."


    "CEO and Madam Hou, Dr Chen, when I spoke to CEO Hou on the phone, the decision was to charge Vice-CEO Lu, regardless of whether you Madam Hou agreed, over the Key za assault.They also decided to charge both of them overst night.However the situation has now changed"


    "Vice-CEO and Madam Lu, through Lu Corporation released a press statement over what has urred, and through theirwyers provided statements over both incidents.Both squarely me Madam Hou for everything."


    Officer Mu looked at the three people, realising that they all expected this, so he continued "Their ims include you have stolen items including aptop awarded to Vice-CEO Lu as a consequence of Australian court orders, and ndered him through making unfounded allegations that he abused you."


    "Due to these allegations, my superiors have determined that they have to further investigate matters before determining who will be charged.Their current position is to charge you with making a false report, theft and criminal nder Madam Hou, as they do not believe you have been the victim of abuse by Vice-CEO Lu."


    Anna took a deep breath, to prevent the tears from falling down, but before she can say anything Phillipa, spoke "Officer Mu, I am not certain if you know my specialty.I am one of the world''s leading experts on, intimate partner or domestic violence.It is well known I have been friends with CEO Hou for over 10 years, my expert opinion having spoken to Madam Hou is that she is the victim of domestic violence."


    "Dr Chen, there is no evidence of such abuse, and given your friendship with CEO your opinion is worthless."


    "Officer Mu, do not get me angry.I disclosed my friendship with CEO Hou simply to be upfront with you.That is not the reason that I am here today.CEO Hou engaged my services to provide his wife with support in dealing with the consequences of dealing with the reality of her former rtionship with Mr Lu."


    "My clinical opinion, and my doctoral degree is in psychology, is that she is the victim of the abuse she has publicly revealed.Further, during clinical treatment she has revealed at least one incident of physical abuse where there is some evidence."


    "Her experiences are textbook for such victims.They me themselves, and often do not report or disclose the abuse for years.She mes herself she the abuse, and her education and life in a western country does not prevent her from suffering such abuse.If you need it, I can give you a professional report with my opinion, but I reiterate my position in that she is not lying about the abuse."


    "Dr Chen ¡­"


    "Officer Mu there is no in-between here.Ultimately this wille down to Lu Jinhu and Anna''s words for the police to decide who is telling the truth.Anna''s education and profession would make her less likely to lie to the police due to the consequences."


    Anna, given Phillipa''s statements, was empowered to speak "And by the way, any entitlements that Lu Jinhu might have are in dispute.There is further court that revoke the orders your are referring to, and have ordered professional analysis of signatures to determine if they are forged or not.The analysis is being done currently, as I know I did not sign the original documents.

 Chapter 166: The Police - Part 3

    <h4>166 The Police - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Officer Mu was stunned at thements of both Phillipa and Anna.He realised that the situation was moreplicated than he had thought.Clearly there were two different sides to the story.While there was evidence that supported the ims of CEO Hou and his wife, that she was assaulted, the problem was the ims from Vice-CEO Lu and his wife.


    To Officer Mu, personally he believed Madam Hou''s version of the events, especially in light of Dr Chen''s willingness to provide a professional report confirming her view that there was violence.However, he knew that he was between a rock and a hard ce.Just as he arrived, he received a call from his superiors that made it clear that he had no choice to arrest Madam Hou.


    He really wondered why they would not let the investigation y itself out, but he was guessing that his superiors were more worried about the might of the Lu and Yang families together, rather than annoying the Hou Family.He did not like it but knew that he had no choice but to follow orders.The question was how is he going to do this?


    Officer Mu, took a deep breath."CEO Hou, Madam Hou, Dr Chen.I have heard what you have had to say.However, before I arrived here I have received orders that I have to arrest Madam Hou on charges of theft, nder, provocation of a public disturbance and wasting of police time.I have been informed that there are additional charges likely to beid, but this will be advised to you by the officer in charge of this investigation, at the police station."


    He took a breath then continued "I am now going to inform you of your rights.Anything that you say will be used against you in the proceedings before the court.As thew here deems you a citizen of this country and despite you travelling on an Australian Passport you are not entitle to any consr assistance from the Australia Embassy, until such time as you appear before the court."


    "Due to the operation of thew here which prevents a qualifiedwyer of any country from being entitled to legal representation being with them at questioning, you have no right to awyer being present.Further, you will be required to answer all questions which will be put to you during such questioning, or you will face further charges for failure to cooperate."


    "You are also required, given the allegation of theft to hand over all items that you brought with you from Australia.These items will be handed over to who we deem to be the owner of the items at such time as we deem it appropriate.Further you must surrender your Australian Passport to us."


    "Finally, and I hate to do this CEO and Madam Hou, there is a further allegation that you both ckmailed the jewellers Fengs to illegally hand over the rings that you are wearing.Apparently Vice-CEO an Madam Lu had ordered the rings, subject to their final approval.I have to request you remove them, and hand them over until their ims can be investigated."


    By the end of Officer Mu''s statement, Anna was inplete shock, and Hou Yi was ready to hurt anyone.


    In an extremely angry voice "Forget it Officer Mu.Firstly, my wife will be remaining here.If your superiors want her arrest her, they cane here to do that.They do not send a messenger to do this.Secondly, my wife''s personal items will not be surrendered, she will not hand over her clothes camera and phone, nor the items belonging to her Australia Employers in her possession."


    "Our rings will not being off our finger. Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, attempted to ckmail the staff at Feng''s to gain the rings that we selected as she desired them.There if video footage of this and the staff will confirm this.Finally nothing will happen until our personalwyers get here."


    With that, Hou Yi carefully moved Anna away from Officer Mu, and pulled out his mobile telephone and made a call.


    All anyone could here was Hou Yi''s side of the call "Hou Yi here.We need someone, that deals with criminalw here at my home immediately.The police want to arrest my wife."


    There was a few seconds of silence, followed by "Thank you" before Hou Yi ended the call.


    Hou Yi turned to Officer Mu "Well are you getting a superior here or not, to exin why there is the intention to arrest my wife?"


    "CEO Hou, I would not be surprised if they are not downstairs.They anticipated it may be an issue, and when they informed me I was to arrest Madam Hou, they indicated they would be here in 20 minutes."

 Chapter 167: The Arres

    <h4>167 The Arres</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Before anyone could further respond, Butler Ge walked into the lounge and approached Hou Yi "Young Master.There are a number of police officers down stairs requiring immediate entry to the apartment.Security need your confirmation that they can send them up."


    "Butler Ge, then can wait until my personalwyers arrives, and all of them can be shown up together.Can you please arrange for someone to gather all of my wife''s personal items from our suite, and apparently the police wish to seize them, and ce on my study her handbag,ptop and tablet please."


    "Yes Sir."


    "Officer Mu, I can see that you are angry.You have requested items, and my staff have to gather these.Your superiors will be let up when my personalwyer arrives, which should be in the next 10 minutes, by which time the items you have requested are gathered or put into the custody of mywyer."


    Hou YI manoeuvred Anna over away from Phillipa and Officer Mu.He leaned in "Do not worry.I will do everything I can to prevent this, but as you know we have to cooperate with the legal system.You will be vindicated in the long run, but presently we simply have to go with the system."


    Hou Yi, then gently kissed Anna on the lips, intending to pull away quickly.Anna was having none of this, and grabbed his head between her hands and kept it there deepening the kiss.Eventually, she let go of Hou Yi''s face and they pulled apart, pressing their foreheads together, and looking into each other''s eyes.


    Anna and Hou Yi were in a world of their own, until Phillipa came over and touched Anna on the shoulder "Anna, do not worry.I''ll immediately do a report that will assist, and can you authorise Yi to get the information about your broken arm sent here as we will need it.We will get you out as soon as possible."


    Before they would say much else, everyone was interrupted again by Butler Ge."Young Master, Young Madam, your personalwyer has arrived, and is being apanied up by two police officers."


    "Show them in when they arrived please," responded Hou Yi.


    With that, Hou Yi, Anna, and Phillipa returned back to sit down.Within a few seconds in strolled two more police officers in their uniforms, and man in a suit.He walked over to Hou Yi "CEO Hou, I am Alister Nang, and I have been assigned to assist you in this matter."


    "Nice to meet you."


    With that Alister Nang, turned to the three officers."Gentleman, I am Alister Nang, one of the personalwyers for CEO and Madam Hou.Now what exactly is going on here?"


    "Lawyer Nang, as Madam Hou is a qualifiedwyer, you know she has no rights to awyer under thew.We are arresting her for charges of theft, fraud, making false statements, nder, and wasting police time.Step out of the way so we can arrest Madam Hou or we will be arresting you.We will be taking anyptop or electronic device, Madam Hou''s passport and personal items, and the rings that she and CEO Hou are wearing."


    Alister Nang immediately responded."The electronic items and Madam Hou''s passport will be ced in safekeeping at our office until you produce a Warrant for their seizure.CEO and Madam Hou will not be handing over their rings, as we can produce the evidence they were legitimately purchased."


    "We also ce you on notice that all charges will be defended against Madam Hou, and we will be applying to the courts to have this matter dealt with as quickly as possible.Further, we will require that once Madam Hou is charged, that she be released."


    "Lawyer Nang, you have no ability to dictate any terms.We have told you what will be happening, now, you can cooperate, or you will be facing charges.Either ensure that those electronic items are brought to us now, and," and turning to CEO Hou "and hand over your ring.Madam Hou, will be handing over her rings at the police station, as she will have no choice."


    Hou Yi turned to Anna and looked at her, she realised that there was no option but to cooperate with the police "Sir, I am happy to hand over my camera.However, my Australian Mobile Phone, Tablet and Laptop are the property of my Australian employers.My employment terms enable my to use their worldwide, but I must insure them, and protect the data within it and that it can ess.My personalptop, is still in Australia, and Lu Jinhu has control of that."


    "Madam, you are required to turn over all electronic devices.We do not give a damn about who owns them.You possess them, and until evidence is provided to the contrary, they will be returned to Vice-CEO Lu possession immediately, as the evidence we have is that these are his items and you have stolen them."


    With that Officer Mu and the other two police officers came over, roughly pulled Anna up ,a enforced her hands behind her back and ced handcuffs on the.They immediately dragged off her wedding and engagement rings.One officer walked over to Hou Yi, and tried to remove his wedding ring, but he reacted preventing this from happening.


    The officer who had been speaking said "You have 1 hour to surrender the electronic devices to the police station, or we wille back and seize everything in this apartment."


    With that Anna was roughly escorted to the elevator by the police and taken down stairs.Officer Mu and the other officer who had not been speaking, marched Anna passed the press.


    The officer who had been speaking, paused and said "We have arrested a Miss Anna Jones, on charges of theft, fraud, making false statements, nder, and wasting police time.The charges stem from the break-down of her previous rtionship with Vice-CEO Lu.Once she is processed and before the courts, we will release further information as to the charges before the court."

 Chapter 168: The Police Station

    <h4>168 The Police Station</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Anna was pushed roughly in front to the press into a police car, to be driven to the police station.She noticed out of the corner of her eye, Hou Yi, Phillipa and Alister Nang all exited the elevator, and a car was called toe up for them.Anna realised that they would be following the police car to get to a police station as soon as possible after she arrived there.


    As they moved out of Anna''s sight, Anna realised that Officer Mu and the other officers had all entered the car.While she could read the looks on Officer Mu''s face, in that he was sorry about what was happening, the other two seemed determine to make everything difficult for her.


    Anna realised that Lu Jinhu wanted her workptop to ess the work systems it could ess.That meant he could even ess clients funds with ease.While he always waned money Anna could not believe that he was stooping that low.


    Anna, sat quietly in the back of the police car, as she had no ability to fight at this time.She had to cooperate.It was so hard for her to believe, that only a few hours ago, there were possibilities for her rtionship with Hou Yi, and her process for getting revenge on Lu Jinhu was in motion.He had been humiliated, exposed for what he was, and the court case in Australia would mean that he did not achieve his goals.


    However, she should have realised that he would not take things without reacting.He would strike back.He always did at her, when he did not get his own way, but to friends and acquaintances.Why would now be different.And this was more than simply revenge.It was now about destroying her life.


    She knew that she had no option but to advise ANX of the allegations as soon as she was able to, and that would immediately suspend her ability to practice as awyer, pending the resolution of the matter.Depending on how the authorities viewed the allegations and the oue, it couldpletely end her career.


    More importantly, the allegations were made to target Hou Yi as well.While there was only one directed at him, it was being yed that she was the person at fault.It was like he was telling that friendst night, ying out that she had duped Hou Yi, which would in turn destroy Hou Enterprises.


    Anna kept thinking about how deal with it and protect everything.She really had no idea but had to fight fire with fire as much as she could.Anna just stared nkly out the car window, not really paying attention to the buildings as they went by.


    Anna was jolted out of her daze, when the vehicle slowed down and came to a stop, and when she looked out the window, she realised that she had arrived at the police station.The doors of the vehicle opened quickly, and Anna found herself being pulled out roughly.She looked behind the vehicle and noticed Hou Yi and Alister Nang getting out of a vehicle that pulled up slightly behind the police car.Anna felt relief as she knew that help would be close at hand.


    What was humiliating, is that the press that were at the apartment must have called others, as there was a huge press pack outside the police station, firing question after question at Anna.To Anna clearly Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, wanted to ensure that more and more humiliation was ced on her, and to destroy Hou Enterprises.


    As soon as the press realised that Hou Yi had arrived they abandoned Anna, and headed straight to Hou Yi, firing questions at him.Alister Nang made it clear that no questions would be answered at this time, and the timing of a press conference would be announcedter in the day.


    Anna lost sight of Hou Yi as she was dragged through the front door of the police station, and forced through the foyer behind the counter, to an interview room.


    The two officers who arrived after Officer Mu at the apartment came into the room, shutting the door behind them.They both sat down but made no effort to touch the recording equipment in the room, which was simr to what Anna had seen in Australian Police Stations.


    The officer who has spoken at the apartment, said "We are now going to interview you, and you will give us the answers we want."

 Chapter 169: The Police Interview - Part 1

    <h4>169 The Police Interview - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Anna, stared at the police officers, and in a hard voice "I am fine to be interviewed, but I will not be interviewed until I know that this interview is being recorded, and I will be provided with a copy of that recording."Anna paused and pointed her head at the equipment "And I know that that equipment is designed to records the interview."


    With that, the officer who had spoken stood up, and pped Anna across the face."You b**ch, you cannot dictate to us what we do."


    "You have no right to hit me.All I have asked for is a reasonable particrly since the equipment is there.All I have asked if for you record the interview and provide me with a copy of that recording.That is not unreasonable in all the circumstances.I have not said that I will not cooperate with the interview."Her voice was still hard, but a real determined edge came into it.She was determined that they would not get the best of her.


    With that the officer again stood up, and pped Anna across her face and then punched her in the shoulders.Anna knew how much that these all hurt, but she knew that if she did not stand her ground, then nothing would be recorded, and it would be presented that she admitted to everything.Anna knew to herself that it was a setup and she needed to protect herself.


    "Fine b**ch, you will get your way.We will record this on DVD and on USB.You will get copies of both.I do not have the f**king time to waste with a waste of space like you.I know what the truth is and you are only lying."


    With that he stormed out of the room, while the other officer who had been quiet, reached into a draw and pulled out 5 DVDs and three USB sticks and inserted them all onto the machine.They sat there quietly waiting for a few minutes until the first officer returned.As he mmed the door behind him, he stalked back to the chair and sat down then nodded to the other officer who pressed several recording buttons.


    "This is an interview being conducted by Inspector Gang, number 486589, and ¡­"


    "Senior Officer Fang, number 517233¡­"


    "with Miss Anna Jones.Can you identify yourself for the recording."


    "Jones is my maiden name, I am married, and I go by Anna Hou or Hou Anna depending on where in the world you are."Anna''s voice still had the hard and determined tone in it.


    "Excuse me Miss Jones, you were asked to confirm your identity?" spat out Inspector Gang.Anna determined there and then that Senior Officer Fang, was only there because he had to be.Inspector Gang was in charge, and unless she said what he wanted to hear he would react.


    "Sir I was doing that.I have recently married, and as yet all my identity documents have not been changed or issued here in Country X.My name is Anna Hou, but in my working life, in Australia I still use my maiden name, which is Anna Jones."


    "Miss Jones, we are going to put it to you, that you have not married.I cannot locate anything to confirm that nor has there been a wedding ceremony."


    "Inspector Gang, this question has in fact been determined by Immigration Officials tomorrow fortnight ago.My Husband, the CEO of ¡­"


    "Miss Jones, I do not need know about your husband.I tell you there is nothing that confirms your marriage."


    "Inspector Gang, it is Mrs Hou, not Miss Jones.I am not here in my professional capacity and I expect to be addressed as I should be.If you stop interrupting me, I can answer your questions, but you need to give me the opportunity to do so."By now Anna was so annoyed she had to be careful that her tone did not reveal this but remained hard and determined.


    "Miss Jones, do not tell an officer of thew what to do."


    "Inspector Gang, I am not telling you what to do.I am simply stating a fact, you are not giving me the opportunity to answer the questions that you are putting.If you want, despite not knowing the legal system here I can quiet easily use my skills and make you look stupid.I am not ¡­"


    "What, did you just call me stupid."Inspector Gang spat out almost screaming it.


    Anna remained calm as anything, enjoying the game that she was able to y with Inspector Gang.He struck her as someone promoted and given a desk job, simply to keep him away from the public.She had no time for police like that, as they were easily influenced.


    She briefly paused and continued calmly. "No Inspector Gang, I did not call you stupid.As I was trying to say I was not calling you stupid, but if you keep going the way that you are, I will use all my skill and it will make you look stupid."


    With this, Anna knew that she had Inspector Gang incensed, as he screamed "Answer the f**king question I put to you."

 Chapter 170: The Police Interview - Part 2

    <h4>170 The Police Interview - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued...


    With that Inspector Gang turned to Senior Officer Fang, and quietly asked "What was the question I had asked?"


    Anna heard the quiet response "You asked her about her name, and then when she imed she was married you stated that she was lying."


    "Miss Jones, we are going to start again.What is your name?"


    Anna, had to stop herself from smirking as she knew she had Inspector Gang, and Senior Officer Fang was totally disinterested in the process.


    "As I was trying telling you Inspected Gang, I married a fortnight ago to Hou Yi, the CEO of Hou Enterprises.We so far have only received our marriage certificate and intend in the Australian Spring or Summer to have a formal ceremony in my home town in Australia.I therefore, other than in a work context use my married name as Anna Hou, or as it is said here Hou Anna."


    "Miss Jones, I again put it to you that you are lying about your identity, you are not married."


    "Inspector Gang, I am married.My husband has our marriage certificates and household registers stored safely, and the question of the validity of my marriage was resolved by the local Immigration Department tomorrow fortnight ago.If you feel that they were conned, feel free to talk to them.They were satisfied that my husband and I could prove that we were married, and consequently I was deemed by the operation of thew to be a citizen."


    "That is aplete lie, Miss Jones."


    "Inspector Gang, I am happy to arrange with my husband for all the evidence we provided copies of to the Immigration Department to be made avable to you.If it was enough to satisfy them, then I hope it should be sufficient to satisfy you."


    "As I told you Miss Jones, do not tell me what to do."He again was almost to a screaming point.


    Anna was so pleased that she could get him to this point as it was obvious that this was simply pushed by Lu Jinhu and Yang Ling to promote their agenda.Did they not thing that this would ruin them, as she knew the process and will twist police officers around to the point that they will turn on people that bribe and influence them into illegal actions.


    "Inspect Gang.All I said, and by the way I am being quite calm about this, was that I would arrange for my husband to provide copies of all the evidence we provided the Immigration Department, which they found satisfactory.If I overstepped my bounds in saying I hoped that it would be enough to satisfy you, then I apologise.All I was doing was saying what I hoped for., nothing more."


    "Just stop telling me what to do."This was spat out.


    This was so good.Inspector Gang was looking like aplete idiot, and even if the charges were not dropped the interview would bepletely useless to them and support any defence that was run focusing on police behaviour.All she had to do, Anna reminder herself was not get too cocky and smug during the interview and remain calm, but with that hard, determined undertone in her voice.


    "Inspector Gang, Senior Officer Fang, I am not sure of the answer that you are looking for the first question that you asked.I keep telling you the truth, and you reject the truth."


    With that Inspector Gang, exploded.He stood up and mmed the table and screamed "F**king tell me your name."


    "Inspector Gang, I have told you my name is, Anna Hou or as it is said here Hou Anna.You do not ept my answer."


    "Tell me the f**king truth.You are Anna Jones"


    "Inspector Gang, I told you since my marriage I only use my maiden name for professional reasons.In all other contexts I use my married name.My ¡­"


    "As I have f**king told you are not married."


    Anna noted internally how hard it was not to smirk at the behaviour going on right before her eyes.She knew that her initial impressions about Inspector Gang were correct.He had been promoted to keep him away from the public and at a desk.He really had no skills in interviewing people.She did, however, wonder how he got involved in this case.


    "Inspector Gang, if you do not want to ept my answers, that is your right, and if you believe that I have lied, you can charge me.I am married.The name I use in all contexts other than when I am working is Anna Hou or Hou Anna, my maiden name is Anna Jones, and I use that professionally."


    "So, you admit that you have lied?"Responded Inspector Gang with a smirk, thinking that he had caught Anna in a lie.


    "Inspector Gang, I have not lied.As I have repeatedly told you, other than in a professional work context and then only in Australia.This is because to change it there will be a difficult,plicated and time-consuming process.It also appears on my Australian identify documents as I have not been in Australia for a long enough time to arrange for them to be re-issued in my married name.Otherwise everywhere else, I am and will be called by my married name."

 Chapter 171: The Police Interview - Part 3

    <h4>171 The Police Interview - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Anna paused as she knew what she was about to say would be seized on, but it needed to be said, while maintaining her hard, determined tone."However, this interview is just going in circles making you look stupid, so I proceed with this interview with you addressing me as Miss Jones, because I doubt that you will ept anything else."


    "Thank you for admitting that you have lied.You are Anna Jones, and I have you on record admitting that you have lied to the police.I am now telling you that in addition to the other charges that I will be charging you with after this interview, you will also be charged with lying to police in a formal interview."Inspector Gang looked so pleased that he could do this.


    "Inspector Gang, I have not admitted that I have lied.All I have said, is that I will proceed with the interview with you addressing me as Miss Jones, simply because you will not ept realities.How you can take that as I have admitted to lying to the police, that is a step too far."


    "What did I tell you about directing what happens in this interview.And also what did I tell you about calling me stupid."


    "Inspector Gang, I am not dictating to you.I have stated a reality.I can prove everything that I have said once I leave this interview.It may take a little bit of time to gather everything, but it will be done."


    "Shut up.I am in control of this interview."


    Anna was so happy that Inspector Gang has been driven to be out of control through her words and tone.The interview will be useless, and they will have little option but to drop everything.Thank goodness he was so stupid that he could not see what was happening right in front of him, and that he had been manipted by those two idiots.


    Anna knew, despite everything they had done, this is absolutely going to bring them down, it was just how long before this happened.Anna just hoped it would be soon, as she could move forward with Hou Yi, and confess to him how she really felt, as she would be hopeful that he would believe her words.


    It was only at that point that Senior Officer Fang realised that Inspector Gang was getting out of control in the interview.He leaned over and quietly said "Inspector Gang, do you wish me to conduct this interview."


    "No, I f**king do not.You are here because I need a second officer, and you know well enough to sit there and let me do my job."


    "Fine Inspector Gang, I just wanted to help"


    "Well you are not f**king helping.Just sit there and shut up."


    Anna could not believe it.Inspector Gang was so gone, through only hearing the truth which he would not ept, she knew that she was totally in control of the interview.Senior Officer Fang had recognised this and attempted to take some control so that they could take it back but given the direct order from his superior there was nothing he could do.Inspector Gang was so erratic and out of control that he could not take the help offered, not only condemning the interview but most likely their whole investigation.


    Anna was so pleased with herself getting it to this point, so quickly, that it was almost impossible not to smirk given what was happening, but she stopped herself.Revenge, starting with this interview, will as Anna know be sweet.


    "Miss Jones, Now I put it to you, yesterday fortnight ago, at the Key za Hotel, you were requested to hand to a Mr Lu Jinhu, aptopputer that you had in your possession?"


    "That is correct."


    "Did you hand thatptop over to Mr Lu Jinhu?"


    "It is not Mr Lu Jinhu''sptop.It belongs to my employers who require me when travelling to have it with me in case they urgently require me to do work remotely."


    "That was not the question that I asked.I asked you a question that can be answered with a simple yes or no.Did you hand that Laptop over to Mr Lu JInhu when requested?"


    "As I said, thatptop belongs to my employers, who require me to have it with me when traveling in case they require work to be done remotely.I can ¡­"


    "Give me the yes or no answer to the question.Did you hand theptop over to Mr Lu Jinhu when told to do so?"


    "Inspector Gang, it is not a yes or no answer question.It is not myptop to hand over to Mr Lu Jinhu.I could only hand it over to him at the direction of my employers as they own it.I only have the use of it until they rece it.I can offer then to purchase it as a second-hand item.It is only at that time that it would be mine, and I have not had such an offer."


    "So, you admit that you did not hand over theptop?"


    "If you are going to ignore the fact that I had no right to do so, then you have your answer."

 Chapter 172: The Police Interview - Part 4

    <h4>172 The Police Interview - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    With that answer Inspector Gang, had a smirk, as he seemed to believe that he had the evidence to prove that Anna had stolen theptop.


    "Miss Jones.I have a copy of legitimately issued consent orders, from the Australian Family Law Courts which, based on the evidence I have, were signed by you.In those orders, you agreed that anyptop in your possession, regardless of its underlying ownership, on the breakdown of your rtionship with Mr Lu Jinhu was his.Your refusal, to hand over theptop deprived Mr Lu Jinhu of his legitimate property.Under thews here, you have admitted to theft."


    "I have not.And I am now going to give you a little education as to the Australian Law that you are relying on."


    "Australian Law does not matter.Thew here says that those orders are enforceable as soon as they are made, so as I have said, your refusal to hand over theptop that the orders deem to be Mr Lu Jinhu''s property is theft as you have deprived him of his legitimate property."


    "If you want to use those orders to say that I am guilty of theft, you need to understand Australian Law."


    "As I said, I do not need to listen to you.Australian Law has no applicability here."


    "Well I am going to say what I need to say, unless you want toe out, when I supply all the documents that will make this allegation ¡­"


    "Miss Jones, watch your mouth.It is not an allegation, it is a proven fact."


    "OK well, if you want to call it a ''proven fact'' you can, I simply will refer to it as the statement."


    By now Anna realised how much she was enjoying this sparing with the police.For her the best thing was that she was doing nothing that stating theplete truth, and Inspector Gang was so stupid enough to recognise that he has been yed.


    "You cannot refer to it as anything other than the proven fact.You have admitted that you did not hand over theptop to, its owner under Australian Law, which is theft here."


    "Inspector Gang, technically Lu Jinhu was not the owner of theptop until after the appeal ¡­"


    "No" screamed Inspector Gang "Mr Lu Jinhu was the owner the orders say he was, and therefore youmitted theft.He told me he is the owner, and the documents he supplied say that he is the owner.You cannot argue against that, you liar."


    Anna knew with that statement that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin had certainly gotten to Inspector Gang and most likely Senior Officer Fang.That was something that could be used to crush them, and soon.Now, to see if there can be some other admissions that could even bring down Lu Corporation.


    "Inspector Gang, please do not scream at me ¡­"


    "I will do what I f**king want, this is my f**king interview, and you have to answer my questions to my satisfaction.I know the f**king answers, and you must give me the right answers.If you keep doing what you are f**king doing, you do not know what I will do."


    The imaginary bell was ringing in Anna''s head.The interview was now a confirmed train wreck.There was the admission that he had been told things by Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, and that he was not open to anything other than what he believed.Anna had to thank her lucky stars that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were so stupid.


    "Hit me like you did before the interview started to be recorded, because I simply asked for it to be recorded."


    "What!Do not lie."


    "Inspector Gang, I am not lying.You hit me simply because I asked for this interview to be recorded, given the existence of the recording equipment in this room.Now you have told me I have to give you the answers that you want.ording to what you said you have the right answers, and that I must give you them or there will be consequences.Do you mind me asking where you got the right answers?"


    "Do not f**king make statement to me.You must give me the right answers to the questions I want.Stop begin smart, I got the right answers from people I trust, Lu Jinhu, Yang Lin, and I verified everything with Lu Corporation and CEO Lu.They are people we can trust, you are a nobody, who has manipted and fooled a previously respected businessman, who now looked like an idiot."


    Anna simply could not believe her luck.That was how far Inspector Gang was gone, from being reasonable and logical.He admitted that Lu Corporation and CEO Lu are in on trying to bring her down.That had to be about destroying Hou Enterprises, and that was information that Yi could use to bring down Lu Corporation.

 Chapter 173: The Police Interview - Part 5

    <h4>173 The Police Interview - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Anna told herself that it was getting harder and harder not to smirk and gloat about how stupid Inspector Gang was, and how this was going to make the destructionplete for Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, and now potentially Lu Corporation and CEO Lu.Could she push and get anything more?Well it was worth a try, nothing ventured nothing gained.


    "So, Inspector Gang, you are telling me that I have to answer as you want, regardless of whether that is a lie or not.That also tells me that you do not want anything other than yes or no answer.Nothing is ck and white so ¡­"


    "Now you have it b**ch, you answer yes or no only.Any answer other than that will have consequences.Do you get me?"


    Anna realised that Inspector Gang was at breaking point, and that he was refusing to pay attention to Senior Officer Fang, despite his attempts to stop him from not only getting angry but letting the interview get out of control.He could now not help opening his mouth and making statements that not only condemned him, but Lu Jinhu, Yang Lin, Lu Corporation and CEO Lu.


    "Inspector Gang, I do not appreciate being called a b**ch.I am not a female dog."


    "You are whatever I deem you to be."With that, before Senior Officer Feng could do anything, Inspector Gang reached across the interview table and pped Anna on the face.


    "Now do you get that there are consequences for your refusal to do what you are told.Answer my damn question?"


    "Inspector Gang.Given you have pped me for a third time, this time unlike the previous two times during the formal interview.Do you really expect that I will answer questions?And by the way, who told you the questions and the answers?I am questioning why I should cooperate?"


    "You have no choice.You answer my damn questions to my satisfaction, otherwise you will be spending a significant amount of time in our jails.They will love getting their hands on awyer, as none of them like your kind.And by the way I worked though my questions with CEO Lu, who aided me with the evidence to prove your lies, so I know the answers, and you better cooperate, or I will tell him, and he will make things worse for your so-called husband in a business context."This was all screamed out as Inspector Gang was totally out of it, and now irrational.


    Thank you, Inspector Gang, they are all over and done with.It is everything I need that can prove now the involvement of Lu Corporation, so my husband and I can bring it and its CEO down as well, whenever we want.From your own actions I have to prove nothing as this is a police interview and you made the admissions of them attempting to manipte the police investigation.


    Anna decided that she needed to get some sense in this interview, and still appear to remain cooperative with the police.She said, still with the hard, determined undertone in her voice that she had been using all interview "Senior Officer Fang.I will only answer questions that you are willing to put to me.Inspector Gang has threatened me in addition to physically ¡­"


    "B**ch, he is not here to ask you questions.He is only here because a second officer must be present when males are interviewing female prisoners.If that was not the rules, it would be only you and me here."Again, Anna observed how out of control Inspector Gang was.Just keep doing it, as you are now adding to the actions I can take against people.


    "As I was saying I will answer any questions you ask Senior Officer Fang, Inspector Gang ¡­"


    With that Inspector Gang, stood up, pushed his chair back, and ran around the table.He grabbed Anna up, and mmed her into the wall of the interview room."F**king do what you are told.I know the answers and you will give me the answers I want."


    He then mmed Anna again into the wall.This second mming of her into the wall caused her to fall to the ground.Her instinct as was to curl up into as small as a ball as possible.Inspector Gang was so out of control he started to kick Anna, who was now, almost unconscious on the floor.


    As soon as Inspector Gang had passed him, Senior Officer Fang, realised what was about to happen.He knew it would take at least three officers to restrain Inspector Gang, so he pressed the panic button and opened the interview room.


    Four officers came running into the room within seconds and were stunned by the sight.Inspector Gang, kicking repeatedly a woman prisoner.They after a few seconds to take in the scene, moved quickly and pulled Inspector Gang away from Anna.


    Once they had his hands behind his back, they ced handcuffs on him, and dragged him out of the interview room shouting "You b**ch, you have not answered my questions correctly.You damn well must.That is just a taste of what I will give you if you do not answer my questions correctly."

 Chapter 174: The Police Interview - Part 6

    <h4>174 The Police Interview - Part 6</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    When the interview door opened, Alister Nang and Hou Yi positioned themselves outside the interview room, and took in the scene.Hou Yi realised that his wife had yed the officer that was being pulled off her, to the point that he snapped and assaulted her.While he was proud of his clever wife, he wished that she had not taken it to that extreme. Thest thing he wanted is for to be hurt again.


    Senior Officer Fang, came to the door, and asked for an ambnce to be called to take Anna to hospital to have her examined for injuries.By this time, Hou Yi had pushed his way to his wife, and Alister Nang, was standing at the table.Hou Yi knelt down and took her hand in his, telling her that he was here, and that she would be alright.


    He immediately noticed that the recording machines were still going, so he knew, based on the document Hou Yi gave him, and were emailed to him that he could deal with most of the issues, he just hoped that the officer in question was reasonable.


    "Officer ¡­."


    "I am Senior Officer Fang, sir, and you are?"


    "Senior Officer Fang, I am a personalwyer for CEO and Madam Hou, Alister Nang.Firstly, can you remove the handcuffs from Madam Hou.In the circumstances that is not an unreasonable request."


    "Mr Nang, we will remove them when she is taken to hospital."


    "Senior Officer Fang, I have copies for you to keep and originals for you to sight of some documents, and other things in email form, which I believe will assist in your investigations into these false ims against Madam Hou."


    "Firstly here are the copies of CEO and Madam Hou''s marriage certificate and household registers.And now let me show you the originals.Would you agree that the copies I have handed you are the same as the originals?"


    "I would, Mr Nang."


    Alister Nang continued "CEO Hou will arrange to be emailed to you the filmed footage of the obtaining of their marriage certificate, which should remove any doubt as to their marriage."


    "Secondly, I can email to you sealed copies from the Australian Family Law Courts of orders made Monday week ago in Melbourne where Madam Hou, and anotherwyer from her firm appeared.I am not an expert on Australian Family Law, like Madam Hou, but I have been able to find out that despite orders being able to be implemented immediately after they were made, there is an appeal period against orders."


    "Madam Hou appealed the orders, made and new orders have been made.The allegations that are currently before the Australian courts, as I understand it are that the signatures on the original documents were forged.The court have revoked the original orders, and made different orders, subject to a determination of whether or not it is proven that the signatures were forged or not."


    "What I understand, from discussions with CEO Hou that was present when the orders were made and reading the documents, is that the court to prevent any usations that the samples were forged, the court ordered 10 files of the court where Madam Hou was involved provide samples of her signature."


    "Those documents singe the time of their filing have been in the possession of the Australian Courts.I have electronic copies of the documents filed, the court orders, the court transcript and the formal reason for the court decision.I can arrange for those also to be emailed to you.However, the requirement of the Australian Courts in this context are such that you cannot disclose them further.


    "Mr Nang, Madam Hou is facing charges of theft, fraud, making false statements, nder and wasting police time.Inspected Gang added a further charge of lying to police.The information you have provided me, assuming that it proves true, would address the theft and lying to police charges, but it does not deal with the remaining 4 charges."


    "Senior Officer Fang.I am guessing the Fraud charge rtes to CEO and Madam Hou''s Wedding rings.CEO Hou''s bank is in the process of forwarding you a bank record of the charge to Fengs for the rings.I also understand that Officer Mu was forwarded copies of footage from Fengs yesterday fortnight ago."


    "This footage that Officer Mu has shows Vice-CEO and Madam Lu, making unrealistic demands of the staff at Fengs.Further the staff, have provided statements to Officer Mu, which I understand confirm that until Vice-CEO and Madam Lu attended the store that day, Madam Lu made no request for the rings."


    "As the footage and the statement show Madam Lu at one point demanded that the staff tell the person who brought the rings to hand them over to her, and pay for a new ring set, giving her the rings aspensation.Those rings, as the charges will show are over 6 million in value, which is what CEO Hou paid"


    "Madam Lu demanded that CEO Hou, who she did not know had purchased the rings, simply gift them to her and buy something else as a recement on the basis of the ''inconvenience'' cased to her.She also made other demands for free items and significant discounts."


    "I am guessing the false statements im rtes to the statements made in the press releasest week, and subsequently.This will boil down to Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Hou''s word against each other.However, we can provide a world leading expert''s opinion as to her belief that the violence as stated by Madam Hou urred.Plus, there is something on that point in the Family Law material that will be provided."

 Chapter 175: The Police Interview - Part 7

    <h4>175 The Police Interview - Part 7</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Alister Nang paused, took a couple of breaths and then continued "Finally, as to wasting police time, the only thing that we can think about is that Madam Hou after the Key za incident did not immediately agree to charges.Given the assault urred on the day she obtained her marriage certificate, thest thing that she wanted to be dealing with is the police."


    "It was not unexpected that she wanted to spend time with her husband before making that decision.Officer Mu gave her two weeks to make a decision.I understand Madam Hou had nned to make the call yesterday to tell Officer Mu to proceed, but forgot.For Madam Hou, taking time to make a decision due to the violence she was subjected to by Vice-CEO Lu, is something that would be expected."


    "It also should be noted that there was from the Friday after them married until the following Wednesday where CEO and Madam Hou were out of the country to deal with the familyw matters in Australia.All this means that 15 days to make a decision as to whether to proceed with the charges is not an unreasonable amount of time."


    "I have heard what you have to say Mr Nang.Assuming everything is as you say it may be that we do not proceed with the charges."


    "Well given that could you please end the recordings and hand me two USB copies and two DVD copies of this interview.I will hold these for my client.We require an investigation as to the assault on Madam Hou.Most importantly, based on the receipt from Fengs we require the immediate return of Madam Hou''s rings.You have no need to hold them, given the evidence to disprove the fraud im is already in the possession of the police."


    Senior Officer Fang, realised that neither he of Inspector Gang were smart enough to turn off the recordings, so Inspector Gang''s assault on Anna was fully captured.He knew that there was no way out for Inspector Gang.He would have to face disciplinary action for the assault, and then deal with Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu, who he had promised would haveptop and rings by the end of the day, and Madam Hou would be locked up in jail.


    He leaned over and stopped the recording equipment and provided Alister Nang with the two requested copies of the USB recording and DVD recordings of the interview.


    As he handed these to Alister Nang, the ambnce staff arrived to take Anna to hospital.Officer Mu stepped into the interview room, and quietly spoke to Senior Officer Fang.


    He handed a key to Officer Mu, and said "Technically until we receive the additional information you have indicated exists Mr Nang, Madam Hou has to remain in police custody.Officer Mu has offered to apany her, and has said, if the ambnce staff do not object CEO Hou can also apany his wife.Could you remain here until we have that additional material?"


    "That is fine, but please provide me immediately with Madam Hou''s rings."


    He walked over to Hou Yi, and then quietly said "Let me handle this.Take one copy of each of the recordings, I will keep the other set.Go with Madam Hou, and once I have dealt with things here my office will contact you to find out which hospital you have gone to.I should have her rings and will bring them with me"


    "Thank you" said Hou Yi quietly and somberly.He could not believe what had just happened to his fiery wife.He instinctively knew that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were involved and they would now pay.He was so grateful he had not gone with his initial instinctsst night and sort physical revenge, as the revenge that he would help his darling achieve would be through the Legal System, much more befitting with her, than what he could do.


    A police officer, simply because he was unhappy with something she said, kicked her to the point she has lost consciousness.He guessed, that somehow Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were behind this, but proving it would depend on whates from the police investigation.


    Hou Yi walked beside the ambnce trolley that his wife was on, with Officer Mu following them.He could not help himself but let the tears run down his face, as again he had failed to protect Anna.He would have thought that she should have been safe in a police station.

 Chapter 176: The Hospital aka Doctor, Doctor - Part 1

    <h4>176 The Hospital aka Doctor, Doctor - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    Less than 10 minutes after leaving the police station the ambnce carrying Anna to the hospital arrive at the Emergency Department.Anna was in extreme pain from the repeated hits and kicks that she had received.


    As they wheeled the trolley into the department Anna refused to let go of Hou Yi''s hand.The hospital staff, had to force Hou YI away from Anna, so that they could start reviewing her. The only good thing was that Officer Mu, had not handcuffed Anna to the trolley.


    "I am Doctor Kung.Can someone tell me what happened?"


    "Doctor Kung, she was in an interview room at the police station answering questions, and for some reason the interviewing officer became angry and aggressive towards her.She, apparently had her head mmed against the wall and when she fell t the ground was repeatedly kicked.She curled into a ball protecting herself, but the kicks hit her legs, and we think one or two may have hit her head."Came the response from Officer Mu


    As Officer Mu was saying this, he was looking at Hou Yi, and could see that he was getting angrier and angrier about what happened.


    "What the ¡­" came the surprised response from Doctor Kung.


    "Sorry Doctor, we do not know the specifics.All that I know is something set of the interviewing officer, and he reacted.I simply was one of the officers who responded to the emergency call and came in on the end of it.The other officer in the room only gave me minimal information, as he is dealing with the aftermath of this."


    "Can you tell me the patient''s name and next of kin?"


    "Doctor, I am her husband, and her name is Anna."


    "Your name sir?"


    "Hou Yi ¡­."


    Before Hou Yi could say anything more, Anna started fitting on the trolley, which immediately drew the attention back of Doctor Kung.One of the nurses came up and said "We need you to please leave here.Mr Hou could you please go and give your details to reception.Officer ¡­"


    "Mu" responded Officer Mu


    "Can you please make sure you keep him away at the moment.Reception staff will also need whatever details that you can provide."


    "Yes Ma''am."With that he turned slightly and grabbed Hou Yi''s arm.All Hou Yi could do was focus on Anna, who looked so helpless there on the bed.He knew he needed to stay with her and pushed away officer Mu.


    "CEO Hou," Officer Mu said quietly.Pleasee with me.The medical staff need to do what they must to treat your wife."


    In almost desperation, all Hou Yi could say was "I need to be here."


    "Sir, pleasee with me.Your wife needs you to do this as must as you need to be here.She needs to have the best treatment possible, and so you need to give reception the information they need to do that."


    "But ¡­"


    "CEO Hou, I am going to tell you now, either youe with me voluntarily, or I will have to arrest you.You do not need thetter, as that will take you away from your wife."


    "OK," came the response from Hou Yi, indicating that he was almost broken.He could not believe in the space of a few hours from the most memorable thing that had happened he is now seeing his wife in hospital.


    Officer Mu felt sorry for Hou Yi.Here was a man who cared deeply for his wife, and to see her in such a state, assaulted by a police officer would be heartbreaking, particrly when she had done nothing wrong.


    He escorted Hou Yi to reception to enable him to provide the details needed for his wife''s treatment.Officer Mu heard the receptionist ask, for her name, age, date of birth, any medical information that he could supply, and confirmation on how the treatment would be paid for.


    With that one Officer Muughed to himself.None of the medical treating staff or the receptionist realised who they were speaking to.When Hou Yi told her to send the bills to Hou Enterprises, he heard the receptionist say "Sir, simply because your name is Hou, we cannot send the ounts to Hou Enterprises.You need toe up with some other way to pay."


    Officer Mu could see Hou Yi''s temper rising, and noticed that he pulled out his wallet, and handed over a ck credit card.He knew immediately on sight that this card was one T Bank only issued to a very select group of customers, who to even be considered had to have over 10 billion in assets and an annual ie of over 50 million.Even that was not enough to qualify, T bank, then looked at other factors before issuing such cards.As far as he could recall from thest list of ck Card holders from T Bank provided to the police, there was only 20 such primary card and 12panion cards issued, and Hou Yi''s name was on that list.


    When the receptionist stated that the card was a forgery, Officer Mu, knew he had to step in before Hou Yi said something he regretted when his wife was better."Madam, I can assure you that the card is not a forgery.Mr Hou''s name was on the list we received at police headquarters of those who had this card issued to them."


    With that Hou Yi appeared to calm down, for which Officer Mu was grateful.The receptionist finished what was needed, and Officer Mu apanied Hou Yi to a quiet area within the waiting room waiting to be called back in.

 Chapter 177: The Hospital aka Doctor, Doctor - Part 2

    <h4>177 The Hospital aka Doctor, Doctor - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile back in the treatment area, Doctor Kung, with the help of nursing staff was carefully removing all of Anna''s clothing, so that they could assess the nature of all her injuries.They also ensured that lines were avable to run blood and other fluids if required and took blood samples to run the normal series of tests.


    Once they were ready, they started at her head and slowly moved their way down her body.The injuries that were noted, was three head wounds, that were still slowly bleeding, bruises on her face in the shape of two different hands.There were read marks on both arms, that would corrte with being kicked by someone; arge bruise on her stomach that looked like someone had punched her, on her legs, more red marks that appeared to be where someone had kicked her.


    As quick as the assessment was made, a n of treatment was determined.The headwounds would be sutured to stop the bleeding, with IV Fluids being run, until it was determined if she needed a blood transfusion.She would need a series of full body scans to determine what injuries she had suffered.Once they knew this, further treatment could be determined.The only thing concerning him at the moment was that she was unconscious.He really needed a better history of events, and her medical history to make sure the treatment he would authorise was correct.


    Doctor Kung, turned to one of the nursing staff, and asked could she arrange for the patient''s husband toe back in, as he needed to ask these questions.


    The nurse, directed by Doctor Kung went out and located Hou Yi in the waiting area, sitting with Officer Mu.She asked Hou Yi to apany her back.Officer Mu interrupted and said, that he would alsoe back, as he had information that would be useful.


    When they entered the trauma bay that Anna was being treated in, Hou Yi''s eyes went vacant again.Officer Mu knew that he was going to be difficult for the medical staff to get useful information from.


    Doctor Kung, "Mr Hou, can you tell about our wife''s medical history?"


    Hou Yi, simply stood there in a trance.


    "Mr Hou?"


    "Sorry Doctor, what did you need?"


    "Your wife''s medical history?"


    "Sorry doctor I do not have much knowledge of that.My wife and I arrangedst Tuesday for her medical records from Australia to be forwarded here.My assistant at Hou Enterprises has all his details.I have messaged him to get a copy of the records provided here as soon as they can be.As yet my wife has not seen our family doctor here."


    Hou Yi paused "Actually Doctor I recall that she told me she is allergic to penicillin, and I know that she has Asthma, and when she was younger, she had her appendix removed, as I asked her about the scar from that."


    "Now, I hate to be personal, but could your wife be pregnant?"


    "It is possible, but we have only been married a fortnight, so any pregnancy would be in its early stages.Our rtionship was a short courtship, but I know that in her previous rtionship she had not had s*xual intercourse for over 3 months."


    "Thank you."


    Doctor Kung paused, and then continued "What we are nning to do, is a number of body scans, but given the expense involved we have to get your approval as the hospital needs these paid before they are done."


    Officer Mu, knew that Hou Yi would explode if he answered this question "Doctor Kung, this is Hou Yi the CEO of Hou Enterprises, I do not think that money will be an issue."


    "Sorry, I did not realise.CEO Hou, as I was saying, we will do a number of scans to determine the extent of any physical injuries.However, what we have seen says that she was not only assaulted today, she had previously been assaulted, and recently too."


    "Doctor" immediately responded Officer Mu, "I can answer that, Madam Hou was assaultedst night at a charitable function, where she was pped in the face and punched in the stomach."


    "That exins some things.Once the results for the scans and blood tests that we have done are back we will have a much better picture of the extent of Madam Hou''s injuries, and what the treatment will be.The only thing that concerns me, is that given her head hit a wall and floor, is that she has concussion.We need her to wake up from her current state, as the longer she is unconscious the more likelihood that there is some brain damage."


    Doctor Kung turned to one of the nursing staff and had a quiet work with her.She said "CEO Hou, Officer Mu, if you will apany me, I will show you to a VIP waiting area, where you can wait until we have the test results back.Madam Hou will remain here in Emergency until that time."


    Officer Mu, helped Hou Yi, so appeared deted at everything that was hitting him with respect to his wife and they followed the nurse into the VIP waiting room.Just as she was about to leave Officer Mu stopped her "CEO and Madam Hou''swyer Alister Nang should arrive here soon.Could you have someone escort him in there."


    "That will be arranged Officer Mu."


    With that the nurse left, and Officer Mu and Hou Yi simply sat quietly waiting for something to happen.

 Chapter 178: The footage

    <h4>178 The footage</h4>


    Wednesday, continued.


    While sitting with Office Mu, Hou Yi remembered that with his phone, that was still in his pocket as an adaptor for essing USB devices on it.He figured that he had some time to sit and wait for more advice as to what was happening with his wife, so he decided to y the footage.He felt helpless around Anna to see her like this, and knew it was all because of him.


    Before starting, he turned to Officer Mu, and said "I was wondering if you wanted to watch the footage of the interview with me.I need to understand why we are here, but I do not want to watch it in my own."


    Officer Mu, did not know what to say.Here was the CEO of one of thergestpanies in the country trusting him to provide hims with support."Not a problem sir."


    Hou Yi, connected the adaptor to his phone, and plugged in the USB key, and started to watch the Footage.


    As the interview progressed, he could not help but to be proud of his wife.She never strayed from the truth, and responded firmly but respectfully to the questioning.He saw how Inspector Gang reacted to her not giving the answers, and how she yed him for information.


    The hardest thing, was watching his wife thrown into the wall and kicked while she was on the ground.


    As soon a they had finished watching the footage, Office Mu, immediately knew he had to say something.There was no way that any police officer should put there hands on a prisoner in that way.Yes, Inspector Gang had family in high ces who had always protected him, but there was no way they would in this case.


    He turned to Hou Yi, and said "I am so sorry.That should not have happened.Inspector Gang and Senior Officer Fang, will be dealt with through internal investigations, and given the information your wife had Inspector Gang admit, more than likely the civilians involved will be dealt with criminally."


    "Thank you."With that Hou Yi went silent.


    Watching it confirmed, not only the involvement of Lu Jihnu and Yang Lin, but surprisingly the involvement of CEO Lu.While he suspected that the involvement was about controlling the situation, he now was in Hou Yi''s firing line.The courts could deal with Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, but forget them dealing with CEO Lu and Lu Corporation, that was for him to see to.Without Lu Corporation financial position Lu Jinhu would never have had the ability to do what he has done to Anna over thest two weeks, here, let alone in the past.


    Hou Yi immediately turned his mind to what he could do to.He recalled seeing the publicly avable financial information fro Lu Corporation.It showed when you looked at the information that their international expansion was always rushed, and relied heavily on the profits from their domestic activities to support it.That would change in about 5 to 7 years time, when some projects started to fullye in line.


    This was Lu Corporation''s vulnerability.Damage the domestic activities profitability, destabalise the international activities and everything woulde crashing down.


    He though Hou Enterprises''s current projects and activities.There was, from his recollection only two where Lu Corporation were involved, and that was because they bullied other to demand their involvement, as the lead in them.Well, they could forget about Hou Enterprises involvement and they would be pulling their investment immediately.And if he recalled the contracts right, as the lead in the project is someone wanted to get out, Lu Corporation had to buy them out.


    That would not be sufficient.It would be a hit to them financially, but it would not cause a downfall and that is what they deserved.He knew that the way to achieve their downfall would be to use the power of Hou Enterprises, and make it clear to otherpanies that they do business with that the your have to chose between Hou Enterprises and Lu Corporation to continue business with.


    If they were questioning what was to happen, he could always show them the footage.In the end, they would choose Hou Enterprises, rather than Lu Corporation.He also knew that would, in a business sense iste the Yang''s as almost all their business activities were significantly tied to Lu Corporation, meaning that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin could not rely on her family to support them as well.


    Anna might not be absolutely happy about using thepany power this way, but he had no problems.This was his wife, his love that Lu Corporations money and power had been used to target, and they would go down.


    He knew exactly who was the starting person to talk to, but the question was would they cooperate as there was more in it for them to loose, given much of their activities were in directpetition with Lu Corporation.


    Hou Yi paused, and internally said, let the games begin Lu''s.You will now see what I will do, and Lu Corporation will not survive, as I will make it my mission to see you destroyed.


    Officer Mu, in watching CEO Hou, suddenly realised due to the expressions that had gone across his face since ending watching the footage, that he was nning something to support his wife.All he hoped was that it would not be illegal, as thest thing this whole mess needed was to have to deal with more matters.

 Chapter 179: Not a chapter.

    <h4>179 Not a chapter.</h4>


    @@


    I figured I would put this longer Author Note here (at least for a few days until I remove it).It is not designed in any way to be a political statement, it was just somethingI wanted to post today of all days in the year (Plus I got back from dealing with the family issue a little bit earlier than expected).


    I am so grateful for each and everyone of you who have taken the time to read this novel.


    As a first time author I decided to stick to something I knew as themes.


    However today on International Women''s Day, I wanted to make a fewments.Throughout the novel so far we have seem our FL abused by her former partner and now the police. I know for many of you you have wondered why. much of why will be revealed was we progress further into the story, but despite what It may seem like Anna has gotten away lightlypared to some women when they are out of a rtionship like she had with Lu Jinhu.Some can be stalked, harassed, sexually assaulted or even killed by their ex-partner.If you have not taken the time to read the second auxiliary chapter today of all days I urge you to do so (and please do not get offended about the political high horse I get on in the chapters as I do feel passionately about ending this type of abuse) as it gives you a little bit more information as to the reality for women like Anna (taken from Australian Information).


    Anna shows us both strength and vulnerability from that abuse.


    At the same time she is well educated and able to be a participant in the workce.


    She represents a multifaceted woman today, whose life is impacted by traditional views (such as influence her mother) and the modern world, and how views as to things change.


    She represents a peice of each and every woman''s story in some small way, as to the things that shape her to the woman that she is, and who Hou Yi fell in love with on sight.


    Today celebrate women and each and every part of them that makes them unique, and strive for their protection.

 Chapter 180: Officer Mu Talks - Part 1

    <h4>180 Officer Mu Talks - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Despite seeing a look of determination pass on Hou Yi''s face Officer Mu knew he was deted.While it might end up costing him his job, he knew he needed to do more than was expected to support someone in this situation.This time Inspector Gang had gone beyond anything that was eptable, and what was worse was that Senior Officer Fang allowed him to do it.


    "CEO Hou," said Officer Mu quietly.


    It took a few seconds before Hou Yi reacted, and quietly said "Yes."


    "We need to talk about what happened.At this point, I actually do not care if talking to you and backing you and Madam Hou up costs me my job with the police."


    "It sounds like you are about to tell me something that you know others within the police department may not like.If ites to is, and you lose your job,e to Hou Enterprises.We always have openings for honest, hardworking people within the business."


    "Thank You CEO Hou ¡­"


    "Officer Mu, I think in the circumstances you can call me Yi."


    "Thank you, sir.My name is Tong."


    "Tong, what did you need to say."


    "I need to be honest with you.Remember when I spoke to you and Madam Hou at your home about the assault at the Key za Hotel, and I threatened her with wasting police time."Officer Mu turned to Hou Yi and noticed that he was nodding his head.


    "I never intended to pursue that but was using it to scare her into telling me the truth.I immediately felt that something was not right about her rtionships with Lu Jinhu and you.I was seriously concerned about her being the victim of violence in the home and wanted her to talk to me, so that I could act to ensure that the was protected."


    "It was not me."


    "I know that now Sir."


    "Other than two brief face to face meetings before the day we married, our rtionship was carried out in secret, and wemunicated through instant messaging applications.When the mood took us, we would message each other and simply talk that way.At the time we first met, my wife was in a rtionship with Lu Jinhu."


    "I never pushed her about her rtionship, as doing that would be disrespecting her.I had epted that if all that could happen was, we were friends, then that would be enough for me.For me, right from the start her happiness was all that I wanted.I understand from early on in ourmunications she was questioning if her rtionship with Lu Jinhu was what she wanted."


    "However, to cut a long story short, things developed, and we eventually married.The first night we spent together was the night that we obtained our marriage certificate.While that, in today''s world seems unconventional, I know my wife and I have no regrets about that fact."


    "Actually sir, before your press releasest Thursday and your press conference Monday, I had already reached out to police in Australia and had enough information that led me to believe that the person who was abusive towards Madam Hou was Lu Jinhu."


    "What, does anyone else know you have this information?"Hou Yi was shocked that in just two weeks, through some inquiries Officer Mu was able to reach a conclusion that Lu Jinhu was violent towards Anna.Hou Yi wondered what he had found out.


    "I tried to tell Inspector Gang and Senior Officer Fang, but they dismissed me."


    "What did you find out?"


    "ording to the few officers that I had spoken to about Madam Hou, she was, despite defending criminals, was well respected by the police.She did not mess then around, was honest, professional and ethical.One officer remembered an incident from just over two years ago, and he was going to search records to find all the information to provide me.I have not received it yet."


    "What this officer told me, was that he was called to scene of a two-vehicle car ident.The car that Madam Hou and Lu Jinhu were traveling in was hit from behind.From what he can remember, everyone was injured, but Madam Hou''s injuries were the most serious and the only ones that required transportation to hospital for treatment."


    "From what he can remember the bnce of the injuries could simply be seen to by their personal doctors, rather than wasting hospital emergency department time.The officer indicated that the only reason he recalled the ident was by witnesses to the ident as at the scene that Lu Jinhu was aggressive, angry, abusive and threatening.He had to keep Lu Jinhu from everyone else."

 Chapter 181: Officer Mu talks - Part 2

    <h4>181 Officer Mu talks - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "This is where the situation gets worse.When the ambnce arrived, Lu Jinhu pped Madam Hou across the face and told Madam Hou, he needed hospital treatment not her, so the ambnce was taking him to the hospital.Apparently, Madam Hou went to say something to Lu Jinhu, who turned, and this time hit her in the stomach and made thement that it would continue until she agreed with hit."


    "He then turned and told Madam Hou that she had to remain and deal with the car and the insurancepany, as she was the one that was driving the car.His final instruction was that she was toe and collect him from the hospital and take him home and care for him.He told her clearly that she was not to make an appointment to see the doctors until after he deemed himself well enough that she did not have to care for him."


    Officer Mu briefly turned and saw how much what he was telling Hou Yi was angering him but decided that he needed to continue telling Hou Yi what he found out.


    "What this officer told me was the other feature that stuck out was the medical reports.All Lu Jinhu and the people in the other car suffered was a bit of bruising, and there was even a question in Lu Jinhu''s medical records that queried why he was transported to hospital by ambnce."


    "Madam Hou''s report however indicated she had suffered a concussion, whish and broken a couple of bones in her fingers.Thement recorded in her doctors'' records was that she stated as the break was not out of line, it needed nothing, and as to the other''s nothing was different than normal."


    "ording to the officer, he attempted to speak to Madam Hou at home, but Lu Jinhu refused to allow it.The officer eventually spoke to her at work, but Madam Hou refused to press charges against Lu Jinhu, stating it would only make things worse.The Officer spoke to her employers raising his concerns and the told him that they would do what they could, including supporting her, but the reality was Madam Hou was ready to do anything all they could do is document what they saw."


    "F**king hell, that a**shole.I could kill him."


    "Sir please calm down.I was able to speak to her employers, and they have sent me via email, a list of suspected injuries caused by, as they call it domestic violence.There were around 40 instances where they felt he had been physically violent towards her.Usually it was bruising in the shape of a hand and finger prints on arms, but her excuse always was she tripped or fell, and he grabbed her arm to prevent her from hitting the ground.Only Madam Hou knows the truth in this respect."


    "You know what that b**tard said in his press release today?He implied that my wife is a fraud, maniptor, and con-artist among other things.This totally disproves the ims that he made."


    "Sir, I can only tell you what I know.Madam Hou, would be able to request the information about what they documented regarding suspected domestic violence, and the Officer who told me about the incident, said that you could request, under something called Freedom of Information, the police file on the matter.When I have it, I can give you all the details."


    "That will take time."


    "Sir, you are better getting it through legal means, then even I know it will be a more powerful weapon to use.Plus, the officer who is locating the file, is finding out if there are any more simr incidents that raise concerns about this domestic violence.You should request those as well."


    "Officer Mu ¡­"


    "It is Tong Sir."


    "I can only thank you for this information, Tong."


    "It is not a problem.One thing I hate is having to deal with women who have been abused by partners.My father was violent to my mother, and I hate to see other women go through it.That is why I started investigating to determine the truth about what happened between Madam Hou, yourself and Lu Jinhu."

 Chapter 182: Officer Mu Talks - Part 3

    <h4>182 Officer Mu Talks - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "Assuming that I get the evidence, given Lu Jinhu''s assaults on Madam Hou, and in light of their history Lu Jinhu can be charged here over not only the assaults, but the other acts as of his continued actions here.It is only a new charge, introduced to protect people who leave violent domestic rtionships.This charge, is designed to attract some time in jail, and even if not proven or proceeded with the prior history is something the courts have to consider on sentencing."


    "You are kidding me."


    "When everything started happening this morning, I tried to talk to Inspector Gang about the information this morning, but something caused a changed."


    Officer Mu paused, before continuing "Inspector Gang, within the department is known for being corrupt and easily manipted.He has family connections to senior government ranks, however ensured that any investigation into his actions in the past was thwarted.He was protected by that family, as they seemed not to want their name tarnished which ensured that he remained in ce."


    "All that was done was to continue to promote him to get him further and further away from day to day contact with the public, and less ability for him to engage in his activities.He apparently knows many people in the highest areas of society here.What I suspect is once reports started to flow in this morning, given his rank he started to ess them."


    "Given the high profile of Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, he offered to telephone to speak to Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin abouting in to speak to him.Senior Officer Fang was with him for the call.After that call he was so determined that Madam Hou had to be arrested, charged, and most importantly herptop, mobile phone, tablet, and your wedding rings and Madam Hou''s engagement ring confiscated.He imed he had been investigating and had evidence that they all belonged to someone else, and he would see them delivered to their real owner today."


    Hou Yi interjected "That Laptop.He has an obsession about it.From what I understand it would allow him, if he got ess to it,plete ess to my wife''s Australian employers systems.While I do not haveplete knowledge, I know it is no only about client information, but it manages theirwyers trust ount where they hold money for clients."


    "I know there is currently over seventy million Australian dors, held by them for the benefit of the Australian subsidiary of Hou Enterprises, with a deal that is to be paid out in the next couple of weeks.There is still a further thirty-five million to be transferred in for the bnce of the deal and legal fees.Goodness knows what they would have for other clients."


    "That ords with something I overheard Inspector Gang say, that even if he could not permanently give theptop to them, he would give ess in his office.They were nning to use thatptop to ess funds belonging to other clients and leave the only traces to Madam Hou.Additionally, I heard him on the phone confirm that he would make sure that she could not walk out after the interview."


    Hou Yi paused "Officer Mu, so what are you willing to do.Remember you will have my personal backing and that of Hou Enterprises."


    "Sir, I am happy to push the matter of corruption with my superiors.Yes, it is my word against his, but the calls should be able to be back traced, and as part of what I heard guaranteed injuries, it if very god circumstantially.Combined with my investigation that refutes any ims of Madam Hou engaging in criminal activity, I think any charges against her will not ur.It will likely open up an investigation against Lu Jinhu, but whether chargese from it that I could not say."


    After receiving Officer Mu''s reassurances that he would be willing to push for an investigation into not only what happened today at the police station, both Hou Yi and Office Mu Tong sat quietly in the room, waiting for some news.


    Neither of them had an idea of how much time had psed, before the nurse that escorted them into the VIP waiting room, returned "CEO Hou, we have the results back from the tests, and Doctor Kung would like to talk to you about what is to happen.Please follow me."


    Both Hou Yi and Mu Tong stood up, and followed the nurse back to the trauma room where they hadst seen Anna.She was back there, and still seemed out of it.

 Chapter 183: The results

    <h4>183 The results</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "CEO Hou, we have gotten the test results back.The blood tests revealed nothing.The various scans and x-rays have enabled us to determine the only major injuries Madam Hou has seemed to have received is a concussion and a broken Tibia and Fib on her left leg.We were luck that the breaks are clean, and the bone has not shifted."


    "Additionally she has a small fracture on her cheek bone, but the specialists have determined nothing can be done for that.It will simply heal on its own provided she is not hit in the face again.Finally, there is some minor internal bruising, apparently fromst night''s punch."


    Doctor Kung paused, and decided he needed to talk about the ns."Our intention, CEO Hou, is put a cast on Madam Hou''s leg, finish the stitching that we need on her head, start a IV with the drugs that have been determined to be appropriate and she will be moved to a private ward.The IV will be in until tomorrow morning."


    "Normal practice CEO Hou is that we would keep someone in for 2-3 days once they had woken up with the injuries that Madam Hou has suffered.Given the circumstances that she suffered her injuries, the specialist''s have indicated that believe it is her best interest to keep her in for two to three weeks, for additional monitoring, given she has the broken leg."


    "It is not driven by concerns about her physical recovery.The injuries despite appearing dramatic are not life threatening.However, in talking to the psychiatric team, the decision is made in that it will allow Madam Hou to deal with the chock of what happened.You are quite wee to wait here for us to finish the necessary tasks before apanying her up to her room."


    "Thank You Doctor Kung, we will do that."


    Mu Tong noticed how Hou Yi appeared to have had the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders at the mention that his wife''s injuries were not as serious as they could have been.


    They both stood there for 15 minutes, watching the medical staff finish the few things they wanted to do.At Doctor Kung''s signal, Anna was taken on the trolley she was on, out of the Trauma Room, and towards elevators along a corridor.Hou Yi and Mu Tong followed them, and squeezed in the elevator with the medical staff and Anna on the trolley.They reached the top floor and exited the elevator.They were greeted in the foyer, by a nurse.


    "And this is¡­?" asked the nurse.


    One of the staff apanying Anna responded "Hou, Anna.With us is her husband CEO Hou Yi of Hou Enterprises and Police Officer Mu."


    "CEO Hou, I am guessing you will be arranging for your own security to protect your wife while she is in here?Will you be staying with your wife?"


    "Yes to both questions."


    "If you can follow me, I know the perfect room to ce Madam Hou in."


    With that the nurse turned and signaled for the medical staff to bring Anna.They walked through a corridor to a corner room, which had a sitting area in blues and grey tones, with grey carpet.It had a couch, and three chairs.Beside it was a small dining area, with a table and 4 chairs; and ensuite bathroom, and the medical area, which had not only arger hospital bed, for the patient, but would allow someone to sleep beside themOff to the side of there was also a queen size bed covered with the same blues and grey tones coverings that were in the lounge area for the patient''s family to sleep in.


    Working together, the hospital staff transferred Anna carefully to the bed in the room, and all but the nurse from the floor left.


    "CEO Hou, you are wee to stay here 24 hours a day if you wish.We can arrange for meals to be catered in, our you are wee to have your own meals brought in.For the first three days after Madam Hou wakes, we will supply her meals, but after that you can either arrange for them to be brought in, or we can supply them as well."


    "While, as you can see the bed your wife is in, isrge enough for you to both sleep in, you cannot sleep with her, until she is awake.While the Doctor''s will confirm for how long Madam Hou will have the cast on, it will be at least five to six weeks.This will mean both of you have to make a number of adjustments in what you do."


    "Something, I would rmend is that once Madam Hou returns home, you have nursing help engaged to provide you with assistance in caring for Madam Hou for a couple of weeks.We have some rmended private nursing services, so I will bring you their details for you to start arranging that."


    "Now, in this room, we have no problem with you havingptops and other electronic devices in this suite.For Inte ess you are wee to use the hospital connection, but we will not guarantee its security.However if you bring in a personal portable router, please inform us before youmence using it."


    "Finally," and with this Hou Yi is handed a pass "This is your pass to enable you toe and go as you please.We will supply you with sufficient passes for your bodyguards, however all other guests will be required to be escorted into this area and to Madam Hou''s suite."


    "Excuse me nurse, could you please arrange for Officer Mu here also to have a pass.We know the police are investigating matters, and Officer Mu has been assigned as our liaison, so it is appropriate that he has a pass was arranged."


    "CEO Hou, just given me a few minutes, and I will arrange for that pass."


    With that she left, leaving Officer Mu stunned.Hou Yi turned "Mu Tong, we trust you given the lengths that you have gone to.If there are issued with police headquarters, tell them that we will only deal with you as we do not at this time trust anyone else."


    "I do not know what to say."


    "Take it as theplement it is."


    With that the nurse walked back in and handed Mu Tong the card.

 Chapter 184: Back at the police station

    <h4>184 Back at the police station</h4>


    Wednesday continued ¡­


    Once Anna was taken away by the ambnce, Alister Nang turned to Senior Officer Feng."I was not going to say anything while CEO Hou was here.Now I need to know what the f**k happened here, and why Madam Hou was not protected.I want to know what the police are going to do about it.And before you say internal investigation, my clients are likely to pursue this matter through all legal avenues, and if you want to avoid ruining your career, give me my answers now."


    Senior Officer Fang realised that Alister Nang had been holding back while his clients were present.Now that they were gone, he felt no issue with pulling punches."Well ..."


    "There is no need to pause of think.What in the world happened, that lead Madam Hou injured on the floor?"


    "Inspector Gang ..."


    "What did he do?"


    "Well it is like this ..."


    "Stop messing around.I need and want a straight answer now."I will be cooperating with the Internal police investigation, so either talk to me now or find yourself in a whole host more trouble when the investigators get a hold of you


    Senior Officer Fang took a deep breath.He had no real idea how the situation had gotten so far out of control.Inspector Gang assured him that it would be a simply task to get this woman to admit her crimes, they would get the items that he said they had to secure and return to their rightful owners, and they would be praised for solving quickly crimes against leading citizens.


    How wrong was he to trust Inspector Gang?He was blinded by the promises of advancement should he help Inspector Gang achieve what he needed.He should have remembered that Inspector Gang was open to bribery, and that he only had his position due to family members in senior government positions acting to protect him.


    "Mr Nang, Inspector Gang kept asking Miss Jones ..."


    "Senior Officer Fang, get it right it is Madam Hou."


    "Fine, Inspector Gang kept asking Madam Hou questions about her identity, and the use of various names.After going in circles about that before Madam Hou eventually agrees with Inspector Gang to be called Miss Jones we reached questioning about the theft of items, including aptop and other electronic devices."


    "Inspector Gang by this time was frustrated that Madam Hou had not been cooperating.However he put to her that Australian Court orders stated that these items belonged to Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Hou when requested refused to hand them over.Madam Hou stating to Inspector Gang that she needed to exin thew in Australia as it rted to those orders."


    "Inspector Gang told her very clearly that Australian Law did not matter, it was thew as it applied here that was the only relevantw.Madam Hou, however, kept baiting Inspector Gang.Eventually he snapped after her repeated provocation throughout the interview and reacted as he did."


    Senior Officer Fang paused for a couple of seconds.He knew that he needed to protect himself as much as Inspector Gang to protect his job.He added "Madam Hou, brought the whole situation on herself.She baited and baited Inspector Gang, and she should have known her actions would have caused a reaction.She simply did not care."


    "Senior Officer Fang, any good police officer knows not to react to thements of any person being questioned, whether a victim or and used.They know to sit, listen and probe to get questions.I am betting that the recordings will show that Inspector Gang did not do this, and that you did nothing to protect a vulnerable person in your care."


    Alister Nang paused, knowing the next bit of information was."I am not stupid.I know that Inspector Gang is suspected of corruption, bribery and illegal activity in rtion to numerous cases.I have even heard information that he as agreed to assault prisoners from people who have brought his services, to influence oues.The only thing that to date has saved Inspector Gang''s career to date is the influence of his family members in the capital."


    "They have protected because it protects them, and they have seen to his ongoing promotion.The problem is this time he has chosen to go after the wrong people.CEO and Madam Hou, are unlike those in the past that he has targeted.The will push until an independent investigation urs into the incident.They have the power and the money to ensure, however long it takes will see it happen."


    Alister Nang paused for a few seconds, then continued "The only questions are whose side are you on? And what do you want to do?"

 Chapter 185: Admissions? - Part 1

    <h4>185 Admissions? - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Senior Officer Fang realised that Alister Nang was serious.He knew of Hou Enterprises and unlike those who he knew had been victimised in the past by Inspector Gang, he was going up against someone that was extremely powerful, and that his family would be unlikely to protect him from.


    The question was, was he willing to risk his future and support his superior or protect his future career and leave his supervisor deal with the matter on his own.As he thought about the situation, he realised that his inaction would be damming for the investigation.He should have stepped in and calmed Inspector Gang down before he went over the top, as he did.


    He looked directly at Alister Nang and slumped in defeat.He had no option but to tell the truth.


    After reading Senior Officer Fang''s bodynguage, Alister Nang, went to the door of the interview room where they were and signalled to the independent investigator that he shoulde in.This was quickly arranged when he spoke to Senior Station Management after observing Madam Hou on the ground.They had no desire not to get this investigation under way quickly, given the potential ramification of assaulting the wife of a major business CEO.Inspector Gang''s family would not even be able to save him this time.


    After the independent investigators entered the room, Alister Nang was handed some documents and was quietly informed that this was much of what he was waiting for.


    The Investigatorsmenced recording the interview "Senior Officer Fang, this is a formal interview regarding an investigation of the actions of Inspector Gang, and any role that you have yed in this part.For the recording there are two independent Investigators from the Anti-Corruption section of the police here in City T.I am the senior investigator and will be in control of this interview.My badge number is 425557, and ¡­"


    "I am the second and junior investigator, and my badge number is 426633."


    "We also have in the interview a personallywyer for Hou Yi, the CEO of Hou Enterprises and his wife Hou Anna, Alister Nang.Mr Nang, can you please confirm your presence for the recordings."


    "This is Alister Nang."


    "Senior Officer Fang, can you please confirm who you observe in the room?"


    "There are two investigators, and awyer in the room."


    "Thank you, Senior Officer Fang.Could you please inform us of what urred this morning before you left the police station with Inspector Gang?"


    "This Morning, we were approached by a junior staff member Officer Mu Tong, regarding the potential to charge Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu of Lu Corporation and his wife Yang Lin, the Yang family heiress, over two separate assaults on Madam Hou Anna, the wife of CEO Hou of Hou Corporation.Officer Mu informed us he had taken a statement from Madam Hou two weeks previously about an assault that urred at the Key za Hotel.He informed Inspector Gang that there was footage that confirmed the assault, however Madam Hou was scared about proceeding with charges."


    "Officer Mu informed Inspector Gang and I, that there had 15 various well-known individuals in contact with the police by that time, providing information about a further assault by Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lust night at the theatre.ording to the information Officer Mu had Madam Lu has pped Madam Hou, and Vice-CEO Lu punched her in the stomach."


    "Inspector Gang informed Officer Mu, that he needed to get into contact with CEO Hou and advise that Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu would be charged over both incidents, and to travel to CEO Hou''s residence to take a statement.I understand that this is what Officer Mu did."


    "I went to leave Inspector Gang''s office, indicating that I had further things to do, but he ordered me to stay.He used police resources to determine the contact details for Vice-CEO Lu.He told me that this was for the purposes of talking to Vice-CEO Lu and advising him of what happened, so he could arrange for him and Madam Lu toe into the police station to avoid a scene."


    "I still had no concerns about what was happening, as even though it was slightly unusual it was appropriate given the profile of the people involved.Inspector Gang when he telephoned Vice-CEO Lu put the call on speaker phone.He also told me to lock the door and sit down.Initially the conversation when as I expected it.Inspector Gang, advised Vice-CEO Lu, that there had been a number of allegations made against him and Madam Lu, and that they had two options, eithere into the station to discuss the matters or they would be arrested topel them to do this."


    "Once that was said, Vice-CEO Lu insisted on knowing the details of the allegations against him, and Inspector Gang provided them, based on the written summary that Officer Mu had left with him.Again, while somewhat unusual, the profile of those involved did not make this seem a weird action.It was only once Inspector Gang told Vice-CEO all the details, that the conversation became more than weird."

 Chapter 186: Admissions? - Part 2

    <h4>186 Admissions? - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "Vice-CEO Lu has the right to ept of deny the allegations, like any person,He clearly denied all the allegations.He was also clear in his statement that the footage the police had been provided with as allegedlying from the Key za Hotel was a forgery.He clearly indicated that he had a copy of the true footage, which would prove his version of events as correct."


    "Vice-CEO Lu then alleged that Madam Hou was not and could not be legally married to CEO Hou, and consequently had no right to be in the country.Further he stated that she was a thief in that he had Australian Court orders that clearly stated aptop, among other items was his.Madam Hou, refused to hand that over."


    "It is not unusual when allegations are made against someone, that they make allegations against the person making them.However it became weird in this case.Vice-CEO Lu imed that his wife had spoken to the jewellers Fengs about their intention to purchase a particr engagement ring and wedding ring set, for them to have a final inspection before purchasing them on the same day as the Key za Hotel incident."


    "The allegation made against Madam Hou, who he insisted was Miss Jones, was hat she had convinced CEO Hou to illegally persuade Fengs to provide them with the rings that were in fact his and Madam Lu''s given that they had told Fengs that they would finalise their purchase when they attended the store after the final inspection."


    "Added to that he imed she also prevented CEO Hou, who if he had known who was making the reasonable requests hand over the rings, and given the inconvenience cause to them allow them to have them at no cost.Vice-CEO Lu stated he believed Madam Hou prevented CEO Hou from knowing it was Madam Lu who made request.He said he believed CEO Hou would have granted the request if he knew about it, given his and Madam Lu''s past rtionship.I found this highly strange, as I believed any jewellers would sell items to whoever was willing to pay their price."


    "Vice-CEO Lu, in the discussion with Inspector Gang, indicated that he immediately required theptop, and asked could he secure it and provide it to him today.He also indicated while he and Madam Lu would prefer to have their rings immediately, if that was not possible they could wait.


    The final thing he indicated was he wanted Madam Hou to be roughed up."


    "By this point I was shocked at the direction of the conversation and sort to leave, as I wanted no part in what was being proposed.Inspector Gang advised Vice-CEO Lu that he needed a minute.While the call was still on speaker phone he clearly stated me name, and informed Vice-CEO Lu that I had been listening to the conversation.He clearly asks Vice-CEO what he wants done."


    "Vice-CEO Lu again made it very clear that he immediately wanted the Laptop and the rings as soon as possible.Further he made it clear he wanted Mada Hou arrested and charged with all her crimes against him, including theft and the assault at the Key za Hotel.He was also clear that as she was not married to CEO Hou, she should be charged over that as well.


    "He then indicated he would pay us for having secured theptop and rings as well as indicating there would be a bonus in it if for us if we ensured that she was roughed up before she was locked in a police cell, and had prisoners also to that.He said that could be achieved by simply letting the prisoners know she was awyer."


    "Before the call was ended he requested he be informed as soon as possible after she was charged.


    He said that was necessary as he had to inform the authorities in Australia of her actions, and she would be dealt with for that.I stayed out of the conversation, however in discussing what had to be done Vice-CEO Lu and Inspector Gang repeatedly mentioned my name, drawing me in without me realising it."


    "Once the call ended, Inspector Gang called Officer Mu, and told him the situation had changed.Officer Mu was to arrest Madam Hou.He indicated given the situation Inspector Gang should be the one to arrest her.I apanied Inspector Gang, and when we arrived, we had to wait down stairs."

 Chapter 187: Admissions? - Part 3

    <h4>187 Admissions? - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    "When Mr Nang arrived, we were allowed up to CEO Hou''s apartment, and Madam Hou was arrested.Inspector Gang took Madam Hou''s rings off her, and CEO Hou handed over his ring.Mr Nang promised to secure the electronic devices, despite Inspector Gang insisting that then needed to be handed over."


    "Madam Hou was handcuffed, and escorted down into a police vehicle, and transported here.She was brought straight into this interview room.Madam Hou insisted that the interview be recorded, and I inserted into the machine 5 DVD and 4 USB to record the interview.Madam Hou was highlybative."


    "As a result, the interview went in circles, which frustrated Inspector Gang.I believe that he felt that she was wasting time.All we seemed to cover was what was her name.As we had nothing that confirmed her marriage Inspector Gang insisted that her name was Miss Jones, and she kept insisting that it was Mrs Hou.Eventually she conceded that professional she uses the name Miss Jones, and then even that be an argument."


    "We moved to the ownership of theptop.We advised Madam Hou that we had Australian Court orders that confirmed theptop was Vice-CEO Lu''s.Madam Hou insisted that she had to exin Australian Law as it applied to the orders.Inspector Gang kept informing her that Australian Law other than ensuring the orders were valid did not apply."


    "Inspector Gang made it clear that he had valid court orders that said electronic devices in question belonged to Vice-CEO Lu, and therefore he was entitled to them and they would be returned to his care immediately.Madam Hou and Inspector Gang kept at each other.I was trying to keep Inspector Gang calm, but Madam Hou''s actions eventually caused a reaction in Inspector Gang."


    "Yes, it was an over-reaction, but Madam Hou pushed him to overreact.I cannot, however, say whether or not the deal that he made with Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu prompted the reaction.It was at the time of that overreaction that I called for assistance, and other officers came in, removed Inspector Gang, and Madam Hou was taken away for treatment.Mr Nang, then provided information that altered what we had been advised."


    "Thank you, Senior Officer Fang," indicated the senior investigator.


    Both investigators talked quietly to each other, before both investigators indicated that at this time, they had no further questions.


    The senior investigator, handed Senior Officer Fang, paperwork headed Rights and responsibilities regarding investigation.He then stated "Senior Officer Fang, you will be required to fully read, sign and acknowledge all the rights and responsibilities.However, we now warn you until we finalise our investigations, you are not to talk to any other person about what you have said to us."


    "If you reveal anything without authorisation you will face charges for interference in this investigation, and immediately be stripped of your rank and duties as a police officer until further investigations are done.We will, also provide you a transcript and copy of the recording oy your statement.We will require you to sign this, upon its provision.Do you understand this?Will you sign the paperwork?"


    "Yes Sir."With that Senior Officer Feng, spent a few minutes reading the paperwork and handed it back to the investigators."Can I leave?"


    "Yes but remember what you have just read and acknowledge."


    With that Senior officer Feng stood up and left the room, which was exined on the recording before it was stopped, and all the recordings removed.


    The junior investigator, after removing all the recordings from Senior Officer Fang''s interview, secured all the copies with his signed acknowledgement.He reced the DVD''s and USB''s for the next interview.


    The senior investigator signalled to those outside to bring Inspector Gang in for his interview.When he was brought in, he was sat down in the chair.

 Chapter 188: Admissions? - Part 4

    <h4>188 Admissions? - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    The Investigatorsmenced recording the interview "Inspector Gang, this is a formal interview regarding an investigation of the actions of Inspector Gang, and any role that you have yed in this part.For the recording there are two independent Investigators from the Anti-Corruption section of the police here in City T.I am the senior investigator and will be in control of this interview.My badge number is 425557, and ¡­"


    "I am the second and junior investigator, and my badge number is 426633."


    "We also have in the interview a personallywyer for Hou Yi, the CEO of Hou Enterprises and his wife Hou Anna, Alister Nang.Mr Nang, can you please confirm your presence for the recordings."


    "This is Alister Nang."


    "Inspector Gang, can you please confirm who you observe in the room?"


    "There are two investigators, and awyer in the room."


    "Thank you, Inspector Gang.Could you please inform us of what urred this morning before you left the police station with Senior Officer Fang?"


    "One of my subordinates, Officer Mu Tong approached myself and Senior Officer Feng about charging Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu and the Yang heiress Yang Lin who is married to Vice-CEO Lu, regarding two separate assaults, one two weeks ago and onest night.ording to him, the victim of both assaults was the wife of Hou Corporation''s CEO Hou Yi, a Hou Anna, and she was reluctant to pursue charges on the assault 2 weeks ago that urred at the Key za Hotel."


    "I was informed that there were over 15 statements about the assaultst night from various well-known society members, that were present at the theatrest night.Madam Lu was alleged to have pped Madam Hou, and Vice-CEO Lu to have punched her in the stomach six times.I advised Officer Mu, to contact CEO Hou and his wife and inform them it was possible Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu would be charged."


    "When Officer Mu left, I believed it in the public interest to contact Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu, to have them cooperate with the investigation ande in.I wanted to avoid causing a scene.In Senior Officer Fang''s presence, I telephoned to speak to Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu for this purpose.Before making the call, as I did not want information to be spread throughout the police station, I locked the door so no one could enter."


    "In Senior Officer Fang''s presence, I outlined the allegations against them to Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu.There was nothing unusual by this stage.Vice-CEO Lu, however countered with several allegations against a Miss Jones.He alleged that she was going around calling herself Madam Hou, but there was no wedding certificate issued, and that her version of events were false."


    "Vice-CEO Lu stated he had the true footage from the Key za Hotel, which showed Madam Hou''s provocation, that caused a reaction; that she had no rights to be in the country; and she was a thief by illegally retaining items that Australia Court had ordered to be handed to him.He emailed to me a copy of court orders that confirmed his statements about the court orders."


    "Further, Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu confirmed that Madam Lu had made arrangements with Fengs jewellers to retain a one-off wedding ring set.They stated Miss Jones, acted illegally in convincing CEO Hou to persuade Fengs to provide them with the rings which were, in fact, Vice CEO and Madam Lu''s.He also imed that Miss Jones acted to prevent CEO Hou from knowing the true facts about the rings."


    "Vice-CEO Lu indicated that if CEO Hou had known it was Madam Lu requesting the rings, due to their past rtionship CEO Hou would have provided the rings to them at no cost.Vice-CEO Lu indicated while it as them who suggested they be given the rings at no cost, it was reasonable given what happened.I viewed it as somewhat strange as jewellers usually sell to the first person who will pay for the item, but Vice-CEO Lu indicated that what they did was not unusual at Fengs."


    "Senior Officer Fang listened to the conversation intently.When Vice-CEO Lu informed us that it was imperative that theptop be secured immediately and provided to him today, and the rings to follow as soon as possible, did he be involved and made his presence in the room known."


    "Senior Officer Fag was careful not to directly say it but made it very clear to Vice-CEO Lu that he would do this, and rough up Miss Jones for a price.As it was only implied, it was difficult for me to prevent the deal urring.It urred before I realised it, and given I was the one who instigated the call and my own past history, I knew that Senior Officer Fang would use me of illegal actions."


    "Despite feeling trapped, based on the various documents Vice-CEO Lu emailed to me as we were discussing matters on the phone, I called Officer Mu and requested him to arrest Miss Jones.I informed him to secure certain electronic devices and the rings.This was on the basis that I wanted nothing to happen with them until the issues could be resolved.Senior Officer Fang and I, given the change in circumstances, then travelled to CEO Hou''s apartment."

 Chapter 189: Admissions? - Part 5

    <h4>189 Admissions? - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "What happened next?"


    "To cut a long story short, Miss Jones was arrested, the rings secured, and a deal made with Mr Nang to secure the electronic devices.Miss Jones was transported back here and brought into this room for questioning.Senior Officer Fang made it clear to be before the recording was started that I had to ensure we did what he agreed to do for Vice-CEO Lu or he would report me for corruption.That, given my past history of messing thing up would be the end of my career.Despite all appearances to the contrary I actually enjoy this job."


    "Senior Officer Fang started the recording of the interview.However, Miss Jones was extremely uncooperative.She wanted to argue every little point.For example, despite us not being able to find any evidence of her marriage to CEO Hou she was insistent that we call her Madam Hou.This went in circles."


    "She and I started to argue over everything in the interview.Once we settled on me calling her Miss Jones, we they started arguing over the orders.I advised her I had possession of the Australian Court orders that indicated certain electronic devices belonged to Vice-CEO Lu.Miss Jones then wanted to argue over thew which applies.Her actions were such that they were designed to be provocative."


    "The interview should have taken a short period of time as I had the various evidence that confirmed allegations, but she refused to admit anything.She kept pushing, and I admit that I snapped, and overreacted.Yes, I expect used to react and challenge me, but underlying the situation they cooperate with the process.Miss Jones was only out to do one thing cause trouble.I did not mean what happened to happen.That I have to ept responsibility for, but it was nothing else."


    Inspector Gang paused "Oh I forgot, just before I snapped, Senior Officer Fang reminded me that I had so far failed, and if I did not get results he would ensure everyone heard that I had taken a bribe in this case and would ensure the evidence could be found that proved this, despite me not doing it."


    He turned to Alister Nang "Mr Nang, can you please extent my apologise to CEO Hou and Miss Jones.I should not have snapped, and for that I am quite willing to take my punishment.All I ask is that I be given a chance to prove my sincerity.


    The senior Investigator, then spoke "Inspector Gang, why should we believe you over and above Senior Officer Fang, who has stated you were the one who engaged in corrupt behaviour?"


    "I have admitted that I messed and taken responsibility for my actions.I know that I will have disciplinary action to deal with what I did.I am quite willing to take a lie detector test that will prove that I am not lying as to the events.I am betting Senior Officer Fang did not offer to do that."


    "What Senior Officer Fang did or did not agree to do is not open for debate.Given your willingness to undertake a lie detector test, we will arrange for this to ur, and that will be recorded as well.


    Both investigators talked quietly to each other, before both investigators indicated that at this time, they had no further questions.


    The senior investigator, handed Inspector Gang, paperwork headed Rights and responsibilities regarding investigation.He then stated "Inspector Gang, you will be required to fully read, sign and acknowledge all the rights and responsibilities.However, we now warn you until we finalise our investigations, you are not to talk to any other person about what you have said to us."


    "If you reveal anything without authorisation you will face charges for interference in this investigation, and immediately be stripped of your rank and duties as a police officer until further investigations are done.We will, also provide you a transcript and copy of the recording of your statement.We will require you to sign this, upon its provision.Do you understand this?Will you sign the paperwork?"


    "Yes Sir."With that inspectors, spent a few minutes reading the paperwork and handed it back to the investigators.


    "Inspector Gang, you will be taken back to where you were being held until we make a preliminary determination as to what we are going to do."


    With that the recording was stopped, the copies were ced with Inspector Gang''s paperwork and he was escorted out of the room.

 Chapter 190: So who do we believe?

    <h4>190 So who do we believe?</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    After Inspector Gang was escorted out of the interview room the two investigators stood up."Mr Nang, would you please apany us.We have further discuss matters with you and wish to review the recordings with you."


    "Not a problem, sirs"


    With that they all left the interview room and walked out of the police station and across the road into another government building and took the elevator up to the 8th Floor.Alister Nang followed the investigators into a secure area that was essed by card.He, as they walked inside the secure door, handed a "Visitor" pass, and followed the investigator into a meeting room.


    "Mr Nang, before we get too far, we need to try and establish the facts in rtion to the charges.We will be arranging to speak to Officer Mu, who but the sounds of it knows a lot about the situation.However, we need to rify certain information."


    "Sir, I have a spare copy of CEO and Madam Hou''s marriage certificate and of their household registers.With that he reached into his bag, and drew out two envelopes, handing the one with the word ''COPY'' on it to the officers."Here are the originals so you can confirm the copies."


    With that the senior investigator opened the envelope andpared the copies within to the originals.


    Alister Nang continued "I can provide you with a recording of the issuing of CEO and Madam Hou''s marriage certificate; sealed copies of all materials filed with the Australian Courts appealing against the orders that Inspector Gang was mentioning; an electronic copy of the most recently Australian issued court order; A transcript from the court upon issuing that order and written reasons for the court''s decision."


    "I also can provide an email from CEO Hou''s bank confirming the purchase of the rings; copies of the CCTV footage from the Key za Hotel and Fengs with confirmation that they are original recordings; along with a statement from Dr Chen Phillipa a world leading expert in Domestic Violence."


    "Dr Chen is a friend of CEO Hou but given what Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu has put Madam Hou through, CEO Hou arranged for Dr Chen to consult them in a professional capacity.Dr Chen''s statement, which I understand that she is willing to sign, puts forward her opinion in rtion to disclosure of Vice-CEO Lu''s actions to Madam Hou."


    Alister Nang paused "Gentleman, I believe that this will provide sufficient information to you, that deals with the allegations put forward by Vice-CEO and Madam Lu, regarding Madam Hou''s actions."


    "Thank you, Mr Nang.Now, while we have our opinion as to who is telling the truth from Inspector Gang and Senior Officer Feng, we would be interested to hear your opinion."


    "Cutting to the chase, I see."


    "Absolutely.We need to address the situation quickly before it bes a major issue."


    "Gentlemen, the problem is how close their stories are.That makes it almost impossible to distinguish the lie from the truth.I thought it was interesting though that Inspector Gang freely offered to undertake a lie detector test.It means one of two things, he knows he is telling the truth or he knows he has the skills to defeat the test.I am not sure which option applies."


    "My knowledge of Inspector Gang''s previous actions would lead me to suspect that he is lying, however, Senior Officer Fang refused to maintain eye contact for too long with anyone.That adds to the confusion.Unless there is a series of traceable bank transfers, I do not think that there will be a clear answer, unless the Lu''s admit their behaviour or confirm who offered to take the bribe.I am d that I do not have to make a decision."


    "Mr Nang, just for our information what do you believe CEO and Madam Hou would want to see happen to Inspector Gang for his assault on her?"


    "While I do not have instructions from either, but knowing CEO Hou and given Madam Hou is awyer both would be likely to want to see him punished.He does seem genuine, however, about wanting his career.If his career could be saved it would be better if he was removed from a senior post and sent to a regional area for a period of time.That will test hismitment, as if he is notmitted, he will simply quit."


    "Thank you.My colleague will show you out, but we will keep you informed of what is happening so you can advise your clients."


    With that the junior of the tow investigators handed Alister Nang a card, with an email address to send the documents to, and showed him out of the secure area.On his return, his senior colleague asked "So who do you believe?"

 Chapter 191: Back at the hospital

    <h4>191 Back at the hospital</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi was sitting beside Anna, holding her hand, hoping that she would wake up soon.As he had turned his mobile to silent when he arrived at the hospital, when it started to ring, he felt it vibrating in his pocket.He reached into his pocket and removed it, answering it one handed.He gently ced Anna''s hand on the bed and moved away to take the call.


    "CEO Hou?"


    "Assistant Wang, what can I do?"


    "Where are you sir, you have a meeting that no one else can deal with in 20 minutes."


    "Assistant Wang, I cannote in.Can you call whoever the meeting is and get them to call my mobile and I will exin the situation to them."


    "Sir, you really cannot do that, you need toe in.I have put off everything else, that Vice-CEO Ji cannot deal with.By the way why are you talking quietly."


    "Assistant Wang.Do not argue with me, I am not in the mood.My wife is in the hospital after being beaten at the police station when she was attempting to cooperate with the police.She us unconscious with a broken leg in hospital."


    "Whoever it is, will understand that I need to be with her at the moment.Just get them to call me.I am going to be with her until the weekend, at least, so arrange and bring me what I need to deal with, myptop, and Anna''sptop for when she awakes.The bodyguards know where I am."


    "Apologies Sir, I will do that straight away."


    Hou Yi ended the call and looked at Anna.He was just so angry, yes at the police who caused this, but he knew ultimately who was behind everything.Lu Jihnu and Yang Lin had to pay.They influenced what was happened and his wife was hurt as a result.He was done trying to be nice, and separate business from the personal.Lu Corporation was now a fair target ¡­


    Again, Hou YI was disturbed with his mobile vibrating again.He answered it "Sir we have arrived at the hospital, can you let us know your location?"


    "In the VIP ward.I''ll let the nursing staff know you are on your way up, and they will give you pass cards."


    "Not a problem sir."


    Hou Yi ended the call, and quietly slipped out of the room.He immediately spotted one of the nurses."I have just been informed that my wife and my bodyguards have arrived, and they are on their way up here."


    "Not a problem CEO Hou.We will let them in and arrange for pass cards.You can have three bodyguards inside the area at any one time.We will exin the rules to them and resolve it.Did you need us to arrange for meals to be catered?"


    "Actually, that will be easier today.I will be arranging for our personal chef toe in and consult with whoever is needed to be consulted with for my wife''s meals.Once they have done this, I will make a decision on what we will do."


    "Not a problem CEO Hou."


    With that Hou Yi immediately turned and re-entered the room.Again his mobile started vibrating,so again he answered it "CEO Hou, it is CEO Yao from XF International here.You assistant just rang me about our meeting."


    "Sorry CEO Yao, I have to apologise for cancelling at suchte notice.I am sure you know what happenedst night?"


    "Absolutely, I saw what happened, and I could not believe it.Nothing justified that."


    "Let me just say that things got worse today.My wife was helping police with their inquiries, and she was, savagely attacked.She received a broken leg, cuts and abrasions, but wort of all she is currently unconscious in hospital. I do not want to leave her side until she is awake and well on the road to recovery."


    "I had no idea.Do you know who is to me?"


    "While it was a police officer, I suspect that the officer was spurred into action by ¡­"


    "Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin?"


    "Right."


    "Any evidence of that?"


    "No, but based on the information I have presently, the police were given incorrect information that could only have been supplied by them, which set the wheels in motion."


    "Look, you have my number.Call me next week to re-schedule the meeting.You are where you need to be.However, if you have and confirming information about Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin being responsible let me know.While we coborate with Lu Corporation, I do not care what it does if it causes harm to us, I cannot stand for assaulting women."


    "Will do."


    Hou Yi ended the call, and walked back in sat down beside Anna, waiting for her to wake up.

 Chapter 192: Lu Corporation Press Conference - Part 1

    <h4>192 Lu Corporation Press Conference - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin walked into the foyer of Lu Corporation.Rather than walking through to his father''s office, he called and confirmed to his father''s secretary that they had arrived.They were told toe up to his office.


    5 minutester ¡­


    After being made wait outside his father''s office for a few minutes Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were shown into the office.Both were angry in being left waiting to be shown in.As soon as the door was shut.


    "Father, why ¡­"


    "Lu Jinhu, simply shut up.I have spent my time since I arrived back engaging in damage limitation.Do you not think about what you do, and its consequences?"


    "But ¡­"


    "JInhu.You are my son and I love you and Yang Lin, and your unborn child but if you cannot think about consequences there will be nothing for you to inherit.Thispany relies on the interrted nature of business in this country, and you can push others away, a they will have to make decisions about who the coborate with us or Hou Enterprises."


    "If wee out on the wrong end, everything will copse.I have read your press release, and Lu Corporation''s release is ready.Your office is being packed but it will remain vacant until we can ease you back in sometime in the future.That will be a wait and see.We need to go down, and you two better damn well be humble and ready to apologise.You have it."


    "Yes father" echoed both Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.


    CEO Lu decided this was the time to y the other card he had received earlier and opened the draw where he had the photographs sent to him, plus a few of the others he had gathered over thest few months.He needed to bring these two to the point that they will do what he wants, rather than going off and causing him more problems.


    Throwing them across the desk, he said "Look at these."


    Lu Jinhu opened the envelope and pulled out what was inside noticing he had them upside down.As he flipped them over and they started to look at them both could not believe that they had been spied on.


    "What the ..." spluttered Lu Jinhu.


    "You think I trust you without having something up my sleeve to control you?I do not.And do not worry, that is a sample.I have photographs and footage that if you push too far, and start to bring thepany down, I will provide to the police.What I have will see the two of you jailed.Now sit down and listen to me carefully."


    With slumped shoulders, they sat down on the chairs opposite CEO Lu.As he saw their movements, he knew that he had them.


    "Now, I will tell you once, and you need to listen.You will be taking total responsibility for what has happened absolving Lu Corporation from any me.You will do what I say, and that includes if what I know you have done at the police station, given I had to pick up the pieces in talking to the two officers you spoke to.The junior one was on side with doing what we wanted, but the senior one questioned it."


    "I had to feed them information, and if that b*tch of yours Lu Jinhu is any sort ofwyer she will have twisted the truth out of them.You will, and I mean you will ept total responsibility for me doing that if they are caught, by saying that you prompted the call by saying that I would confirm the truth.That allows me to say, ''I told them that I believe my son and daughter-inw would tell the truth."


    "Further if anything elsees out, you will ept that you were responsible, not me, and protect me and thepany.Any failure will result in me releasing enough of this, to ensure that you spend years in jail.You cooperate, I will ensure that you are financially supported, and will do absolutely everything to keep you from jail.you understand the deal?"


    Both looked at each other and realised that they had no option but to agreed, and meekly responded "Yes father."

 Chapter 193: Lu Corporation Press Conference - Part 2

    <h4>193 Lu Corporation Press Conference - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Internally while Lu Jinhu was seething, Yang Lin was about to explode.She could not believe how that b**ch was ruining her life, and how maniptive her father-inw was being.This should have been the best time of her life, they should have been riding high with Hou Corporation being under their control, and the moneying in, but she thwarted all the ns.She figured, at least for the next period of time she better remain quiet as she could not control what woulde out of her mouth.


    As they were about to walk out of the office, Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu received a text message each.Yang Lin read her message, which was from their spy in Hou Enterprises, working on the CEO''s level ''Hou YI not in and off to end of the week.Apparently, wife in hospital.''Lu Jinhu looked at his message ''Heard rumours Anna Jones assaulted at police station and taken to hospital.''.


    They each then handed their mobile to the other, and after reading the message looked at each other.Yang Lin leaned over and quietly whispered "Damn, those two police officers.They promised us and appeared to have messed up.We were to have thatptop, she was to have been roughed up and in jail.Being in hospital, f** k that messes things up."


    "Father, before we go to this press conference, we have information that apparently Hou Yi''s wife assaulted when helping police with inquiries and in hospital.We do not know anything." Indicated Lu Jinhu.


    "Shit, that is all we need."


    Lu Jinhu paused and realised this was something not know, and that they needed to get on the front foot and distance themselves from the situation, with a denial and just pray hope that those two idiots did not give them up, as there would be an investigation going on.


    They knew that they had to leave for the press conference in the foyer and headed down in the elevator.A podium was set up for them, and Lu Corporation''s press secretary was handing out both LU Corporation''s and Lu JInhu and Yang Lin''s personal Press Releases.The media pack was quickly called to order.


    "Members of the press.Wee to Lu Corporation.Copies of press releases form both thepany and Vice-CEO Lu Jihnu and his wife are avable.Please collect one if you do not have a copy before you leave.CEO Lu, and Vice-CEO Lu will make brief statements.Vice-CEO Lu and Madam Lu, however, will not be taking questions today, as Madam Lu is not feeling well, and Vice-CEO Lu wishes to take his pregnant wife home before the stress of the situation bes too much for her.They apologise in advance but hope that you understand.Vice-CEO Lu."


    Lu Jinhu briefly kissed Yang Lin''s cheek and walked up to the podium "Members of the press.Before I address the situation, I have just received some concerning information, which in the circumstances it is necessary to address.Information has just reached me that indicates Miss Anna Jones, while she was being interviewed for police in connection with criminal actions, was assaulted by police."


    "Other than this I have little information.My wife and I however want to make it clear that we were not involved in this.And before the press ask, despite CEO Hou calling her his wife, no evidence has been made public to confirm this and until such time it has, we will not call her Madam Hou, we will refer to her as Miss Jones."


    "As tost night, as the press release indicates the situation as a culmination of several events, where Miss Jones, had manipted legal systems, conned CEO Hou who despite being a businesspetitor I respect as a person, and lied among other actions.Eventuallyst night, her actions were such that my wife felt threatened through her actions, not only mentally but physically."


    "My wife and I had not announced her pregnancy, as she is only 2 months pregnant, but there have been a number of scares as to whether the pregnancy will go to term or she will lose out child.Miss Jones actionsst night ultimately threatened my wife to the point that she snapped but pushed me over the edge."


    "I was scared for my wife''s safety and well-being, along with our unborn child.Yes, punching her might seem extreme however ever since I ended my rtionship in Australia with her, she has been obsessed, any unwilling to leave me alone.I simply reacted in my frustration as of this."

 Chapter 194: Lu Corporation Press Conference - Part 3

    <h4>194 Lu Corporation Press Conference - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday continued ¡­


    "After having a long discussion with my wife, and talking to my father CEO Lu, I have decided that it is appropriate that I resign my position as Vice-CEO of Lu Corporation.While my actionsst night were protective for my wife and unborn child, I can see for most people they were over the top.I cannot allow my concerns for them be a bad influence on thepany."


    "Whether or not I return at some time in the future will be a decision for my father, CEO Lu.Meanwhile, with the assistance of my wife, I will be dedicating my time initially to ensuring the full establishment of the charitable initiative announced by my wife and I, so in the long term it can be fully self-supporting and sustainable.Once that is done, I will then step back from it.Thank You."


    With that Lu Jinhu stepped back, and his father stepped up to the podium to continue.


    "Thank you, son.Members of the press, I must admit my initial thoughts aboutst night''s incident were simr to that most people had, that of shock.However, subsequently I have had the time to speak at length to my son and daughter-inw.My daughter-inw for weeks has lived in terror with what Miss Jones might do to her, my son, their child and their marriage."


    "The mental pressure has been such that, as she indicated she felt that she was about to have a break-down.Miss Jones obsessively chased my son when they met at university and trapped him into a rtionship threatening to spread lies about his actions to ruin him if he left her.It was only with the support of my daughter-inw, that he felt free to break away from the toxic rtionship that Miss Jones had trapped him in."


    "However, she has not been able to let go, despite her apparent new rtionship with CEO Hou.I believe that she is using CEO Hou to humiliate my son and daughter-inw.To echo the words of my son, and even though Lu Corporation is in friendlypetition with Hou Enterprises all I can hope is that CEO Hou will quickly see through this evil woman and get her out of his life."


    "While I cannot, as the CEO of Lu Corporation condone the actions of my son and daughter-inwst night, particrly given his role as Vice-CEO, I can only apud him for not only stepping up to exin his actions, but for considering Lu Corporation over and above any career for himself."


    "In resigning as he has my son has shown hismitment to thepany''s well-being and the protection of its employees.From a business perspective, this is the right decision, however I hope he will remain for the rest of this week and next week, to enable us to transition to a temporary Vice-CEO.We will, as from tomorrowmence the recruitment process for a permanent recement.This will be an international search."


    "However, and before you think that I am cruel, I want to make this point.While I cannot condone what happened, I have spoken to my son and daughter-inw at length over what has been happening for a period of time."


    "Given all the information they have provided me, and which I will not be making public to protect innocent people in this situation, I can understand my son''s desire as a husband and father-to-be to protect his family.Most of us, if you had the information, I have would be the same.It simply was an overreaction in pursuit of that goal that has resulted in us being here today."


    "I issue now a challenge to Miss Jones.Cease your actions towards my son and daughter-inw.You are awyer, and you should be upholding thew, however you are acting to stalk and harass them.Hand over to my son the items that you agreed in orders to provide my son when your rtionship with him ended, drop this stupid appeal and ask the court to reinstate the orders that you are trying to overturn."


    "Leave us alone, admit you are using CEO Hou, and leave this country.If you do not, personally will I support my son and daughter-inw in pursuing you.As your actions are now harming Lu Corporation, as its CEO we will pursue you as well for damages and penalties for the harm you have caused."


    CEO Lu turned around and quietly nodded to Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, who knew that the needed to leave.He then turned back to face the press "Now my son and daughter-inw are leaving, I will open up the floor to questions.Who has questions?"


    With that, almost every member of the media there shot a hand up, wanting to ask question of CEO Lu.The media pack was scanned and a friendly member of eh press was chosen to ask the first, pre-nned question.


    "CEO Lu, can you further exin the challenge you have issued to Miss Jones?" ....

 Chapter 195: Firing Back - Part 1

    <h4>195 Firing Back - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi, had drifted off to sleep, sitting in the chair beside Anna, who slowly started to wake up.She opened her eyes and realised that she was in a hospital bed.She wondered how she had gotten here and remembered Inspector Gang, for want of a better term kicking the sh*t out of her.Anna could not feel much and realised that she had a drip in her arm.


    Anna determined it was likely that she was receiving pain killers through the drip.As she tried to sit up more, without disturbing Hou Yi and realised that she was unable to move her left leg. She looked down and found that the nkets on the bed were raised over her left leg, so she carefully lifted the bedcoverings and realised that there was a cast on her leg.


    Anna quickly thought, OK, as a result of being kicked, I have a broken leg, and given I cannot recall much, I must have a concussion, so I was taken to hospital.However how long have I been here?


    Anna''s movement, however disturbed Hou Yi, and he woke up.Once he realised Anna was awake, he reached up with his other hand, and ced his hand on her cheek.Rather than immediately turning to look at Hou Yi, Anna simply slightly moved her head back and forth for a few seconds.


    For Anna this was a simplefort in that the man that she realised she was deeply falling in love with was beside her.She knew that this would make her strong in dealing with the weeks ahead.Anna said to herself, I cannot tell him how I feel.I do not want to risk another rejection.This time, Anna knew any rejection would hurt her so much more than how she felt when Lu Jinhu dumper her at the altar.


    To Hou Yi, Anna''s actions not only providefort, but more importantly reassured him that things would be OK.He felt empowered as the woman he loved was willing to give such a small gesture that gave him so much pleasure andfort.


    Hou Yi knew before she turned her face to look at him, he had to hide his emotions because he knew if Anna rejected him, it would be heartbreak for him, and there would be no hope that his dreams woulde true.Plus, he did not want to pressure her in rtion to she did not want.


    As Anna started to turn her head to Hou Yi, her mobile started to ring, so Hou Yi went into her handbag.Before he handed her the phone it stopped ringing.Anna opened it up and called back the number which she did not recognise, so she decided to call it back.


    At the same time, Hou Yi''s mobile started to vibrate, so he moved away and answered the mobile.


    As Hou Yi answered "Sir ¡­"


    "What is it, Assistant Wang?"


    "Sorry to disturb you, Lu Jinhu and his father have given statements at a press conference at Lu Corporation Headquarters.To cut a long story short. They have med Madam Hou for everything that has urred, imed you and Madam Hou are not validly married, and threatened to sue Madam Hou."


    "Get me a full transcript of that press conference and put me through to the Public Rtion''s department now."


    "Yes sir."


    With that the call went onto hold until someone picked up the call."CEO Hou, how can the public rtion''s department help you."


    "Have you heard what was said at the Lu Corporation press conference?"


    "Sir, why would a Lu Corporation press conference be relevant to Hou Enterprises.As far as I know we have no current coborations that they are involved in directly or indirectly."


    "You know nothing.Transfer me immediately though Wu Hai within the department."This statement made the person on the other end of the phone realise the CEO was so angry, that it could mean their job.


    "Hold on Sir, I will do that immediately."With that the phone call was again put on hold.


    "CEO Hou, Wu Hai here, how can I help you?"


    "Did you know about the Lu Corporation Press Conference?"


    "Yes sir, but my supervisor deemed it not necessary to inform senior management."


    "You need to immediately speak to Vice-CEO Ji and advise him of the press conference, what was said about my wife and tell him I told you to give him that information.Also mention when telling him that ''Spy hunt'', and he will understand this."


    Hou Yi paused, more than likely the supervisor or someone else more senior to her within the department was another spy for the Lu''s and Yang''s.Hopefully Uncle Feng would be able to quickly find the spy, as he did not want them to slip through the.

 Chapter 196: Firing Back - Part 2

    <h4>196 Firing Back - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "I need you to prepare a press release.I hate the use of press releases without an apanying press conference and firing shots via them as well, but I have no choice.Get a hold of the press releases handed to the media at Lu Corporation, and based on that and what they said, start preparing a detailed response."


    "Firstly, within the next 20 minutes a short release needs to go out to confirm my wife and I are married and tell Assistant Wang to give you the footage from the issuing of our marriage certificate to release with it.In it confirm that a more detailed press release will be forting, and I need you to work on that."


    "You need to confirm that there will not be a press conference, as my wife is in hospital due to a serious assault that urred while she was talking to the police.You need to work through the various ims made against my wife, and you should work through ande up with responses to each one, as well as adding the information from Vice-CEO Ji."


    "If you cannot work out how to respond to various allegations made, contact Assistant Wang and see if he can assist you.If at that time you have no answer, have him contact me, and I will provide you with the information."


    "Yes sir, I will contact Assistant Wang for that footage."


    "I will message him, and I am going to suggest presently you will move to work directly through my office.I would also like you to think about whether you would like to remain at Hou Enterprises, ore and work personally for my wife and I?"


    With that Hou Yi ended the call, and sent a text message to Assistant Wang, about Wu Hai.


    He turned to Anna, who was hanging up her call.


    Meanwhile, while Hou Yi was dealing with the press release issues, Anna''s return call was answered "Amanda Mei here."


    "Amanda, apologise I did not answer when you called."


    "Miss Anna, you do not need to apologise.I read about what happenedst night, and was worried that you were hurt seriously, as no one had seen you of CEO Hou today."


    "Amanda, I am OK ¡­"


    "No, you are not" snapped and yelled Amanda Mei.She immediately realised that she had snapped and yelled at the Lady Boss.She knew that it would mean her job, however she knew enough to know that the Lady Boss was lying, and she wanted to know the truth.The Lady Boss was a lovely forgiving person, who she felt that in another situation would be a friend.She knew that that was impossible in the situation, however she would not do her a service if she let her lie about things.


    "Amanda ¡­"


    "Apologise Miss Anna, I did not mean to do that."


    "No apologise necessary.Unlike everyone else in the legal department, since my identity became known you have not tried to influence me.You apologised for your honest mistake on the day that we met and have tried to maintain a good rtionship with me."


    "Miss Anna, I do not know what to say," responded Amanda Mei in an apologetic tone.


    "Amanda, stop apologising.I can guess that you are concerned.I am going to talk to Yi and see if he can arrange for a friendly face to at least visit.I can tell you then what is going on.Are you OK with that?"


    "I do not know what to say."


    "Amanda, Sorry I need to end the call as Yi needs to talk to me."With that Anna ended the call and turned to Hou Yi.


    "Anna, what do you need?"


    "Can you arrange for Amanda Mei of the Legal department to visit me.While I do not fully trust her, she is the only one that has tried to treat me normally after her reporting me to immigration."


    "I can do that.You do not need to worry about her.Amanda''s mother is a close friend of Aunt Xi, and her father if Vice-CEO of XF International.I trust him and his boss CEO Yao implicitly.They are honest and open."


    "Amanda has wanted to create a career separate from her father''s identity and influence.I made sure she obtained a job at Hou Enterprises, and she has done nothing but excel since she started.I have never regretted the decision, despite everyone telling me that I would regret it."

 Chapter 197: Firing Back - Part 3

    <h4>197 Firing Back - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "What happened Yi?I recall being interviewed by police and being kicked, and then I awoke here."


    "Apparently your head was mmed at least twice into the wall, and you were kicked so hard that it broke your tibia and fib of your left leg.The police officer who assaulted you has currently been detailed, and the assault being investigating.You were transported here for medical checks.You were lucky that in addition to the leg, you suffered a concussion and a fracture to your cheek bone, as well as abrasions.They told me that you will be here for a couple of week."


    Hou Yi paused and, then continued "Anna, I will get the staff toe in and check you out.While they are doing this, I will step out and make a few phone calls."With that Hou Yi pressed the call button, and when the nurse arrived, he stepped outside the room.


    Hou Yi opened his phone and dialed CEO Yao "Hou Yi here.I just wanted to talk to you about ¡­"


    "My previous offer regarding Lu Corporation, is my guess CEO Hou.My staff brought their press conference to my attention, and are urging me to step away from coborations with Hou Enterprises."


    "So ¡­"


    "I do not trust CEO Lu.Thest time we coborated with him, while we cannot prove it he Lu Corporation appeared to have taken funds from the venture for themselves.It is hidden.CEO Lu us a maniptive idiot, who if he had to apply for his job would not even get an interview.And his self-entitled son, who thinks the world owes him everything."


    "Of my triplets you know the two boyspletely saw through him when they were 14 years old.I suspect that six months ago he was behind the sexual assault on their sister, but proving it is another story.She will not say who did it, and has not been the same since the assault.He disappeared at the same time she was out of my sight and the assault had to ur."


    "I have simply tolerated the waste of space given the role his father gave him in the familypany.There always has been little that can be done because he has his father''s backing and the power of Lu Corporations money behind him.I have had long discussions with Amanda Mei, and know in addition to my life long trust in you given your help at school, Amanda tells me that I can trust your wifepletely."


    "In fact, the reason I had asked for the meeting is I wanted to work with you to shut Lu Corporation out of a new project.I found out a few days ago that Lu Corporation were pressuring otherpanies involved in the project for them to be the primarypany, and to shut you outpletely."


    "The City X Mall development?" responded Hou Yi


    "Yes.As you might remember the original proposal was for you and us to each take a thirty percent share, and the remaining fourty percent to be shared between everyone else involved in the development.Now the pressure from everyone else is to dump Hou Enterprises and rece you with Lu Corporation.The demands, and we can guess who drove it was that Hou Corporation have topensate them and Lu Corporation for taking over the involvement."


    "You now want to cut them out?"


    "Absolutely.I am happy for Hou Enterprises to take whatever share that they want in the development, and we will fund the bnce.Are you in?"


    "Absolutely.Overall we will take fifty percent, but I cannotmit that money at the moment.Six to eight months time I could, as we have the Australian Commercial Development that hits it next major milestones in that time, freeing up funds.Can you manage until then?"


    "We can.I will send the paperwork to you for signature.How is your wife, by the way?"


    "She has woken up, and the medical staff are making assessments."


    "Keep me informed.I will bring the documents to you, are you at home?


    "Actually no, I n to stay with my wife at the hospital."


    "I will bring the documents to you thereter."


    "Actually, I was arranging for Amanda Mei to visit my wife.What about you apany her and make it less obvious what we are doing."


    "Good thinking.I am not going to keep you on the phone, however I need your approval for the press release.I have, rather than my Public Rtions staff, have drafted it, so it will be short and simple."


    "OK, let me know the details."Hou Yi paused, taking into ount what Yan Tan said and then continued "Tan, I have another idea as well when you get here that I want to discuss, and it will stop the games once and for all, if you are in."

 Chapter 198: Firing Back - Part 4

    <h4>198 Firing Back - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "No problems on talking about your n when I get there.Now ..."


    "I am guessing you already have something drafted to release on the development?"


    "You know me too well.Let me read it to you.XF International are happy to announce it has entered into an agreement with Hou Enterprises for the City X Mall development.Lu Corporation, despite their announcement of being the primary developer in this development have lied as to their involvement.The development has always been driven by XF International, with other partners."


    "After ongoing discussions, we are pleased to announce that the development will be a coboration solely between XF International and Hou Enterprises.Certain aspects of the development will be contracted out to otherpanies; however, Lu Corporation will not be involved in this development."


    "Further XF International demand that Lu Corporation retract their statements made earlier in respect of this development.A refusal to immediately do so will ensure that XF International will not coborate on developments in this country or internationally.We do not take lightly any otherpany acting in a manner to force XF International to act as they demand.Their actions were driven by the fact that we had refused requests of Lu Corporation both directly and indirectly to be involved in this development."


    "Finally, it is highly concerning the actions of Lu Corporation, its CEO and former Vice-CEO in thest 24 hours.In term of its former Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu, we in the strongest words abhor the behaviour that he demonstrated.Nothing excuses any violence towards another person, let alone someone who he was previously involved with.He should have escorted his wife away from the confrontation rather than resorting to violence.ming the victim of his abuse is something we cannot and will not condone."


    "While it can be expected a father will support his son, CEO Lu failed to condemn his actions.He again med the victim, rather than being strong in condemning any violence towards a woman.His excuse was, like his son, was that Madam Hou had engaged in criminal activities.As far as XF International know Madam Hou has not been charged with criminal behaviour directed towards former Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu either in this country of Australia."


    "Even if she was, it still does not justify any violence.By supporting former Vice-CEO Lu, in a press conference held in Lu Corporation''s headquarters CEO Lu, in our view has indicated that Lu Corporation do not condemn such behaviour in the strongest terms."


    "XF International therefore are also announcing that they intend to be a major partner and significant financial contributor to the fundraising campaignmenced by CEO and Madam Hou, to assist victims of intimate partner violence.All staff will be encouraged to donate, and we will match cash donations dor for dor, and opportunities for staff to volunteer up to 5 paid days a year work to assist the initiative."


    "Staff members who are the victims of such violence will also be given ess to paid leave to assist in their recovery.The details of this will be worked through by the human resources department and provided to all staff.After witnessing Lu Jinhu''s actionsst night, we can understand how physical and psychological abuse can be crippling to victims."


    "Due to thismitment, and the fact that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin will retain involvement with their recently announced initiative for children''s services, we will make no furthermitments of financial or any other support.XF International, will in the event that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin have no involvement with this at all donate some funds to the initiative."


    "Almost perfect.The only thing you need to add, is about my wife being in the hospital and put in about you hoping that Lu Jinhu, Yang Lin and CEO Lu were not involved."


    "Why that?"


    "I need to see them start to twist in the wind.I have not resorted to violence or other means before now, as my wife has been so impacted by what has happened to her at Lu Jinhu''s hands.But, and this cannot get out at the moment, the police officer who assaulted her at my wife''s pushing admitted the three of them were involved in setting up the situation that led to her injuries."


    "I wondered why you had not reacted.It never seemed like you before now, but I am starting to get an idea of what you want to do, make a long term move that will utterly destroy them and prevent they acting against you in the future.You can count me in for your ns, as those three deserve no sympathy from me or XF International as I detest bullies.With that change, are you happy for me to release it quickly."


    "You know me too well.As I remember my British and Australian friends saying ''Revenge is a dish best served cold'', and that is what I want and am determined to get."


    "I Vice-CEO Mei will speak to Amanda so we can finalise the coboration documents for signature, and I will bring them when Amanda and Ie tonight.Let me know if there is anything else that we can do at the moment.Goodbye."


    With that the call was ended.

 Chapter 199: Firing Back - Part 5

    <h4>199 Firing Back - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued¡­


    As soon as Hou Yi ended the call, not only did he notice the nursing staff leave the room, but his telephone rang again, this time it was Assistant Wang on the other end of the line.


    "Assistant Wang, what do you need?"


    "A couple of things CEO Hou, I have not been able to finalise the arrangements for Lawyer Mei to visit Madam Hou ¡­"


    "Do not worry about that, it has been arranged, and she will be contacted regarding that."


    "I have Wu Hai with me, and we want to finalise the press release¡­"


    "Hold on, I need to go in to the room, as my wife has woken up, and I want her to be involved in this press release.Call me back in 5 minutes."


    "Yes Sir."


    With that Hou Yi ended the call and walked back into Anna''s hospital room.He walked over and sat down in the chair he had been sitting in."How are you?"


    "A headache, which they told me would be expected, but they said everything else is OK.They told me, pain will get worse as after tomorrow they will be removing the painkillers through the drip and having me take them orally."


    With that Hou Yi, picked up the hand closest to him and gave it a gentle squeeze."Anna, Assistant Wang has Wu Hai with him, and they have drafted a press release.Let me just say that Lu Jinhu and his family and theirpany are trying to assassinate your character and chase you out of my life and the country.It is a desperate move, given the bacsh fromst night.While I hate tit-for-tat press releases we have to quickly respond by a press release.Feel free to add anything you want as we hear it."


    "Fine.Yi could youe and sit beside me on the bed.I just need you closer than there at the moment."


    Hou Yi could not believe his wife''s request.It was a sign that she needed him close, but all he was hoping was that it was not simply that she needed a safety.Anna, realised that she needed him as close as possible, both to providefort but more importantly as she needed as much of a connection that she could have with him at the moment, as there would be little opportunities to be more intimate until at least the cast came off her leg.


    As Hou Yi sat down on the bed, his mobile started to ring, and he answered it."Yes"


    "CEO Hou ¡­"


    "Assistant Wang, my wife is awake, but she needs her rest at the moment.Can you hear us Wu Hai?"


    "Yes Sir."


    "Please read out what you have drafted.My wife and I will interrupt when we need changes or for additional information to be added."


    "Sir, we have two separate releases.The first will be from Hou Enterprises and the second from you and Madam Hou personally."


    "Get started please"


    "Hou Enterprises wishes to announce to the public that for the next two weeks ¡­"


    "I am guessing you are about to say how long I will be away.If that is, it will be three weeks as that is when my wife will be get out of hospital."


    "OK, starting again.Hou Enterprises wishes to announce to the public that for the next three weeks CEO Hou Yi will be on partial leave from thepany.His role, when he is unavable will be filled by abination of Vice-CEO Ji Feng and former CEO and Chairman Hou Jang."


    "CEO Hou will be taking this leave, as due to an incident that urred while Madam Hou was at the police station providing information to the police regarding matters.This has resulted in Madam Hou being injured and hospitalised.Hou Enterprises will notment further on the incident or the reasons that Madam Hou was providing information to the police, as we understand that these are matters subject to ongoing investigations."


    Hou Yi interrupted, "We need to add to that.Hou Corporation also announces that it has entered into agreement with XF International to be their equal and sole other partner in the City X Mall development.Further information about this will be released by XF International until such time as a joint project management team is established."


    "The other thing, I want added, is Hou Corporation condemns Lu Corporation and its CEO, CEO Lu for failing to condemn former Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu''s actions towards Madam Houst night.Despite former Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu being his son, the utter failure to condemn violence against a woman and victim me is totally uneptable.For those two reasons, Hou Corporation will be re-evaluating our involvement in any project where Lu Corporation is involved in any way.Once that is added, please run it by Vice-CEO Ji and have him sign the release for thepany."


    "Actually, can you add into that release, that I also will be off, but for 6 to 8 weeks, due to suffering a broken leg.People know that I work in the legal department, and it needs to be out there so there is no usation that Ie in and out of thepany when it suits me."Anna looked directly at Hou Yi, and continued "Ites back to that honesty you were mentioning."

 Chapter 200: Firing Back - Part 6

    <h4>200 Firing Back - Part 6</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "Not a problem.As to your personal release while I have drafted it, but in considering the situation, it will be seen as tit-for-tat.The Company''s release provides information that is required to be disclosed and condemns violence against women.If we have a release from you today, it will simply get lost, aspanies are firing out press releases."


    "I would suggest releasing it tomorrow or Friday, making it more pointed, and be seen that you are less involved in thepany''s release.It works as Madam Hou has been unconscious and is in hospital, so a press release form you should be thest thing you are worried about.I have a n, but at present it is not drafted.Once done I will have Assistant Wang can email it to you for your review.What I need to do is rify the details to be put in."


    "OK" came Hou YI and Anna at the same time.


    "It needs to detail the assaultst night.From what I understand Lu Jinhu was telling a friend that, you Madam Hou were maniptive, threatening, a thief, used you of duping CEO Hou, could not see the truth for anything, and that people who know him know that he would not do what is imed.There was a mention of an incident at the Key za Hotel two weeks ago."


    "From what I understand you confronted him over his lies, and verbal abuse of Madam Hou ensured.This ended in Yang Lin pping and Lu Jinhu punching Madam Hou.Somewhere in there it was revealed that Yang Lin was 2 months pregnant.I am aware of some of the violence that was directed at you Madam Hou by Lu Jinhu, and will incorporate that into the release."


    "Additionally I understand there were threats that they would ruin Hou Enterprises if you CEO Hou continued your rtionship with Madam Hou.CEO Hou, you also made ament about Lu Jinhu being found out for the abuser that he actually was.I can work all that into a press release.Can you tell me what happened, tond you in hospital Madam Hou."


    "With respect to that," started Hou Yi looking directly at Anna "All we want to say is that the events that led to my wife''s hospitalisation are being investigated, and we will notment further."


    Anna nodded and then said "but add that I have concussion and a broken Tibia and Fib, hence why I am in hospital."


    "And make sure that the press release clearly stresses the violence directed by Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin to my wife.Enough is enough, and they will not get away with it.Once you have drafted it, we need to review it.However Assistant Wang, I need you to retrieve from my study at home my wife and myptops, and our phone charges.Also have Butler Ge, pack clothes for both of us, as I am going to remain at the hospital with my wife, for a few days."


    "Yes Sir."


    With that Hou Yi ended the call and shut his phone.With that he simply gathered Anna in his arms, as best he could in the circumstances.They both simply sat there, rxing and taking in each other''s presence.


    For Anna, being in Hou Yi''s arms reminded her of, just this morning.How wonderful she felt, and how she felt about the man who had his arms around her.How much she realised that what she ever thought she felt for Lu Jinhu was tepid.


    It was nothingpared to how Hou Yi made her feel.However, given how their rtionship started, she knew that she could not tell him.He needed to give some signal to each her that he wanted more than just a s*xual rtionship, he wanted a full rtionship like he hinted on the day they married.


    To Hou Yi, having his wife in his arms was a magical.He knew even 16 days ago, having the love of his life in his arms, having a s*xual rtionship with her, building a marriage was only a dream.He did not know where she was, what she was doing.


    The twists in their lives that brought her to him, he did not know who to thank, but whoever it was he owed them everything.The only things that would make his life moreplete was his wife admitting her feelings, their rtionship growing and bing all he wanted, and children at some time in the future, the total expression of their love.


    Both of them were lost in their thoughts and did not realise that a nurse opened the door to check on Anna.As soon as she saw the scene, she realised that this was a couple deeply in love with each other.She quietly shut the door and left them alone, as she did not need to do Anna''s observations for another 30 minutes.All she was grateful for was that Anna was too sore from her injuries, otherwise who would know what she would have walked in on.

 Chapter 201: Firing Back - Part 7

    <h4>201 Firing Back - Part 7</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ..


    Around 20 minutester, the nurse returned to Anna''s room, this time knocking on the door to disturb Hou Yi and Anna.She had to take Anna''s observations, but there was also two people in reception requesting toe and visit.


    "CEO and Madam Hou, there is an Amanda Mei and a Yao Tan at reception, requesting toe and visit Madam.Can they be sent up?"


    "Absolutely," immediately responded Hou Yi.


    "I will let reception know."With that she walked out and confirmed that the visitors were OK to be shown up to the two visitors.


    The nurse re-entered the room and said "CEO Hou, Madam Hou''s visitors are on their way up.Would you be offended if I asked you to let them into the secured area, as I need to take Madam Hou''s observations?"


    Hou Yi determined that the nurse needed a few minutes with his wife "Not a problem."With that he exited the room and walked to the entry doorway.The nurse quickly took and recorded Anna''s observations, before Hou Yi arrived back with their guests.


    As she left, she observed CEO Hou walking along the corridor with two people following him.These must be the guests sent up from reception.


    Hou Yi opened he door to Anna''s room, and showed their guests in.Amanda Mei moved and sat down in the chair beside Anna.


    "What happened?"


    "I was at the police station helping police with what happenedst night, and then was assaulted.I do not recall much about what happened.The next thing that I recall was waking up here and being told that I had a concussion, cuts and abrasions, and a broken Tibia and Fib."


    "You are kidding me."


    "No.I am guessing Yi knows more than I do, but he is not wanting to tell me.Now, howe you did not tell me about your father.Yi told me he is the Vice-CEO at XF International.Howe you are working at Hou Enterprises then?"


    "A long story."Amanda looked over at Yao Tan who was talking to Hou Yi, and had a sweet smile on her face, before she turned back.


    Anna noticed this, and knew she had to ask the question."Something to do with, whoever is talking to Yi?"


    "That is Yao Tan, his father and mine are close friends.Tan about 18 months ago reced his father as CEO of XF International.When I finished high school, my father and Tan''s father tried to force us into marriage.I wanted to studyw, and work before I even thought about marriage to anyone, let alone an arranged marriage."


    "I sailed through and earned my degree, and when it came to get a job, my father did everything to block me, as he still wanted me to be a wife only.Tan contacted CEO Hou, as despite him being a bit over 3 years older than your husband they are close friends, to see if there was an opportunity for a job for me with Hou Enterprises."


    "He knew that I could not get a job at XF International as my father and his would prevent that, and they used the interconnected nature of business here to have everyone else reject me.CEO Hou, apparently spoke to his father, who with some pressure agreed to give me an opportunity.I have to admit that I have loved working at Hou Enterprises since I have been there, but ¡­"


    "Something is happening between you and CEO Yao?"


    "How did you guess?"


    "I am not blind.You both keep looking at each other to assure yourselves that you are safe.What do you n to do?"


    "Do you know, I still want to work, even though I know I want to marry Tan.The problem is, I know no one will employ the wife of XF International''s CEO, so I will have no options.In marrying him, I will have to forgo my career.At least you have not had to make that choice."


    "Yi spoils me.He is giving me the opportunity to have a career, knowing that if I did not I would not be happy."


    "Stop distracting me.We need to talk about you.You have not told me the full truth.There is more behind you ending up here other than getting assaulted at the police station.I saw youst night getting pped by that b**ch Yang Lin and then punched by that waste of space Lu Jinhu.What is the story."


    "Do you want the long version or the plotted highlights?"


    "Highlights please.I do not think I could deal the long version."


    "I met Lu Jinhu at university.We lived in the same residential college.He wanted a rtionship, but I refused.I finished my degree before him and moved for my career.He finished his degree 4 monthster, and simply showed up my doorstep.He sort of pushed me into a rtionship."


    "During the rtionship, as you now might connect from the press release, what happened Friday night, Monday''s press conference andst night, he was abusive towards me.He asked me to marry him at a time that I was ready to walk from the rtionship, and stupidly I agreed."


    "Six months ago, Yi was at my employers in Australia for a meeting.We bumped into each other and ended upmunicating.From there we formed a connection and eventually through our discussions I decided that I needed to end it with Lu Jinhu, as Yi was the person I knew I wanted to end up spending my life with."


    "We jointly made the decision that in ending the rtionship with Lu Jinhu I was not going to be nasty or push it in his face that I was immediately moving on.However, before I could do this Lu Jinhu married Yang Lin, so we had no problems in getting married immediately."

 Chapter 202: Firing Back - Part 8

    <h4>202 Firing Back - Part 8</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "So I am guessing the resulting dealing with the end of a rtionship has been a mess?"


    "You can say that.He forged my signature to obtain court orders that he keeps trying to use against me, and is making my life a living hell."


    "Anna, you have a husband who, from what I have observed absolutely adores and loves you.Do not give a shit about the idiot that is your ex.Plus he is a ruthless businessman, he will use that power if I am not wrong."


    Amanda paused."Anna, would I be wrong in thinking that the order he obtained through forging your signature is part of the reason for being at the police station.I know thew here, is that if you do notply with court orders, regardless of where they are obtained, you can in this country be charged with theft.Was that what he was trying to do?"


    "How did you guess?"


    "While I hope I will be your friend, given your husband and my boyfriend ¡­"


    "Soon to be fianc¨¦e if I am not wrong"


    "That is a wait and see. Your husband and my Tan are friends.More importantly I am awyer and I know thew."


    There was another pause by Amanda."I have an idea, if you are willing, and more importantly it will not break thew in any way."


    "Have you a deious mind."


    "You have to here to survive some of the b**ches in the social circles we both are in.The biggest one is Yang Lin, who believes she is the queen.She targets anyone she considers a threat, and at the moment that is you.However I have seen her time and time again in action.If I can help bring her down, and deal with that b**tard Lu Jinhu I am game.He is slime."


    "He was, while in his rtionship with you regrly back here, and he always tried to hit on women.He even tried it with me about 12 months ago, and I told him where to go, and when he cornered me and tried to force himself on me I kicked him where it hurt the most.Now getting back to what I have nned, I am going to take a photo of you in bed and post it on social media."


    With that Amanda pulled out her mobile phone and took a photo of Anna.Once they were happy with it, she wrote the text. ''Visiting my friend Hou Anna in hospital, after being assaultedst night by her ex and his wife.Due to maniption of thew, she was assaulted when talking to the police today, ending up in Hospital with concussion and a broken leg.Hopefully justice will be served!"


    "Brilliant Amanda.Before you post that what I need to the name I need to search on social media so I can like the post as well."


    Amanda took Anna''s phone from her and on the various social media tforms found herself and sent friend requests."OK I am going to post and then will immediately ept your requests, so you can like and share."


    Amanda posted the photo andment onto social media and epted Anna''s requests.


    Anna as soon as the post appeared in her feds, liked and shared the post."Let us see how quickly this goes viral.Actually, I have another idea.Get in here, and we will take a photo with the two of us in it"


    They manovered and took a photo of them together that they were happy with.Anna then typed her post to go with it ''Had visit from my friend Amanda.Great to see someone who cares, given what has happened.Justice to be served.''


    "ssic.Post it, and I will share it."


    Anna immediately posted the photo, and Amanda liked and shared as soon as she saw this.


    They simply sat thereughing, and seeing the likes shares andments, particrly from Amanda''s social circle.


    "OMG Amanda, this one is brilliant ''Justice wille Yang Lin you b**ch and Lu Jinhu you b**tard.You deserve it and each other.''"


    "Anna, the power of social media.You know only a few people here, but most of my friends have been victimised by Yang Lin or Lu Jinhu or both of them.Unlike their usual methods of victimisation, they attacked you in public, and whatever they may im is the reason for it, it cannot be denied that it urred.This will allow people to vicariously get some revenge, and they cannot be attacked for sharing and liking the posts."

 Chapter 203: Firing Back - Part 9

    <h4>203 Firing Back - Part 9</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile


    Yao Tan walked over to where Hou Yi was standing.


    "Tan, my friend, good to see you.I need a friendly face, even though we have some business to deal with."


    "Yi, you should have called.You have helped me out, I do not know how many times, and I could have been here for you."


    "You have a business to run, and that has to take priority, rather than sitting here holding my hand."


    "Do not try and get out of it my friend.I know you well enough to know you love your wife just by the way that you look at her and given the potential for her injuries you should have had someone you trusted with you.You should have called."


    "I do not want to talk about this now.Can we deal with business firstly."


    "Fine, but you will not be getting out of this."


    With that, they sat down at the table, and went through the paperwork for the City X Mall construction coboration.As the deal was as had been discussed, with the changes to reflect it was only bothpanies involved, it was signed quite quickly.


    "Yi, just so you know that press release was going out as I left the office, so the deal is now is out in the public, along with our condemnation ofst night.Now tell me the truth about your rtionship, no bulls**t about it.And how do Yang Ling and Lu Jinhu y into it?"


    "Well you know how Lu Jinhu went to Australia for his university studies ¡­"


    "Yeah, I am guessing given how he was at school his family simply brought him into a far away university, rather than achieving initial entry on merit, for that idiot, to get his degree."


    "Well, the university he attended was the same one as my wife.In fact they met in the same University College.Apparently he tried to manipte my wife into a rtionship while there and she refused.She graduated before him, and started working in Melbourne.He graduated 4 months after shemenced work in Melbourne, and he showed up on her doorstep 5 years ago and manipted her into a rtionship."


    "And yet he was back here time after time hitting on women and trying to form rtionships.You know the rumours as much as I do.He s*xually assaulted numbers of women, and while some went to the police they were persuaded not to have him prosecuted.Let alone what you and I suspect him of doing to my daughter."


    "She does not know that.Well during the rtionship, as she admits he was emotionally or psychologically abusive, but I have information that he was also physically abusive to her.About 10 months ago she was about to end the rtionship with him, and he proposed.She epted him and rmitted to the rtionship."


    "Our meeting was a chance meeting when I was at her employers for business.We literally bumped into each other.I was able to get into contact with her and wemunicated on and off for months.I did not push her, despite my feelings and we just talked.Eventually she came to the conclusion that the rtionship was over with Lu Jinhu, and she wanted to be with me.Despite the pressure my father and grandfather exerted on me to get marriage ¡­"


    "I know about that.You had a deadline to marry otherwise they were effectively going to give control of thepany to the Lu''s"


    "Yeah.Despite that when she made the decision, I was willing to wait until not only had she ended the rtionship properly but there was a gap of time before we announced our involvement, as I did not want to see her pired for our actions.However, before she could do that Lu Jinhu married Yang Lin, and we decided that we did not have to wait.Due to the Australian Embassy messing up slightly the paperwork for her marriage, we were able to marry immediately."


    "One thing the b**tard did was he forged court documents to try and take everything Anna had, and he has reacted to Anna''s efforts to turn that over and our foundation that has exposed his behaviour.The former is why we disappeared for a few day as we had to go to Australia to deal withthat and get orders to overturn it."


    "The original orders is what he used to convince the police to take Anna in and question her, despite her trying to tell them that the orders were effectively dered null and void.Between you and I a police officer assaulted her. I suspect that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were involved in manipting the police into it.However I am waiting for a personalwyer, not connected to thepany, to tell me what is going on, as I do not believe the authorities have any choice but to investigate what is going on."

 Chapter 204: Firing Back - Part 10

    <h4>204 Firing Back - Part 10</h4>


    Wednesday, continued...


    Yao Tan, took a close look at his friend, and realised that he was thinking about something else."Yi, you have something else on your mind about this whole situation.Tell me, so I can see what I can do to help."


    "Last night I felt so stupid that I did not do what I wanted to do, and beat Lu Jinhu up for what he did ..."


    "Yi, I was there.You might not have seen me, but I absolutely saw what happened.My first reaction was that I was disappointed in you that you did not react.You, like me, were brought up to respect and protect the women in your life, and I thought that you failed your wife.I was going to call you out on that.Shortly after you left, Amanda and I left as I knew I would not be able to contain my reaction if I ran into them."


    "As I took Amanda to her ce, we talked about what happened.She told me that she believed you had done the right thing.As we debated it as she exined it to me, one of the mostmon thing that every Lawyer learns regardless of where they are in the world, is the importance of respecting thew.You do not react andmit an offence because you want revenge, it is the justice system in your country that gives you that revenge."


    "As she said, what she learnt when part of her course covered different legal systems and what she got out of the different systems that she studied was if you punched him there and then you would have broken thew, but if the court had given you permission to do that as part of the legal system, then it was alright.It took me a time to get my head around that, but she was right.Not reacting, actually sets you apart from him, and most importantly you are showing the woman that you love that you respect everything that makes her what she is."


    "When in the world did you get poetic like that?"


    "Every since ..."


    "You and Amanda.I thought you swore, because her family and your family, when she was 18 tried to force you into an arranged marriage you would have nothing to do with her."


    "She has grown on me.When she came to visit her father, we would stop and chat and about 3 months ago, we started quietly dating.There is no way I want her family to know about it.Now stop distracting me, I know you well enough that you have something nned, as you would not have agreed to the Mall project as quickly as you did."


    "You know me too well.I want to bring down Lu Corporation.Its money that has made Lu Jinhu believe he is above thew, and can get away with thing like he didst night.You know, he and the witch of a wife of his, even tried to convince, despite the family connection with Fengs, the police that we had ''stolen'' the wedding rings the had requested subject to approval."


    "The staff are not that idiotic, to allow someone else to purchase rings if a VIP customer has requested a specific set be made avable to viewing.No, the worst thing, and I do not know if it was stupidity or arrogance and a belief that it would never be found out, but apparently CEO Lu had spoken with the police officer who assaulted my wife, and given him the questions to ask my wife."


    "Goodness knows what else he was involved in during the whole incident, but I suspect it is even more than my wife was able to get him to admit to.You should see what she did in the police interview, with the truth she was able to twist out so much information from the investigator that indicated a lot behind the situation."


    "Now, I am doing it to myself, getting distracted with what happened.I want to bring Lu Corporation down.Without the backing Lu Jinhu would not have the guts to do what he has done, and Yang Lin''s family wealth given the deep interconnections between her family''s businesses and Lu Corporation will severely impact them.Plus it will deal with CEO Lu as well, as he will loose power.But ...."

 Chapter 205: Firing Back - Part 11

    <h4>205 Firing Back - Part 11</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ...


    "You need my help?"


    "I did not want to ask.While you are in property development and other things, youpete head to head with your Film and Television division against Lu Corporation''s simr division.Pushing means that it will risk that business."


    "After the mall stunt, do you think I care.There is no way that I want to have anything to do with them."


    "Well, I am going to make it very clear to certainpanies that we coborate with that they have to choose between us and Lu Corporation.I do not want any association between Hou Enterprises and Lu Corporation.It does not make sense, given what the former Vice-CEO has apparently apologised for doing.The police are investigating the assault on Anna and criminal matters, but that will take some time."


    "Despite at that press conference Lu Jinhu resigned from his role as Vice-CEO of Lu Corporation, he will still that in all but name even when his recement is appointed.There is no way that CEO Lu will want that wild card of a son of his anywhere else that could reek havoc on Lu Corporation unless he can haveplete control of him, therefore he has to remain in Lu Corporation."


    "As I was saying the now ''former'' Vice-CEO of Lu Corporation publicly assaults my wife, and I still do business with thepany.What does that tell businesses.I am more concerned about thepany than my wife.Forget that.My wife is the most important thing, and I need to show that.While I can make it clear our position, I need someone to be the front for my behind the scenes maniptions."


    "Are you and XF International willing to do that?What I want to do is iste Lu Corporation from business partners and money supply from their domestic activities.I also want to hurt the one area that I cannot easily touch, their Film and Television division.That I specifically need your help to form a joint venture, pulling in your existing division, and we will provide the finance to allow for a major expansion and recruitment of talent from Lu Corporation while not specifically targeting otherpanies."


    "Getting at that money supply is their weakness.I regrly review the publicly distributed material thatrge corporations including Hou Enterprises and Lu Corporation have to produce annually.What it tells me is that Lu Corporation overseas expansions have urred so quickly in thest few years, they have had to rely on their domestic profits to support those expansions.None of the activities appear to be self-sustaining for at least 5 years or longer, and that is going to be their downfall."So ended Hou Yi.


    "Smart, and legal too.Something your wife will well and truly appreciate as much as Amanda will.Given what Lu JInhu has done, I was ready to refuse to remain involved with them, even on the limited projects that we do.This could be fun."


    At that time they heardughtering from Anna and Amanda, and looked over at thedies.


    Before they started to walk over Yao Tan indicated "Tell me who you need me to speak to, and get me the evidence, and I will do what I can to help get this going as quickly as we can, as the sooner we bring them down the better."


    "Agreed," responded Hou Yi.With that they walked and they walked over to find out what was going on.


    "Ladies, give it up what is going on?" asked Hou Yi.


    "We posted a couple of pictures on social media, and just what everyone is saying," responded Anna handing over her phone to Hou Yi to look at.All he could do was simplyugh.


    The two couples simply sat and talked to each other for half hour before Amanda Mei and Yao Tan left.After that, Anna and Hou Yi ate the hospital provided meal and then Anna settled down for the night.


    Anna had Hou Yi sit with her on the bed until she fell asleep with the promise from him to go home to bed.However, there was no way that Hou Yi was going to do this.Given where Anna wasying the hospital bed was just big enough for the two of them to sleep there together.He would stay there for a few hours before moving into the chair beside her for the bnce of the night..

 Chapter 206: Recovery and Revenge - Part 1

    <h4>206 Recovery and Revenge - Part 1</h4>


    Thursday


    When Anna awoke, Hou Yi was walking out of the en suite attached to the VIP suite, with a towel in his hand drying his hair."Yi did you not go homest night, like I asked?"


    "Anna do you believe I am going to leave you here on your own.They have given us a VIP room that has a bed I can sleep in.I am happy to be here with you, rather than at home worrying."


    "Well promise me you will go into the office.You need to.The world does not stop simply because I am here."


    "I will be going in for part days and spending the rest of the days with you.You need someone with you, rather than simply being stuck here on your own."


    Hou Yi knew that he had the first of his meetings scheduled that would see Lu Corporation copse, but there was no way that he was telling her anything about that until everything waspletely in ce in case something did not fall into ce.He did not want to raise Anna''s hopes ofplete sess until he could guarantee it.


    Before Anna could say anything, hospital staff came in with a breakfast for Anna and Hou Yi.They quietly sat and eat their breakfast, and once they were finished Anna chased Hou Yi out of the hospital to the office.


    Within five minutes doctors, arrived to review Anna, and talk about her recovery.As the doctors told her, for at least the next 3 days, she will generally be confined to bed, simply to allow them to keep a check that there are noplications from being unconscious.Once they are satisfied that there is no issues, they will have her out of bed for part of the day.It was made clear to Anna that they would not be allowing her home until she was able to cope not only with the restrictions from her injuries but moving on crutches with the cast on.


    Rehabilitation staff were then brought in to start the slow process of keeping Anna''s limbs as healthy as possible given her injuries.


    On his arrival at Hou Enterprises Hou Yi walked into his office and surprised Vice-CEO Ji and father who were in there.Neither of them believed Hou Yi would be near thepany for weeks, given Anna''s injury.Hou Jang asked "Yi, howe you are here, I thought we would not see you for weeks?"


    "Anna has decided that he wants me to spend at least part of the day in the office.Thest thing that I want to do is stress her out, so I will be doing what she is asking.Plus I need to work with you two as to how we will handle matters for the next few weeks, especially as from the end of next week Uncle Feng, you have leave."


    "Yi, we decide to put off our break.At the moment, your wife is the important thing.I will take my break once she is back to full health."


    "You do not need to Uncle Feng, things can be worked around."


    "Yi, Feng and I have talked about it, we can cope with most things.We will have Assistant Wang bring to your attention the things that only you can deal with."


    "Dad, Uncle Feng, I do not know what to say."Hou Yi paused, and then continued "I will leave most day to day matters with you, but I have something that I need to see to, which will require a number of meetings with otherpanies senior management, not strictly rted to day-to-day operations."


    Before anything could be said in reply there was a knock on the door, and it was Wu Hai."CEO Hou.Based on our discussions yesterday, I have that press release for you."With that she handed a press release to Hou Yi, who read it.Based on her past efforts he knew it should be a good press release.


    His view was quickly confirmed, as the release was exactly what he wanted.He handed it back, and replied "Perfect.Please see to its release when you think it is necessary."


    "Yes CEO Hou."With that she left Hou Yi''s office.


    "What was that about?" asked Ji Feng.


    "Uncle Feng, thepany''s press release yesterday had little information about what has happened and there is reasons for that.However it is necessary that all information that can be said, without jeopardising the investigations as to what happened to Anna yesterday are know, get out.Only Anna and I can do that publicly, it should not be thepany."


    There came another knock on the door, and Assistant Wang opened the door "Sir, Lawyer Nang is here¡­"


    "Send him in." responded Hou Yi immediately.

 Chapter 207: Recovery and Revenge - Part 2

    <h4>207 Recovery and Revenge - Part 2</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Once Alister Nang came into the office and shut the door "Mr Nang, this if my father Hou Jang and the Vice-CEO of Hou Enterprises Ji Feng," Hou Yi said, pointing to each of them."What do you know about what happened."


    "CEO Hou based on the questioning yesterday that I sat in on, and with the additional information provided through me on your wife''s behalf and the information that Officer Mu determined, all the allegations against your wife have been dismissed.The investigation confirmed that there was a conversation between Lu Jinhu and Yang Linand Inspector Gang and Senior Officer Fang."


    "What cannot be proven was whether it was one or the other or both that epted a bribe to harass and injure Madam Hou.The police''s decision is to charge Inspector Gang with assault over the injuries to Madam Hou.They will continue to investigate the suspected bribery matter, but both officers will be demoted and moved to new posts in a rural area."


    "Further given the two assaults on Madam Hou, and the evidence that Officer Mu found in Australia, they are going to charge Lu Jinhu with abuse of Madam Hou.However, they have indicated that the charges in Lu Jinhu will not beid for 3 or 4 weeks, because they want to see if they can prove that he bribed police and for additional inquiries to be made in Australia."


    "Thank you Alister.Please keep me updated."


    "Not a problem CEO Hou."And with that he left.


    "That is it Yi!We need to get out of coborations on projects where Lu Corporation is involved." Came the furious response from Hou Jang.


    "Dad while I agree, until Lu Jinhu is charged, we have to be careful in how we act against Lu Corporation.Acting strategically ensures that we do not hurt the otherpanies involved in various projects and prevent Lu Corporation running a public argument that we are out to destroy them because of Lu Jinhu''s actions."


    "Hou Enterprises therefore will retain a defendable position.My view is that we target the projects where we and Lu Corporation are major investors firstly as it lessens the harm to otherpanies, because we can defend that.However once Lu Jinhu is charged all bets are off.Lu Corporation will be targeted publicly to the extent that I can prove its involvement.


    "Yi, when did you be so smart?" asked Ji Feng.


    "Uncle Feng, the employees of Lu Corporation are not me, and I do not want them to be victims if I can avoid it.They have nothing to do with Lu Jinhu''s activities.As to being smart, the two best teachers I have are here.You both taught me, decisions restwith those at the top, not with those that implement them.Lu Corporation''s employees only implement the bad decisions made, not make them, therefore they should not be targeted unless it cannot be avoided."


    Hou Yi paused and decided that he needed to say something else."However, as I said that is publicly ..."


    Hou Jang then clicked "You have behind the scenes actions nned, to make the downfallspectacr."


    "You have it in one dad. I am not as stupid to allow CEO Lu to argue that we are targeting them because of the ex-Vice-CEO''s actions in his private life.We all know that the financial support Lu Corporation provides both of them, and that is what I am nning to target, with long term action and cooperation with otherpanies."


    Hou Jang and Ji Feng looked at each other and realised that Hou Yi had learnt from both of them well, and when the thought about it recognised that his decision was correct.Maintain a defendable public position but work behind the scenes to do what is wanted.


    With that, Hou Yi started to direct the conversation towards business matters, so that he could send at least part of each day with Anna in the hospital.


    Meanwhile at Lu Jihnu and Yang Lin''s residence ¡­


    "Jinhu, that b**ch.Look at these social media posts.Even my friends have been sharing them.How dare she."


    "Lin calm down, we need to be smart.So far she has been outying us in this game.We react wrongly she wins.Presently no one can link us to what happened, so we just need to be calm."


    "Who is this Amanda Mei?Do we know anyone by that name?"


    "Mei, as in the Vice-CEO of XF International?No I do not think her name is that but she seems familiar."Lu Jinhu paused."S**t, she may be.She looks like that w**re that about 12 months ago assaulted me when I attempted to be nice to her."


    Yang Lin paused "She is.I remember her, she always refused to be called the name her parents gave her, insisting that she was Amanda.She was a stuck-up b**ch and refused to take anything that I dished out.She always insisted that I had no control when we all know I did as I was always the greatest heiress at school.She has to go down."


    "Lin, consider before you post¡­"

 Chapter 208: Recovery and Revenge - Part 3

    <h4>208 Recovery and Revenge - Part 3</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile back at the hospital ¡­


    Anna was feeling really tired.The Physio and the work required was, as Anna found energy sapping.


    Following this, the nursing staff assisted her out of bed and into the bathroom to have a shower.At least, as a result of this she felt clean.Anna simply sat there realising that despite wanting Hou Yi to go into thepany, she was missing hispany, as he made yesterday,st night and even this morning bearable.


    Anna rang her call-bell, and asked the nursing staff for the log-in to the inte and for herptop.She knew that she needed to let the office know what was happening, so that she was not overwhelmed with work to be done.She reviewed the emails that she had been sent, realising that a few emails only needed a short response to address them.She then emailed Mr Williams to let him know her current situation.All that took about twenty minutes.


    As Anna closed herptop and returned it to her bag, she realised again how much she was missing Hou Yi.She simply took the time to sit back and examine her feelings about how she really felt about him, and recognised withing herself if she asked herself this question just over two weeks ago her answer would have beenpletely different.


    What she felt for Hou Yi, was so much stronger that any feeling that she had ever had for Lu Jinhu.The only thing she was not certain of, was this love?At the same time the only certainty for her was that she could not tell Hou Yi that she had feelings for him.Anna was worried that this would force him to respond particrly of the the current situation.


    Before she did anything about confessing her feelings, Anna needed some sign from Hou Yi that he cared over and above the agreement they made.Anna realised that while there were some signs, she was fearful that they were simply driven by their situation at the time.This questioning of feelings, was driving her slightly crazy.She just needed some certainty, and that is what she did not have.


    For Anna, the best memories of their marriage, so far, where how good Tuesday night and Wednesday morning was and how right it felt when he hugged her yesterday.Just resting quietly in his arms was amazing.


    Anna decided trying to work out her feelings would continue to make her feel slightly crazy, so another distraction was needed.She located her mobile phone and decided to look at the follow up to her and Amanda''s Social Media posts.Reading thements was such that she realised that people''s opinion was clearly on her side.


    The responses echoed that there was no justification for what Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin did, nor could there be anything to justify an assault happening in the police station.The tellingment was "The so-called queen has ruined her crown.She deserves to be thrown out of society, pregnant or not nothing excuses it.I hope she and that husband of hers are charged and face jail."


    Anna, was surprised how much two simple social media posts impacted social opinion towards Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.Both of them deserved it.Maybe social media would lead the way on theirplete downfall.People would be baying for their blood, and excuses would not y any part


    Popping up on social media came a post, that could only have been from Yang Lin ''W**re''s deserve everything they get.The w**re who ims she is married to one of the leading businessmen in the city has not gotten all she deserves.Tuesday night and yesterday was only a taste.Watch our w**re.''


    Anna could not believe what was posted.Yang Lin, demonstrated the problem with many now who use social media, post before you think.Anna always followed a few simple rules for using her social media ¨C no work, no updates as to where she was until she had gotten home, what would work think if I liked a post, and more importantly the 5 minutes rule ¨C leave a post for at least 5 minutes before reviewing and then posting, as saying something in the heat of the moment only has one oue.Bad.


    Before Anna could even thing about a response, the responses from everyone who liked, shared ormented on the original post started to roll in quicker that she could finished reading it.A number wished Yang Lin the best with her pregnancy, but then told her what she could do with her friendship; others simple called her evil; and some called on the police to investigate herments as the implied that she had something to do with Anna''s assault.


    Anna hears a noise outside, and as she looked up she felt a shiver run through her body when Hou Yi walked through the door."Yi you would not believe social media."With that Anna handed him her mobile and he started to go through the posts that were interesting Anna.He started to have a look of amazement that Yang Lin was so dumb as to post what she did.


    "That it interesting."

 Chapter 209: Recovery and Revenge - Part 4

    <h4>209 Recovery and Revenge - Part 4</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi paused slightly."Anna, I think they have given us what we need.However, I do not want to focus on them.You are the most important person presently."


    With that he leaned in intending to give Anna a brief kiss on the cheek.Anna however did not want just a brief kiss, so she turned her head for her lips to make contact with Hou Yi''s.As soon as he realised what was happening, Hou Yi let his lips linger for a few seconds.


    In his own mind, Hou Yi hoped that Anna wanted him to take the kiss further, but he realised that he could not force what he wanted on his wife.She had to be the one that instigated the kiss deepening, simply because she wanted it.Anna however did not deepen the kiss, so he gently pulled away from her lips savouring the taste he had.


    Anna, however, was confused.She thought in turning her head, Hou Yi would have gotten the message that she wanted him to deepen the kiss, but he did not.Before Hou Yi pulled away too far, she reached up and pulled his head back down to give him another kiss.


    This time, however, her kiss, gave Hou Yi the signal he desired. He sat down on the bed beside Anna, and quickly deepened the kiss, but still kept it as gentle as he could rather than allowing his desires to shine through in the kiss.They sat there for a few minutes, simply kissing each other, more than just a gentle touch of the lips but less than a deep passion.Eventually they pulled apart, but before Hou Yi could move too far away, Anna leaned her head in, so her forehead was touching Hou Yi''s forehead.


    Hou Yi simply stayed this way for a few minutes before reluctantly pulling back."Stop distracting me, from what we need to talk about.Anna, what did the doctors say?"


    "They indicated that things are generally alright.They have decided that I will have to be in hospital for at least a week and a half, for monitoring to see if I have any consequences from the concussion, but to ensure that I can cope on the crutches.They also indicated that they want me to do some work, to see if that causes issues, but have made it clear that they want to minimise stress on me as much as possible."


    "Well I spoke to Phillipa, and she said, more than likely due to the assault that you will have some form of post traumatic stress disorder.I really did not understand what she was talking about though."


    "Yi, PTSD, as it is often referred to is a mental health disorder resulting from some traumatic incident.Soldiers are amon group that can end up suffering it, but it does not have to be from a physical injury.I have an idea what she is meaning.What did she suggest?"


    "She said that our sessions need to stop.At the moment you need to recover from your physical injuries and then deal not only with the psychological impacts of that but everything else.She is going to arrange things before she leave, but she asked would you be up to hering and visiting you?"


    "If it means that you will go and spend some time out of here, absolutely.I do not want you to feel that you have no choice but to stay here."


    "Anna do not make me feel guilty.Dad and Uncle Feng are happy to do what is needed, as they can understand that I want to be here with you, rather than sitting at a desk.There is some things I have to take care of, but that is easy to deal with"


    "I am not.Being here will drive me insane, but I can do some things.You need to have opportunities out of this ce, particrly as I will be here for at least ten days."


    "If you are determined, I will try, but ¡­"


    "No buts.Promise me, please."Anna interrupted Hou Yi, in a pleading voice.


    Looking into Anna''s eyes, and hearing her voice there was nothing he could do but relent."I promise I will try."The look he saw in Anna''s eyes was worth the promise that he knew was going to be difficult to keep.Hou Yi was relieved that Anna had no idea what he was really plotting, because it would stress her out.He was just hopeful that he could keep it a secret.

 Chapter 210: Recovery and Revenge - Part 5

    <h4>210 Recovery and Revenge - Part 5</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Their discussion was interrupted, by both their phones ringing.Anna received a call from Amanda Mei, and Hou Yi from Phillipa Chen.Both told them toe up.With that Hou Yi walked out to the entry area, to escort both in.As he spotted a nurse, he indicated that there were two guestsing up to see his wife, but one he needed to introduce to her.As he reached the door, both Amanda Mei and Phillipa Chen arrived up in the one elevator.


    Hou Yi simply indicated to Amanda Mei "As your boss I should be thinking about firing you for taking a half day, but given you are here to see my wife, go in before I think about it."


    With a smirk, Amanda simply walked past Hou Yi and headed towards Anna''s room.


    "Phillipa, before we go in, are you OK with me introducing you to the staff.I had the thought if I introduced you as Anna''s current psychologist, that will enable you, if you want to, toe in freely, rather than having one of us tell the staff to let you up."


    "Actually, that makes sense.I can make some preliminary assessments to help the counsellor who will be your permanent counsellor.More importantly I can keep herpany, as if she is anything like me, your wife will get sick of you after a while."By the end Phillipa wasughing at Hou Yi due to the look on his face.


    "Fine, I know that you think I am a joke some of the time."


    "Some of the time?"


    "Do not tempt me Pip."


    Phillipa realised that Hou Yi was getting annoyed with her so she decided not to tempt fate in her response."Well, introduce me to the nursing staff"


    Hou Yi lead Phillipa towards the nurses desk, and located one of the nurses on duty."Mr Hou how can we help you?"


    "This is Dr Chen, a counsellor who has been working with my wife recently, including helping her find a more permanent counsellor.My wife made somement to me earlier, that hinted that medical staff were concerned about her mental health.I was wondering if Dr Chen could be brought in as part of the team dealing with my client while she is in hospital, rather than introducing someone new in?"


    "Dr Chen, a pleasure to meet you."With that the nurse put her hand out and shook Phillipa''s hand.She turned to Hou Yi "Sir, I do not think there would be an objection, but I would have to check with the medical staff treating your wife.They are due in an hour or so to do another review, and I would suggest that you and Dr Chen speak to them at that time.I will, however let them know in advance that you need to speak to them."


    With that Hou Yi and Phillipa walked down towards Anna''s room.The first thing that they herd when they entered the room was Anna and Amanda Meiughing.As he opened the door, he asked "What is so funny."


    "Yang Lin, now trying to justify herself."


    "What have I missed?" came the question from Phillipa.


    "Yesterday, these two posted two photos, one from Amanda with a photo of Anna and the other of the two of them, with captions, about Amanda visiting, that something happened to Anna andnded her in hospital, something about maniption and justice to be served.They then started to share on social media.Apparently, Amanda''s friends shared it around and it came to the attention of Yang Lin, who fired back about w**re''s getting what they deserve, that Anna had lied and that she deserved what happened on Tuesday night and yesterday and that there was more toe."


    "She has the social media disease I refer to forget and message.She does not thinks about the messages posted before posting.She reacted and posted initially, and once she started to read the reactions, she posted again.''She is a maniptive w**re.All I said was she deserved what happened, as she is trying to ruin my marriage with her lies, and her false ims of marriage to Hou Yi.''She has no filter."


    "What are you trying to do?"


    "Well she opened the door and walked right in."responded Amanda, and she and Anna burst outughing.


    "I am guessing you two are yingwyers games?" came Hou Yi.


    "Well what did you expect, we arewyers.And I am guessing Yang Lin''s posts will help the police greatly in trying to prove that the had something to do with what happened in the police station," responded Amanda.


    "And it helps with ¡­"


    "Your goals with respect to them, I am guessing."


    "To true, my husband."

 Chapter 211: Recovery and Revenge - Part 6

    <h4>211 Recovery and Revenge - Part 6</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Amanda and Phillipa looked at each other, but before they could say anything there was a knock on the door before 5 people in white coats entered."Could we please have everyone leave, we need to speak to Madam Hou."


    Before anything else could be said, Hou Yi interrupted "I am her husband, and unless she requests that I am not here, I am staying."Then pointing to Phillipa "This is Dr Chen, a psychologist that I have brought in to support my wife."Then pointing to Amanda "And this is Miss Mei, a Lawyer who is assisting my wife with some matters with respect to the incident yesterday."Amanda looked strangely at Hou Yi and realised that in fact he had not told a lie about her involvement with Anna, he simply omitted a few things.


    "Apologies CEO Hou.In the circumstances it is OK for everyone to stay.I am Dr Lang, and I have been appointed to oversee Madam Hou''s care."


    Dr Lang, continued "Madam Hou, as you know you were very lucky.All the injuries you suffered were some cuts and abrasions, a concussion, the broken bones in your left leg, and a small fracture to your cheekbone.Based on the information from Officer Mu, in reality Madam Hou your injuries could have been significantly worse."


    "Our ns for treatment, are that we will generally keep you in bed until Sunday or unless scans tell us something else.You will be allowed out to use the bathroom with the help of nursing staff.This is due to concerns we have from the concussion.You will have further scans tomorrow and Sunday, before the final decision is made as to when you can get out of bed."


    "We will then be transitioning you from movement with the assistance of nursing staff to doing things for yourself, before finally moving you to a normal, not hospital bed before releasing you.Additionally, there will be twice daily sessions of physiotherapy to keep your limbs fit, and work on strengthening your arms to cope with being on crutches for 6 to 8 weeks."


    "Given Dr Chen''s presence here, we can work with you to put into ce counselling to address any PTSD issues, which may in fact speed your release from here.While this is a general n, we will be constantly reviewing it, and whether things change will depend on the scans and other normal tests that we will do."


    "Now, there is a couple of matters that I need to personally talk to you about CEO Hou, so we will leave the rest of you here, and move over there" pointing towards the suite''s dining space.Hou Yi followed Dr Lang over the area.


    "Apologise CEO Hou, but this was something that I believed you would not want to talk about in front of anyone.I understand that you and your wife only received your marriage certificate a couple of weeks ago?"


    "That it correct."


    "The only thing that I can do is be brutally honest.If your wife was pregnant, I would suspect that she would be in the early stages of the pregnancy, and given the extent of the assault, she would have lost the child, or if she has not lost it will likely loose it in the future."


    "Additionally, while we can detect no physical injuries, we will be bringing in a specialist to determine if the assault will cause issues with you falling pregnant in the future.It is something, that I have not raised with your wife, as I sense that she has an emotional fragility, more than from this incident.I am concerned that in doing so, without appropriate support it can cause significant issues, if the specialist examination confirms the problem."


    "Dr Lang, my wife was the victim of domestic violence in her previous rtionship.While we aremitted to our marriage, these issues are something that we are dealing with.Dr Chen, is a personal friend, but a world expert in dealing with this.She is visiting for a few weeks, and at my request has been providing some specialist assistance and will be putting in ce long-term assistance before she leaves.Could that be what you are seeing?"


    "Possibly.I will talk in depth to Dr Chen.But I want you to be prepared for the potential worst-case scenarios, so that if ites to pass you can support your wife.The absolute worst case will require a full or partial hysterotomy, but it could simply be difficult for you to conceive.It also may mean IVF treatment, for your wife to conceive or the use of a surrogate."

 Chapter 212: Recovery and Revenge - Part 7

    <h4>212 Recovery and Revenge - Part 7</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    "Dr Lang, I understand that you are wanting to prepare me for the worst-case scenarios, but now this is thest thing that I want to think about is this.My wife''s recovery, and returning home from hospital is the priority, those are matters that we will have to face in the future, if ites to past."


    "CEO Hou, you need to be prepared.The tests to date are inconclusive, but the specialists who wille and see your wife has already indicated, of the scans and other tests remain inconclusive that there will be no option but undertake some exploratory surgery to determine what is happening."


    "If, when he goes in, he finds too much damage, he will have to make quick decisions.It may be possible that eggs from your wife could be salvaged for future use.But there are a number of factors that will influence that.That is what I need you to be prepared for, because you may be left in the position to make a decision without consulting your wife."


    "Dr Lang, I understand.I really cannot think about this.I think that the best option is that when the specialistses to see my wife I am here, and he can talk to both of us."


    "Fine CEO Hou, at least I have given you the preliminary information, so that you can be prepared."


    Before Hou Yi could respond further, his mobile started to ring.When he answered, the voice on the other end said, "Hello CEO Hou, Office Mu here."


    "Officer Mu, what can I do for you?"


    "I just wanted to let you know, that I have finally received significant information from Australia."


    "Sorry, what do you mean?"


    "I have all the reports from the incident that I told you about yesterday after a motor vehicle ident where Lu Jinhu hurt then bullied Madam Hou into allowing him, when not injured being taken to hospital and she remained behind when she was injured."


    "I remember you telling me about that."


    "After I left you at the hospital, I contacted the police in Victoria again, to see what else I could find.If, in addition to that report, and a statement of observed injuries from Madam Hou''s employers that I had tracked down I could find about four other incidents, all minor in nature, where the police were involved.The prosecutor that I have spoken to indicates that he can be charged under thew here for ongoing partner abuse with aggravating circumstancesgiven his abuse continued post separation."


    "After these discussions, the prosecutor has contacted the chief national prosecutor, who is speaking to the Australian Attorney-General, I think they call the position to obtain the information through the correct channels.I spoke to the police officer again, and he is going to take it up his chain ofmand so that we can get the information as quickly as possible."


    "Once the information hase through the local prosecutor has indicated that he will quicklyy the charge.He told me the benefit of this charge is that the reason for the actions do not matter.All that has to be proven is the rtionship, and the events happened for a conviction.His concern is in charging Lu Jinhu with assault, he will run a defence that Madam Hou''s actions cause the incident.If this is epted he will be found less responsible or alternatively found not guilty at all."


    "That is good news, is there anything that my wife or I can do?"


    "I understand that Madam Hou can use something called Freedom of Information, to request copies of the police reports and investigations from Victoria.This would be the same thing that the prosecutor is trying to obtain and would speed up the charges.Otherwise there is little that you can do."


    "Officer Mu, just something that I am hoping you can pass onto the investigators dealing with what happened yesterday in the police station.My wife and a friend of hers Amanda Mei, posted two posts on social media.These posts came to Yang Lin attention due to sharing andmenting on them.Apparently through a couple of responses, the effect is that she indirectly admitted to being behind what happened."


    "Thank you for that CEO Hou, I will pass it on."


    "Officer Mu, I need to finish the call, but I am guessing based on what you have told me that you may need to see my wife.I can arrange with the hospital staff that you cane in tomorrow to speak to my wife and tell her that you will being.If you need me, I can be here for the conversation."


    "I would prefer if you were there CEO Hou.I can let you know a convenient time for tomorrow in the morning."


    "That will be fine.I will talk to you then Officer Mu."With that Hou Yi ended the call, and walked back towards Anna, who was still chatting with Phillipa and Amanda andughing.He realised that all the medical staff had left.

 Chapter 213: Recovery and Revenge - Part 8

    <h4>213 Recovery and Revenge - Part 8</h4>


    "What is so funny?" asked Hou Yi, immediately realising that given Phillipa''s presence that it was the wrong question to ask.


    "Well, I could say you ¡­"


    "You would not dare Pip."


    "Actually, not this time.Just talking about the idiot Yang Lin.Anna is right, she has no filter when ites to social media.She reacts without a thought."


    "I am guessing she has posted something else?"


    "Right Boss.She is trying to exin herself, and all she is doing is shooting herself in the foot.This is so much fun watching her self-destruct."


    "It is, and how much it is going to be fun watching her next foot in mouth incident."


    "Sorry to interrupt the fundies, however just a couple of things Anna.Dr Lang, indicated to me that they want to bring in another specialist for some reason, but I think he wants to have a word with you Phillipa ¡­"


    "I am actually going to see him when I leave here Yi"


    "And Officer Mu wants toe in and talk to us about a couple of matters tomorrow, if you are up to it?"


    "Not a problem, and I knew about another specialist."


    Before they could continue to discuss matters, the nurse came in "I am sorry to Interrupt, but Dr Chen and Miss we have to ask you to leave."


    Both Amanda and Phillipa quickly took the nurse''s request.Amanda however stopped to quietly ask Hou Yi "Boss, are you OK, while Anna is here if I work half days, ande and spend some time with her?I am happy to use leave for this."


    "That would be fine, but I will not ask you to take leave.I will justify it to payroll, and it will make it possible for me to spend part of the day in the office."That would make it easier to hide the implementation of the destruction of Lu Corporation he was orchestrating from Anna until sess could almost be guaranteed.


    After the nurse performed Anna''s observations, Hou Yi settled down beside Anna, and they simply sat talking until dinner arrived, and soon after Anna started to drift off to sleep.As she was drifting off to sleep, Anna realised that, despite everything she was feeling happy within herself, something that she had not felt in years.


    Hou Yi, simply sat beside his wife watching her sleep until he felt tired enough that he needed to go to bed himself.He realised that doing this simple task was something that made him feel close to Anna.He just hoped that he would soon could tell her how he felt.


    Friday


    Hou Yi awoke up and noticed that that the sun was starting to rise.He quietly moved and picked up the neat casual clothes and entered the ensuite bathroom to have a shower.He realised that today, he needed to go via the apartment to obtain additional changes of clothes for himself and clothes for Anna to wear rather than being stuck in a hospital gown.


    When he came out of the ensuite Anna was still asleep, so he moved over, and sat down on the bed beside her, gently rapping his arms around her, given she moans of pain had woken him at least 6 time during the night.As soon as he put his arms around her, she seemed to settle down into sleep.Hou Yi, simply drifted off himself back to sleep.


    The next thing either of them knew was, being awoken by the nursing staff, who hade in to take the next set of observations and bring in their breakfasts.Hou Yi got up and allowed the nursing staff to do their job while arranging their breakfast to be able to eat this together once the nurses were done.


    Just as Hou Yi had finished this, his mobile rang, so he stepped away slightly and answered it.


    "Hello CEO Hou, Officer Mu here.I was wondering if 9am would be convenient toe and speak to you and Madam Hou?"


    "Just give me a minute to check with the nursing staff."With that he ced the call on hold.


    He then interrupted the nursing staff "Excuse me, I understand that there will be a further review of my wife today, along with a specialisting in.I am on the telephone with the police who are requesting to speak to my wife and I at 9am.Is that going to interfere with this?"


    "CEO Hou, as it is a request from the police, the staff will amodate this."


    Hou Yi took the call off hold and re-spoke to Officer Mu "The nursing staff indicated as it is a police request they will amodate the request."


    "I will see you then CEO Hou."


    By the time that Hou Yi finished his call, Anna was eating her breakfast, so he walked back over and sat down beside his wife, to eat his.As they were eating Anna asked "I am guessing that was Officer Mu, and he ising in to speak to us at 9am."


    "Yes he does."

 Chapter 214: Recovery and Revenge - Part 9

    <h4>214 Recovery and Revenge - Part 9</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "Once I have eaten the nursing staff have indicated that they will get me up so I can bathe and be ready for that appointment.But I want you to promise me that once we are done, unless the doctors want you here, you will go into the office for the rest of the day."


    "Anna, as I do not need to be in the office today ¡­"


    "Yi, I want your promise."


    "If it will make you happy."


    "It will."And with that Anna leaned over, and Hou Yi realised that she wanted to give him a brief kiss, so he leaned in for her to do so.Rather than letting the kiss hit is cheek, he slightly turned his head so that her lips touched his.He immediately felt a shiver go through him.He was so tempted to deepen the kiss, but gently pulled back to look at Anna in the eyes.


    Anna, when she realised what Hou Yi had done, was so temped to take his face in her hands so that he would deepen the kiss, but before she could act Hou Yi pulled back.She was hopeful that Hou Yi could see that she wanted more than just a brief kiss.


    Hou Yi looked at Anna.He did a double take on what he saw.He was certain that Anna''s eyes were telling him that she wanted the kiss to go deeper than just the brief kiss before he pulled away.He leaned back in, and this time Anna grasped his face in her hands and started to deepen the kiss.Hou Yi, without breaking the kiss moved the hospital tray from the bed area, and sat carefully on the bed, next to Anna, so that they could continue to kiss.


    Neither of them realised how long they had been sitting there kissing, until they heard someone clearing their throat behind them.They reluctantly pulled apart and turned towards the noise.It was one of the nursing staff.They both immediately started to blush, like they were.Anna whispered so that Hou Yi could only hear "I feel like a teenager caught by my parents," which prompted him to gentlyugh.


    "Apologise, however it is time for us to shower you Madam Hou."


    Hou Yi realised that he could not stay sitting on the bed, and moved towards the couch, and sat down.He watched the staff get Anna out of bed and taken her into the bathroom.He was stunned that Anna allowed him to kiss her the way he did.While he could not believe what happened Tuesday night, he was still believed that what urred was a reaction to what happened at the theatre.


    However, Anna, voluntarily allowed him to kiss her, and it was a passionate kiss.He hoped deeply in his heart that this was a sign that she felt something for him, but he knew from his discussions with Phillipa he could not push her as it would ruin any chance, he had for what he desired ultimately, a loving marriage with her.


    Anna, as she was taken into the bathroom, became lost in her own thoughts.She was so surprised that Hou Yi was willing to be passionate in kissing her.What did this mean, he was willing to take things further, or did he feelpiled to do it because he read her signals that she wanted it to happen?


    About 15 minutester, the nursing staff brought Anna out of the ensuite.This time, rather than immediately putting her back into bed, they settled her onto the couch, but making sure that her leg was correctly supported."Madam Hou, the Doctors said that you could sit here while dealing with the police, but once they have finished you will need to go back to bed."


    With that the nurse turned around and left.Anna looked at Hou Yi, and asked "Do I recall there being some suggestion that when I am cleared to leave the hospital there has been a rmendation that I have private nursing assistance?"


    "There was.I am, today going to take steps to arrange this."


    "I have an idea ¡­"


    "Am I going to like this?"


    "Absolutely.Rather than doing that, how about we call Susanne or James and ask them would they be willing toe over.Rebca and Rosemary coulde and joint them for a few days.No strangers in the house, and I have some family around."


    "I remember Ben and Adam''s warnings.Do I really want you Roesmary and Reba together?"


    "Yi, I need some fun." Responded Anna in a pleading voice.

 Chapter 215: Recovery and Revenge - Part 10

    <h4>215 Recovery and Revenge - Part 10</h4>


    Friday, continue ¡­


    "Let me see what I can do."


    "Well I am going to call Susanne and ask."


    "Hang on ¡­"


    "Come on Yi, pretty please" but now Anna was really pleading with Hou Yi.As soon as Hou Yi looked at his wife, he had no option but to relent.He could stay strong at least for some time, but as soon as he saw her face, he was gone.


    In all the time since they had married the only times that he has seen her so happy and animated was when she was with her family, demonstrating in front of him her skills and the look she had on Wednesday morning before this nightmare started.All he wanted to do was to keep that look on her face.


    "Well ¡­"


    "I am calling."


    "Hang on Anna, what about James?"


    "My baby brother cane any time.I need Susanne, Rosemary and Reba."


    Anna grabbed Hou Yi''s mobile, given hers was beside the bed, and started to dial Rosemary, as she knew she would know where Susanne was, and if she was at work, could get a message to her.


    Three rings, and there was an answer "Rosemary speaking.Who is this?"


    "Sweetheart ¡­"


    "Damn it Anna, why have you not called me in a few days."


    "Well ,¡­"


    "Forget it you will only tell me crap.Hang on a minute this is your husband''s number.He gave it to me when you were here.Is he there?"


    "Come on, I want to talk¡­"


    "No way girlfriend, you will lie to me, so hand it over now, or I will get Reba on your back, and you know the you cannot hold out against the two of us let alone your brothers or Susanne."


    "Fine" came out the snappy reply from Anna.As she turned and handed the phone to Hou Yi, she was pouting.


    "Hi Rosemary."


    "Come on brother-inw something is going on and spill.I have not heard from Anna since Monday."


    "Well, ¡­"


    "Do not think you can y the game that she does.I have your number, and I will hand it over to Ben, Adam and James and none of they will leave you in peace until you tell me what is going on."


    "Give me a minute to tell you."


    "Good, that sister of mine, despite how you feel for her has not got you so wound around her finger that you will not tell the truth.Spilt now."


    "Fine.Tuesday night, let me just say that the b**tard ¡­"


    "Going by the name Lu Jinhu, I am guessing and his witch of a wife?"


    "Correct.They assaulted her at a public event."


    "F**k and you did not prevent it.I am telling her brothers ¡­"


    "No way do I need those three on my back, nor do I need Anna''s dad.I would guess I would be bruised all over."


    "They would do that, then the Susanne, Reba and I supported by Wayne, would¡­"


    "Kill me and hide the body."


    "Brother, you are getting it.We love Anna, and you damn well better protect her."


    "I did, but they were just too quick for me to react.I got her out of there, and we went home.By Wednesday morning the police were going to charge the over it, but between being informed of this and theming to take our statements, something had changed, and the police arrested Anna for causing the incident, and took her to the police station. ¡­


    "What!"


    "That us an understatement of my reactions.Apparently the two officers took her into an interview room, and as the evidence shows, she used her skills to turn them in knots."


    "Way to go girl.She could always do that.My brother''s best friend is a police officer in Melbourne, and he came across her a few times.He hates how she can do that to him, and he knows she is going softly on him."


    "One of them did not take it too well.He reacted and badly assaulted her, breaking her leg, and causing a number of other injuries."


    "OH MY GOD!"


    "As she was knocked out, the doctors are keeping her in hospital in a private suite for up to two weeks before she can go home.Initially I was told it was only for a few days, but I now have the impression as ess into the room can be controlled by the hospital, she is being kept here longer as the investigators dealing with the matter want to ensure her protection."


    "You know I have to tell."


    "I have no issue with that.However, we have been told, that when she goes home Anna will need some private nursing for a few weeks.She had the thought that Susanne or James might be interested ining."


    "I guess they would, however, did she not tell you I am a qualified nurse as well.When I had the children, I opted to work part time at a medical practice.I work between 10 and 15 hours per week, mainly as an administrative assistance, but 5 or so hours as a practice nurse to cover breaks, and this increases when the practice nurses are on leave."


    "If it does not work for them, I coulde.James has applied for his passport, but I am not sure if he has it and I am not sure Susanne''s is still in date.Thest time Susanne went overseas was 12 years ago when she and Wayne went on their honeymoon.Mine is current.Let me talk to them, and we can see what we can do."


    "I will call you back, as Susanne''s shift does not finish she a couple of hours, and James has sses until 4pm here.However as school holidays are a couple of weeks away here, if Ie once they hit school holidays, the children will need toe over, and before you ask they do have passports, as we took a family Holiday to Balist year."


    "Thank you.I wait to hear from you.As soon as I know who ising, I will arrange flight to Singapore where the baby jet will collect whoeveres across.And the children can be brought across on a private flight once school holidays starts, if youe."


    "Goodbye Yi.Tell Anna I love her and will talk to her in a few hours."


    With that Rosemary hung up.

 Chapter 216: Recovery and Revenge - Part 11

    <h4>216 Recovery and Revenge - Part 11</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "So what did she say?"


    "Anna, she has to talk to Susanne and James, and between them they will work out who is avable and let us know.If it will make you happy, then that is the best option for a nurse for a couple of weeks."


    Before Anna could respond there was a knock on the door.Hou Yi looked down at his watch and noticed that it was 9am, which meant that it had to be Officer Mu, or someone telling them of his arrival.


    When the door opened a nurse entered, and stated "Madam Hou, CEO Hou there is a police officer here to see you, an Officer Mu, and he has with him awyer Alister Nang.I am aware that Officer Mu is allowed in, but before I did anything, I needed to confirm if it was OK for Mr Nang toe in."


    "Send then both in.Mr Nang, is tied up with the investigation of what happened to my wife."


    The nurse left the suite, shutting the door behind her.Anna turned to look at Hou Yi "I wonder what Mr Nang wants?"


    "Thest I knew the investigation of the police officers who assaulted you, has stalled.There was no denying of what happened, but each of them med the other for what happened to get there.Both admitted that there was a call from Inspector Gang''s office to Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, but they both im the other instigated the call and the deal struck."


    "Damn.Why in the world do they need to keep doing this to me."


    Hou Yi could see that Anna was starting to get would up with what happened.He leaned over, and gently turned Anna''s head towards him, not caring that anyone was due to walk into the suite any second and leaned in to give her a gentle kiss in the hope to calm her down.


    Anna however knew that she was not going to let this be a simply gentle kiss.She knew she wanted something more than that, so she reached up, and as her husband''s lips touched hers, she took his head in both her hands, immediately deepening the kiss.The immediate arrival of anyone did not matter, she just needed his passionate kiss.The problem was, despite the signals that she was picking up from Hou Yi,she could not tell him how she actually felt about him.


    Neither of them knew how long they had been kissing or how long Officer Mu and Alister Nang had been standing there trying to attract their attention.They only heard a voice, which they could not identify who, say "Excuse me CEO Hou, Madam Hou."


    Reluctantly they each let go of the other and slowly separated.Anna, was highly embarrassed that she had not moved back from Hou Yi before they were interrupted and her face went red with embarrassment, and she could look nowhere other than at Hou Yi.


    Hou Yi, while not believingthe demonstration that his wife just gave him, realised that there was things that needed to be done.He motioned to chairs around them, and indicated "Gentleman, please take a seat."


    Officer Mu and Alister Nang, sat across the coffee table from Anna and Hou Yi that were on a couch, with Anna having her leg in the cast elevated.


    "Well?" Asked Hou Yi, somewhat impatiently given what had just been interrupted.He wished that they were still alone and he could continue to explore what Anna was hinting at.Maybe she could have been convinced to tell him how she felt.


    Officer Mu spoke "CEO Hou, Madam Hou.I am aware that you know Mr Nang has been speaking to the investigators about the investigation regarding what triggered the Assault.Inspector Gang offered to undertake a lie detector test.While is it not admissible in court, it tended to show that he was telling the truth about what happened, it was not as categorical as we would have liked, and Senior Officer Fang refused."


    "The investigators have determined, unless they can obtain any further evidence that all they will be able to do is charge Inspector Gang with assault, and Senior Officer Fang with failure to protect a person under his care.They are in the process of being demoted and reassigned to police departments outside of the city.While they are almost 100%n certain that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were involved they will never be able to prove it."


    "Actually ¡­"


    "Officer Mu, my wife has something to show you."


    "Madam Hou?"


    "A friend, Amanda Mei and I posted two separate photographs on social media, which got shared around by friends.They eventually came to the attention to Yang Lin, and shemented a few times on the posts.The effect of the posts was that I got what I deserved and that more would being my way."


    "You are kidding ¡­?"


    "Actually no.We did not think that her reaction would be as it was, but I guess that she forgot to think before posting, and simply reacted rather than being considered in her response."


    "Can you show me the responses?"

 Chapter 217: Recovery and Revenge - Part 12

    <h4>217 Recovery and Revenge - Part 12</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Anna, turned to Hou Yi and pointed to her mobile, beside the hospital bed.Hou Yi walked over and picked it up, and returned back and handed it to his wife.Anna logged into her social media ounts and located her and Amanda''s original posts , and showed these to Officer Mu, who noted down the identifying information for he information technology specialists to find the original posts and handed the phone back to Anna.


    Anna scrolled down and found the two posts that she and Amanda noticed yesterday from Yang Lin, and then proceeded to show these to Officer Mu, who again noted down the identifying details.As the phone was handed back to Anna again, there came a number of pings identifying that there were some new posts.Anna, looked at them and noticed that Yang Lin could not help herself and responded.


    "Officer Mu, Yang Lin has posted again.Let me read you this out ''The so called Madam Hou is nothing but a w**re and a liar.Shetches onto men to get everything she can out of them.Thank goodness two good officers, who are now being targeted by the b**ch, could see through her after being given the right information, and made sure she paid for her lies."


    " ''I would do it again to give the right information.Anyone who knows where she is, let me know, as she needs to pay for what she has done to me, and for Hou Yi to be gotten out of her clutches to protect him.''The responses are like this ''True Lin, thank god you told the truth for everyone to know.She deserved what she got, and we are d you had a hand in it.''I wonder, did she post other stuff I have not seen?"


    Anna kept scrolling through the other posts and noticed an even longer post from Yang Lin overnight."Officer Mu, I think you also need to hear this post that she did overnight ''This so-called Madam Hou is nothing but a liar, who gets her hands onto rich men to get anything out of them she can.She knew Lu Jinhu wasmitted years ago to me, yet she did everything to trick him into a rtionship, taking millions from him during the rtionship."


    " ''She ckmailed him, iming that if he left her she would im he was abusive towards her to ruin him.It was only the luck of my pregnancy which she is trying to ruin, which gave him the strength to get out of the ckmailed rtionship, andmit wholly to me, regardless of what she would do.Since then she has done nothing but try to ruin our rtionship, and sunk her viciousness into another innocent victim, Hou Yi."


    "It must be exposed before she damages him, like she did Lu Jinhu.She has lied and manipted the media, and the courts to overturn orders that Lu Jinhu legitimately obtained to get back even a small part of the money she ripped out of him during the rtionship through lying.No one has been willing to do anything until two brave police officers who were given the correct information and started to push her for the truth."


    "She manipted the situation and pushed them to breaking point, and one snapped.Now, they are being totally med for her lies and maniptions, while she sits in hospital ying the victim, and they are being charged and pushed out for doing what is right.This needs to be ended now.They need to be protected and she needs to be in jail, and made to pay for what she has done, rather than her innocent victims.''She is ¡­."


    "Delusional, is that what you are thinking Anna?"


    "It is Yi.Delusional.She thinks the world centers around her, but she is so dumb that she has not realised what she has done with the post.Anyone with any semnce of knowledge of any legal system can see that she has admitted to giving information to Inspector Gang and Senior Officer Fang, that resulted in my assault."


    "While everything else she has said is a lie, that simple admission makes it a conspiracy, and implicates her in it.While it does not implicate Lu Jinhu, if what you said is true that both officers admit to speaking to both Lu JIhn and Yang Lin, then it implicates him as well.As to her other allegations, they can easily be disprove."


    "How?"


    "Well, there is the footage of us obtaining out Marriage Certificate in the Civil Administration Bureau which will demonstrate that our marriage is legal.Regarding her ims about my rtionship with Lu Jinhu,I can put you into contact with a number of people that can confirm what happened when we were at University."


    "At the time he turned up on my doorstep forcing a rtionship there was someone that I was considering forming a rtionship, and he would be able to confirm Lu Jinhu''s actions at the start of the rtionship.If you need, I can ess my financial records that show our household was managed solely from my ie into our joint ounts.The Bank would also be able to provide information to confirm the loan had to be in my name as he dered no ie."


    "Officer Mu, I get the impression that false statements like what she has made can be dealt with criminally here?"


    "That is correct Madam Hou.What do you want to do?"


    "I am sick of her allegations.Can you have it pursued for me please?"

 Chapter 218: Recovery and Revenge - Part 13

    <h4>218 Recovery and Revenge - Part 13</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "I can do.Can you provide written authorisation to obtain the relevant information from your employers, bank and the like.We are awaiting information from the police in Australia as well, but the office I have been speaking to suggested that I also have you sign something called a Freedom of Information request to obtain information" continued Officer Mu


    "Why a Freedom of information request?"


    "Madam Hou, all I want to do is ensure that I cover every eventuality.While you have given me a direction to proceed, I have no idea where things may take me, and given your injury thest thing that I want to do is to have to disturb you more than necessary."


    Officer Mu then continued "Based on this new information and the preliminary information that has been gathered, we now will be able to interview Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.However, as Mr Nang can confirm the decision has been to ensure that we have all the information gathered to counter any allegations before doing this, to prevent them attempting to cover anything up."


    Alister Nang then started to speak."Sir, Madam.That is correct.In speaking with the investigators after I spoke to you CEO Hou at Hour Enterprises, they want to ensure the investigations remains closely held.Other than Officer Mu and one other police officer no one within the main police station is being trusted with any information."


    "Within the investigation team only the two investigators and four senior officials, me and yourselves know what is happening.Their concerns stem from the past where CEO Lu in particr, but also Lu Jinhu have been targeted for investigations regarding corrupt of illegal behaviour.The investigations details have ended up getting leaked and they have seemed to buy people''s silence ending the investigations."


    "Given that generally their targets have been people from lower social ss, so for some reason no one has given a care about this, as it has been epted they have simply taken money to deal with it outside the criminal system.This is the first time that there is any evidence that they have directly targeted someone within their own social group, meaning they cannot use their usual means of getting out of the situation."


    "Given the social media posts, I suspect that they are ying the only real card they can, trying to use Yang Lin''s apparent social media power to influence opinion and persuade people that the truth is a lie and the lie is the truth.Apparently she has millions of social media followers who she has convinced that she is trustworthy, particrly in the lower social groups, and even if she retracts a statement in the future, they forgive her.The problem is for them her so-called friends who have simr levels of social media followers, may not trust her."


    Hou Yi interrupted "And the reality is within the social elite, despite her pretending otherwise, I do know that many women, in particr, do not like her and would happily bring her down.Is is unlikely to be able to intimidate many of them, as ultimately they also respect me."


    Alister Nang then continued "Apparently senior officials in the capital have made it clear to the investigators that there needs to be aplete investigation to determine if charges can beid, and against whom.There is disgust within government that the police, from the information they had yesterday have been used for personal revenge.Those social media posts, and there would likely be more, confirm it."


    "I suspect that there will likely, once the Australian informationes through the possibility of nder charges, and anything else that can be charged.The charges will simply depend on what is in those documents, and the information that Vice-CEO Ji has from his internal investigation into potential corporate espionage charges for activities in Hou Enterprises.The impression I had is that they want to throw the book at anyone who has acted illegally in this whole mess linked to both of you and Hou Enterprises."


    Anna interrupted "While the focus in the police interview was on the Australian Court orders I had overturned, part of the information before the court was that the signatures on the documents were forged.The Court ordered a forensic examination of the signatures on the orders and other samples of my signatures.Could he be charged with attempting to enforce the court orders, that he new had been revoked?"


    "More than likely, but could he be charged in Australia?Do you know if the analysis is back?"


    "On the former, it depends on the court''s decision, and if he ims he believed I signed them the potential is nothing will be done.As to the analysis, that you will have to ask my employers about as the report will go to them, as they are thewyers on record for me in that matter."

 Chapter 219: Recovery and Revenge - Part 14

    <h4>219 Recovery and Revenge - Part 14</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "So, you are certain that the signature is not your signature?" came the question from Officer Mu.


    "Officer Mu, I know that you are only asking the question because you need to, but do you think I would have gone to the extent that I had to overturn the orders if it was my signature.Think about it."


    "Apologies Madam Hou.Someone is going to ask that question at some stage.I might as well ask it now, in a much friendly environment, than someone asking you who is out to get you."


    Anna realised that she was finally starting to feel the effects of sitting up as she was and knew that she soon needed toy down.Hou Yi having turned to look at Anna noticed that she was starting to feel exhausted with talking.


    He turned back to Officer Mu and Alister Nang and could see that they wanted to keep talking about matters.He knew for his wife he needed to take action now."Gentlemen, I hate to interrupt what we are talking about, but this if the first time that my wife has been out of bed since this happened.I am going to have to ask you to leave.Officer Mu, you know how you can get in contact with us.Alister, I will be in the office for at least part of the days, so call me and we can always arrange for meetings there.I need you to keep me up to date with what is happening."


    By the time Hou Yi finished speaking, Anna''s head had fallen onto his shoulder.Both Officer Mu and Alister Ning observed this and recognied that they needed to leave.Alister, indicated "Sir, I will let the nursing staff know that you need their assistance."They both stood up and exited the room quietly.


    Hou Yi, simply sat there with Anna resting on his shoulder, half asleep.Just realising how much she trusted him to do that, was a balm for Hou Yi.He hated that he was breaching that trust be keeping the secret of his legal takedown of Lu Corporation, but the he wanted her to be as stress free as possible.


    Before either of them could act any further, three nurses entered the room, and so Hou Yi gently shook Anna to wake her up.Once responded "Madam Hou, we need to get you back into bed.You have exhausted yourself out, and we need to make sure before you are discharged that you are able to cope."


    The nursing staff spend 15 minutes getting Anna, back into bed andfortable.Hou Yi walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.He and Anna simply stared into each other''s eyes before Annamenced moving her head towards Hou Yi, who leaned in for another kiss.


    The nurse who remained in the room, let them kiss for a few seconds, before loudly clearing her throat and saying "CEO Hou, Madam Hou, I am going to have to interrupt you.Given how tired Madam Hou is, CEO Hou, we are going to ask you to leave for some time, not only to allow Madam Hou to get a little bit more rest, but she has to go for a number of tests.The doctors have indicated that they would like to talk to both of you around 4pm this afternoon."


    With this the nurse turned and left the room realising that Anna and Hou Yi had to make a decision themselves, and she shut the door behind her.


    Hou Yi pulled back from Anna and heard what was said and started to move back towards the couch.Before he could sit down, Anna turned and said "Do not sit down Yi.You have agreed that for my own sanity I need you to spend part of the day in the office.Hou Enterprises needs you, and despite the help your father and Uncle Feng can give you there are only things you can do."


    "Plus, I want to you see what you can do from a business perspective to make it as difficult as possible for Lu Corporation, and the Lu''s in particr.While I feel sorry for their employees I want to stop them using theirpany from getting out of the trouble that is headed their way."


    Hou Yi looked at his wife and realized how serious she was.All he wanted to do at the moment was make her happy, so he turned to Anna and said, in a somewhat exasperated voice "Fine, I will go, but I will be back around 3pm."


    As he went to leave Hou Yi leaned over on his way out and gently kissed Anna on the lips and headed out the door.As he left, he thought, how simr his wife''s ideas were to his.The only thing was, he really did not care as much as his wife for hurt Lu Corporation''s employees, as he wants to prevent the Lu''s from using theirpany again to hurt anyone, and he was going to be the person to do this.

 Chapter 220: Recovery and Revenge - Part 15

    <h4>220 Recovery and Revenge - Part 15</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Thirty minutes after leaving the hospital, Officer Mu and Alsiter Nang arrived to further consult with the investigators, given the information they had from Hou Yi and Anna.


    As they sat down, the senior investigator asked "What did you find out."


    "My client being smart ¡­"


    "Mr Nang, to not try and be clever with us.We have simply allowed you to shadow the investigation as we want to ensure that there are no questions that everything has not been done properly, particrly from your client''s perspective.The prosecutors are indicating them may hand the prosecution of charges against Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin to you, but that does not mean you have control of the investigation."


    "Sorry, but you will think that she you hear what Mrs Hou did."


    "What is he meaning Officer Mu?"


    "Madam Hou, and a friend an Amanda Mei ¡­"


    "How is this Amanda Mei."


    "Miss Mei, is awyer employed by Hou Enterprises and a friend of Madam Hou.Her father is the Vice-CEO of XF International, and she is, as far as I understand dating CEO Yao of XF International.I believe, if her father had his way, Miss Mei would already be married to CEO Yao.I understand from CEO Hou that Miss Mei is highlypetent at her job, and is being considered internally for a Senior Supervisor''s position that has be vacant at Hou Enterprises."


    "Oh, I did not realise." Responded the senior investigator, having thought initially that this other person was someone insignificant.


    Officer Mu continued "Madam Hou and Miss Mei, apparently took two separate photographs that were posted on social media.Miss Mei''s post was about visiting her friend who had been injured by poice in hospital and Madam Hou''s post about having the visit.Both wanted to seek justice.They shared each other''s posts, and through Miss Mei''s socialwork, the posts started to get out."


    "Madam Lu, over a series of posts responded to it.Taking her posts together, you can see that she indicates that at a minimum she was involved in having the police assault Madam Hou, as well as engaging in nder.Madam Hou, when we were visiting her this morning, provided me with a signed authorisation to talk to people, and a signed Freedom of Information Request."


    "I am getting the idea that there is something that you have not told us about Officer Mu?"


    "You are right.When I first had contact with CEO and Madam Hou, incidentally on the day that they had gotten their marriage certificate, she had been assaulted at the Key za Hotel, by Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.Due to Hou Enterprises stake in the Key za Hotel''s parentpany CEO Hou used this to secure thepany''s archival footage of the incident, which confirms the assault."


    "This footage differs significantly from that apparently copied from the Security Office at the Key za Hotel, which after investigations seems to have been altered.CEO Hou also provided copies of the CCTV from Fengs Jewelers that showed Madam Lu trying to ckmail the staff to obtain the ring set that CEO and Madam Hou had just purchased for their wedding rings at no cost."


    "This prompted me to make inquiries in Australia as to events involving Madam Hou and Lu Jinhu who is her ex-partner.The Press releasest week from CEO and Madam Hou was referring to Lu Jinhu when speaking about Madam Hou''s experiences without naming him."


    "The Investigations led me to a police officer in Victoria who was called to a car ident where Madam Hou and Lu Jinhu were the innocent victims.Madam Hou was the only person involved who, it was judged by the police, needed transportation to the hospital.Lu Jinhu hurt her physically and emotionally, and manipted her into remain on scene while he, who had no injury was taken to hospital."


    "He also told me, that there was at least two or three other incidents involving Madam Hou being physically targeted by Lu Jnihu.Madam Hou has just signed a Freedom of Information request, which should be enough to get the police files about the incidents, rather than having to wait for the chief national prosecutor to go through the formal channels with his Australian equivalent.If it is as what I believe, it will be enough for Lu Jinhu,bined with the Key za Hotel and the Theatre incidents ¡­"


    "To charge his with sustained domestic abuse of a former partner."

 Chapter 221: Recovery and Revenge - Part 16

    <h4>221 Recovery and Revenge - Part 16</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "Correct Sir.If you look at Madam Lu''s response to Madam Hou and Miss Mei''s posts makes multiple ims about Madam Hou, including that she is a liar; ingratiates herself with rich men and cons them; she ckmailed Lu Jinhu into a rtionship in Australia; stole millions from Mr Lu; and manipted the Australian Legal system into overturning valid Australian Court Orders that Mr Lu obtained to to recover some money."


    "Madam Lu also imed that that as Madam Hou ys the victim so well, that two brave police officers who stepped in to help her and Mr Lu, were pushed to breaking point by Madam Hou that then eventually snapped, when they were simply trying to right wrongs."


    "I obtained the identifying information to locate the original posts and all responses to them that will enable Madam Lu''s posts to be located.Madam Hou, has denied all the allegations, and based on what information I have gathered I believe Madam Houover Lu Jinhu and Madam Hou. "


    "Madam Hou has provided information we can verify.I have an authority to speak to her bank, which should prove her im that during her and Mr Lu''s rtionship the ount from where rental and mortgage loan repaymentse from only had her wage as the ie source.She also states that household bills were paid from this ount.She has also advised her employers to cooperate with us as well.This may result in other information." Indicated Officer Mu.


    "I can help on the court orders, as I know Madam Hou has electronic copies of all the documents, so maybe CEO Hou can provide them to me, which should clear up some things."Responded Alister Nang.


    "That reminds me, Madam Hou, states that the signature that appears on the court orders, and it appears Lu Jinhu is using was forged.Apparently in the court proceedings that Mr Nang is talking about, there is an order for a forensic analysis of Madam Hou''s signature.If Madam Hou is correct it prove that it is not her signature."


    "Which will leave Lu Jinhu open to charges rting to his attempts to enforce invalid and illegally obtained court orders, under ourw."


    "Correct Sir.Then if Madam Hou''s information, and the information from the various Australia sources all ys out, then we could also charge both Lu Jinhu and Madam Lu with criminal nder.Given the contents of Madam Lu''s social media posts, it also puts them into the position of charges or wither bribery or attempted bribery, and squarely puts both Inspector Gang and Senior Officer Fang¡­"


    "Open to charges of bribery in public office."


    "Good Work Officer Mu.We need to start chasing this information down in Australia.It is going to be annoying due to the time difference, but we are not going to be able to do anything about that.Would you like to remain involved in this investigation?"


    "Is that possible?"


    "It is.You have done significant work to find out information, that will potentially lead to the serious criminal charges, and we would like you to remain involved as without your work, the case would not be where it is.All that would be able to be done is minimal charges to beid, as we could not prove anything more serious.Mr Nang, you are wee to remain as an observer with the investigation."


    "I will be doing this.CEO Hou, while not wanting to interfere with the investigation, has indicated he wants to make sure that it is done above board so regardless of the oue no one can agree a sloppy police investigation.Therefore I have been engaged to simply provide an oversight of what has happened since Wednesday."


    "CEO Hou, has always been clear to my employers, that he did not want us to interfere and keep a watching brief to ensure nothing went wrong.It was understood if charges resulted from the investigation and it was necessary for he and Madam Hou or Hou Enterprises to prosecute them, we were to do this."


    "That is not a problem.We need to get to work and bring this to a a point that we cany charges as soon as possible.This has to be stopped as soon as we can."

 Chapter 222: Recovery and Revenge - part 17

    <h4>222 Recovery and Revenge - part 17</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi, was sitting in his office going over the work that Assistant Wang needed him to review.Despite is ns to destroy Lu Corporation, all he wanted to do was be back beside Anna, while she was in hospital.He was grateful to have the love of his life in his life, he realised that the only reason she was lying in hospital, hurt, was that she was in his life.


    Looked at what had happened, despite whatnded Anna in hospital he started to feel that Anna was slowly opening up to his and giving their rtionship a chance.Was that, however, worth the risks to Anna?Could he let her go, if that would guarantee her safety?What was more important, their rtionship or her?In asking himself those questions, Hou Yi realised that Anna was the most important thing.What was necessary was striking the bnce in dealing with those idiots, and ensuring her safety.


    Hou Yi started to think about how he should go about this, when his thoughts were interrupted by his mobile ringing.He looked at the number and realised the call was from Australia, so he answered it, with a "Hello"


    "Hi brother-inw, Rosemary here.How is the patient?"


    "When I wasst at the hospital, she was exhausted, but about to go for a number of scans and other tests.I wanted to stay with her, but she became argumentative until I promised her that I woulde into the office and do some work and returnter then the doctorse in for a review."


    "I am betting she is hating being restricted?"


    "She is but given everything at least she is safe."Hou Yi in making thisment could not help but to keep the sorrow out of his voice.


    "You better spill what is going on.I knew something was off with Anna when we spoke, and I am certain.You sound so sad and bitter."


    "I keep ming myself for not protecting her ¡­"


    "Damn it.Given what you told me, I did some searching online and found out what happened.Even her brothers, when I told them she had been injured and was in hospital were all ready to get on the next flight out and kill you for letting her get hurt.However, when they saw what I found on line, they did not me you."


    "All her brothers want to do is kill the b**tard that continues to hurt their sister.Do not feel sorry for yourself.You got her away from him and made sure she was safe.You could not have stopped the events from there, because I am guessing that their actions were simply driven by getting to her, and we know that it would only be Lu Jinhu and his b**ch of a wife."


    "Rosemary ¡­" came the pitiful start of a reply from Hou Yi.


    "I am going to say this once, and if you do not get it Anna will exin.Stop the self-pity party.You have nothing to me yourself for."


    Hou Yi realised that his sister-inw was telling him that he needed to stop ming himself.He did not think that he could do so, because he knew the truth, he was ultimately responsible for her injury as he had not acted to stop Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin before they got to this point.Now all he could do was n to take them down and their financial backing through Lu Corporation.


    "I should have done something to stop them before Tuesday night."


    "Adam, Ben, Rachel, James and Susan are all here listening to this call, do you want them to tell you to grow up."


    "OK I get the message, but it will not stop me feeling how I do."


    "Fine, but that will be taken care of¡­"


    "What do you mean?"


    "We have spoken, and Anna''s dad agrees that the best option is for me toe over immediately as I have a valid passport.All that is necessary is organising my flights.Once the school term ends, if you could work it James and Reba wille out with the children.James and I will then split the nursing duties, as for James it will be able to count for his cement hours for his degree."


    "We have spoken to the passport''s office, and they can expedite passports, if we can supply details of Anna''s hospitalisation, and need for nursing care.At the end of the holiday period, we will then simply work out what needs to happen for nursing care, and Reba will return with the children to Australia.See Problem solved.And if any of us see a pity party, we will p you so hard ¡­"


    "I will see stars.I get how you Australian''s work."Hou Yi burst outughing.And once he stopped, he continued "Just give me a couple of minutes, but can you email to me a copy of the photograph page of your passport, but I have to put you on hold."with that Hou Yi gave his email address, and called out to Assistant Wang toe in.

 Chapter 223: Recovery and Revenge - Part 18

    <h4>223 Recovery and Revenge - Part 18</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­.


    "I need you to have the travel department make arrangements for a first ss flight from Melbourne to Singapore for Anna'' sister-inw, and apany jet to pick her up from there, plus then for thergepany jet to pick up some members of Anna''s family next weekend toe across."


    "Yes sir"


    Hou YI took the call off hold and "I am back.I have just spoken to my assistant and I am arranging for a flight from Melbourne to Singapore for you and apany jet will collect you from Singapore to bring you here.My assistant, when you email through your photo page of your passport will confirm everything to you."


    "As for everyone else, we will need the photo pages of their passports, but apany jet will collect them in Melbourne for the flight across rather than amercial flight, as it will be morefortable for the children.I have your number so I will get my assistant to call to finalise the details.I''m sorry I cannot stay, but I noticed the time here, and I need to get back to the hospital for the next review with the medical treatment team."


    "Talk soon".


    Hou Yi ended the call, and tidied his desk, before putting papers he knew he would need to review over the weekend in his briefcase.As he walked out the door, he stopped to speak to Assistant Wang about the arrangements to be made for Anna''s family, confirming that as soon as he received passport details they would be forwarded.


    Assistant Wang, handed him a number of emails and documents about the n to bring down Lu Corporation that was moving quicker that he would have thought.Those he needs to keep away from Anna''s eyes, but they need to be acted on for meeting in the following week.


    Twenty-five minutester, he walked into Anna''s hospital room, and noticed that Anna was asleep.He quietly sat down his briefcase and sat down beside Anna taking her hand in his, gently rubbing his fingers across her hand.He realised that Rosemary was right, he had to stop ming himself.He knew sitting with his wife, unless she wanted to end the marriage she he would keep her with him.He knew that it was selfishness to the extreme but being near her was a balm that soothed him.


    He simply sat there looking at his wife, and he did not realise for how long he was sitting there, all he could see was that she had opened her eyes and was looking at him intently.He thought he had to be imagining the look in her eyes that told him that she cared.


    Anna, herself awoke to Hou Yi gently stroking her hand.It made her feel so loved and cared for, it was a feeling that she wanted to have for as long as she could.She simply sat there looking at him directly in the eyes.She knew however she was not hiding her emotions, and that Hou Yi could see how she was feeling.


    Right at that moment, Anna recognised that describing her feelings towards Hou Yi simply as love was a tepidment.She truly and deeply loved him, no matter what.She knew that she never wanted to leave him, and whatever part of his life that she could have she would take, as being with him, even for a small part of the time was all that she needed.


    The only thing she hoped was that all her emotions were not showing, as thest thing she knew she wanted Hou Yi to realise was that she was in love with him.She knew that they had married with no expectations and if he fell in love with her, it had to be because he wanted to not because he felt that he had no option but she confessed her feelings either by word or through actions.


    Anna indicated to Hou Yi toe and sit beside her on the bed.When he was there, she reached up and put her hand behind his head, gently pulling it towards her, so that she could kiss him.Hou Yi, simplyplied as he knew he wanted his wife''s lips on his.As soon as their lips met, they both became lost in each other to the total exclusion of the world.They simply kept drowning in each other''s kiss.


    The next thing that they knew they heard "CEO Hou, Madam Hou." In a loud voice.

 Chapter 224: Recovery and Revenge - Part 19

    <h4>224 Recovery and Revenge - Part 19</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Anna and Hou Yi reluctantly separated, but Hou Yi refused to move from beside his wife on the bed and they turned towards the voice.It was then that they noticed it was Dr Lang along with other medical staff.A frustrated Hou Yi realised they would have to stop what they were doing until the medical staff left.


    Anna, however, was embarrassed.Here she was a hospital patient and was caught red handed by the medical staff making out with her husband.She started to go bright red and tried to hide her face in Hou Yi''s chest.Through observing her Hou Yi quickly realised how embarrassed Anna felt.He reluctantly moved from the bed and sat down in the chair beside the bed, so they could deal with the medial staff quickly.


    Dr Lang moved towards them, taking the chart from the end of the bed and looking through it.He was annoyed with his colleagues refused to talk to CEO and Madam Hou, as they were concerned about their careers if what they had to say was not epted.He returned the chart to its position and carefully sat on a corner of the bed to talk to both.


    "I can only apologise for interrupting you CEO and Madam Hou.I understand that you are newlyweds, and I suspect that you would like us to get things over with as quickly as possible so we can leave you alone."Dr Lang looked directly at Anna who was still blushing.


    "Madam Hou, I understand that today was the first time that you have spent any significant time out of bed, since your leg was broken.How do you feel?"


    "Exhausted once I got back into bed.I fell asleep for a few hours, and the next thing that I remember was that I was on a trolley, apparently being brought back here after a number of tests."


    "The nursing staff indicated it was almost impossible to wake you.Presently sleep is your body''s way of telling you to slow down and let yourself heal.As to the tests, we did all the tests we needed to plus a few others to check some additional things.the radiologists and relevant specialists, who are behind me, have reviewed the tests."


    "If you have any questions, they can answer them directly.The tests and scans generally were what we expected for two to three days after the types of assaults you were subjected to.The only tests, which were not a priority Wednesday or yesterday, was whether there was damage to your reproductive system.I spoke briefly to your husband about this yesterday¡­"


    Anna shot Hou Yi a look that said, ''and you did not tell me about their concerns'', and he simply dropped his head unable to look her in the eye, realising that he should have spoken to her about it.


    Anna squeezed his hand, understanding that the discussions could only have urred when Amanda and Phillipa were there, it was inappropriate, and he then forgot to raise it with her when they departed.


    "¡­The concerns we havee from the area where you were punched and kicked.While the results are inconclusive, and only provide us with a baseline, nothing is detected that immediately raises concerns.It does not mean that there is something that is hidden or not detectable by the tests presently.We will for a few months keep monitoring to detect early any problems."


    "However, when you decide in the future to have children, you will need to maintain regr contact with us, in case there are problems on conceiving or keeping pregnancies we can delve deeper to see is the issues rte to the assault.And before you ask, sometimes despite all the advances in medical science we cannot be absolutely certain that something remains undetectable."


    "We also can see that the scans show that the swelling on the brain noticed on Wednesday her gone down dramatically, which is good.Otherwise, there is nothing to note from the tests.We will repeat a number of tests and scans on Monday or Tuesday, for another review and determining your discharge n, including the nursing required on release."

 Chapter 225: Recovery and Revenge - Part 20

    <h4>225 Recovery and Revenge - Part 20</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "If you continue to make progress, we may even be in a position that we can release you sometime next week.Given the progress that you are making, we will be ensuring that you spend increasing time out of bed each day, even if it is simply on a chair or the couch.We also will be moving you from the hospital bed into a normal bed before discharge, despite it being inconvenient for hospital staff."


    "Once you are discharged, we will continue to monitor you to make sure that there are no ongoingplications.Going back to your discharge, we will need to ensure appropriate nursing staff is in ce before it will ur.CEO Hou we can supply you with details of highlypetent nursing agencies that can arrange appropriate nursing care for Madam Hou ..."


    "Dr Lang, my wife''s sister is a qualified nurse in Australia and is on her way here for a few weeks.She will arrive on Sunday or Monday.The following weekend, her brother who is in the final year of his nursing degree will also being, to assist.And while it is not guaranteed, her sister who is a specialist emergency room nurse if going to try ande with her brother as well. I think between her family, myself and our staff we will be able to manage."


    "You did not tell me Rosemary ising¡­"


    "Given the warnings, I am worried to tell you ¡­"


    "Reba is as well" squealed Anna."Oh My God, what we could do¡­"


    "I dread to think about it ¡­"


    "Madam Hou, on discharge, you will only be on crutches for short periods of time, slowly building up.Otherwise you will be in a wheelchair, because we will be worried for a few weeks about impacts from your head injury on your bnce.Additionally, with Dr Chen''s help, we are almost finalised the counselling regime, as she wants to prevent adding to your issues, with you potentially developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.That should be resolved early next week, but as an interim measure she will be in each day until your discharge to monitor you."


    Dr Lang paused, then continued "Thest thing, and I believe we need to discuss it now.The consulting gynaecologist ..." pointing to one of the medical staff across the room "... has already indicated no s*xual rtions while the case is on, as your head injury could cause unexpected impacts."


    "Further, once the cast is off, you will for a few more months have to be careful, not only using contraception but not being too wild and adventurous with your s*xual activities.A pregnancy too soon, could be highly risky for you.Once we are happy that there are no changes in your test results you will be given the OK to stop using contraception."


    Hou Yi and Anna looked directly at each other, and they both noticed that the other had gone bright red in the face.It was so embarrassing to have their s*x life being discussed as bluntly as Dr Lang was discussing it.


    Dr Lang, in observing Hou Yi and Anna''s reactions decided that he needed to get everyone out of here before it became more embarrassing for everyone.He asked, "Do you have any questions of any of us?"


    Hou Yi responded "No" and Anna just shook her head.Neither however could look Dr Lang in the eye.


    Dr Lang from their response, confirmed his view that they were embarrassed about the direction of the conversation.As the medical staff were leaving, he said "We will leave you alone.If you have any questions, at any time, simply let the medical staff know and someone wille and speak to you.Otherwise we will have another review of your progress on Monday."


    With that Dr Lang, stood up and turned around walking back following the other medical professionals out of the room.Once they were gone Anna looked at Hou Yi and said, "That was embarrassing."


    "But not unexpected given what they walked in on."


    "Yi, you have a dirty mind."


    "Well, it was not just me engaged ¡­."


    "Damn it Yi, your mind is not in a good ce and you are dragging me down there."


    "Well given ¡­"


    "Yi" squeaked Anna, and they then both began tough.

 Chapter 226: Recovery and Revenge - Part 21

    <h4>226 Recovery and Revenge - Part 21</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Once they stoppedughing, Hou Yi moved back onto the bed to sit hugging Anna.For him that simple thing reconfirmed his own views from earlier in the day, regardless of anything he wanted a life with Anna.He just had to get her to the point that she could feel what he felt for her and let him know.


    Anna leaned back against her husband.It was so calming, serene and safe to be in his arms.Despite everything that had happened, she knew that there was no me on Hou Yi.Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were to me.They had no control and reacted as people who believed the need to be in control and are on top of a social group do.


    It was, however, harder to read how Hou Yi felt about her.She was picking up signs that he cared for her, but at the same time there was something telling her he was holding back on something important.Thest thing she needed to do, given the disaster of a rtionship with Lu Jinhu, was to confess her feelings and he reject her.


    That would be the most devastating thing that could happen to her.Anna just determined that she needed to wait until it was clearer how he actually felt about her before she would confess her feelings.At least then she would be able to better ensure the protection of her heart.


    Anna turned to Hou Yi and asked, "So what did you work out with Rosemary?"


    "Rosemary ising on the weekend, as she is the only one with a valid passport presently.She will be flyingmercial to Singapore and apany jet will pick her up from there.James is arranging for an expedited passport to be issued for him, and that will be in ce for next weekend.He, Reba, and the children that have a passport wille over next weekend on apany jet.School holidays, apparently start at the end of next week in Australia."


    "I was able to speak to James'' university briefly.I exined that it was going to be a medical requirement for your discharge to have private nursing care for a couple of weeks.Despite you being family, if we detail the hours he spends and provide all the confirming paperwork, The University have agreed to allow him to count those hours towards his cement hours.Apparently, he has not done any one-on-one nursing in a ward, and this can rece this, in part."


    "When I was talking to Rosemary, James ssmates are already jealous that he is getting to travel and cement hours together.Susan will not make a decision until Monday, but she knows that she will be able to obtain an expedited passport as well.Whoeveres, will share the care during the day, with me being responsible for you at night, unless there is a medical reason to change that."


    "As for your nieces and nephewsing, your siblings asked, and I could not say no to them.There is plenty of room at the ancestral home for everyone to stay, including us, which will make the time after your initial discharge easier.The apartment will not be big enough, and I have only started looking for a Vi for us.I do not want them in a hotel, as it seems stupid to iste you from them, when they all will havee that distance."


    "My parents, grandparents and Aunt, are already nning a fun time for the children, including engaging carers to assist with all the children.It is in the process of being finalised, but they will take everyone to Hong Kong in the middle weekend, for the children to go to Disnend and Ocean Park, and for shopping as well.That will please my mother and aunt, as I will give them ess to additional funds in that weekend.


    "Are they OK with that?"


    "Anna you have to ask.You would not believe how many times I have dealt with calls from my mother and aunt, wanting to know how you are and toe and visit.They will have no issues, as this will ensure that they can spend time with you, which is what they want.Now stop worrying, and let me arrange for our dinner to be brought in.You need to settle for the night."


    "Fine Yi."

 Chapter 227: Recovery and Revenge - Part 22

    <h4>227 Recovery and Revenge - Part 22</h4>


    Sunday


    Hou Yi, pulled up in a car, waiting for thepany jet toe to a stop at the private jet terminal.As it did, his driver took him to the foot o the steps.As he was stepping out of the vehicle, another vehicle pulled up, with immigration officials.


    "CEO Hou, can you please let me know who is on yourpany''s private jet?"


    "My sister-inw.The jet collected her from Singapore off amercial flight.She is here to support my wife while she recovers from the incident at the police station on Wednesday that is in the media.Another sister-inw, my brother-inw, and nieces and nephews will being in next weekend, to provide additional support."


    "Thank you.We will hurry through the process for your sister-inw, and will make a note about next weekend.By the way how is your wife?We heard about it, and when we dealt with you bothst week she struck everyone that she was a real treasure."


    "She is going well as can be expected, and making progress.I am not sure when she will get out of hospital though."


    "I will not keep you CEO Hou, let me go and clear your sister-inw."With that the immigration official left and boarded the ne.Five minutester, Rosemary climbed down the steps from the ne, and was met with her bags.At the request of the immigration official, she opened the bags for them to have a quick check of them.


    Rosemary walked towards Hou Yi and the driver, walked over to collect Rosemary''s bags and took them to ce them in the boot.Rosemary, as she arrived to where Hou Yi was standing grabbed in in a hug.


    When she let go, she turned around and said "Come on, you better get me to see Anna quick smart, or I will ¡­"


    "What?"


    "Kick your butt!"


    "Well get into the car, and hopefully we will get there in 30 minutes, subject to traffic."


    Rosemary climbed into the car and Hou Yi followed her in.He told the driver to take them to the hospital.


    Forty minutester ¡­


    Hou Yi on entry into the VIP floor introduced Rosemary to the on-duty nursing staff.Given two spoke reasonable English they were able to talk to Roesmary about Anna''s medical situation.Hou Yi made a note to send Assistant Wang a text to have him on Monday organise a trantor to be there to assist Rosemary, given herck of knowledge of thenguage.


    Hou Yi walked towards the suite and opened the door.He found Anna still asleep and he quietly walked in and sat down in the chair beside his wife.He was excited as tonight was the first night that the staff were going to try Anna sleeping in a normal bed so he could fall asleep easily with his wife beside him.He simple sat down in the chair beside her to await for her to wake up.


    Five minutester Rosemary opened the door and noticed Hou Yi sitting down holding Anna''s hand while she slept.She knew that she could not let Anna sleep to much longer, so she walked over and forcefully sat down on the bed, and loudly said "Come on sleepyhead, what is your excuse to be here asleep.I''ve traveled from home to here, and all you can do is sleep away the day."


    "What the ... Rosemary you, you ¡­"


    "Lovely person?"


    "No, you idiot."


    "But you love me, right?"


    "I do not know why, but ¡­"


    "You do. Come on say it."


    "I love you sister."


    "Yi, now move your butt.I have spoken to the staff, but I can tell you that you need to organise an interpreter.While the staff I spoke to spoke English, I have to wonder about their training.I asked about the test results and all they told me was that the doctors had reviewed them, so I did not need to.Damn it, it is totally inappropriate to simply rely on ''what the doctor says''."


    "I was trained to review the tests and scans myself, not rely on others, as that is when mistakes are made.I will have to have this out with the doctors when theye in, because there is no way that either James, when he gets here, or myself can ensure that we do not make mistakes."


    "Calm down Rosemary."


    "I will not, when ites to medical treatment of anyone, let alone my favourite sister-inw.The amount of screw-up''s I have seen.Do these idiots not know, that until I went to part time for the kids, I was the one of the most qualified nurses at the hospital."


    "I have my degree, plus post-graduate qualifications and experience in emergency medicine, orthopedics, midwifery, and pediatrics, plus I have worked in the mental health area.God knows what the idiots out there have.S**t.Last week at work, the radiologist missed a damn fracture on an Xray that I picked up as clear as day, mind you he is an idiot."


    "Rosemary, just deal with it today, please.Anna had a restless night, and needs to rest today.The doctors are due in tomorrow morning, and we can have it out with them then.I''ll leave you two and head home to arrange a few things, beforeing back.This week you will stay at our apartment, but when everyone else arrives, it is arranged we will stay with my parents at the ancestral home, where there is more space."


    Hou Yi leaned over and kissed Anna gently, and as he started to pull back she reached up with both hands and pulled him back for a deeper kiss, before letting him go.Anna whispered "See you soon."


    Hou Yi looked into Anna''s eyes and started to sit back down before Rosemary said "See you," and gently pushed him towards the door.

 Chapter 228: Recovery and Revenge - part 23

    <h4>228 Recovery and Revenge - part 23</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Thirty-Five minutester.


    Hou Yi walked out of the elevator into the apartment foyer, to be greeted by Butler Ge "Young Master.How is Young Madam recovering?"


    "She is on the mend Ge.My driver is about to send up the bags of my wife''s sister-inw Rosemary who hase to help Anna.This week she will be staying here so please arrange for one of the spare rooms for her.Saturday morning, for a couple of weeks we will be at the ancestral home when other members of Anna''s family are here for a fortnight.Anna and I will return when they leave.Can you confirm with Rosemary when she gets here how many rooms will be required at the ancestral home, and make the arrangements."


    "I will sir.Is there anything that I can do for you."


    "No.I just need to collect some things and am returning back to the hospital."


    Hou Yi went upstairs and entered the master suite.Collected some more clothes for him and Anna, and had a shower before getting ready to return to the hospital.He realised how much had changed since the happiest time of his life in this room just days before.Hopefully things will get back to this state soon.


    Sunday Afternoon,te ¡­


    "Rosemary, I am going to stay with Anna overnight, but I have made arrangements for you to stay at our apartment.I will go downstairs with you, and put you in the hands of a driver who will take you back.Just let the staff know, what time you want to be back here in the morning and they will sort things out."


    "See you Anna."With that Rosemary leaned over and gently kissed and hugged her sister-inw before picking up her handbag."See you tomorrow."


    "Bye Rosemary."


    With that Hou Yi and Rosemary left the room.Anna immediately drifted off to sleep, while Hou YI escorted Rosemary downstairs.


    "Rosemary, when the driver gets you to the apartment building hand this card and letter to security.They will set you up with lift keys so that you do not have to be escorted up every time you arrive at the apartment.The staff will show you to your room, and sort out what ever your want to eat."


    "Let Butler Ge, know what time you want to be up, what you want for breakfast, and what time you want to be back here.He will sort this out.Feel free to use any phone to call home, and I will see you tomorrow morning."


    After Rosemary got into the car, Hou Yi went back upstairs to Anna, and found her asleep.He simply sat down beside his wife, and was disturbed only when staff came in with their tea, so he had to wake Anna up to eat and for her observations to be take.


    Monday


    When Rosemary arrived back at the hospital, she found Hou Yi sitting beside Anna and they were simply talking to each other, oblivious to anything else.


    "Well hello you two.Thank god I did not find you doing something, that I do not think they would appreciate in the hospital."


    Anna reached behind her and grabbed a pillow, then threw it at her."Get your mind out of the gutter, just because you and my brother would ¡­ hang on that is an image that I do not want."


    "Thank god your sense of humour has not gone sis.How, practical things, have the staff bathed you this morning or generally taken you to the bathroom?"


    "No they said that they wouldter."


    "Forget that, you have your personal ve for a little while that will help you."


    Rosemary walked to the ensuite and located the chair to take Anna into the bathroom on, and carefully helped her from the bed into the chair, and wheeled her into the ensuite to bathe her.As Rosemary reached the ensuite door she told Hou Yi "Darling brother-inw, can you get for your wife from the clothes that you brought back yesterday, a change of underwear, a top and a skirt for me please, then bring them into the bathroom.I want to get her bathed and settled on the couch before the doctors arrive."


    "Yes Rosemary"


    "Stop being a dictatorial person Rosemary, nicely ask my husband."


    "Anna you know he is your ve, and he will do anything for you, so all I am asking is for his help."


    "Fine."

 Chapter 229: Recovery and Revenge - Part 24

    <h4>229 Recovery and Revenge - Part 24</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Twenty Five minutester.


    Hou Yi, while Rosemary and Anna were in the ensuite made a few of the calls he needed to make early towards progressing his n to destroy Lu Corporation in a legal business sense.He was just grateful that he had finished thest of the initial calls he needed to make this morning, when be observed Rosemary wheeling Anna from the ensuite.She carefully helped Anna from the chair onto the couch.


    In just the minute or so that it took Rosemary to return the chair to the bathroom, and return she observed Anna and Hou Yi quietly leaning their heads towards each other.They were lost in each other''s eyes.If anyone had doubted that they were in love with each other, showing them a photograph of the scene she walked in on would dispel any questions.


    Before Rosemary could stir Hou Yi and Anna, in walked three nurses shocked to see Anna changed and sitting on the couch.One said "Madam Hou, you should not be out of bed.The Doctors have not been in to see you."


    As Rosemary did not understand what was said Anna quickly tranted for her, which set Rosemary off given she already knew that Anna had been waiting for then to answer her bell for almost thirty minutes to take her to use the toilet.All she could saw was "Do you not answer patient''s bells."


    Anna, then started to be the trantor.She tranted Rosemary''s response to which the reply was "We were busy and the doctors prefer to patients to remain in bed until after they have been."


    Rosemary on hearing that became highly offended and responded "You are idiots.She needed to use the toilet, and you left her there without responding just because the doctors do not want patients moved until they have been.Think about the patients, not just what the doctor wants."


    Dr Lang, then opened the door, and the nurses all ran over and in unison said "Dr Lang, we so apologise for Madam Hou not being in bed for you."


    Dr Lang wondered what was going on, and asked Hou Yi "CEO Hou, what is going on here."


    "Dr Lang, do you speak English?"


    "I do, Ipleted my medical degree in Australia."


    "Could we speak English, please as my sister-inw only speaks it."As Dr Lang came over, Hou Yi continued, pointing to Rosemary "Dr Lang, this is my sister-inw Rosemary Jones."


    "Ms Jones, a pleasure."


    "It is not a pleasure.Those nurses over there" with that she was pointing to the three nurses near the door "ignored my sister''s ringing of the bell to take her to the toilet for almost thirty minutes.When I arrived, I did so and decided as I had her in the bathroom I might as well shower her as well."


    "Ms Jones, we only allow nursing staff to do that."


    "Dr Lang, do not get me started.I am a qualified nurse and have multiple postgraduate qualifications.I know how to get any patient our of bed safely, and to bathe them.I also have enough sense to not let them ring bells for significant time before I even think about doing something.Those three would have left my sister in bed, until you arrived.It is an utter disgrace"


    "Ms Jones ¡­"


    "Do not Dr Lang.They even told me not to question a doctor.Given you trained in Australia, you would know ¡­"


    "That nurses within reason, if they have appropriate qualifications, challenge doctors if they disagree ¡­"


    "With a diagnosis.I know.I should have let you know, that I also have limited prescribing rights."


    "You are what they call a nurse practitioner?"


    "Yes.I asked to see the scans and other documents, as I have concerns that my sister is quite exhausted.I am questioning if something was missed.The nurses told me a doctor reviewed the scans etc, and I did not need to see them."


    "While normally I would not allow it, given your background I will arrange for the scans to be brought in for you to review.You might notice something we missed."


    With that he signalled the nurses near the door and requested that scans all be brought in, for Rosemary to review.Aptop, with the electronic versions of the scans were brought in, and Dr Lang and Rosemary, sat and looked at the scans.Ten minutester, after carefully reviewing the scans, Rosemary was satisfied that there was nothing of concern.


    "Thank you Dr Lang for indulging me."


    "Ms Jones, it does not hurt for a fresh set of eyes."Dr Lang paused, and then continued "CEO and Madam Hou, the n for this week is that we will have further scans tomorrow, and again on Thursday.Provided that they show no additional concerns, and given you will have nursing care at home, we will happily let you out of hospital on Friday.We can work with Ms Jones as to the initial rehabilitation steps.Most importantly we are going to keep you out of bed for at least 5 hours today, 6 hours tomorrow, 7 hours Wednesday and then all day Thursday."


    He paused, and then continued "Ms Jones, I will make sure that it is noted that while you re here, you can look after your sister, given your qualifications, to prevent any issues.Now I will leave you."


    After Dr Lang left the room, Anna looked at Rosemary "You kept a check on your temper."


    "It was damn hard.They are idiots.At least Dr Lang, understands my skills, and hopefully things will quickly get better."


    Anna, turned to Hou Yi, and said "Remember your promise, get to the office."


    "Yes Anna."With that he lent over and gently kissed Anna on the lips, before standing up, picking up his briefcase before existing the room.Inside he was d that Anna had chased him from the hospital as things were moving even quicker than he had anticipated with his manoeuvring to bring down Lu Corporation.Otherpanies were lining up to be part of the boycott of projects involving them in the future, and some were happy to withdraw as at the date from any project where Lu Corporation was involved.


    "Damn girl, you have him whipped."


    "No, he just indulges me, particrly at the moment as he mes himself."


    "Now sister, tell me what happened truthfully."

 Chapter 230: Arrest - Part 1

    <h4>230 Arrest - Part 1</h4>


    Thursday, afternoon


    Hou Yi''s mobile started ringing, and on seeing that the call was from Officer Mu, he quickly answered the call "Officer Mu, what can I do for you?"


    "CEO Hou, I have been speaking to the investigators, and we have news that we need to share with you and Madam Hou.If it possible for me to meet you both.I understand that Madam Hou still remains in Hospital."


    "When did you want to do that?"


    "In an hour, if possible."


    "I will meet you there.By the way, my sister-inw will also be there, as she hase over from Australia to be with her sister.Could you please speak English as that it she onlynguage she understands."


    "Not an issue CEO Hou.I will see you then."


    With that Officer Mu ended the call.Hou Yi called Assistant Wang into the office, and exined that he would be gone for the rest of the day, before closing up hisptop, and packing his briefcase, exiting his office and the building.


    Forty-five Minutester.


    Hou Yi walked into the VIP suite, and found Anna and Rosemary sittingughing."Ladies what is so funny"


    "You should have seen your wife just before.We were working on some of the necessary exercises with her legs to start to regain strength and her face ¡­"


    Anna picked up a cushion and threw it at Rosemary.


    "I am guessing that this is one of these things that I had to be here for."


    "You might be right" came Rosemary, still trying not tough too hard.


    "Anna, Officer Mu is going to he here in about ten or so minutes.He indicated that there is an update on the investigation."With that Hou Yi sat down beside Anna.


    Rosemary looked at the two of them, and figured that the best thing was to say "Does anyone want a hot drink?"


    Hou Yi and Anna, said almost in unison "ck Tea with a lemon wedge."


    Rosemary wandered off and made a coffee for her and the teas for Anna and Hou Yi.As she sat them down on the coffee table, there was a knock on the door, and someone entered.


    "CEO and Madam Hou ¡­"


    "Come in Officer Mu.Thisdy here is my sister-inw Rosemary Jones."


    "Miss Jones."


    "Actually it is Mrs Jones, but just call me Rosemary."


    "CEO and Madam Hou, Mrs Jones.There is about to be a televised press conference about what happenedst week.Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin have just been taken into the custody of the investigators for questioning.Could I suggest that you turn the television on, and I think the press conference will give you more information that I can tell you."


    Hou Yi picked up the television remote, and turned the television on, and located a new channel, which had English subtitles for Rosemary.


    Up to the microphones on the screen stepped a someone in a uniform, whomenced speaking."Ladies and Gentlemen of the press.We thank you for attending this press conference.There will be no questions taken after this, but the information that we have to impart to the press is of importance."


    "As many people know, on Tuesday nightst week, the wife of CEO Hou from Hou Enterprises, Madam Hou Anna, was assaulted at the charitable theatre performance by former Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu of Lu Corporation and Madam LU, Yang Lin.Since then there was an incident where Madam Hou, when she was speaking to the police on Wednesday was seriously assaulted that resulted in her hospitalisation."


    Hou Yi, Anna and Rosemary simply sat there taking in the recounting of facts that they already knew.Hearing it so bluntly for Anna, was a shock to her.It was her life that they had been messing with.Yes there was some good to havee out of it.She married Hou Yi, the man that she loves, whereas if she had married that idiot Lu Jinhu she would have never had the happy life she was hopeful would eventuallye her way with Hou Yi.


    All Anna could do was lean back into Hou Yi''s arms where she knew she was safe.Hou Yi, when Anna did this, started to loose focus on what was urring during the police press conference.It felt perfect, despite their location to have his wife in his arms.At least at the moment he could provide her withfort and support hearing her life set out in such ck and white terms on national television.


    "Social media posts have led us in investigating the incident that urred at the police stationst week, where Madam Hou suffered a broken leg and concussion.The investigations from that social media posts, have determined both former Vice-CEO and Madam Lu, bribed both police officers who were speaking to Madam Hou to ensure that she was injured."


    "Consequently, the two police officers involved have not only been charged with the assault, but bribery charges.Former Vice-CEO and Madam Lu were arrested earlier this afternoon, and have bee charged with multiple charges.Madam Lu faces charges over bribery, assault, engaging in corporate espionage, stalking and criminal nder."


    "Former Vice-CEO has these charges plus in addition charges for aggravated violence towards a former partner, and illegally attempting to enforce invalid and legally revoked court orders.The signature that was relied on to obtain the orders has been proven by Australian Analysis to be a forgery.Police technical staff have verified that the analysis is correct."


    "In undertaking these investigations, multiple rumours have arisen that former Vice-CEO Lu''s actions towards Madam Hou are not a one off.Rumours exist as to multiple physical and sexual assaults of women and other violence.We are calling for any victims of actions of whether former Vice-CEO Lu or Madam Lu toe forward to enable us toy an additional charges.


    "Finally, we can confirm that the initial charges against the former VIce-CEO Lu and Madam Lu are scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, provided Madam Hou is released from the hospital.If she is not, these matters will go before the courts on Monday.The charges against the police officers will be dealt with in due course by the central prosecuting authorities in the capital.Thank you."


    With that the official left the podium, and the press conference faded out.

 Chapter 231: Arrest - Part 2

    <h4>231 Arrest - Part 2</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    "You are kidding me." Spat out Anna.She could not believe the details of the press conference."Officer Mu, what can you tell us?"


    "Madam Hou, those documents you signedst week enabled us to quickly get information that enabled charges to beid quickly.We already had an idea on exactly what we were looking for, and with the cooperation of the authorities in Australia, your bank and employers we were able to secure all the necessary information by this morning."


    "I would have thought that that information would have had toe through official channels?"


    "The Chief national prosecutor quickly secured agreement from, I understand the person is called the attorney-general, on a national level for cooperation.That in and of itself is unusual as it usually takes weeks.However given that you are both dual citizens and the information we are seeking is to support criminal charges here they were willing to cooperate.Particrly as it rtes to the charge of his ongoing abuse of you, as it cannot be dealt with as easy in Australia as we can here."


    "He is apparently passing on information to, I think it was said the Immigration Minister, about his Australian Citizenship, particrly in light of what you advised about his statements as to the reason he pursued a rtionship with you, in that you were gullible and it was about obtaining citizenship, not a true rtionship."


    "So what happens from here?" Asked Rosemary


    "Both of them are being interviewed.Madam Lu given her pregnancy will be released after being charged, for the safety of the fetus.Mr Lu, however will remain in police custody until the first court hearing."


    "Now the criminalw system is different here from that in Australia.We have prosecutors, however they only deal with cases involving murder, terrorism and serious offences of that nature, unless a victim meets certain requirements either financial or they are apany, the prosecution of a person if left to the victim."


    "The prosecution office provides assistance to the victimswyer as to the charges, but little more than that.This is why Mr Nang was allowed to be involved with the investigation.I understand that he has been provided the documents to support the charges, but he wille and see you before the hearing.You will need to be present as well. As the judge will ask for your input as to the decision on bail further."


    "I did not realise."


    "Mr Nang will be able to tell you more.Now I will leave you to be"


    "Goodbye, Officer Mu."


    Hou Yi stood up and walked to the door, shaking Officer Mu''s hand as he closed the door as he exited.


    As Hou Yie back, Annamended "That was surprising.I thought, if there were any charges at all, it would be weeks if not months away."


    "Well, that b**tard deserves it for what he has put you through!"


    Before anything else could be said, Hou Yi''s mobile rang.He answered it, and put it on speaker "CEO Hou, Alister Nang here."


    "Mr Nang, I have you on speaker phone, I am with my wife ans sister-inw.Could you speak English, so my Sister-in-Law can understand what is happening."


    "Not a Problem.Madam Hou, I understand that Officer Mu ising to see you."


    "He has just left, and given my wife the basic information about how the prosecutions operate here."


    "OK.I can confirm both Mr and Madam Lu have been arrested and interviewed.Madam Lu is released to appear tomorrow at court, whereas Mr Lu remains in police custody until the hearing tomorrow.If Madam Hou is not discharged from the hospital tomorrow morning I need to know immediately as I can have her attendance based on a medical opinion excused, however CEO Hou as her next-of-kin you have to be here.The only other thing that you have to make a decision on, unless theye with an offer to plead to the charges, is whether they both should be released pending further court hearings or not?"


    "For her, given she is pregnant it would be heartless to insist that she is in jail.For him, he will be seeking assistance from the Australian Embassy beign a dual citizen.My only concern is that he cannot use his dual citizenship to leave the country.I would want him to surrender his passports and pay an amount as a bond that would hurt financially if he left the country.Additionally as her pregnancy has been difficult, it would add to her stress if she was separated from him.I want the high moral ground, but I do not want them if they are released to be able toe near me."


    "I think that can be organised.I will either see you or talk to you tomorrow."With that the call was ended.


    "Anna that is being generous."


    "Actually no, the two of them will not be able to help themselves, and as dadmonly said, he will be in more s**t that a Werribee duck."


    Rosemary burst out inughter and Hou Yi was struggling to get the joke.Anna motioned him to lean over and exined to him that there is a sewerage treatment nt there.

 Chapter 232: Court - Part 1

    <h4>232 Court - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    Just after 9am, Dr Lang came into Anna''s room.With Rosemary''s help, not only was she changed but she was having her first attempt to try and move a small distance with crutches.


    "Madam Hou, your progress with your sister here has been amazing.Now sit down."


    With that Anna manovured herself to sit down on the wheelchair.Rosemary sat down herself, and Hou Yi had been sitting watching his wife from the couch.


    "Madam Hou, yesterday''s tests are such that we are happy for you to be released today.We simply need you toe in each Wednesday until we remove the cast, as we want to check that there is nothing going wrong.Once the cast is removed we will work with you as to the rehabilitation schedule from there."


    "Thank you"


    "Ms Jones, however if you have any concerns at any time, do not hesitate to immediately bring her back here, and we can do a further examination.I suspect that if she continues her progress within a couple of weeks she will not need nursing assistance at all, her husband can manage her care at home himself."


    "Not a problem.I will make sure that she behaves and that Hou Yi learns the basics that he will have to help with when he is alone with my sister."


    "CEO Hou, Madam Hou, Ms Jones, now please do not take this the wrong way.I actually only hope to see you on the weekly reviews.The nursing staff will help youplete the discharge paperwork, and we have arranged for both a wheelchair and crutches to be made avable for you, and they will have the prescriptions that we are sending you home with."


    With that Dr Lang exited the room


    One hourter


    As Hou Yi wheeled the wheelchair out of the hospital, Rosemary followed carrying the crutches for Anna, and with the help of the nursing staff Anna and Hou Yi''s belongings were being brought out.There were three cars waiting for them, and the belongings were all put into one vehicle which departed as soon as possible.


    Hou Yi turned to Rosemary "Now do you want toe to court with us or not?"


    "Actually I think I should, in case there is something of a medical nature that has to be discussed.Plus Anna will need some support."


    Hou Yi moved over to the BMW and told the driver to simply take the vehicle home.The final vehicle left was a limousine.Hou Yi with Rosemary''s help carefully moved Anna into the back, and they both then climbed in, while a bodyguard put the crutches and wheelchair into the boot.


    Twenty-five minutester ¡­


    The limousine pulled up outside the courtplex and was immediately surrounded by press.The bodyguards exited the front of the car, and the trailing vehicle to make space around the door for Hou Yi to initially get out and with Rosemary''s assistance to carefully help Anna out into her wheelchair, which a bodyguard removed from the boot.


    As soon as the press realised what was happening, the provided space for Anna to be carefully removed from the vehicle.As Anna as carefully settled into the wheelchair, another vehicle pulled up behind them, and out exited Yang Lin,and from a second vehicle out climbed Yang Lin''s parents.


    The press were trying to determine who they needed to question.However given the bodyguards surrounding both groups, all they were able to do is should out questions that were simply ignored.Rather than allowing a confrontation at the entry door, the bodyguards signaled to Hou Yi that they should wait until Yang Lin, and her parents had entered the court building.


    Yang Lin, stopped at the entry door, and posed for a few photos for the press, before entering the building.Rosemary wheeled the wheelchair towards the entry, and Hou Yi walked beside Anna, and they entered the building.As they entered they were met by Alister Nang, who directed them to follow him, and they were taken to a waiting area to wait for the case to be called.


    One hourter ¡­


    A knock happened on the door, and it was indicated to Alister Nang was that the court was ready to deal with the first day of the case against Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, so they made their way into the court.


    As soon as the case was called, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''swyer stood up, to speak to the court.


    Hou Yi whispered to Rosemary, that she would unlikely understand what is happening as English would not be used, but he would try and trante as best he could.


    Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''swyer started to speak "Sir, on behalf of Mr and Madam Lu, I have a motion that immediately needs to be ruled on.It is totally inappropriate that the alleged victim in this matteres before the court in a wheelchair.I request that the court order that unless she is able to walk in on her own, then she should be banned from the court, and no evidence about anything involving her should be admitted before this court."


    Addressing the court, Alister Nang indicated "Sir, while I can understand the motion from the defendant''swyers this is about ensuring that the court cannot do its job.My client''s injuries are a cause of the actions of the defendant, and she should not be ordered out of the court, simply because she is in a wheelchair.In fact medical evidence should be heard, as to why my client is in the wheelchair at the moment, which we can immediately provide."


    "How can you provide such evidence, there is no doctor present," responded the Defensewyer.


    "A highly qualified nurse can provide that information."


    "A nurse is nothing.And there is no nurse with the alleged victim.All she is apanied with his the man she ims she married and her sister-inw."

 Chapter 233: Court - Part 2

    <h4>233 Court - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "Sir, on behalf of my client I take umbridge with everything that the defendant''swyer said.A nurse often is a highly qualified medical professional, and my client''s sister-inw, who has traveled from Australia to be with her sister is such a person.She not only holds a university degree in nursing, but post-graduate qualifications in a number of fields including emergency medicine, orthopedics and midwifery."


    "She has in her career held roles including the nurse in charge of a small rural hospital, and currently works as a nurse practitioner on a part-time basis in Australia.Such nurses have rights not only to order medical tests but to prescribe medications.She has been working, with the medical staff since her arrival to have my client discharged from hospital as soon as possible."


    "Further, and most importantly the allegation that my client and her husband are not married legally.My client and her husband has proven to authorities here, including immigration and the police that they are legally married, as well as to the legal system in Australia."


    "If we have to litigate this point we will, but we can provide to the court, their household registers, their marriage certificate and footage of the issuing of their marriage certificate.The only thing that my client and her husband have not done is had a marriage ceremony for their family and friends.My client''s family reside in Australia, and it is being worked out between both families where the wedding ceremony will be.They are legally married."


    "As I said a nurse does not matter."


    "Sir, all we ask is that you hear from the nurse.Plus, I understand that there is an official from the Australian Embassy here, given Mr Lu and my client are dual citizens.The official, if they know the ins and outs regarding nurse practitioners can provide information, or they are able to obtain the information from the court."


    "It is simply wasting the court''s time sir."


    "Gentleman, I believe it is in everyone''s interest that we hear from Madam Hou''s sister-inw, and if I can obtain the information about a nurse practitioner from Australia, I can then make a judgement about the application."


    "Sir, we will require a trantor, as Madam Jones only speaks English, and Mr Hou is tranting as best he can for his sister-inw currently"


    "If both of you are happy, my assistant speaks English very well, and if both parties agree, he will trante for Madam Jones, rather than dying matters waiting for a trantor being arranged."


    "Yes sir" echoed both Alister Nang and the defensewyer.


    Alister Nang, turned to Rosemary, Hou Yi and Anna, and quietly indicated "Mrs Jones, the court will ask you some questions, so you need to go over to the witness ares there" and he pointed in a direction.


    Rosemary stood up and walked over to where she was directed.


    [tranted question] "Can you please tell us your name, where you live and your upation"


    "My name is Rosemary Jones, I reside near Warrnambool in Victoria, Australia.I work part time as a nurse practitioner and administrative assistant, and care for my children.Once my youngest child starts school next year, I will be returning to working full time as a nurse." [response is then tranted]


    [tranter question] "What is your connection to the alleged victim in this matter"


    "Anna, is the half sister of my husband."[response is then tranted]


    [tranted question] "Can you tell the court what your academic qualifications are?"


    "I hold a bachelor of nursing degree, and a masters of nursing science focusing on midwifery from Melbourne University, and have additional post-graduate qualifications in emergency medicine and orthopedics, as well as practical experience in theatre and staff management.I am, under Australianw, been certified as a nurse practitioner entitled in certain circumstances to prescribe medications.Currently I ampleting a second master''s degree, this time in emergency medicine, and her been offered the opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree.Additionally, during my work, I have been the nurse in charge of a rural hospital." [response is then tranted]


    [tranted question] "In terms of orthopedics what is your experience?"


    "I worked for an orthopedic specialist for three years, while obtaining the postgraduate qualification in orthopedics and practical theatre experience.At the same time, I was working towards my Masters degree in midwifery on a part time basis.Subsequently to that, I have, worked in the area on a on and off basis to ensure that my qualifications remain currentI also to the same presently to retain my other qualifications as current." [response is then tranted]

 Chapter 234: Court - Part 3

    <h4>234 Court - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    [trantor question] "Regarding your practical experience in orthopedics, can you provide more information?"


    "During my time, I was one of a team of nurses that assisted the specialist I worked for in coordinating and working with pre-operative and post-operative patients, coordinating support services for recovery for patients that required surgery and those that did not, removing stitches and performing minor procedures where required, and assisting in surgery."


    "My employer encouraged me to undertake the post graduate qualifications, and during the course of my time he ensured that you were able to review appropriate scans and tests to make preliminary rmendations to him for treatment.No patients treatment was immediately authorised until it was reviewed by the specialist, however very few of my rmendations were ever not followed." [response is then tranted]


    [tranted question] "Since you have been here in country X, what role have you had with your sister-inw''s treatment?"


    "When I arrivedst week, I visited my sister in hospital and immediately started questioning what was happening. I trust doctors, but my training has never let me simply ept something as given.I have been taught to review tests, and speak up if I disagree, as sometimes questioning leads to better treatment for a patient."


    "I found the nursing staff refused to question any doctors, however the doctor who was coordinating my sister''s treatment undertook his training in Australia so understood how I was trained.When I reviewed the initial tests, there were some minor questions, but I made it clear that their time-frame for getting my sister on her feet and out of hospital was uneptable."


    "If they had their way, my sister would still be in a hospital bed, not discharged, and currently able to move small distances with the aid of crutches.While she has been in hospital, within reason I have provided her nursing care.I have also assisted in working out further assessment and treatment protocols for her future treatment, both until and after the removal of her cast." [response is then tranted]


    The presiding official turned to bothwyers, "Based on what Ms Jones has said, can the Australian Embassy Official who I understand is in court, please identify yourself"


    A man stood up, who was sitting in the back of the court."Sir I am from the Australia Embassy, having traveled here given two of our citizens, Mr Lu and Madam Hou who entered this country under the name Anna Jones are involved.I have for you a letter from the ambassador confirming my details."With that he walked towards the front of the court and handed over the letter to one of the court officials.


    "All seems in order.Can you exin to me what a nurse practitioner is?"


    "Sir, initially my knowledge was limited to understanding that they are qualified and registered nurses that have, in certain circumstances the rights to prescribe medication to people under ourws.Further they have to not only haveplete a bachelor''s degree in nursing but a postgraduate specialist nursing masters degree.They also must be a registered nurse by the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency.If I can obtain Mrs Jones details, I can go and make a call, and confirm that she is a nurse practitioner, which will confirm her education and that she is a registered nurse."


    "That sounds quite appropriate, and would settle any doubt about about Mrs Jones'' qualifications and ability to provide information to the court."


    "I should be about ten minutes Sir, once I had that information."


    With that he walked over to Rosemary and obtained all her information, to make the relevant check as he agreed to so.


    Alister Nang stood up and said "Sir, while we are awaiting the answer from the Australian Embassy Official, I believe there is a question that could be asked, in about exining why Madam Hou is in a wheelchair despite her discharge from the hospital."


    "That is actually reasonable, as it prevents us getting dyed in this matter too much."


    [tranter question] "Ms Jones can you exin the reason your sister-inw is currently in a wheelchair?"


    "Sir my sister suffered a serious concussion from her head being repeatedly pushed into a wall.While she has been in hospital she has been monitored and slowly moved from being solely bed ridden to being out of bed.The move onto crutches is a slow process, and she will be monitored to ensure no problems.Today she is to spend no more than 30 minutes on crutches."


    "This increases by 10 minutes per day, until a review appointment on Wednesday when further tests will be done.A decision will be made then as to the next increases, and this process will continue.Currently she has spent a 15 minute block on her crutches today, and she will spend another 15 minute blockter in the day.Given the media outside and the unevenness of the ground, it would be risking further injury to my sister if she attempted toe in on crutches at this point in time." [response is tranter]

 Chapter 235: Court - Part 4

    <h4>235 Court - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    When Rosemary''s answer was finished being trantor, the Embassy official returned to the court room."Sorry to interrupt sir, however I have your answer.Mrs Jones, is in fact a registered nurse practitioner, and works in Warrnambool Victoria.She has been such for six years, and ording to the information I obtained her Bachelor''s degree and Master''s Degree were both awarded by the University of Melbourne.Hopefully this assists the court."


    "Thank you it does.Ms Jones you can return to sit with your sister-inw and her husband."The judge paused while Rosemary returned to sit with Hou Yi and Anna.


    "Due to that confirmation, Ms Jones'' evidence, despite being Madam Hou''s sister-inw is from a qualified professional.The rmendations she has exined are from Madam Hou''s medical team and show a progression.With that, the n to progress Madam Hou''s time on crutches, and taking into ount the media outside, I will not be granting the defence motion at this time."


    "This court will not interfere with medical decisions rting to Madam Hou''s recovery.However Mr Nang, while this case remains in the court system I will require you to file a written update as to Madam Hou''s time on crutches.If tehre is no increase in time, that update must contain the exnation as to why.If it is not failed or there is no exnation, I will grant the defence application.


    "Yes Sir," responded Alister Nang


    "Gentleman, I will give you a couple of minutes to speak to your client''s before proceeding."


    Alistair Nang turned to Hou Yi and Anna."I expected that.This judge is sensible.We had your sister, and could prove her expertise, so there was never a question that he would not ept her evidence.I was almost certain that the ruling not to grant the application would ur.You, being in a wheelchair is a temporary matter, and another case today before the court involves a crime that put someone permanently in a wheelchair.Dismissing your case would mean that that case would have to be dismissed."


    "I suspect, they will now offer to plead to assaults ignoring all their other behaviour, and press for a minimal fine without any conviction.They will then chalk that up to the cost of doing business.My rmendation is to refuse that offer, and the national prosecutors representative I believe will not agree.The investigations showed that Mr and Madam Lu have been ruthless in their actions.What do you want to do?"


    "No way, not that deal.Anna was injured as a result of their cumtive actions, and they need to be held ountable."Immediately responses Hou Yi.


    "Alister what are they charged with?"


    "Madam Hou, both have charges rting to assault, bribery, criminal nder, corporate espionage and stalking.The only difference is that for Mr Lu there is the assault is reced with a charge of aggravated violence towards a former partner.There were charges rting to fraud, making falseints to police and other matters, however there is a significant connection to Australia, and it is still being debated as to where the charges should proceed."


    "For me, I am happy not to proceed with the stalking charge as I suspect it will be the hardest to prove.If it gets a deal, but everything else to proceed on the understanding that there is still a pending decision on some charges as to the correct jurisdiction.The only thing is I need some long term protection to stop a repeating cycle of abuse."


    "Alister, from thepany perspective, the corporate espionage charge has to proceed," added Hou Yi.


    As Hou Yi finished speaking, the judge said "Gentleman, what did your client''s have to say?"


    Alister Nang stood up "Madam Hou and Hou Enterprises, the victims in this case would be happy if Madam Lu pleaded guilty to assault, bribery, nder and corporate espionage and Mr Lu to aggravated violence towards a former partner, bribery, nder and corporate espionage.This is on the understanding that there is a pending decision between the national prosecutors office here and the national attorney-general''s office in Australia as of cross national jurisdiction issues."


    As soon as he finished speaking the defensewyer stood up "That itpletely uneptable.Both my clients would be willing to ept a plea on the assault matter, provided it was agreed that there was no conviction for either of my clients, and as a penalty they donated 50,000 to CEO and Madam Hou''s charitable initiative.We believe that in all the circumstances that this is appropriate."


    "That ispletely uneptable.Mr and Madam Lu are trying to minimise their responsibility for their actions, and the penalty is for someone with the ess to the wealth they have, is not a penalty at all."


    The Judge looking at Alister Nang said "Mr Nang, given there is no early agreement on teh charge, please exin to me what evidence the police have uncovered?"

 Chapter 236: Court - Part 5

    <h4>236 Court - Part 5</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "The culminating incident that has led us to here was an assault that urred on Madam Hou in the police station, by two officers, who by the way, have already indicated they will be pleading to charges rting to that assault.Madam Hou was lucky in that she only suffered a concussion, broken leg, cuts, scratches and bruises.However the investigations located evidence to support all the charges."


    "In questioning the police officers they admitted to a telephone call with Mr and Madam Lu, in which there was indirect incitement for them to assault Madam Hou and an implication that there would be benefits to both officers for doing this.Added to that Madam Lu made a number of social media posts that support the charges of bribery"


    "In respect to the assault charges, CCTV footage exists of the assault on Madam Hou at the Key za Hotel and there are approximately 100 witness statements regarding the events at the theatre.Those would form the basis of the assault charges against Madam Lu."


    "However for Mr Lu, he is Madam Hou''s former partner in Australia.There has been evidence discovered from police in Australia that evidence four separate incidents of violence against Madam Hou.Madam Hou''s employers recorded in their employee records 40 separate asions where they believe Madam Hou attended her employers business premises with signs of injury they believe were caused by incidents where Mr Lu as violent towards Madam Hou.This historybined with the two assaults is the basis for the aggravated violence towards a former partner."


    "In respect to the nder charge, both Mr and Madam Lu have repeatedly used Madam Hou of lying to obtain Family Law Orders in Australia that revoked orders, they imed Mr Lu had legitimately obtained.The content of these orders required a forensic analysis of what is alleged to be Madam Hou''s signature on the document."


    "Madam Hou''s employers who act for her in the familyw proceedings provided a copy with the forensic analysis of what is imed to be Madam Hou''s signature.Its conclusion is that it was not Madam Hou''s signature.The report and the process contained in it has been verified through the National Prosecutors Office as a correct and legitimate report. Those two thingsbined, supported by the ongoing verbal abuse of Madam Hou, sustain the nder charge.


    "In respect of the corporate espionage charge, Hou Enterprises have been conducting an internal investigation of leaking of corporate and personal information.The result of the investigation over thest three weeks have determined that both Mr and Madam Lu have co-opted now former employees of Hou Enterprises to pass information about CEO Hou and the activities of Hou Enterprises.The police reviewed all that evidence and the statements obtained and there is the view that it supports the charge."


    "Additionally, in speaking to the National Prosecutors Office, it has been made clear if Mr and Madam Lu will not plead to the charges that are eptable to both them and my clients, they will take over the prosecution and it will be shifted to the capital to link in with that prosecution on the basis that it will be the best use of the court''s time."


    "Further, if the matters do not resolve fully today, my clients would find it eptable for both Mr and Madam Lu being out of jail, but on very specific conditions to protect Madam Hou and prevent them fleeing the jurisdiction.These conditions would be requiring Mr and Madam Lu to surrender to the court all passports, including Mr Lu''s Australian Passport, that other than in the court precincts they do note within or remain within100 meters of Madam Hou,"


    "That distance, would be able to shrink to 5 metres if they are at the same societal event, as if this matter ends up in the capital it may be months from a resolution and Madam Hou, in particr believes there are events that they should be able to attend.The final provision would prevent Mr and Madam Lumenting on this case to the media or using social media tforms for any reason."


    "We would request a breach of these provisions automatically the arrest and immediate jailing of them until the next court date.My clients would also be agreeable to a restriction on them discussing the case.However there would need to be an exemption in that for dealing with the Australian Court Proceedings."


    Turning to Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''swyer the judge asked "You have heard what has been said, what is your client''s position?"


    "Sir I will need to consult me clients.Please give me ten minutes."


    The judge paused."Gentleman I have a number of other matters needing court time this morning.I will adjourn this matter until 2pm.Both parties need to discuss the matter to see is a mutually eptable plea agreement can be reached.Both Lawyers need to be ready to address me on where you see this matter going if there is no agreement today.I also will require, Mr Nang, confirmation in writing from the National Prosecutors Office of their intention to take this matter to the capital to align with that of the police officers who assaulted Madam Hou.If I suspect, by the time youe back today that no agreement will be reached quickly, I will have this matter shifted to the capital for the national prosecutors office to deal with directly.And To all parties, absolutely no posting about this matter on social media OR talking to the media."

 Chapter 237: Court - Part 6

    <h4>237 Court - Part 6</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    With this Alister Nang stood up and motioned to Hou Yi, Anna and Rosemary to follow him.They could see the res being given by Yang Lin who was not happy where matters were going.Alister showed them into the room they had waited in.


    Hou Yi spoke "So what does all that mean?"


    "CEO and Madam Hou.The judge has made it clear we have until this afternoon to get very close to a, for want of a better term, plea agreement, or he will transfer the matter to the capital for the national prosecutors office to directly deal with.That will not effect you, but it will make it a dramatically different case for the Lu''s."


    "The question is what it the bottom line for us and the Lu''s.The Lu''s have made their position already clear, but that will be uneptable to the national prosecutors office who have to sign off on the agreement as well."


    "Totally uneptable.There has to be convictions, it was not once off, it was not apse in judgement.They assaulted me twice directly and arranged whether directly or indirectly to have me assaulted by the police.They sort to use fraudulently obtained court orders to justify actions, they verbally abused me, and the co-opted members of Hou Enterprises headquarters staff to spy and pass information onto them,No way."Indicated Anna, getting very would up.


    "I get that Madam Hou.Now, what I need is for you to think about what is eptable."


    Anna spoke quite sharply "Off the tip of my tongue, with both of them epting convictions, for Yang Lin assault, bribery and corporate espionage, and rece the assault charge with aggravated violence towards a former partner for Lu Jinhu.Jail time and fines, charitable donations, plus a requirement that they stay away from me for the penalties."


    "If there is no agreement they can be in jail until the national prosecutors office deal with them.I do not care about them, I just need to be protected from their ongoing behaviour that continually threatens me."


    Alister quietly spoke "OK let me go and speak to their representative, and we will see what can be negotiated.Please do not leave the room, but I can arrange for some food and drink to be brought in for you."


    "Thank You," responded Hou YI.


    Meanwhile in another room, down the corridor, Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu had sat down with theirwyer fuming over what just happened.Lu Jinhu, indicated "You better bet that f**kingwyer on the other side to agree to what we said we would plead to.We will ept nothing more that that."


    Yang Lin then tacked on "And that b**th better be happy she got at least this.We should not have to plead guilty to anything as we did nothing wrong.It is all her fault."


    "Mr Lu, Madam Lu, please calm down.I know your bottom line.Let me go and speak to theirwyer and see what deal can be reached.You can then decide to ept or reject the proposal."


    "Tell that idiot of awyer of they have, that we have to have what we have offered nothing more, and that is generous.She has no f**king rights to do this that b**ch, no f**king rights.And by the way tell thatwyer of theirs that the only way we will agree to that deal, is if she gives us herptop exactly as it is, no programs removed and all passwords for the programs, and the rings that she and Hou Yi are wearing as they were meant to be our rings."


    "Please calm down Madam Lu, let me see what I can do.I have already arranged for lunch to be brought in for you by a staff member, and if there is anything else that you need, simply ask them.I will see you once I have had this conversation."


    Before either Yang Lin or Lu Jinhu could say anything theirwyer left immediately, and found Alister Nang waiting outside the room."I have arranged another room, and one of my staff hase so that any proposal that we take back to our clients, can be typed.Follow me."Alister walked 4 doors down from where Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu were, and into a room, where a secretary was waiting.


    After the door was shut, Alister spoke firstly "My clients, for agreed facts and a conviction begin recorded plus penalties would ept a plea on for Madam Lu assault, bribery and corporate espionage, and rece the assault charge with aggravated violence towards a former partner for Mr Lu.They are wiling topromise to a point."


    "Well my client''s are adamant that all they will ept is acknowledged the assault but no convictions and the donation mentioned in court.Plus they have indicated Mr Lu requires Madam Hou to immediately surrender herptop with all programs in tack plus all passwords.Further Mr and Madam Lu are adamant that the rings that CEO Hou and Madam Hou are wearing are their rings, stolen from them, so they want them back."

 Chapter 238: Court - Part 7

    <h4>238 Court - Part 7</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "There is no way that I will put that offer to my clients.It is ridiculous.The national prosecutors believe all the charges initiallyid and that we are being dealt with can be proven, plus there are others including Fraud that they have not charged your clietns with."


    "That is not eptable to my clients.They want the matter disposed of today."


    "Well they are going to have topromise.I know my clients will, to an extent, so you need to talk to your clients more to get them to see that."


    "I can tell you they will not."


    "My client''s position is that if there is no intention topromise and reach agreements, I will be informing the court that Madam Hou views your client''s as a significant risk to her safety and well being and that they need to remain in jail until the matter is dealt with by the national prosecutors office in the capital.Madam Hou is of the view, and I agree with her, that the only way her ongoing safety is guaranteed is if your clients are in jail."


    "Fine, give me 5 minutes."


    With that, he left the room and went back to the room where Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu where.As soon as he walked, even before the door was shut "So she agreed then.Great.That b**ch will get it."


    As soon as the door was shut "Sorry Madam Lu you are wrong.Theirwyer has made it clear unless there is somepromise, they will not agree to anything and rmend that both you remain in jail until the national prosecutors deal with the matter.Given Madam Hou''s injuries, I believe the court will do this.At present the national prosecutors are taking 6 months to deal with most cases, so you need to consider that."


    "F**k" responded Lu Jihnu."Lin, darling, I want to get that b**ch as much as you do, but there is no way that I am going tonguish in jail for 6 months.Last night was bad enough.I got no sleep, as men in the cell made it clear that they wanted to ''f**k me in the a*se until I was bleeding and then everyone do it again''.And you being there risks you loosing our child.No go and get the best deal possible.Agree to the charges, but no convictions on anything and no the corporate espionage charge."


    "Jinhu" screamed Yang Lin, "That b**ch needs to, and this is giving in to her."


    "Lin, what is more important, never giving in or keeping out of jail.We cannot deal with her if we are in jail, so we need to remain out.Just go and see what you can get."


    "Yes Mr Lu."


    Thewyer hurried out the door, fully understanding his instructions as to what to do.While he knew he had a great sess rate for criminal cases nothing could match that of Alister Nang.He had almost a one hundred percent sess rate.When he defended, his clients usually got off or minimal penalties and when prosecuting at the initial stages he almost always got a conviction on all charges.


    This was one thing that he would tell the Lu''s.Even without them knowing this, they were the most difficult client''s he ever had represented.Everything had to be their way, and Madam Lu''s reaction was just a sample in thest day what he had been through with them.No one else''s view was relevant.


    At present Mr Lu seemed to be somewhat reasonable and able to see some realities, Madam Lu could not.The rumours that were around about Yang Lin, was that she was the darling little heiress of the Yang family, and what she wanted she was always given.


    One rumour even had, that her family had to buy the silence of a victim she had beaten almost to death.All he had to do was ensure that he kept her out of jail with minimal impact.That however was going to be an uphill task if she continued her attitude."


    As he walked back into the room with Alister Nang and his assistant in it, he shut the door an as he sat down said "I have some room to negotiate, however any deal is subject to the final say of my clients, but their non-negotiable points is that there is no convictions recorded, no jail time, and Madam Hou to withdraw Australian based legal action and ept previous orders, and promise no further Australian Legal action."

 Chapter 239: Court - Part 8

    <h4>239 Court - Part 8</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "I might be able to convince CEO and Madam Hou as well as the national prosecutors office to ept no convictions on some, but not all of the charges.I also may have Madam Hou, on the matters that support the charge of aggravated violence against a former domestic partner not to pursue those matters civilly or criminally in Australia.Other matters, will simply have to await a decision as to which jurisdiction has the ability to pursue the charges."


    "That is unlikely to be totally eptable to my clients."


    "It will be apromise to my clients and the national prosecution service as well.My assistant here hasmenced drafting the agreed facts to be presented to the court.I have been requested to have whatever we agree to approved by the national prosecution service as well.Let us sit down and get this agreed on."


    Theymenced reading the document, ignoring the starting details.


    It Is agreed, for the purposes of finalising this matter within the criminalw system, and finalising any potential civil ims to the following in this matter.


    The first defendant, Mr Lu Jinhu a citizen of both this country and Australia will enter a plea of guilty to the following matters:


    ? Agggravted violence towards a former partner


    ? False statements to police


    ? Corporate espionage


    And all other matters whether charged or uncharged from the circumstances of the events described being withdrawn or barred from legal im in this country.


    The second defendant, Madam Lu Lin also known as Ms Yang Lin a citizen of this country will enter a plea of guilty to the following matters:


    ? Assault with aggravating circumstances


    ? False statements to police


    ? Corporate espionage


    And all other matters whether charged or uncharged from the circumstances of the events described being withdrawn or barred from legal im in this country.


    The victims in this matter, are firstly Madam Hou Anna, also known as Ms Jones Anna, a citizen of both this country and Australia and secondly the corporation Hou Enterprises as represented by its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors Hou Yi and one director Madam Hou Anna.


    The First Victim in this matter, had been in a domestic rtionship with the first defendant in Australia for a period of approximately five years.Due to the period of time that the first defendant lived in Australia and was in a rtionship with the first victim, without loosing his citizenship of this country he firstly became a permanent resident and then a citizen of Australia.The obtaining of his Australian Citizenship did not cancel his citizenship of this country by operation of thew.


    The first victim and the first defendant separated.Neither the first victim of the first named defendant will, in these proceeding reveal anything about their separation as this is the subject to litigation in Family Law Proceedings under Australia Law.Australian Law limits the disclosure that either party can make as to the nature of the proceedings or what is being decided in them, save and except to implement any order.Government Legal Officials in this country have agreed that clearly it is a matter properly litigated in Australia given the rtionship urred there and both the first victim and the first named defendant are citizens of that country.


    The first defendant obtained his marriage certificate with the second defendant in City T, and the issuing of that marriage certificate is a matter of public record, but it urred four weeks ago, from the uing Tuesday.The first defendant and the second defendant subsequently three weeks ago, from this date, held a public marriage ceremony at the Key za Hotel.


    The first victim obtained her marriage certificate with the Chief Executive Officer and chairman of the Board of the second victim, Hou Yi on the same day that the first defendant and second defendant.The first victim and Hou Yi, have not had a public marriage ceremony, which is not a legal requirement for a valid marriage in this country, however they intend to hold a marriage ceremony in the first victim''s birth country Australia.


    Due to her marriage to a citizen of this country, upon her marriage which is a matter of public record, the first victim by operation ofw became a citizen of this country, and consequently she was issued a personal household register.

 Chapter 240: Court - Part 9

    <h4>240 Court - Part 9</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Subsequently on the same day that both marriage certificate were issued, the first and second defendant had attended the Key za Hotel, where the first victim was staying.An altercation urred between the first victim and the first and second defendants where the first victim was knocked to the ground after being hit, punched and knocked by the first and second named defendants.The first victim on that day made a statement to the police about that incident, and the the recording that showed the incident was provided to the police.


    Two weeks ago, from yesterday the first victim and Hou Yi announced the establishment of a charitable initiative for victims of domestic or intimate partner violence.While not specifically naming the first defendant, as the first defendant was the first victims only previous rtionship, the first victim revealed certain forms of abuse that she states the first defendant inflicted on her.Given that these are tied with litigation in Australia no furtherment in these proceedings will be made on this, and its uracy.This is for another court to determine and this court has no jurisdiction.


    Two weeks ago, from this date, the first victim in ordance with orders made by an Australian Court exercising Family Law jurisdiction, served on the first defendant the documents that the first victim was ordered.The first victim served these documents at a public charity fundraiser dinner during the pre-dinner drinks where a verbal confrontation urred between the first victim, Hou Yi, the first defendant and second defendant.The first victim and Hou Yi left this confrontation and the venue before anything else happened.


    On the subsequent Tuesday night, the first victim and Hou Yi along with the first defendant and second defendant attended a charity theatre event.The first defendant was speaking to a friend with the second defendant standing nearby when the first victim and Hou Yi approached the two defendants.The first victim told the first defendant to stop lying about events and reminded the first defendant due to the operation of Australian Law he could not talk about the Family Law proceedings.Subsequently the second defendant pped the first victim in the face and the first defendant punched the first victim.The first victim was moved to safety, and subsequently the first victim and Hou Yi left the event.


    On the following day, Wednesday, due to the number of statements provided to the police, a decision was made to formally and properly investigate the events that had been urring between the first victim, Hou Yi, the first defendant and second defendant with consideration of charging both the first and second defendants with assault over what urred the previous night.


    Arrangements were made for the first victim and Hou Yi to speak to the police about the matter.However soon after those arrangements were made, the first and second defendants spoke to two police officers Inspector Gang and Senior Officer Fang about the matter.In speaking to these two officers, among the discussions the following information was provided


    1. That the first victim was not married to Hou Yi;


    2. That the first victim was avoiding cooperating with legal court orders from Australia and refusing to hand over assets the legitimately belonged to the first defendant;


    3. That the first victim hadmitted fraud ofe nature to convince both Hou Yi and Fengs Jewelers to hand over a wedding ring set and engagement ring that were intended for the first and second defendants.


    The nature of the conversation, convinced the two police officers that they needed to act against the first victim, and implied that there would be some reward for both police officers.It is agreed that the first defendant and second defendant in that conversation, made false statements to the police that were investigating the events of the previous night, but never intended to formally bribe the police officers involved.


    Consequently, as a result of the false statements to the police, the first victim was taken to the police station to answer police questions.Her wedding and engagement rings were removed on the basis of the statements and seized by the officers involved.Hou Yi refused to remove his wedding ring.The items alleged to have been fraudulently retained by the first victim, were handed to thewyer Alister Nang to secure, pending the oue of the police investigation and verification of ownership of the items in Australia.

 Chapter 241: Court - Part 10

    <h4>241 Court - Part 10</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    During the course of being questioned by the two police officers, who acted on the information they epted in the false statements of the first and second defendants to them, one police officer reacted mming the first victim at least three times into a wall in the inverview room and dropping the first victim to the floor.The same police officer then proceeded to kick the first victim on the legs and over the body.Because of this assault the first victim suffered a concussion, a broken tibua and fibia in the left leg, and cuts and abraisions over her body.The first victim spent until this date in hospital.


    As a result, independent investigtors were called in to examine the events that urred during the police interview, the following was determined:


    1. That during the telephone conversation with the two police officers the first defendant and second defendant lied to the police in that:


    a. The First victim and Hou Yi were legally married in this country;


    b. The orders that the first defendant were insisting were valid, had in fact been overturned by an Australian court, making them invalid and unenforceable


    c. That the first and second defendants were interested in the wedding and engagement rings in question, however they had notmitted to purchase


    2. That in providing the information to the two police officers was misleading, and at least part of the information provided the first and second defendants clearly knew if was false and misleading.


    3. That unintentionally the statements of the first and second defendants caused both police officers to believe a bribe was offered to them, and they acted upon this.


    4. However, it is agreed for the purposes of this prosecution that there was in fact no bride offered to the police officers, they presumed there was.


    5. The police officers, using that false information, then acted in such a manner during the police interview that resulted in the first victim being assaulted.


    6. The first and the second defendant, given the nature of their conversation with both police officers via telephone should have or ought to have, in all the circumstances foreseen that the assault of the first victim would have been a consequence of their actions.


    Further during the course of investigations into the assault of the first victim by the police officers the following information was obtained:


    1. From the police in the state of Victoria in Australia, that during his rtionship with the first victim, the first defendant:


    a. On one asion, was observed by two members of the public, punching the first victim in the stomach, and then he knocked her to the ground;


    b. On one asion, was observed by a member of the police, to twist the arm of the first victim behind her back, and pull her towards him.Once the first victim was in front of him, the first defendant proceeded to punch the first victim to the face and body 20 times;


    c. On one asion, in front of a security guard employed by the building where the first defendant and first victim lived, and which was recorded on CCTV footage, seen to m the first victim into a wall, which caused her to fall to the ground, and then kicked her in the stomach area 10 times;


    d. On one asion where the first victim and first defendant were in a vehicle driven by the first victim, and hit from behind by another vehicle.The first victim was the only upant of a vehicle assessed as requiring transportation to hospital for further evaluation.The first defendant verbally abused the first victim and grabbed her arms causing bruising and otherwise hurt the first victim, to the point that the first victim agreed to allow the first defendant to be taken to hospital for treatment and evaluation despite not needing it, and the first victim who needed it remained at the ident site until the vehicle was taken away by their insurancepany, and not to have her injuries seen.


    2. In each of these cases, the police in the state of Victoria, under applicablew made an application by a police officer for what is called a Family Violence Intervention Order, to protect the first victim from the first defendant.On each and every asion the first victim refused to cooperate with the obtaining of such an order.The first defendant opposed every such application.


    3. Given concerns for the first victim police in the state of Victoria made contact with the first victims employers raising concerns about the first victim''s safety.The employers of the first victim recorded forty asions where the first victim attended work with cuts, bruises or other signs that the first victim was being abused by the first defendant.Neither the first victim or the first defendant have ever confirmed any such incidents urred.

 Chapter 242: Court - Part 11

    <h4>242 Court - Part 11</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Further in speaking to the first victim and her husband Hou Yi, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, of the second victim, Hou Yi confirmed the appointment, as a matter of practice to the open board position of the second victim of the first victim on their marriage due to the rules and byws of the second victim.Evidence was provided, that the security staff of the second victim, at the direction of Hou Yi, and the second victims vice-CEO Ji Feng had obtained as to various staff members.


    The first and second defendants, for either the exchange of money or provision of support in some other form, persuaded a:


    1. Supervisor within the legal department to provide information about activities of the second victim to them


    2. Member of the in-house catering staff to provide information to them about what they observed in and out of the CEO of the second victim''s personal office


    3. A receptionist who worked in the foyer to provide information to them about people who entered the main office building of the second victim


    4. A member of the in-house travel team to provide details of the CEO of the second victim''s travel arrangements;


    5. A supervisor within the finance group, to provide information about certain financial activities of the second defendant


    6. A assistant who was employed to work within the senior executive team of the second defendant information as to the activities of the second victim.


    7. Two members of the personal household staff of the CEO of the second victim to provide information about his movements and any information about the second victim that they could provide, in addition to personal information about the CEO of the second victim, and upon her marriage also of the first victim.


    It is agreed that no details of the information provided will be disclosed, to protect the first victim and second victim.All employees in question have had their employment terminated with the second victim or the first victim and Hou Yi.


    In exchange for the pleas of guilty to the charges, the first victim and second victim have agreed, should the court consider it appropriate, that the following sentences be imposed:


    1. For the first Defendant, Mr Lu Jinhu:


    a. On the first charge proceeding, to be convicted, required to spend 2 months in prison, fined the amount of 1,000,000 to be paid within 14 days of release and to undertake courses in anger management and to prevent further violence towards a domestic partner within 3 months.


    b. On the second charge, to be convicted and fined the amount of 700,000 to be paid within 14 days


    c. On the third charge no conviction recorded, a fine of 500.000 to be paid within 14 days, andpensation to the second victim in the amount of 3,000,000.Further to be prevented from holding office or being a member of any corporate entity other than as an employee for a period of 12 months.


    d. Additionally, on all charges the following applicable to all charges as abined sentence:


    i. suspended for 3 years, but will be immediately activated if a further offencemitted or the restraining order breached in addition to any other penalty imposed for that offence,.


    - a jail term 6 months; and


    - a fine of 5,000,000.


    ii. Within 2 months to donate 3,000,000 to the charitable initiative started by the first victim and her husband and supported by the second victim.


    2. For the second defendant, Madam Lu Lin also known as Yang Lin:


    a. On the first charge,to be convicted and serve a term of imprisonment of 1 month plus a fine of 500,000 to be paid within 14 days of her release and to undertake a course regarding anger management within 6 weeks;


    b. On the second charge, to be convicted and fined the amount of 300,000 to be paid within 14 days


    c. On the third charge no conviction recorded, a fine of 200.000 to be paid within 14 days, andpensation to the second victim in the amount of 1,000,000.Further to be prevented from holding office or being a member of any corporate entity other than as an employee for a period of 12 months.


    d. Additionally, on all charges the following applicable to all charges as abined sentence:


    i. suspended for 3 years, but will be immediately activated if a further offencemitted or the restraining order breached in addition to any other penalty imposed for that offence,.


    - a jail term 4 months; and


    - a fine of 3,000,000.


    ii. Within 2 months to donate 1,000,000 to the charitable initiative started by the first victim and her husband and supported by the second victim.


    3. An order of protection for the benefit of the first victim, her husband and any children that they may have (the protected persons) against both the first and second defendants for for 5 years, the breach of which for each and every act results in a conviction and a term of imprisonment for a minimum of 1 month:


    a. Unless there for a legitimate work or charitable purpose are not to remain within 200 metres of any location where the protected individuals live, work or attend school;


    b. Approaching or remaining within 5 metresof the protected persons.


    c. Use derogatory or abusivenguage to or to describe the protected persons, expressed verbally or in written form, including on social medial tforms


    d. Negatively Posting or sharing about the protected persons on social media tforms.


    e. Physically abusing the protected persons;


    f. Sharing any negative photographs of film footage of the protected persons via any printed or electronic form.


    g. having anyone else do the prevented behaviou

 Chapter 243: Court - Part 12

    <h4>243 Court - Part 12</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    In consideration for this, the second victim agrees to not taking any further action against the first and second defendants for losses suffered as a result of the actions of those identified in this agreement.


    In consideration for this, all parties agree that unless otherwise required to implement the agreement that this cannot be disclosed to any other person or organisation


    The first victim and the first defendant, also agree:


    1. That the matters outlined in this agreement will not be reported to the police in Australia to have criminal charges pursued against the first defendant.This does not cover matters not disclosed in detail or future matters, or matters ordered to be pursued as criminal offences by an Australian Court.


    2. Unless already disclosed, the actions outlined in this agreement of the first and second defendants cannot be used against the first defendant in Australian Family Law proceedings unless ordered to be disclosed by the court or the first defendant makes the disclosure himself.If the first victim makes a disclosure the first victim is topensate the defendants the amount of 250,000 for the disclosure.


    3. By consent, unless opposed by the court agree to the following orders being made in the Australian Family Law proceedings:


    a. That the first victim is to arrange for an amount of $AU20,000 to be split from her superannuation entitlements in Australia and into a separate ount for the first defendant;


    b. that the first victim will transfer to the first defendant, upon receipt of payment of half the value less $AU20,000 of the apartment that the first victim and first defendant lived in, all titles and rights to that apartment.


    c. Any other debts of the first defendant and first victim, whether in one name or joint names are to be equally split between the parties, save and except for the debt associated with the first defendants newly purchased vehicle, which the first defendant will be retaining, the first defendant is to be solely responsible for the debt associated with it.


    d. That each of the first defendant and first victim retain their own personal items including electronic devices and bank ounts in their own names with any joint ounts bing the first victims.


    e. The first defendant pays, in ordance with orders already in ce, the amount for the forensic analysis of the first victims'' signature.


    g. That any other cost orders as imposed by the court exercising jurisdiction in Australia beplied with.


    Once this was read through by both, Alister Nangmented "While I have not had this approved by my clients, I believe that they can live with the agreement, and will sign.What to you say?"


    "My clients will not like the convictions, nor does it cover two key issues they required in terms of theptop in Madam Hou''s possession and the rings to be provided to them."


    "Can I suggest that we show our client''s the agreement and I will forward it to the national prosecuting service for their approval as well.Let us see what can be agreed, and what we have to work on."


    "Fine.It is now 1pm.Let us meet back in 30 minutes and see if this can be finalised."


    With that the assistant printed out four copies of the agreement and a email copy was sent to the national prosecution service, and bothwyers left the room to go and speak to their clients.


    While thewyers were working on the agreement ¡­


    Yang Lin, turned to Lu Jinhu "You remember that woman 12 months ago that I intercepted that imed that she had Hou Yi''s child and that he had promised to marry her. Du XuXu was her name."


    "I think so.Why?"


    "Well, she is still going on with her ims, even though with her mental health state she is locked up.What about we get her out of that institution in City A, bring her here and let her loose to ruin the marriage of those two."


    "Why would we do that."


    "Well while we have been waiting I have done some basic on-line searching regarding theirwyer.He hardly looses a case.Thewyer we have, while very good and respected is not as good as him.I think we are going to loose here, but there is no way I want the national prosecution service taking over the matter, as they will seek that we are jailed.You and I both know that.We have to get back at them, and do it before we agree to anything, therefore we cannot be touched."

 Chapter 244: Court - Part 13

    <h4>244 Court - Part 13</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "Lin smart thinking.I wish I had thought of it.What made you?"


    "That idiot woman got me a message three days ago, and I was wondering what I could do with the information."


    "OK, let me make a call, and get everything in ce."


    Lu Jinhu move to a corner of the room and started making calls to contacts in City A, to manvour the release of Du XuXu, and her being sent to City T.His contacts promised that it would happen within 48 hours and told him the cost involved.He immediately transferred the funds needed from his personal ount, plus a sum to allow Du XuXu money to support herself initially.


    When he confirmed to Yang Lin what was in ce, both recognised that the results of this were going to give them great pleasure.Reeking havoc with those two idiots.As they started to talk about other means to get at them, they heard the door opening and realised that someone wasing in so stopped.


    "Mr Lu, Madam Lu.We have a proposal to resolve the matters.It is not everything that you want, but I need you each to review it and give me your instructions."With that he handed each of Lu Jihnu and Yang Lin copies of the printed agreement.


    In another room ¡­


    "CEO Hou, Madam Hou.I think we are somewhere.The National Prosecutors Office have made it clear that I am not to roll over.Significant pressure has to be ced on Mr and Madam Lu to receive convictions, a short period of jail, fines, and a suspended sentence to make them behave for years. While they wanted to handle the prosecution given we are not using everything that was discovered, they decided to use the normal approach regarding criminal matters."


    "It was made very clear to me that if there is not an agreement today, the national prosecution service will take over the matter.I have been using that, plus a rough agreement that your Employer''s Madam Hou approved regarding the Australian Family Law proceedings to force an agreement on the criminal matters."


    Handing a copy of the proposal to Anna and Hou Yi, Alister Nang continued "I had been over this draftte yesterday with the national prosecution service, who have indicated that this is eptable for them.They stated as apromise for a plea today this is the minimum they will ept.Madam Hou, as to the Family Law aspects your employers, as they are the solicitors on record for them said that if you were happy tomit to the proposals, they see no problems with that aspect."


    Anna quickly read the document, however Hou Yi took five minutes longer to do so.While waiting Anna sat quietly talking to Rosemary.


    Hou Yi, after looking at Anna said "I can live with that.While I would have liked much greater fines, the fact that we do not have to keep their sentences quiet is fine with me.Anna?"


    "Do either of them have any criminal matters?I know Lu Jinhu has one criminal matter in Australia for uwful assault.A drunk man was trying to hit me and he stepped in grabbed his arm pped him and held his arm until security removed him from the venue.The Court epted that he was acting to protect me, but simply went too far."


    "Madam Hou, here Madam Lu has a number of assault charges, but Mr Lu has nothing."


    "Well I would have liked to see more jail time for both of them now, plus additional time suspended.


    However, if the national prosecution service find it eptable, I will be OK with it."


    "By the way, two other issues that were raised, were about thatptop, and the rings"


    "Well they can go and jump about the rings.Yang Lin does not get what she wants because she wants it.They are our rings, and we will be keeping them." Responded Hou YI, as soon as Alister Nang stopped speaking.


    "I am so sick of his obsession with my workptop.He wants is so bad.OK, the deal is he can have theptop Monday, after I have had the opportunity to remove all personal items from it, and all work-rted software.I can purchase anotherptop easily to rece it.I am guessing he will not agree as I believe his obsession with it is rted to the work software, which he could use to ess the work trust ount and drain money from clients."


    OK Let me go back and wait for theirwyer to return.

 Chapter 245: Court - Part 14

    <h4>245 Court - Part 14</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile, in with Lu JInhu and Yang Lin


    They finally finished reading the proposal to settle the matters.


    "No way are we going to be convicted on any charge.You can tell them to get stuffed on a conviction.The amounts have to be dropped down, nothing hanging over our heards and nothing to protect that woman, she does not deserve it.Go on, make that clear."


    "Lin, please settle down.I can agree with my wife about the convictions.We will not agree to anything that sees a conviction recorded.Findings of guilt though are OK, as then no jail time can be imposed.As to the order of protection, let her have it for 3 months, no more.But it is also contingent on me getting theptop today with nothing removed,those two surrendering the rings to us and there being no ban on either of us having roles inpanies."


    "Jinhu, that is not right.We are the victims, not her.Why are we being punished?"


    "Lin, we have to be realistic, the police and their investigatiosn have some things that they can pin on us.Thest thing either of us needs is being sent to jail, which I would almost guarantee will be the oue if the national prosecution service takes over the matter.Ites down to what we can live with."


    "Well I do not like it.She has victimised us.I guess if you think it is OK, they I will agree with what you want, but know that that is a reluctant agreement."


    They spoke for a couple of more minutes before thewyer left and returned to the room where Alister Nang was waiting for him.


    Alister spoke firstly "What do your client''s want?"


    "My client''s have made it very clear, no convictions, no jail time, the fines to be reduced, the amount to the Hou''s charitable initiative to be reduced, the order of protection for 3 months only, Madam Hou has to immediately surrender herptop and provide all passwords with nothing deleted off it, and finally CEO Hou and Madam Hou have to surrender their wedding wings and Madam Hou''s engagement ring as they were always intended to be purchased by my clients."


    "Well, your client will have to be disappointed.The proposal is the bare minimum the national prosecution service will agree to, as well as the bare minimum my clients will agree to.In fact Madam Hou really wanted both of your clients to have significantly more time in jail.Madam Hou has agreed that your client can have theptop on Monday after she has removed all personal items from it along with software controlled or owned by her employers ANX Lawyers."


    "As to the rings, the answer is No.Our client''s purchased them before your client''s expressed anything other that a possible interest in purchasing the rings.I guess you have to go back and speak to your clients, as unless they agree to what it is, I can see that the national prosecution service will take over this matter."


    "Fine, give me 5 minutes."


    With that he left and went back to the room where Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were waiting.As soon as he walked in Yang Lin stated "So you havee back to confirm we have what we wanted."


    "Madam Lu, Mr Lu, I am sorry to have to tell you, it was made very clear that the offer in the document is the bare minimum that the national prosecution service and CEO and Madam Hou will ept.It thereforees down to whether you will ept this, or have the national prosecution service take over the prosecuting of the matter.The only good news is, that Madam Hou is willing to let you have theptop on Monday, after she has removed her personal items and work rted software."


    "What use it to us with those items removed.Tell them if that is the condition, keep the damnptop."


    "Mr Lu, Madam Lu what do you want to do?It is only 25 minutes before we have to be back in court?"


    "F**k, it is to much pressure to make a decision today." Spat out Yang Lin.


    Lu Jinhu however sat quietly, and then said "Just let me make a phone call."


    With that he picked up his mobile and dialed his father, exining to him what the offer was.His father said "Jinhu, I have heard from people in the capital that the national prosecution service are itching to get their hands on this case, and they want to see you and Yang Lin jailed for at least 18 months, and receiving a life-time ban from being involved with Lu Corporation.My gut instinct would be to take it, but dy the signing until Monday morning so we can put in ce a few things.Argue that it would be unfair to force an agreement today, and that you need some time."


    "Thanks Dad"


    After ending the call Lu Jinhu spoke "I had a gut feeling, and speaking to my dad has just rified it.We need a couple of days to think about what has been offered together, which means that I need out.Can we have the court to give us to Monday to think about matters?And when we return have the court require her to be on crutches in the court and its precincts?"


    "That sounds reasonable.Let me go and make the proposal."

 Chapter 246: Court - Part 15

    <h4>246 Court - Part 15</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    The Lu''swyer exited the room and walked back to where Alister Nang was."My clients are conflicted about the offer and ask can they have the weekend together to consider the proposal.That is not unreasonable.Additionally they request that Madam Hou enter and exit the court room on crutches on Monday, otherwise it has to be agreed that the charges will bepletely withdrawn."


    "On the first thing, we can agree, however the second has to be subject to medical advice.Let me put that to the court, but forget about the charges be withdrawn if it does not happen."


    "Fine, but my client''s will be unhappy."


    With that, both left to go and get clients for everyone to return to the court room.As Hou Yi, Anna and Rosemary reached the court room doors they noticed Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin barreling along the corridors.Hou Yi, moved the wheelchair with Anna back so that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin could enter the courtroom first.The smirk on their face made Hou Yi and Anna look at each other.Hou Yi crouched down beside Anna and whispered, "They have something nned."


    Anna turned and whispered, "You are right."She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek before he stood up, and wheeled her into the court room, followed by Rosemary.


    After the judge entered the room, he looked directly at bothwyers and said "Gentleman, what is the progress."


    Alister spoke "Sir, we have a written proposal to resolve the matter, but the defendants have requested time over the weekend to review it.Given that, the victims would not have an objection to the first defendant Mr Lu Jinhu being released from jail for this purpose, provided that there is an interim order of the court to protect the first victim.


    "Gentleman, before we go further, I want to review this proposal, and then it will be in a form eptable to the court before otherwise ruling.Can I have a copy please?"


    Alister handed a copy to the judge''s in court assistant, and the court was quiet for 10 minutes while the judge read through what was there.


    "Gentleman, having read this information, I can tell you now, I am reluctant to allow the penalties as set out in the agreement to stand.Both defendants are lucky that they are not facing multiple charges of assault.It appears that it is being agreed for the purposes of resolving the matter that I charge only is proceeded with."


    "My preference would be to see Mr Lu jailed, in the circumstances as set out here, for at least 6 months if not a year, and Madam Lu for at least 4 months.However I am well aware that Madam Lu is pregnant, and the sentences sort in the agreement will be taking that into ount the impact of prison on her pregnancy and also the impact of a significant period of separation from Mr Lu on that pregnancy."


    "I would be proposing that Madam Lu serve between 8 and 12 weeks by way of home detention.That would minimise the potential risks to her pregnancy of any prison sentence,The only times that Madam Lu would be allowed to leave her home would be for a pre-arranged medical appointment, a medical emergency, as required by the police or prison authorities.During that time she will be prevented from having inte ess or using social media tforms, and all visitors would have to be pre-approved and at agreed times with prison authorities."


    "Finally I would propose that the protection order against Mr Lu should be for longer than your proposed time.Otherwise it is eptable to the court."


    Alister Nang "I will confirm that with the national prosecutors, but I believe it will be eptable to my clients."


    "Sir, my client''s will have to consider those changes, and given the different penalties being considered.My clients request that they are both released with the opportunity to consider the proposed penalties over the weekend, with the matter to return back on Monday morning.There are two other matters that they request.Madam Hou hands over herptop as is now and that on Monday she be required to be in the court precincts on crutches, given that she is allowed to use them to a limited extent."


    Alister Nang turned briefly to Anna and Hou Yi, and Anna leaned over and indicated that she would like to speak to the judge.Alister turned back "Sir, Madam Hou has indicated that she would like to speak to you on the matter of theptop."


    "Permission granted"

 Chapter 247: Court - Part 16

    <h4>247 Court - Part 16</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "Sir, please ept my apologies in that I cannot stand up."


    "Madam Hou I have heard the medical evidence, and there is no need to apologise."


    "Sir, I have offered to hand to Mr Lu theptop on Monday.While it was aptop provided to me by my employers, I can obtain a recementptop easily.All I am asking for it time to remove my personal files and anything from theptop associated with my employment.To ensure that the work programs are properly removed, I have to consult with the IT department at my employers, and given the time difference they will not be avable until Monday morning."


    Lu Jinhu immediately stood up "Sir, it has to be returned as is.Nothing removed, nothing altered."


    "Mr Lu, you were not given permission to address the court.Sit down."


    "Well she is having her say, I need theptop as is for the purposes I need it."


    "Mr Lu, sit down now, or I will have you remanded over the weekend and add new charges."


    "Sir, two days are not going to make a difference.It he is that concerned, I will simply copy my personal data off, it can stay, but I do not know why that will be important.All I am asking for is time to remove my employers data from theptop."


    "Sir, it has toe as is.I need theptop as is."


    "Mr Lu that is it.This is your final opportunity.Sit down and be quiet or you will be removed and I will have additional charges added to those you are facing."


    "Madam Hou, can you not leave theptop as is?"


    "Sir, the data that I am seeking to remove rtes to my employer''s clients.Legally, I am obliged to ensure that their data is protected, and if I fail it breaches my obligations to them, the courts, and my registration as awyer in Australia.For almost a month Mr Lu has insisted that theptop is his property and he needs it immediately."


    "Despite it being my employer''sptop, all I am asking for it the opportunity to remove protected client information and programs, as well as my personal information.I am suspecting that Mr Lu wants ess to theptop as is to ess the client information and financial records."


    "Over thest few months my employers have suspected that he has been illegally essing data on myptop, and transferring small amounts of money from client ounts to ounts that he controls.Apparently this has stopped since my marriage as Mr Lu has not had easy ess to theptop.If theptop is immediately handed over, it creates the potential that this will continue.If theptop is that important to him, removal of those programs properly is not going to matter and he can wait a couple of days for theptop."


    "Mr Lu, I see no issue in that.Madam Hou is being quite reasonable to seek to remove her employer''s information and her personal records before handing over theptop.She has until Monday when we are back here to do so, and she must hand it over at that time regardless of whether the information and data is removed.What do you say?"


    "That ruins theptop.As require it exactly as it is and removing programs makes it useless."


    "Sir, before you say everything, Mr Lu''s attitude supports the view my employers are forming about Mr Lu''s illegally essing client data and transferring client funds to a personal ount.If he receives it as is now, they suspect it will continue again,I also, if you have no objections inform my employers as to hisments."


    "Not a problem Madam Hou.Please have theptop ready to hand to Mr Lu on Monday when we return."


    In observing Lu JInhu and Yang Lin Anna realised she had deduced their real reason for requiring theptop.Would they take it on Monday?Unlikely as removing the programs will make it useless to them.


    "Yes Sir."


    "I need to ask Ms Jones a question."


    [tranted question] "Ms Jones, a request has been made that Madam Hou be on crutches within the court and the court precinct with this matter on Monday.Is that possible."


    "Sir she will only be on crutches for a hour in total on Monday.Given the uneven ground outside and if the press numbers remain the same, a knock could cause more injury.However those concerns would not exist inside the court room, and she can sit in the wheelchair if not coping.the nurse with her on Monday should make the call as to what is appropriate for her." [response tranted]

 Chapter 248: Court - Part 17

    <h4>248 Court - Part 17</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    [tranted question] "Is it possible another nurse will be with her?"


    "Sir, her brother" [pointing to Anna] "and my brother-inw is in the final year of his nursing degree.He is arriving here over the weekend, with other family members.In his final year, he is required to undertake a number of cements, one of which includes one-on-one nursing.His university has agreed that the hours he does here providing nursing care and assistance for his sister can count towards his required cement hours."


    "While the current n is that I will be with my sister-inw on Monday, it may end up being him.He is a very intimidating person due to his height and build, and if the bodyguards employed by my brother-inw CEO Hou view the media will be an issue for her safety, he will apany our sister." [response tranted]


    "That seems reasonable gentleman.Inside the court, unless deemed medically inappropriate Madam Hou should be on crutches.In the court surrounds, it will be subject to that is happening outside.There is no way we want to risk a knock to Madam Hou, let alone Madam Lu causing a fall.In the case of Madam Hou, that given she is on crutches and has a ster cast could cause more injuries.For Madam Lu, the risks could cause a miscarriage."


    "Protection of both of them is equally as important, and I will leave those decisions outside this room to court security and their personal bodyguards, as long as the decisions of thetter do note into conflict with court security''s decisions."


    The judge paused "Now on the question of releasing both Mr and Madam Lu pending Monday''s hearing.Given that they will be considering the proposal put forward, taking into ount myments it is quite appropriate.However, the are conditions on this.They are both restricted to their home, unless for a medical emergency and legal consultations must ur in there."


    "They are prohibited from using the inte or any social media, and that they are limited in guests that may be at the property other than their family members and provide aplete list of people who will attend the property.No contact can be made at all with either Madam Hou or CEO Hou.They are also prohibited from having family or friends be active on social media or post anything about CEO or Madam Hou or these proceedings."


    "These conditions willst until Monday.Further all parties are prohibited from posting anything about the proceedings.Mr Nang, please make the amendments I have requested and arrange for someone from the national prosecutors office to be present on Monday.I will have this matter back before me at 10:30am.Mr and Madam Lu, you need to sign the conditions of your release before you can leave."


    "Yes Sir."With that the judge indicated that the case was over.Alister Nang, indicated to Anna, Hou Yi and Rosemary to leave the court room, and they followed him back to the room they had waited in earlier in the day.


    "That was surprising.I did not think that he would order an amendment to the plea deal.While technically a judge can, they generally do not use it as they release that a lot of work goes to get the deal done."


    "Thank goodness for that" in piped Rosemary."I was worried that they would get away with no jail."Turning to Anna "And you have some exining to do about that physical abuse Anna.No f**king way should you have let him get away with it and should have thrown him to the curb years ago, when he first hit you."


    "Rosemary, I do not want to get into it.I just tried to forget about it.Can you?"


    "I will at the moment, but you have to exin it at some time.Now what is thisptop thing?"


    "For weeks he has been wanting myptop, and there has been some suspicious activity tracked to myptop.It was suspected that it was Lu Jinhu, and with permission of the authorities we needed to give him some rope to hang himself.He took the bait, but they wanted an admission of his behaviour, which we effectively got today."


    "As soon as he gets back, he will have charges over his actions, both from the police and the legal services authorities.Alister, we need to have an exemption put in that it a court or prosecution authority anywhere in the world request a copy of the plea agreement it can be provided."


    "I will submit that on Monday, and clever how you baited him to give you the answer he wanted."


    "Sometimes, using a direct approach would never have worked.Here he had to all but admit what he wanted on theptop, and he is gone."


    "Now get out of here, and be here noter than 9:30am Monday.Take care over the weekend."


    With that, Hou Yi, Anna and Rosemary all exited the room, and became surrounded by bodyguards.As soon as they were outside the court building the media started to surround them.Hou Yi stopped the bodyguards, and spoke "Members of the Press, the court has required nothing can be said in rtion to the events.This order applies to us, as well as the Mr and Madam Lu.My wife and I will be making no furtherment on the proceedings or my wife''s medical condition save and except to say my wife''s condition is such that she was discharged today from hospital.


    With that them moved to the limousine that was waiting at the curb for them, and with help Rosemary and Hou Yi moved Anna into the car, and entered themselves.After the wheelchair was put in the boot, the car drove off and took them home.

 Chapter 249: Family - Part 1

    <h4>249 Family - Part 1</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Forty-five minutes after leaving the courthouse the limousine carrying Hou Yi, Anna and Rosemary arrived at the apartmentplex.Anna was helped out and into the wheelchair, and they were whisked up to the apartment.The items in the boot were arranged to be sent up to the apartment.


    As the elevator opened, Butler Ge had the staff gathered to greet Anna as she arrived home."Young Madam, is it good to see you home.Please let us know whatever we can do to make your recovery as easy as possible.We have arranged for ate afternoon tea to be brought in to the lounge area for you, Young Master and Sister Rosemary."


    Butler Ge then turned to Hou Yi "Young Master, I received the call from the ancestral home and Elder Hou and Elder Madam Hou, First Master, First Madam, and Second Madam have all invited themselves to tea tonight.The chef is arranging for a traditional meal to be served, and we have rearranged the dining room to make it easier for Madam Hou to enter and sit at the table."


    "Thank you Butler Ge, staff.Now, from tomorrow for the next couple of week we will be staying at the ancestral home as other members of my wife''s family will be visiting for a couple of weeks.Please be aware that my parents, Aunt or grandparents maye here to stay for a night or two."


    "You have two choices for the next two weeks.Those who would like some leave can take some extra leave without using their annual entitlements at half pay.Otherwise you will move to assist the staff at the ancestral house including helping to care for some of my wife''s nieces and nephews who are visiting for two weeks."


    One of the new maids piped up "Sorry to speak out of turn Young Master.If you would be OK with me having my 8 year old son, who is on leave from school with me next week, I would be happy to assist with the children for the two weeks."


    "Are you sure, that you do not want to take leave?"


    "No sir, it would be fine, particrly since I have only started here."


    "Now do you and your son have passports?"


    "No Sir."


    "Butler Ge, can you make contact with Assistant Wang to assist in obtaining these documents.The n is for a trip to Hong Kong, and they will need passports.You and your son can apany them.Everyone else, please let Butler Ge know your decision."


    Hou Yi carefully maneuvered Anna''s wheelchair into the lounge room, and helped her onto a couch sitting next to her, taking her hand in his, and leaning over to kiss her, which she met.Rosemary took a seat on a chair across from them, but realised that she was like a third wheel, unnecessary here.


    It was only a few minutester when they seemed to still be lost in each other that Rosemary coughed loud enough to cause Hou Yi and Anna to separate.Anna, had the grace to blush, but was wishing quietly that Rosemary had not interrupted them, as she really needed in her own mind try and confirm her real feelings.She thought it was love, but she was not really one hundred percent sure, so she did not want to say anything until she knew.


    Anna, knew she had to bite pack "Well sis, you now know what it was like for me when I walked in on you and my brother.Embarrassing.Here is payback."


    "Well sis, you are injured.You are just lucky I have not decided to ban you husband from sleeping next to you, and by the way I mean sleep, nothing else."


    "Rosemary, you meanie," said Anna pouting and looking sad.


    "Do not think you can change my mind, and Yi, you better heed my words.Anna needs to recover, which she will now do out of hospital.Then you can ¡­"


    "Do what we like in the bedroom," responded Hou Yiughing


    "Thank you, that was put it tactfully.Now what do you want to drink?"


    They got distracted and had theirte afternoon tea, and once they were finished Rosemary piped up "Come on now Anna, you are going to spend your remaining fifteen minutes on the crutches for the day, as well as some of those exercises you need to do."Rosemary and Hou Yi helped Anna up, and while Rosemary was doing her work with her, Hou Yi slipped out to locate staff to arrange for them to pack clothes to be taken to the ancestral home.


    The rest of the day slipped past quickly and before anyone knew, they were having dinner with the family, which went of very sessfully when everyone realised how many children would be filling the ancestral home for the next two weeks.


    After Hou Yi''s family left, with help from Butler Ge and a couple of other staff members, Hou Yi carried Anna up to their suite.Rosemary entered after them, and then proceeded to get Anna ready and settled in bed.Hou Yi after everyone left, climbed into bed next to Anna, moving over to hold her in his arms until they both drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 250: Annas Wish

    <h4>250 Anna''s Wish</h4>


    Saturday


    When Anna awoke Saturday morning, she found herself in Hou Yi''s arms.While she knew how amazing the oue could be, given her injury it was surprising that he was willing to stay all night in the same bed with her, let alone sleep.She knew in hospital, even though he started the night in the same bed when she was allowed to sleep in a normal bed with her he always got up some time during the night and left her.


    Anna knew how nice this was.It was dreamlike to her.Here she was in bed with a man who, not only treated her like a princess, his queen, but was willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure that she happy and safe, despite there being some problems in that to date.She understood he could be ruthless when required, she knew that when ite down to it in her personal life he would always consider her needs and wants, and try help her achieve her dreams.


    That was so much a contrast to how her rtionship was with that b**tard, Lu Jinhu.It was always about him, his wants desires and needs.She came at the bottom of the pile when anything has to be considered.She just wished that she had realised what Lu Jinhu was like before now and gotten rid of him.She could have had a different life.


    That however stopped Anna in her tracks.If she had ditched Lu Jinhu in the past, she would never have ended here.Yes, heartbreak, and ongoing psychological issues that are always going to have some impact, but which Phillipa believes she has generally addressed since admitting what happened to her.The physical injuries will repair themselves eventually to.However she has ended up with Hou Yi, a person who has simply enriched her life.Whether he was who he is or had no money would not matter, it is the person he is.


    It was in that exact moment she realised that how she felt had a name.It was something that, she had to admit to herself, despite the length of their rtionship and engagement she never felt for Lu Jinhu.She deeply and truly loved Hou Yi.She could imagine a life for them, not just now, but long into the future.


    A happy and fulfilling marriage with children and grandchildren, all of whom they love and spoiled but not to the point they were arrogant and self-centered.They would be like Hou Yi, loving, caring, determined, but ruthless when they needed to be, but it being done in such a way that never took away from their true selves..


    Anna then realised, there was no way at this time that she could tell him how she felt.She did not want him to feel obliged to her.It had to be his decision what happened, as in reality she knew that she had trapped him into this marriage.She made him feel obliged to help him.


    Anna knew that all she could do was be there, give him every opportunity to make a decision about their rtionship and only when he was ready to admit how she felt about him.


    Anna, looked at the clock on the wall and noticed that it was 8am.Having discussed it with Rosemary, she knew that they would have until 9am, before Rosemary would allow them to be disturbed.


    Anna, noticed in his sleep Hou Yi had turned his head, so she had ess to his lips right beside her.She moved over slightly, and gently touched her lips to his.As soon as they hit, Anna realised how perfect this moment was for her.Here she was, kissing the man that she was willing to admit to herself that she loved, and would sacrifice everything for.The only thing that would make it even better was that Hou Yi was in love with her.


    Hou Yi, however had been simplyying beside his wife not wanting to disturb her.How he wished that it was a perfect day, in that she was in love with him and they could totally enjoy this quite time together with each other.Whether or not anything happened that did not matter.


    As soon as she touched her lips to his, Hou Yi opened his eyes, looking at his bride who was so focused.It was gentle, but so full of something, but he could not put his finger on what it.However, she quickly deepened the kiss and it blew any thoughts of anything out of his mind, all he could do was indulge in the passion that was in their kiss.


    The next thing that either of them knew was a knock on the door, and Rosemary on the other side calling out, "OK you two I aming in."


    They quickly pulled apart and ensured that Anna''s pajamas were closed up together.They both knew how much their kissing had aroused the other.Hou Yi on opening the door made a quick escape into the bathroom, to deal with the oue of their passionate kissing.

 Chapter 251: Family - Part 2

    <h4>251 Family - Part 2</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Rosemary, after being let in by Hou Yi, moved to the bed, and taking one look at her sister-inw realised what had been going on.


    Rather than saying anything, she helped Anna our of bed, and up onto the crutches. "Come on, now you need to carefully get yourself into the walk-in robe and choose your clothes.No beingzy sister.Once you have done that," and with her voice getting louder, "and your husband is out of the bathroom, we will get you in there to shower."


    "You are mean, Rosemary"


    "Well darling sister, you need to be able to cope.More than likely by the time that the school holiday period ends, the hospital will have you in a walking cast which means you will not need help.I will show you today how to deal with that cast of yours, but" and again she got loud "Yi do not think you are getting out of this, as you need to know as well."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I can guess what I disturbed by simply looking at you, and how quick Yi wanted to get out of my sight.If he knows what has to be done ¡­"


    "Damn it Rosemary, mind out of the gutter sister."


    "I am not thinking of anything that I guess you have not already done."


    "Gutter darling sister, is being kind, you have your mind in the sewer."


    "All I was going to say was shower together."


    "I really do not know how my brother puts up with you."


    "I am a hotty, he loves me and that is all you need to know.Come on we need to get serious.You need to work around your room with your crutches.Now get into the robe, pick your clothes and we will get you cleaned before going to meet everyone at the airport."


    Anna worked her way carefully, with Rosemary following behind her into the walk in robe, and selected clothing to change into.As they worked their way out, Hou Yi exited the bathroom in casual clothing."Turn around Yi, you need toe in to learn some things."


    Rosemary carefully got Anna into the bathroom and showed both of them how to property cover the cast, so Anna could have a shower.After Hou Yi exited Rosemary maneuvered the shower chair into the shower, and helped Anna get ready for the day.


    Twenty minutester, Anna followed by Rosemary left the bathroom, and they spotted Hou Yi."Yi now help your wife downstairs, taking the crutches and chair, and I wille and join you as soon as I change."With that Rosemary, left the master suite.


    Anna turned to Hou Yi, "That was so damn embarrassing.She made me feel like a teenager caught with her first boyfriend by her parents.Although, at least she was somewhat in the end being considerate, in showing us both what to do with my cast.It just ¡­"


    "Will not be like thest time we shared a shower?"


    "Right, but no more embarrassment."


    "True.Now I need to get you down stairs, so we can go and meet your family at the airport."


    "Can you grab my handbag.I know it will be a pain, but tonight can wee back here.I had a thought that I can put in ce my part of the criminal deal, but it means work to draft the orders, and subject to a couple of things arranging a video link with the Court in Australia for orders to be made, subject to the criminal court here being able to deal with it."


    "Not a problem, my family will be OK with that, but I will arrange for Alister toe and be in on this, so on Monday we are all working together."


    "Thanks."


    With that Anna, carefully made her way to the stairs with the aid of the crutches,Hou Yi brought her handbag, and the wheelchair behind her, and called out for assistance form staff.With help he carefully carried Anna downstairs, and put her into the wheelchair, and moved her into the casual dining room for a quick breakfast.Rosemary joined them, and once they were all finished the left to head to the airport.

 Chapter 252: Family - Part 3

    <h4>252 Family - Part 3</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Five minutes after they arrived at the gate of the private terminal area, in came the Hou Enterprises ne carrying Rachel, James, and the children.Once it hadnded, the limousine that Hou Yi, Anna and Rosemary were in, along with two other cars and a van moved onto the tarmac near the ne and were met by immigration officials.


    "CEO Hou, a pleasure to see you again" the senior immigration official said."Do you mind me asking who is on the ne?"


    "My wife''s brother, a sister-inw and her nieces and nephews, who havee of a visit, plus staff."


    "Give us fifteen minutes and we will clear your family through immigration and customs, the staff will be another ten minutes after that."


    "Take the time that you need."


    Fifteen minutester, the luggage from the ne had been checked and loaded into the van, and people started to dene.Three children, as soon as they spotted Rosemary, quickly climbed down the stairs and threw themselves at her calling out "Mum, Mum"


    Not long after James, and another female Hou Yi did not know, which he could only assume was Reba along with 5 other children, including Pippa and Hannah all came down the steps.Pippa and Hannah recognising Hou Yi ran at him yelling, together "Uncle Yi, a hug please and where is Aunty Anna?"


    Hou Yi bent down with Pippa and Hannahing into his arms for a hug."Girls your Aunty Anna is in the car behind me but be careful.She hurt her leg and has a ster cast on it."


    "Like I had when I broke my arm?" inquired Hannah.


    "It would be Hannah."


    "Well I am going to see Aunty Anna," they both said and went off and climbed into the car.


    James observed the scene and walked over to Hou Yi and shook his hands. "You were good with them.Susan and Wayne were struggling with holiday care arrangements for them, so they became ast minute addition to the trip with their cousins.Are you OK with it?"


    "No problem.Did the staff take good care of you on the flight?"


    "It was perfect.The children had a st on the flight, and I cannot believe that you had a private jet bring ten of us over, it is so wasteful."


    "It does not matter, Anna needs her family with her at the moment."


    Before anything else could be said, Hou Yi was tapped on the shoulders by one of the bodyguards "CEO Hou, we need to get moving."


    Hou Yi nodded "Sorry to cut short the greetings everyone, but we need to get moving.Rosemary, if you want to go in one of the other cars with your children, James can join Pippa and Hannah with Anna and I, and Reba"with that Reba nodded "if you go in the third car with your children, we will head out."


    Hou Yi turned to the bodyguard and indicated "Call the ancestral home and let them know we are on our way, and take us there."


    "Yes Sir."


    Hou Yi headed to the limousine, and he and James climbed in joining Anna, Pippa and Hannah.James secured Pippa and Hannah with seat belts before they drove off.


    90 minutester.


    The three limousines pulled up outside the ancestral home.The wheelchair for Anna was gotten out of the boot and she was helped into it by Hou Yi and James, and everyone else climbed out of the limousine.


    As Hou Yi and James went to lift the wheelchair with Anna up the two steps to the door, it opened "Young Master, Young Madam apologies, we should have been here when you arrived.And these people with you must be members of Young Madam''s family."The butler signaled and two staff members came out and lifted the wheelchair up the stairs.


    "You''re your information, I am guessing that any knowledge of ournguage my wife''s family have is limited.Please make sure that there are people around that have some knowledge of English for them."


    "I will arrange that Young Master.Elder Master, Elder Madam, First Master, First Madam and Second Madam are all in the casual lounge.I will arrange rooms for all your guests, and your suite is ready for you and Young Madam."


    "Thank You."


    Turning to everyone Hou Yi said "Follow me, and I will introduce you to my family."He then, pushing Anna in the chair carefully maneuvered her around a couple of corridors into a casual lounge area that had its windows opened onto a garden.Hou Yi and Anna then introduced everyone to his family, and everyone settled down for azy afternoon.

 Chapter 253: The Deal with Du XuXu

    <h4>253 The Deal with Du XuXu</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    At Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s


    The conditions of their release, made them crazy.They hated staying inside, and it made it difficult for them to see Du XuXu, when she arrived from City A.Thank goodness she was able to slip in when a group of Lu Jinhu''s friends arrived.Before her arrival, they both knew that she was an utter nutcase, but she was the perfect tool to ruin Hou Yi and his marriage, and this made her useful.As she came inside Yang Lin was able diverted her off into a small room to speak to her.


    "Miss Du, thank you foring."


    "It was a pleasure."


    "I want to help you, but have to apologise for going about it this way.I heard about your family locking you in a mental institution.Until now, there was little that I could do to help, despite knowing that you were wronged.After I married a few weeks ago I spoke to my Husband and his family, and convinced them that we needed to help you."


    "Previously I when I was involved with Hou Yi, I was convinced of his promises that you were lying.However it did not take me long to realise that in fact he was lying.I made things difficult for you, and feel that I have a part in your situation now.I should have known when the truth was staring me in the face, but I could not ept it."


    "All I can do is try and right the wrongs, and try and help you get what you deserve.Your child back in your care, and Hou Yi to take responsibility for leaving you in the situation that he did.The only problem we will have is that apparently he has now married some woman who will never apologise or allow you to be involved in her husband''s life and will make your life a misery."


    "Well I know my Hou Yi would not do this to me.He loves me, and I know he will do anything for our child."


    "The only problem is that publicly my husband and I cannot give you support, due to a situation we find ourselves in.It also will mean for a number of months you cannote here.Once we are though dealing with this we can give you the public support that we want.We will, though work with you to right the wrongs through awyer, whose details are in this envelope."With that Yang Lin handed Du XuXu an envelope.


    "We have established an ount that will provide you with money to live on, and arranged an apartment in a good, but not the best area in town that is furnished.Thewyer, will be waiting your call today, and he has a media consultant arranged that will help you get your story out.He also knows that he has to do everything to prevent your family from interfering in your life."


    "Miss Yang I heard about the criminal matters you are involved in, but I cannot believe that you and your husband are willing to help me.It means that I can get what is mine back, and that is what matters.My child, then man that promised to marry me, my life.It can all be as it was meant to be."


    "The only thing we need until we otherwise let you know is that you ensure that our names are not linked to what you are doing.It is not because we do not believe you and want you to achieve your goals, but it is due to my husband''s familypany having dealings with Hou Yi and hispany.We cannot afford for their sake to upset Hou Yi in any way.Can you keep the secret until we tell you that you can say something?"


    "I can."


    "My husband just asks that you sign this agreement, that I have here.It sets out the basis for our help, and what we will do.There is a penalty in this, if you break the agreement we require all the money paid out to be repaid, plus the penalty as set out in the agreement.Can you agree to that?"


    "Yes Miss Yang.I am just so grateful someone is willing to help me.It has been so hard that no one believes me or has been willing to help me.Your help is so appreciated."


    Yang Lin pulled out and agreement and let Du XuXu read it, and they both signed the agreement.Yang Lin indicated "Miss Du, I will give this to thewyer that will act as our go-between they will keep it safe.Are you happy with that?"


    "Yes."


    "Now, we will sneak you back out once my husband''s friends leave.Please wait here and we will do this."


    Fifteen minutester Lu JInhu''s friends all left, along with Du XuXu.


    Once they were alone in the lounge, Lu Jinhu spoke "She still believes that I am Hou Yi, and all the promises that I made as him, and willing to help us destroy him?"


    "Absolutely.She has no idea that her bastard child is dead.She still has the delusion that her family have taken her child from her, and she is totally crazy, but she will do exactly what we want."


    "Perfect."

 Chapter 254: Family - Part 4

    <h4>254 Family - Part 4</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    After a leisurely lunch, the adults sat down while the children were outside with a couple of staff members ying.Annamented that tomorrow would be perfect to go to M Mall and have everyone measured for wedding clothes.Hou Yi, wanted to use his usual tailor, but given it was what Anna wanted, he was willing to go with her ns.


    Anna called Amanda Mei to make arrangements for her to meet everyone at the Tailors at 10:30am, to start the process to arrange this.Amanda indicated that she would have to make some adjustments to her ns and may not get there.


    Discussions between the adults were about what would happen with the children.It was agreed that once the children were measured, carers would take them to the y floor at the mall while the adults could shop and have something to eat.James, Hou Jang and the elders agreed that with the assistance of the carers they would take the children to a water park, while Du AnLing and Leng Xi would take Rosemary and Rachael to a tourist market.


    Rosemary, and Reba looked at each other, wondering about money to spent.Anna, looked at her sisters-inw and realised what they were thinking about.She looked at Hou Yi and burst outughing before Reba asked "What is so funny?"


    "Do not worry about money.You are our guests, and we will sort that out," responded Anna.


    Hou Yi turned to his mother and aunt "Mother, Aunt.While Anna''s family are here I am lifting your monthly spending limits, but the real kicker is if you abuse it, I will cut your normal spending limits and the funds while they are here.As to the wedding, have all bills sent to Assistant Wang and he will pay it for me.I have also arranged for cash to be avable for you at the tourist markets.Can you promise me that you will not overspend?" (Anna tranted this for her brother and sisters-inw, along with the rest of the conversation.)


    "Yi we will try."


    "Trying is not enough, I need your promise."


    "Fine, we promise" said both Du AnLing and Leng Xi, almost as it they were a huff.


    Reba turned to Anna "What was all that about?"


    "Yi told me they were power shoppers, and he was correct.They can spend like anything, and helped me the other week spend, I would say in Australian currency over 10 million dors in a day for clothes.Apparently thest straw was the day that they spent over 80 million in the local currency, so they have monthly spending limits to prevent them having massive spending spree.However my husband is going to be generous an lift those limits for the time you are here."


    "Are you noting with us?"


    "Where it is safe and convenient to do so.I have days I cannot go, like Monday when we have to be back at court and Wednesday when I have a hospital appointment.I also will not be going with you next weekend, when Yi has arranged for his parents, aunt and grandparents to apany all of you to Hong Kong to take the children to Disnend and Ocean Park.I do not want to fly with a cast on."


    "You are kidding me," squealed Rosemary."The kids are going to Disnend.You two are spoiling them."


    "Why not, they are children and deserve to be spoiled."


    "Well Hannah and Pippa''s dance school is going there in a couple of months to perform in the Disnend Parade."


    "So what, they can ride everything and know what they want to ride when theye back.I know I was meant to be the adult with them, but I will have to talk to Susan and the dance school about meeting them in Hong Kong.They are entitled to fun now and fundter.At leastter I can joint them as I will not have a cast on."


    "Fine, but you better watch out for Susan, she will be after you when we tell her."


    "I can cope."


    Hou Yi tapped Anna on the shoulder, and she realised they needed to return to the apartment to start to deal with the Family Law matters in Australia to enable a resolution of the criminal matters here.


    When they arrived home, Alister Nang was waiting for them, and they went into the study and over four hours, worked out the process for a video link, if it could be arranged, and Anna drafted the familyw consent orders, which when Alister read, he agreed was consistent with the terms of the deal for the Criminal matters.


    Anna, Alister and Hou Yi sent various emails both within Country X and Australia to ensure that all arrangements could be quickly initiated if the criminalw deal was agreed to.In her email to Alfred, Anna made it clear that the resolution and video link was dependent on the deal being reached here in City T.

 Chapter 255: Family - Part 5

    <h4>255 Family - Part 5</h4>


    Sunday


    Anna, like yesterday woke in Hou Yi''s arms in their suite in the Hou Ancestral Home.As she looked at Hou Yi, he was awake and both of them leaned towards each other and gave the other with a gentle kiss.Hou Yi reluctantly pulled back, and noticed the disappointment in Anna''s eyes.He quietly said "We are at ancestral home, and anyone coulde in an disturb us this morning at any time and we could not prevent it."


    Without thinking, Anna said "You better remember you have to make it up to me soon."


    "Are you sure?" came the quite but somewhat hopeful question from Hou Yi


    "Absolutely, otherwise I would not have said it."


    Hou Yi was stunned.Did that mean that Anna really felt something for him.He hoped that that was true, because it would allow him the freedom to tell her how he had felt for months.Maybe, just maybe their rtionship had a real chance.


    Hou Yi turned and looked at the bedside clock.He noted that it was 8:15am.He turned back to Anna and said "Let me get you up and and into the shower."


    "Are you sure that you want to do that?"


    "Yes Anna, I do."The leer that she saw on Hou Yi''s face, made her realise that he definitely remembered thest time they showered together and while they could not indulge in everything they did he was going to do some things.


    Hou Yi helped Anna onto her feet and gave her the crutches, and she made her way across the room to the bathroom.Hou Yi, reached into the wardrobe and grabbed out underwear and clothes to change into once they left the shower.He knew, from talking with Rosemary that a shower chair was already in therge walk-in shower for Anna to sit in while she showered..


    Remembering what Rosemary had shown them yesterday, using the supplies that were in the bathroom, the worked together to cover Anna''s cast before undressing and Hou Yi helping Anna into the shower chair.


    Twenty-five minutester, Anna pulled away from Hou Yi''s lips, "Yi we have been here almost half an hour, I think we better think about getting out of the shower soon."


    Hou Yi leaned in again and rather than kissing her lips went for where Anna neck and shoulders met.After kissing here there for a couple of minutes, hearing Anna''s moans of passion, her words finally sank in.He reluctantly pulled away and said "You are right."


    Hou Yi reached out and turned off the shower, before carefully helping Anna out of the chair and to dry and change.Once Anna was sitting safely, Hou Yi quickly dried himself, and changed before carrying Anna out of the bathroom and helping her to sit in the wheelchair.following her direction, he selected a shoe and put it on Anna''s right foot, before putting his own shoes on.


    Once they were ready to leave, Hou Yi picked up Anna''s crutches, and handed them to her, quietly saying "Anna can you take these while I wheel you out for breakfast."Within about thirty seconds of leaving their suite, a staff member appeared and took the crutches from Anna, and walked ahead of them while Hou Yi wheeled Anna into the casual dining area, where everyone was sitting inside on on the terrace eating their breakfast.


    Rosemary, piped up "We were starting to wonder what happened to you two, and if we needed to some in an rescue you."


    Anna had ensured there were a couple of cushions behind her in the wheelchair so she reached behind her and grabbed one and then threw it at Rosemary "It is Sunday, we can take what time we like.And what did I tell you yesterday about getting your mind out of the gutter, no the sewer."


    Hou Yi, ignored Rosemary''s underhanded remark, as he realised that the children would eventually pick up on what was being said.He moved Anna into a position that she could sit at the table, and from the buffet put together a te for her to eat, before doing the same for them.


    Once everyone had their fill Hou Yi nced at his watch and said "OK anyone who ising to the Mall, we have ten minutes and the cars will be here."


    Rosemary and Reba took the children back to their rooms to do their teeth and get ready, Hou Yi sent a staff member to get Anna''s handbag, and James looked at him like he was an idiot, as if he would ever go shopping with women.Hou Yi went over and whispered "There are a number of tailors at the Mall, why not get yourself a couple of suits made, and purchase a few clothes tot ake home."


    "Why not, if you are paying."


    When Anna was given her bag by the staff, he turned to his father and grandparents "We will see you this afternoon.Call me when you are leaving here."


    "Will do son, and have fun."


    "Shopping with mother and aunt, you have to be kidding, right?"


    "Better you and your brother-inw than me."


    "Dad!"


    Annaughed at Hou Yi realising what was happening and told James in English.Rather than listening to his wife and brother-inwughing at him he wheeled his wife to the front door, and with help got her into the waiting limousine.James climbed in after Hou Yi, and they waited for everyone else toe out, which they did in the next five minutes, and climbed into the three cars.They were driven, to M Mall, along with two cars of bodyguards.

 Chapter 256: Wedding Clothes - Part 1

    <h4>256 Wedding Clothes - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Twenty-five minutes after leaving the Hou ancestral home they reached the VIP entrance to M Mall.Hou Yi and James carefully manoeuvred Anna out of the limousine and into her wheelchair before moving to the entrance, waiting for everyone else to climb out of the vehicles and gather there.Hou Yi then rang the bell.


    There was an immediate request "Who is it"


    Hou Yi responded "Hou Yi."


    The voice came over "CEO Hou, we were not expecting you.Can you inform me, other than your wife who is with you?"


    "My mother, aunt, brother-inw, two sisters-inw and 8 of my nieces and nephews.We would have used the normal entrance, but with my wife''s injury we do need some assistance on going through the Mall."


    "Come in CEO Hou.I will check if Madam Hou''s preferred personal shopper is working."


    With that the door opened, and James pushed Anna into the waiting area, with everyone else following behind, Hou Yi and the bodyguards being thest through the door.As Hou Yi moved over to Anna personal shopper Reba arrived.


    "CEO Hou, First Madam Hou, Second Madam Hou, Young Madam Hou, it is a pleasure to see you all.How can I help you?"


    Anna quickly responded "Reba, can you firstly take us to the tailors that we went to, and then once we are done we will need some help, firstly to take the children to the yground area, my brother will want to go and see the electronic area, and shopping for the rest.There will be a friending to meet us Amanda Mei, can someone when she arrives please bring her to meet us."


    Hou Yi lent down and whispered to Anna "Are you condemning me to shop with my mother and aunt.That is not fair."


    Anna turned and whispered back "And how you teased me this morning was not fair either."Annaughed and continued "Let me think about it."


    Reba witnessed the by y between CEO Hou and his wife, and realised that something seemed different to what Sadie had reported as being on the first time they were together here.She indicated "Please follow me."


    She then turned around and walked down the corridor to enter the mall itself, following her was the group, lead by Anna and Hou Yi to the tailors that Anna found on her first walk through.As she arrived the store was quiet, and as soon as Reba Anna and Hou Yi entered, the owners daughter Rose came out."Madam Hou, it is a pleasure to see you again.We are sorry to hear about your ident.How can we help you?"


    "If your father about?"


    "Let me get him for you."


    A couple of minutester the tailor came from the back.As soon as he spotted Anna "Madam Hou, a pleasure to see you again.I was about to get a message to you, I have your wedding dress design finished.Did you want to see it?"


    "Absolutely, however we havee here for some other thing.Let me introduce you to my husband."


    "CEO Hou ..."


    "Do not worry, the reason I have dragged him and my brother in, is for you to measure them for suits for our wedding.Colour and design is up to them.I also have my sisters-inw who will be my bridesmaids, plus I need dresses and suits for my nieces and nephews as well.You know I trust you."


    "Fine Madam Hou.Rose will bring out the design for you, and we will get to measuring everyone.I had suspected that you might want bridesmaid''s dresses, so I had designed them as well.I can adapt those designs for the girls and the boys suits should be easy."With that he turned to Rose "Rose can you get the designs for Madam Hou please."


    "Yes father."


    A couple of minutester Rose handed Anna some designed, and the children were all taken back with the help of Rosemary, Reba and James to be measured.Hou Yi, crouched beside Anna, and looked at the designs that had been handed to her.


    As soon as he saw the wedding dress design, he realised Anna had made the right decision.The design was perfect for her, he knew it would suit her frame.The colour swatches for the material clearly suited Anna''s skin tones.All he could say "It looks like it will be perfect.I cannot wait until you are back on your feet and walk down the aisle wearing that towards me.You will be a vision."

 Chapter 257: Wedding Clothes - Part 2

    <h4>257 Wedding Clothes - Part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    "Yi,¡­."


    Hou Yi Handed the design to his mother.As soon as she nced at it she knew he was right in his assessment."Anna despite my son knowing little about fashion he is right.It is perfect for you."Du AnLing turned to Reba "Reba, thank you for bringing us here, you do not know how much of a treasure you have here."


    "First Madam Hou, you know that stores like this have to be quality here at M Mall."


    "That does not matter, you brought us to the right store."


    Leng Xi looked over her sister-inw shoulder and realised the same thing."She is not kidding Reba, this ce is amazing.Thank you."


    Anna, turned to the bridesmaid dress design and determined they would easily suit anyone with minor adaptions given thier simple ssic design, and the colour of the dress would not matter.Each bridesmaid could have a colour that suited them, without ruining the bridal party''s look, let alone outshining the bride.


    Before Anna could say anything, she heard a voice from behind her "Anna, you invite me toe shopping and you start without me."


    Anna half twisted and spoke "Amanda, get yourself in here."


    As Hou Yi turned he noticed who was with Amanda.It was not a surprise to him, given how close Amanda Mei had be to him and the triplets over the years "Yao Tan, get here my friend, you need to help me here."


    "Yi, your wife seems to need you here, so I wille and rescue you a bitter."


    Anna, turned to Hou Yi, "You need to get measured for your suit.And do not try to go anywhere CEO Yao, as I suspect my husband will want you to be a groomsman at our formal wedding, so you need to get measured for a suit as well."


    "Anna ¡­" came an almost whine from Hou YI


    "Yi, do not Anna me.You told me that I could have whatever I wanted for my formal wedding, so¡­"


    Hou Yi took one look at his wife and knewunless he gave her what she wanted the rest of his day would be hellgiven his mother and aunt''s presence."OK, sweetheart."


    Hou Yi then leaned over to Yao Tan and said "We should do what she wants to escape my mother and aunt, given they are shopaholics."


    Hou Yi noticed Yao Tan shaking slightly"Do you know what your mother and aunt have done with my mother in thest couple of weeks, that gets her bodyguards scared almost all the time?"


    "Taken her to tourist markets and nearby markets, and tailor shops."


    "How did you know?"


    "You can me my wife, she introduced them to it.However I am notining.While they shop more than they have since I limited their spending in the almost four weeks since I married they have spent no where near their monthly maximum amount."


    "There is that.My mother''s spending is down to a third of its normal amount in two weeks."


    "Come on, let us jest get this over with, so we can get out of here, and have some fun"


    Hou Yi walked over to the curtain area where James, Reba and Rosemary had gone through with the kids, and asked "We were just wondering ¡­?"


    The Tailor immediately came out "CEO Hou I was about toe and get you.I have finished taking the measurements for your brother-inw and the young boys.I just need to do your measurement."


    He signaled to Yao Tan to follow him, and they went in, "This is my good friend who will be one of my groomsman, Yao Tan."


    "CEO Yao ¡­" stuttered the tailor.He took a deep breath and said "CEO Hou, I was going to ask you what colour vests do you want with the suits for everyone?"


    "Knowing my wife, she will have multi-colour but the same design in the dresses for her bridesmaids, how about a light silver, not to overpowering, but with ¡­"


    "Something else in the undertones.I have the exact material in mind.Do you know what sort of suits you want?"


    Hou Yi and Yao Tan looked at each other, and realised that they were both as confused as the other.The tailor saw the look and determined that despite being great businessmen, for people so young, they had no idea about clothes.


    "CEO Hou and Yao, let me show you.The two main popr options are morning suits," and with that he pointed to a photograph so they could an idea, "or a a lounge suit, which is much more what you would wear to work."


    They looked at each other and said "Lounge suit" almost in unison.

 Chapter 258: Wedding Clothes - Part 3

    <h4>258 Wedding Clothes - Part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    "CEO Hou the other decision is colour for the suits, and the material.Convention would be ck or navy, but we have options for the material."


    "On that whatever my wife decides, will be OK on that mark.However ¡­"


    "I understand from my daughter that the ceremony will be in Australia.I can, despite not having it in stock, obtain Australian Merino Wool fopr the suits, in the colour that your wife decides."


    "You can get that?" came a surprised response.


    "CEO Hou and Yao, while I do not keep expensive materials in the shop, through me suppliers I can obtain any material I require, in the amount I require.I will speak to Madam Hou as to the exact colour for the suits and order additional bolts to make the additional suits I know I will need to make.Let me get you measured for the suits and shirts, and as to those minor details I will talk to Madam Hou."


    He ushered both into a room, and said "Gentleman, for urate measurements I need you to strip to your underwear.Oh by the way CEO Hou, your brother-inw asked if it was possible to get three or four additional suits made.I told him that It would take me about a week to do them, but I needed to check with you.He has already selected the designs and material that he likes, but I figured that you were going to pay the ount so I needed your OK."


    "Go ahead and do that, add some shirts for him as well."


    "Not a problem.Now who is going first, gentleman?"


    "Well, I guess as he is the groom, it should be."


    "Just wait for it toe your turn.By the way are you ever going to propose to Amanda?"with that Hou Yi started to strip down to his boxer shorts, and the tailormenced making his measurements.


    "When mine and her parents have been trying to arrange it since we were children, why would I give them the satisfaction?"


    "Who cares about your parents.You are the only fooling yourself.You love her and if your parents and her parents had not been pushing the match since she was born you would have married her years ago.She would have helped you raise the triplets and she would not be working for me, waiting for you to make up your mind."


    "Tan you will regret it for the rest of your life if you let the love of your life get away from you.Amanda will get sick of waiting and move on to find someone else.That will be what you cannot cope with.I was just lucky that I was able to get the love of my life to marry me."


    "Yi, you sound like Amanda."


    "Before we continue, you need to get undressed as I think the tailor is about finished taking my measurements."


    "Go jump Yi."Yao Tanmenced undressing to his boxers while the tailor finished taking thest measurements from Hou Yi, and making notations as to these measurements.He signaled to Hou Yi that he had finished so he started to get redressed.


    "Be serious, answer me these two question, do you love her and could you live without her in your life?"


    "Yes and no."


    "There is your answer, you love her and want her in your life.The only way that that is guaranteed if if you marry her.Get your marriage certificate and everything else will fall into ce."


    "But what about her career, she has worked hard to get there, and I understand that she has been appointed as a supervisor.Marrying me would mean that she has to give that up."


    "Who is to say that that is the case?"


    "Well she cannot stay working at Hou Enterprises."


    "Why not?"


    "When she is married to the CEO of apetitor."


    "Not when she is married to my friend.All I would do is make sure that she works on nothing that involves you, which protects everyone.Alternatively she could go and work for you."


    "There is no way either my parents or her parents would allow that."


    "So she stays at Hou Enterprises.If necessary in the future she and Anna could job share.Anna could train to be awyer here and Amanda to be qualified in Australia.I know from the discussions with Anna''s employers they are looking to expand eventually here, and the two of them could be the heads of the office here, leaving Hou Enterprises behind.It would be up to them what they do."

 Chapter 259: Wedding Clothes - Part 4

    <h4>259 Wedding Clothes - Part 4</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    When Hou Yi realised the tailor has finished with Yao Tan the said"Well hurry up and dressed, but we will continue this conversationter.Remember what you told me about how you feel"Hou Yi paused "Sir, what is the time frame that I should tell my brother-inw for the first fitting for other suits."


    "CEO Hou, I was going to suggest tomorrow night at 7pm.I would be able to have the full four suits and the shirts ready by Thursday or Friday this week."


    "That quick?"


    "That is not quick sir, it is the normal standard for up to 4 suits using standard materials we have on stock."


    Yan Tan interrupted as he was finishing changing "And say for material that you have to order special.Does that same four day turn around apply once you have the material?"


    "It does. The total time just depends on how long the material takes ite in.I suspect, for the Merino Wool material, once the colour is determined it will take two to three weeks to arrive from the supplier."


    "Damn, the tailor that my father has me go to takes at least six weeks for a suit, when the material is in stock, ten to twelve if it is ordered in, and he charges like anything."With the Yao Tan turned and looked directly at Hou Yi.How in the world did his wife find this ce.


    Yao Tan continued "Say if I ced an order for 10 suits in Merino Wool, with shirts and the like, how long for delivery?"


    "Assuming it takes three weeks for the material it would be another 10 days to make that number up."


    "Damn, where I have been going would take three months for than number.What about the cost?"


    "Say that you go fine merino wool for the suits, fine linen for the shirts and other high quality materials, that size of order would be 10 jackets, 20 pants, 10 vests in case they are required and 40 shirts, and of course silk ties and everything else.A rough guess it would likely be somewhere between 6,000,000 and 9,000,000 for the lot.Of course that is only rough, as it will depend on the material and what I can cut out of it."


    "Yi, your wife has found a gem here.You know where I have been going ¡­"


    "That ce, that even my father has dragged me into."


    "Yeah.That amount of items would cost 35,000,000 or more for 10 suits and take 3 to 4 months to be delivered.Sir, you have my measurements, could you please arrange for 10 business suits for me.High level materials, I will trust your judgement, but have the materials confirmed.I will pay you a 1,000,000 deposit, and you can bill the rest to me at XF International."


    "You are that certain?"


    "Yi, your wife suggested to Amanda toe here for some new suits.She has two already, and they are better constructed than what she was paying five to ten times more for.She was just evasive as to where she ordered from.They can deliver the quality I need so I have no doubt in ordering that amount."


    "Well, if he is, do the same for me.I will also pay a 1,000,000 deposit and you can bill the bnce to Hou Enterprises.Also please arrange and send all the bills for the sutis and dresses for the wedding to my assistant at Hou Enterprises ¡­"


    "I have already spoken to Assistant Wang a couple of weeks ago, when I gave your wife the first draft of the dress designs.So that is no problem."


    With that Hou Yi and Yao Tan walked out of the dressing room, and found the women along with the children and James waiting.Reba had two other assistants with her."CEO Hou.John will assist you, CEO Yao and your brother-inw; Jane here will apany the children to the y area while they are waiting for you to finish; and I will stay with your wife and thedies to assist them.Your and CEO Yao''s bodyguards have reluctantly agreed how they will protect everyone."


    Hou Yi and Yan Tan looked at their bodyguards andughed.Despite their friendship they did not get along and always argued over who would do what.It appeared to both of them, they were being good today given there was three groups to guard.


    Hou Yi said, "OK, lead the way, John."


    With that the three men left, and the children all wanted to stay however once Jane told them what was in the y area, there was no way that they were staying, given that there was free softdrink and lollies.Annaughed at the look of terror on her sister-inws face at the mention of that much sugar and giggled.

 Chapter 260: Wedding Clothes - Part 5

    <h4>260 Wedding Clothes - Part 5</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    In thedies change room, Rose had arranged a number of chairs on which Anna her family and Amanda were all sitting on.The Tailor with Rose''s help brought in 8 different bolts of material, in simr hues."Madam Hou, these were the materials that I was considering to use for your wedding dress."


    "Anna, it is a waste of money to get a dress specifically made" said Reba.


    "Reba, my son runs one of the top 200panies in the world and it is solely family owned.We can afford for a dress tailor made for Anna.I have seen the design, and like my son I believe it is perfect for Anna.Here have a look."Du AnLing then handed to Reba and Rosemary Anna''s dress design.As soon as they saw it they realised she was right.


    "Ladies, what we need to decide is the material to be used.These are full bolts that I have ordered in.My supplier has indicated that they will take back what we do not want, but do you think that any of these will be the right material for the dress?"


    With that everyone spent fifteen minutes looking and feeling the material and the choice was narrowed down to three.Anna, pointed to the one she liked and said "This is the one I like.OK, convince me why I should change my mind to one of the others?"


    Amanda said "Anna, go with your gut feeling.It will be the right decision.All these materials a beautiful and would make that design look amazing, but you have found the one, that will make you the happiest when you have your formal ceremony, so take it."


    Anna responded "That is simple.This material"pointing to the one she wanted.She continued "Nowdies, your bridesmaid dress design is set, but I will let you pick the colour.Susan has told me she wants Cobolt Blue, and she will be sending her measurements through.Once we know this, the girls dresses will match."


    Amanda was quite happy with a Cobolt Blue, and Rosemary and Reba wanted a red rose colour dress..Anna asked "Are you sure on that?"


    "Anna, we have made our choice so settle down," they echoed almost at the same time.


    Amanda continued "And Anna, do not stress.We are happy, I know cobolt blue looks good for me and I am guessing your two sisters-inw love the red rose colour they have chosen.I have to admit if it suited me, I almost might have chosen it as well."


    "OK," responded Anna quietly thinking.


    Anna paused "Reba we want to go and have a drink somewhere, not in the VIP area, but a proper shop, but you need to arrange that we can sit in there where the guards can protect us."


    "Young Madam Hou, I know exactly where to take you.Plus I will let CEO Hou know where you are, as he asked me to let him know when you were finished."


    Reba, motioned for everyone to follow her, and about 10 minutester, the reached a caf¨¦, and were immediately show into a private room, and a waiter came in with menus.Reba on leaving contacted John to let him know what was happening and where thedies were.


    John, interrupted Hou Yi and said "CEO Hou, thedies have left the tailors and are having a hot drink, shall we joint them?"


    Hou Yi indicated to John that they would go meet thedies, but as they left, his mobile rang "Dad what is going on?"


    "Yi we are leaving toe to the mall to collect everyone to take them to the water park.I have the bags for the children, and your inws.We should be there in about thirty minutes or so."


    "Dad go to the VIP entrance, and they wille and get everyone.The kids are in the y area, and us adults are going to have a hot drink."


    "See you soon, Yi."


    About two minutes after the call was ended they arrived at the caf¨¦, and joined thedies, and ordered drinks themselves.Just as everyone finished, Reba came in and spoke quietly to Hou Yi "CEO Hou, your father has arrived."


    "Reba can you have the children escorted back to the VIP area and we will join them there."


    "Not a problem, they should be there in ten minutes.I will escort you there to await them."


    Ten minutester everyone was in the VIP waiting area, and quickly everyone left other that Hou Yi, Anna, Amanda and Yao Tan.

 Chapter 261: Getting to Cour

    <h4>261 Getting to Cour</h4>


    Monday


    At the Hou Ancestral Home.


    Hou Yi and Anna awoke with a start, when an rm clock went off.The both noticed on the clock across the room realising how early it was, given that they needed to be at court at 8am despite a 10am listing time.


    Before climbing out of bed Hou Yi turned to Anna and said "I was surprised after yesterday that James offered to stay with the children this morning so Rosemary coulde back to court with us.He looked ¡­"


    "Frazzled, frayed, exhausted?"


    "All that and more."


    "Well the children usually can get him to do everything with them."


    "ording to my dad, that was not the case.James apparently sat quietly, and he and the elders spent more time with them."


    "Jetgged them?"


    "Maybe.However I cannot believe that my dad and my grandparents wanted to be with them today.I thought yesterday would have been enough?"


    "Well I told them the should use the children as good practice for the future ..."


    "Anna, you have a devious mind.That was a perfect maniption."


    "And so simple.I think they only realised I had yed them when they agreed to do things with the children."


    "Come on, we need to get you up and into the shower, for us to make the court with time to spare."


    "Just remember we need to take myptop, the oldptop and my portable printer with us."


    As Hou Yi and Anna carefully moved past the wardrobe, they selected their clothes for the day, which Hou Yi then carried into the ensuite.Once Anna was seated, they worked together and carefully wrapped her cast for her shower.


    As Anna settled into the chair in the shower with Hou Yi''s help she said "Yi we cannot do what ¡­"


    "That was fun yesterday, I agree that we cannot do that today."


    With that the had their shower, and got ready before leaving their room, and heading to the casual dining area for breakfast.


    Meanwhile at the Lu''s


    Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin awoke, when Yang Lin received a telephone call from her parents passing on a cryptic message, and Yang Lin ended the call with "We will see you at court."


    Yang Lin turned and said to her husband "Her press conference set for 10am, meaning that b**ch and Hou Yi can not prevent her statements getting into the press.I cannot wait until after court to see their faces when they are confronted with the allegations and cause them problems.Petty revenge, I know, but ruining their happiness achieves something."


    "Fingers Crossed.However, Lin we need to be prepared that despite the medical evidence that supports us serving time via home detention that the judge will refuse to allow one or both of us to to this."


    "It is going to happen.We have the specialist report that stresses too much stress risks me miscarrying, hence jail should not be considered an option.Itments that a separation from you will cause significant stress, also risking a miscarriage.How can the judge go against medical opinion, given he has already done so for the b**ch.?"


    "Let us not keep talking about it.We need to get going, as thest thing we need to do is give them an opportunity to say we disrespect the court.Plus I want to see what that b**ch has done regarding her side of the deal.I bet you nothing, and we can throw that back in has face."


    With that, they both dragged themselves out of bed and got ready for the day leaving for the court just before 7am, so they would meet theirwyer at the courthouse at 8am.


    Back at the Hou Ancestral Home


    While eating breakfast, Hou Yi arranged with the staff for theptops, printer, Anna''s crutches and his briefcase to be ced in the limousine they were taking to the courthouse.Anna and Rosemary''s handbags were sitting at the entry to the casual breakfast room.The three of them were able to depart for the courthouse just after 7am and arrived just before 8am.Like Friday, for Anna''s safety she was helped into the wheelchair and wheeled into the courthouse, while the items the needed were brought in by bodyguards.


    Unlike Friday, they were given space to safely enter the courthouse, as they had been warned on Friday by the court staff, for hampering the court process.Less than five minutes after they entered the courthouse and into the same room as Friday with Alister Nang, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin arrived before entered before going into a room with theirwyer.

 Chapter 262: Chapter 249: Annas Gambit - Part 1

    <h4>262 Chapter 249: Anna''s Gambit - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna, using her newptop, logged into AXN''s systems, and noticed the email from Alfred.


    "Alister, I have confirmation from Australia, they can facilitate a teleconference link at 10:15am our time."Anna turned to Yi, and said "Can you set up the printer for me."


    Anna opened the first attachment, and there was a letter from the Family Court, about the possibility of not being able to facilitate the Audiovisual Link with the court.Anna printed out 8 copies of that.Further there was a second attachment, with a copy of the minutes, signed by Alfred and Lu Jinhu''s Australian Solicitor, and again she printed off a further 8 copies.


    "Alister, OK with the familyw stuff, there are 8 copies of everything.The court can do the videolink but are worried about a potential dropout.Lu Jinhu''s Australian solicitor has signed everything.ording to Alfred, Lu Jinhu''s solicitor has not spoken to him, but just signed them."


    "When the link is facilitated, everyone in the room will have to identify themselves.However, there will be a limit as to who can speak.I have the ability, as I have practicing rights, and the only other person who can speak, is Lu Jinhu, but only if hiswyer is not in the courtroom."


    "Are you able to speak to the court and see if we can get on earlier, and I can ask if I can speak and exin the situation as to why we need to get on earlier.By the way have we their proposal?"


    With that there was a knock on the door, and it was Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''swyer "Could we please speak without your clients?"


    Alister immediately said "Not a problem," and left the room.


    Bothwyers located someone from the National Prosecutors Office, to discuss the final version of the agreement.


    Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''swyer spoke "Gentleman, my client''s heard what the judge had to say about the deal.The only issue is that over the weekend Madam Lu''s specialist saw her in rtion to her pregnancy.I have a report from the specialist, that confirms the ongoing risk to her pregnancy, and those risks are exacerbated by stress.The worst case oue is she will have a miscarriage."


    "The specialist opinion is that, while the proceedings have increased Madam Lu''s stress more significantly her stress was seriously increased with the prospect of a separation from her husband.ording to the specialist the view is that if Mr Lu, has to serve even three weeks in prison, Madam Lu will miscarry."


    "His rmendation is that, Madam Lu''s stress would be reduced to managable levels if, Mr Lu was also to serve his imprisonment via home detention.I have already provide the report to the court, and I have copies for each of you."


    Thewyer from the national prosecutors office, immediately spoke up "I will read this, however if what you are saying holds up in the report, we cannot sanction the prospect that Madam Lu will suffer a miscarriage.No matter what she has done, that is a cruel and harsh punishment for even the worst of crimes."


    "In those circumstances we would agree to Mr Lu serving his sentence by way of home detention, but the term would have to be for at least fifteen weeks, and with the same restrictions that apply to Madam Lu.No social media, no inte ess unless for pre-approved activities, no mobile phones, all phone calls monitored, all visitors have to be approved, and the only reaons to leave are for medical appointemnts for himself or to apany Madam Lu to appointements, and no contact with media organisations."


    "I will rmend that my client''s agree, however so that they can understand, can you arrange as soon as possible for Madam Lu''s specialist to call, and if necessary an interpreter to be avaliabel for Madam Hou''s sister-inw who is a qualified midwife, can speak and confirm the information to provide an exnation, so that it is understandable for them.I would suggest that my client''s would agree in those circumsances provided the judge agrees.," replied Alister Nang.


    Hearing that, thewyer from the national prosecutors office responded "Actually, that sounds a good idea, and then the exnation can be made in court, for the judge to understand properly.Mr Nang emailed me an amended version of the agreement Friday afternoon, so I will print it out as was rmended on Friday, and with the amendments to take into ount the medical evidence, so that if it holds up, we do not waste time."


    "Gentleman, I will confirm my advice to CEO and Madam Hou, and I will bring Ms Jones here so that the call can be made to Madam Lu''s medical specailst.Just one thing, part of the agreement was about the Family Law matters in Australia.Madam Hou, drafted the consent orders to reflect what is required, and has been able to arrange a link at 10:15am to the Court in Australia for the consent orders to be made."


    "That conference link has to be through the court here.My assistant spoke to the court and the judge has agreed to move the matter forward to 9:45am.Here is a copy of the order, which has been signed by Madam Hou and Mr Jinhu''swyers in Australia, plus a letter from the court."

 Chapter 263: Annas Gambit - Part 2

    <h4>263 Anna''s Gambit - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Alister returned to the room where Hou Yi, Anna an Rosemary were waiting.


    As he entered, he said "Ms Jones, we have a favour to ask.We were handed a report from Madam Lu''s specialist about risks to her pregnancy.While it is not in English, Madam Lu''swyer has agreed to contact her specialist, who does speak English, so we can all understand the report.Would you be willing to speak to him so everyone can understand his rmendations?"


    "Not an issue."With that Rosemary followed Alister from the room.


    Hou Yi, however turned to Anna and noticed that she had a sly grin on her face."You have something nned?"


    "You know me well.I am almost certain that the ims about the all the risks to her pregnancy are overstated.If the specialist is a woman, if he is like he was in university he will be manipting her.However, they will be expecting that I will be opposing them being under house arrest.I am not stupid to y into that trap, let them have it, but with bigger penalties."


    "However where the fun will be will with the video or teleconference link to Australia.I have a message that he has spoken to his Australian Lawyer, confirmed his agreement to the orders, and thewyer will be in court in Melbourne.Alfred cannot and as I am on the record as acting for myself in the matter as well ..."


    "You are going to makements he cannot respond to."


    "And he will not be able to help himself and respond.While he will get a warning, he will face contempt of court charges in Australia, and his sentence here will make a jail sentence in Australia more probable."


    They were interrupted with messages on their mobile and Alister re-entered the room."CEO and Madam Hou, the court staff with the assistance of the technological staff from Hou Enterprises have established a video link with the court in Australia."


    "Thank you."


    "I will head back, as your sister seems to be getting the information she needs."Alister turned and exited the room again.


    They both read their text message, and it confirmed what Alister had said.


    After making note of the time, Anna said "That is perfect.The court will see his actions"


    "Anna, sweetheart, you are evil when you want to be."


    "Well why should I not be.He has screwed me around and most of his actions are criminal but there is little I can do.Here I can screw him, but legally and the most fun thing is there is nothing he can do about it unless he wants more criminal charges."


    "You are ¡­"


    "Evil?"


    "Not really the phrase I was looking for.Maybe wicked?"


    "That sounds a little better.But still not quite right. ¡­"


    "But you still care for me, right?"


    "Anna, you have to ask.You should realise that ¡­"


    Anna, however did not want him to say anything, so she leaned over and kissed Hou Yi, stopping him before he said anything else.Before their kiss could get too heated, they hears "Break it up you two, we are in a public area and we do not want to scare anyone."


    As they separated Hou Yi could see how Anna was annoyed and frustrate, and said "Rosemary ¡­"


    "Just grow up, there are better ces.Plus I have news.The specialist provided a tranted report and while it is technically right, the information I got from the specialist does not feel quite right.It is full of "It is reported, rather than based on evidence.The reality is they need a psychologist or psychiatrist to review, and provide that evidence.But, in the limited time frame I would say a court would ept it."


    "I had the thought ¡­"


    "Yi, we could call Phillipa is that is where you are going, but her expertise is in a different area, and was she not leaving today.We have demanded to much of her so far, just let it go."


    "Fine, Anna but I have concerns."


    "You two, we need to get moving as Alister wants us in court early, given what is happening."


    Hou YI wheeled Anna in the wheelchair to the courtroom, followed by Rosemary with the crutches and Anna''s handbag, and bodyguards, one carrying Hou Yi and Anna''s briefcases, and theptop for Lu Jinhu, another with Anna''s new Laptop and portable printed, and some surrounding her.At the Court door, Rosemary got Anna up on the crutches for her to enter the courtroom, and the two bodyguards with the items brought them into the court, and then left.


    Five Minutester Lu Jinhu, Yang Lin and thewyers arrived in the court room.

 Chapter 264: Mondays Court Hearing - Part 1

    <h4>264 Monday''s Court Hearing - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Within a minute, the Judge arrived in the court room and sat down at the bench."Madam Hou, it is good to see that you are on the crutches in here."


    "Thank you Sir"


    "Gentleman, where are we at with the agreement?"


    The national prosecutors office Lawyer stood up "Sir I am from the National Prosecutors office.We have reviewed the agreement that you had amended from Friday, but there is a new issue.Mr and Madam Lu''swyers have provided a report from her treating medical professionals that indicate that if Mr Lu was imprisoned that it was highly likely that Madam Lu would miscarry.As you have epted Madam Hou''s sister-inw is a credible technical witness, she has spoken to the specialist to confirm information."


    "Gentleman, that is forward thinking.Ms Jones could you pleasee forward."


    [tranted question] "Having spoken to Madam Lu''s treating specialist, can you exin her condition with the court, and your opinion"


    "Sir, I cannot confirm the diagnosis without having examined Madam Lu, however based on the report and the discussions with her specialist the opinion is too much stress in addition to her other pregnancyplications will cause a miscarriage.Technically with theplications she has that is the correct diagnosis, however without a psychological or psychiatrist assessment there cannot be exact certainty.However with the time constraints, such an assessment would be unlikely to have urred or been ordered in the circumstances ." [response tranted]


    [tranted question] "What would you indicate the court should do?"


    "Sir, to borrow a phrase from my sister-inw, without trampling on the court''s authority, and due to the time constraints, unless the court wants to dy the matter, the court would have to ept the specialist rmendations.That is from my professional point-of-view, as personally I would say that you should throw both of them in jail for months for what they did to my sister-inw."


    "Given that position, the court would have to order Mr Lu to serve his sentence by home detention as much as his wife.However, I would suggest to the court that at some time in the next couple of weeks that Madam Lu has a psychological or psychiatric assessment to confirm the specialist report.I would suggest that you read the specialist report, as if the tranted version I have read is correct it will provide you with a better understanding of Madam Lu''s situation." [response tranted]


    "Sir, I have to apologise for interrupting you, but Madam Hou over the weekend was able to take steps to implement Family Law aspects in Australia.With the assistance of technical staff from Hou Enterprises, we have been able to establish a video link with the Family Law Courts in Australia for the orders to be made.We have provided signed copies to Mr and Madam Lu''swyer, the national prosecutors and the court."


    "For the making of the orders, the video link is scheduled to ur in ten minutes.Mr Lu''s Australian Family Lawyer will be present in Court, and Madam Hou has rights of appearance in the Court she will be appearing for herself.Mr Lu, in the circumstances simply needs to be visible to the court.We understand that this will disrupt these proceedings, but in doing this the whole of the agreement can be finalised today."


    "Additionally, as discussed on Friday, Madam Hou has for Mr Lu theptop in question.She has simply removed all the data rting to her employers and taken copies of the personal information off it.Otherwise theputer is as it was before the rtionship broke down."


    Rosemary handed to Alister theptop and he walked over and handed it to Lu Jinhu who immediately said"I told you all I wanted theptop as it was, with nothing removed.It is useless to me."He then shoved it back to Alister.


    Anna struggled to her feet, "Sir, can I ask something of Mr Lu?"


    "I do not see the harm Madam Hou, as long as it is short, as we need to be mindful of the video link to Australia."


    "Lu Jinhu, so that I am absolutely sure I understand you.As I have removed the programs and data from theptop that are owned my my employers but left everything else in tack on it, you now say that you do not want it?"


    "Did you not understand me, it is now useless to me, so why in the world would I want it now.Take it back, and give me that newptop you have."

 Chapter 265: Mondays Court Hearing - Part 2

    <h4>265 Monday''s Court Hearing - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "Thank you sir.Please be advised that I will be informing my employers of Mr Lu''s recentments.


    My employers have had suspicions that for at least 12 months he has been using myptop to ess data rting to my employers clients and using that data fraudulently for his own benefit.


    While it is myptop the disappearance of funds from their trust ount coincide with periods where I have been absent from our home resulting him in having exclusive ess to it."


    "Madam Hou, we do not appreciate stunts like this."


    "Sir, I apologise to the court, but it was not meant as a stunt.ording to my employers, there have been around $50,000 Australian that can be linked to these actions, but they stopped another five million Australian dors attempted to be transferred in simr circumstances.These actions, are not linked to the matters before the court and are crimes only able to be prosecuted in Australia."


    The national prosecutor''swyer stood up "We were made aware of the suspicions as to Mr LU''s actions, and consulted with her employers and the police in Australia.His actions, appears to corroborate the suspicion of his actions, particrity given the demand for Madam Hou''s newptop, rather than theptop he wanted on Friday.:


    "We cannot prosecute this here, as the only evidence of any crimes rtes to actions in Australia.As determined in the capital the potential if we did nothing to prevent ongoing criminal actions in Australia, the ultimate result would be tarnishing our Legal System as we provided the ability for the actions to continue."


    The Judge paused for a minute and thought about what had just been said, before responding "In those circumstance, I will forgive you."


    After another pause, the judge turned to all thewyers, asking "It is agreed, given the medical report and the limited time to address it that it is appropriate for Mr Lu to serve his sentence by way of home detention?"


    Immediately all threewyers said "Yes."


    Thewyer from the national prosecutors office then continued "Sir and our proposal is that Mr Lu would serve 18 weeks by way of home detention, and in addition to the same restrictions on Madam Lu which would also apply to him, the only other time that he would be able to leave the premises would be to apany Madam Lu to medical appointments."


    "OK gentleman, I need to read the report and the agreement again to confirm that I am happy with it for everyone to sign.I will start here on the bench until we have the hearing established with Australia, and then rmence after that."


    With that the technicians came in and established the video link, and while this was happening, Anna, with Alister''s help set herself up on awyers table, while Lu Jinhu moved to the table hiswyer was sitting on.


    Within five minutes, the video link was established with the court in Melbourne, and the matter was called [all proceedings conducted in English]


    "I see the respondent''s representatives here in court, who is appearing for the Appent in this matter today."


    Anna maneuvered herself to her foot wedging the crutches under her arm."Your Honour I am.As you can see I am on crutches and if it pleases the court, rather than remaining on my feet, can I address you sitting down?"


    "Ms Jones, a pleasure to see you.I did not realise you were in Country X?And Yes, I have no issue with you sitting down."


    "Actually, your honour, while my firm is the firm on record, due to the inability of anywyer to present in court there today with this hastily arranged video link, I technically am self-representing in these proceedings."


    "Apologies, I did not realise the change in name."


    "Not an issue your honour, I can see in the rush you did not make the connection.However for work rted purposes I am still, at present using my maiden name."


    "Ms Jones, can you confirm who is present in the court with you there in City T?"


    "Mr Lu along with his wife, and theirwyer representing them in Criminal matters here in Country X, My husband and sister-inw Rosemary Jones, thewyer representing out interests in the criminal proceedings, awyer from the national prosecuting office in Country X, the presiding Judge, and court staff."


    "Ms Jones, why are we video linking into a criminal court?"


    "Your Honour the criminal justice system here is different to that in Australia.Effectively the system allows for the victim and the used to agree to the facts and a proposed penalty, which has not only to be approved by the national prosecuting service and the court."

 Chapter 266: Mondays Court Hearing - Part 3

    <h4>266 Monday''s Court Hearing - Part 3</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "Ms Jones, I need to understand who has what role, and what part this link ys, so please exin to me more?"


    "Your Honour.Mr and Mrs Lu, are facing a number of charges, including assaults on me, and false statements to the police that unintentionally triggered the incident that lead to me being on crutches¡­"


    "You cannot say that.That was part of the deal."


    "Ms Jones was that Mr Lu?"


    "It was, your honour."


    The Judge started speaking, "Well Mr Lu I will give you a little leeway, as yourwyer is sitting in the court here, not with you.I have asked a question of Ms Jones, who is an officer of this court, to determine if this matter should be dealt with today or wait until its return date in two weeks.But, if you interrupt these proceedings further, I will seriously consider having you charged with contempt of court."


    "Yourwyer is the person meant to speak not you.You are able to consult with him, but you have to keep quiet.Now be quiet and let me understand the situation before I make my decision regarding whether this matter will proceed today.Once I have my answers, I will hear from either yourwyer here or in the circumstances for yourwyer there, even though he may not understand the intricacies of the system here."


    As soon as the judge finished, Lu Jinhu could not help himself, "That is not fair, she is speaking."Anna had to stop herself from grinning.


    "Mr Lu, this is my second and final warning.Be quiet.Ms Jones, is awyer who has rights to be heard in this court, and she is employed by the firm that represents her.She is quite able to represent herself in these proceedings, and I note that she has already been given that ability by the court.More importantly if you are asked to speak show some respect to the court and stand when you speak."


    "But.." started Lu Jinhu


    "Mr Lu, I can anticipate what you are about to say.Ms Jones, due to her injury is given permission to remain seated to speak, but you have not, now sit down and be quiet."The Judge in Australia paused and continued this time addressing the judge in Country X "Apologise, ¡­ excuse me how do I refer to a judge there in Country X."


    "We generally are called, for males Sir.Can I ask why it is your Honour."


    "In Australia we follow a legal tradition thates from Ennd, and it is part of the traditions from there.I am not sure why it is Your Honour, but if it makes people feel morefortable there, except for you Ms Jones as I expect you to respect the rules of the court, I am quite willing to be addressed the same as the legal traditions there.Now please continue Ms Jones."


    "As I was saying your Honour, part of the agreement reached here for a sentence to be imposing on Mr and Madam Lu requires certain orders agreed to in the agreement require orders to finalise the Family Law proceedings in Australia."Anna took a deep breath to pause as she knew she needed to be careful about what she revealed.


    "It revokes the current orders to the extent that the deal with the property settlement and the proposed orders puts in ce orders in line with the agreement.The original signed copy has been provided to the Court, Mr Lu''s representative there has a copy and there are copies here given to the Court and Mr Lu to see that there ispliance with the deal."


    "Ms Jones, that does not give me enough information.I am tempted not only to refuse to make the orders today, but order costs against you, and leave this matter to its return date in two weeks."


    "Your Honour I apologise however I need permission here to give more information."


    Anna looked to the judge, who nodded before stating "I am happy for that information to be shared, as I believe that it will allow you to understand why this should ur today."


    "Your Honour, Mr Lu has agreed on conditions that include the making of these orders, me handing over a particrptop, which I attempted to do just before this link, and because I removed from it the legal software licensed to my employers and which has they protected data on he refused, and demanded my newptop that I obtained to rece the one I am handing to him ¡­"


    "You never said you would say anything here on that, you ¡­"


    "Mr Lu, what did I tell you about contempt of court."

 Chapter 267: Mondays Court Hearing - Part 4

    <h4>267 Monday''s Court Hearing - Part 4</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    After the warning the judge paused and then continued "Just because you think you have something to say, does not mean you have the right to say it when you want.From my reading of the documents and the history of this matter, there is evidence that shows you believe you have aplete and utter sense of entitlement.You view that you are superior to everyone, and in control.Let me tell you, you are not, Mr Lu."


    "In this court proceeding I am in control, and I would suspect without much knowing much about the legal system in Country X, you are not in control there.Now one more word out of you I will be rmending to that your actions be referred to the police for contempt of court.Just because you are sitting in a court room in another jurisdiction does not exempt you fromplying with directions.Be quiet until you are asked to say something, I will reconsider my position.Ms Jones please continue."


    Anna continued "As I was saying he demanded today my recementptop on which I have installed the programs associated with my employers, which I will not be handing over.The charges here are not rted to incidents per se in Australia.The only thing that the courts here can use is his history of incidents against me, which applies to justifying the aggravating circumstances rting to an assault on a former partner."


    "There are other charges rting to information to police and corporate charges.While one part of the penalty is still to be finalised, what has been agreed to include fines, an order of protection simr to an intervention order, suspended penalties and a ban on holding corporate office some a period of time here in Country X.Mrs Lu faces somewhat simr charges and due toplications with her pregnancy will be serving a 6-week prison sentence by way of home detention with various restrictions.For Mr Ly, he was going to serve a 6-week prison sentence ¡­"


    "No I am not¡­"


    Anna could see, her careful baiting had its desired impact, the court was sick of his ongoing actions.The Judge said "Mr Lu that is it, you will be charged with contempt.You have had repeated warnings, and simply because you do not like what is being said does not give you the right to interrupt.This is not a ce where you can demand that things have to be what you want.It is a court, and you must respect the court and my role in this matter.Ms Jones, please continue."


    "Thank you, your Honour.As I was saying the proposal was that Mr Lu serve a term of imprisonment for six weeks, however it is currently being debated here as to whether Mr Lu should actually serve that in prison or serve a longer term via home detention as there is some medical evidence that in separating Mr Lu from his wife would increase her stress and potentially lead to her miscarrying their child."


    "So, in other words, the hearing needs to happen today as it is likely to be the only time that Mr Lu will be avable to be present when orders are made."


    "Yes your honour and even if jail was not being imposed any court hearing would require video links as one of us would have to be in a remote room, due to the terms of the orders here, which are expressed to be applicable worldwide, and from what I understand, given Mr Lu is a citizen here and I gained citizenship here upon my marriage without losing my Australian citizenship, breaking that order anywhere in the world will attract extra-territorial jurisdiction."


    "Ms Jones I see you have signed the orders, and when they have been sent through Mr Lu''s Australian Lawyer has signed them.Do you wish to say anything on them?"


    Lu Jinhu''swyer in the court room in Australia stood up "Your Honour, while we have concerns that there is not aplete 50/50 split of all the assets, despite Mr Lu''s higher contributions to the rtionship and Ms Jones ie and earning ability the orders should be more in the favour of my client ¡­"


    "I am going to stop you there.I have been provided with a copy of the forensic report which clearly proves that the orders were obtained through forging Ms Jones'' signature.Despite when the original appeal application was filed there was no responding material by your client, Ms Jones has been quite reasonable to your client, despite her fully knowing a court would award her more.Her proposals are more than fair and reasonable, so I will not hear any more argument on this point."

 Chapter 268: Mondays Court Hearing - Part 5

    <h4>268 Monday''s Court Hearing - Part 5</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "Mr Lu, I will give you one chance to speak, as it appears your Australian Lawyer has not taken ount as to why we are here.Is there anything you want to say?" asked the judge in Australia


    "She is lying about the fraud, she signed them and decided she did not want them, so she has now manipted the court.Plus, she was never meant to disclose the proceedings here.They were meant to be kept secret, that was part of the agreement.Why am I, the innocent victim here being punished, she should be the one in jail.This is not fair, and you should not be doing this. ¡­"


    "Mr Lu, you are not adding anything here, and you are demonstrating the self-centredness that Ms Jones indicated in her affidavit.You are proving her arguments.In fact, I believe that your level of self-entitlement is such that unless everything is as your demand, you will cause significant problems for whoever you see opposes you."


    "That is unfair to say that."


    "I do not give a care about your opinion.You will be charged with contempt, so just keep going if you want to get yourself in more trouble than you are already in.You are already looking at a jail sentence in Country X, regardless of whether that is in a prison of via home detention.I will be telling the prosecutors here to get your criminal history from Country X, and it will impact any sentence here, most likely meaning that you will have to serve a term of imprisonment."


    "However, I will not be taking up more time of the court there, due to your behaviour.Given the circumstances I will allow the order to be made in the terms that have been submitted.I have concerns given the evidence and believe that you should be charged with fraud, but Ms Jones has requested that the court seriously consider not doing that.In my view she is being over generous to you."


    "The orders themselves, are in the realms of what the court might order in situations where there are no children, two highly educated individuals and people that have ess to significant funds post-separation.I will, however, publish reasons for allowing the orders to be made and my concerns.If, however, I find out Mr Lu that you have lied about asset values to manipte an oue here there are going to be consequences."


    "I will be making some technical orders, not contained in the minutes filed, that will contain a provision that voids these orders, if within the next six months ites to light that you have assets not disclosed, or calcted and indicated by Ms Jones.They will require you to pay to Ms Jones half of their value, plus a penalty of $100,000.Take it as a warning.Ms Jones, thank you for your assistance, and I assume you still have the same work email."


    "Yes, your honour."


    "I will email sealed orders plus the technical orders and my reasons for decision within 48 hours to both you Ms Jones, and to your Australian Lawyer Mr Lu.I would like on a personal basis, to congratte both of you on your marriages and while I am reluctant to say so, also congratte you on reaching a resolution on this matter.Additionally, Ms Jones, please when you are next in Australia,e and see me in chambers."


    "Yes, Your honour"


    "Now I do have to ask Sir, and thewyers present there, do you have any questions to ask me about this situation."


    Lu Jinhu''swyer stood up "Your Honour, I represent Mr Lu in the criminal proceedings here.Part of the agreement was that Mr Lu would not have further criminal charges from the orders anywhere in the world.You have indicated he will face charges, which breaches the agreement."


    "Sir, and please have Ms Jones email me the correct spelling of your name so that in the records I can have it recorded correctly.Mr Lu is facing charges from his actions in this hearing.Yes, the hearinges from that agreement, but it is a totally separate proceeding."


    "I do not believe the judge, or the otherwyers would disagree with the decision, particrly as I gave him multiple opportunities to cease his behaviour.He could not, and there are consequences for his actions, which he has to deal with." Finished the judge in Australia.

 Chapter 269: Mondays Court Hearing - Part 6

    <h4>269 Monday''s Court Hearing - Part 6</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    The judge in the court room spoke up in reply."I would agree. We agreed to interrupt these proceedings to deal with his matter, so all parties could leave the court room today with nothing outstanding.Madam Hou, must be congratted for working extremely consciously for this to happen, which is total respect for the court both here and in Australia.Mr Lu your behaviour is in total contrast."


    "Unlike the court in Australia, who gave you repeated warnings about your behaviour.If you did that before me, you would not have had a warning.You would have been immediately removed from the court for showing disrespect and would have had an immediate sentence of a minimum of one-month imprisonment to serve.Mr Lu, you and yourwyer have thirty seconds to make a decision.I can deal with the totalck of respect to the court here or it can be dealt with in Australia.I suspect you will get a better sentence in Australia."


    Lu Jinhu realised that he had been backed into a corner."Apologise, sorry for the interruption."


    Anna, while watching what was urring could not help but to feel happy about how quickly she twisted and backed him into a corner where he had no option but to apologise to the court.She knew it was petty revenge, but at the same time, she knew was proud that she could add to the trouble he was in, and there was nothing he could do to retaliate.


    The Judge in Australia asked "So, does anyone have questions?"


    Both the Alister and the national prosecutorswyer indicated no.


    "Ms Jones,¡­"


    "Yes your honour."


    "Can you please make sure that each of thewyers there and the court are given copies of the final orders, the transcript and my reasons for decisions."


    "Yes, your honour"


    "Now, we will terminate the video link so that you can deal with the matters you have to deal with there."


    The Video link was terminated, and Anna, with help stood up and moved back to sit beside Hou Yi, while Alister and the otherwyers moved back to the tables.


    Lu Jinhu however was still argued with hiswyer about his treatment and the fact that this was contrary to the agreement that had been reached.


    Once thewyers were all seated, the Judge in the court room was sick and tired of the behaviour he was witnessing, so he immediately stated speaking "Mr Lu, cease your behaviour.Mrs Hou had beenplying with the request of the court, and if she was appearing here, I would have expected her to have done the same as she did during the video link."


    "Simply because you did not like what she had to say, is no reason for your ongoing actions.In fact, I believe that the judge was lenient on you.If I had been the judge, you would have received no warnings, and as I said at a minimum, I would have immediately sent you to jail for one month regardless of anything else."


    "Courts are to be respected.I am going to give you one warning now.You continue, and you can forget about the potential of home detention.You will be serving your sentence in jail, and you will have at least a further 2 months added to your sentence for your action.I need you to confirm that you understand me."


    Looking at Lu Jinhu, Anna and Hou Yi realised that the consequences of his behaviour had finally sunk in.He stood up and said "Yes Sir" before sitting down.


    "Gentleman, I need to hear from each of you your opinion based on the circumstances surrounding the report, and what each position is on the sentence agreement in this matter."


    The national prosecutor''swyer said first "We have no objection to Mr Lu serving his sentence via Home detention; however, we require it to be at least sixteen weeks, with simr restrictions to Madam Lu''s restrictions."


    He was followed by Alister "Sir, Madam Hou and CEO Hou, have concerns about the validity of the psychological impact of and period of detention on Madam Lu of Mr Lu.They view that overall the ongoing stress to Madam Lu, would simply be less by Mr Lu serving a 6-week term of imprisonment.Both would prefer a specialist assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist of the potential stress and impact on Madam Lu, before a specialist opinion on the risk to Madam Lu''s pregnancy."


    Anna and Hou Yi looked over at Lu Jinhu and seen that he was really having to stop himself from saying anything given the threat from the judge.

 Chapter 270: Mondays Court Hearing - Part 7

    <h4>270 Monday''s Court Hearing - Part 7</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Alister continued "I have been instructed that despite these concerns, both CEO and Madam Hou have indicated they will be guided by the court''s view on the matter.They simply wanted their concerns noted on the court record.Further, they have indicated if the decision is to sentence both to Home detention to have a term indicating the term of imprisonment that both would immediately be sentenced to should the breach the terms of their home detention."


    Finally, the Lu''swyer stood up "Sir, you have a specialist report, and the opinion is valid.Both Madam Lu and Mr Lu''s sentences should be via home detention.Sixteen weeks for Mr Lu is highly excessive.However, we would suggest that 10 weeks should be the longest period of home detention for Mr Lu."


    "I have heard what each of you have said.It appears that you all have different views as to whether Mr Lu should serve a term of imprisonment or a period of home detention.What I am going to suggest that the agreement needs to be further amended to indicate that both Mr Lu and Madam Lu will serve their term of imprisonment by home detention.It is not a perfect position, but I must be guided by the limited medical evidence that we have."


    "The public, given the medical evidence will not be released, will question if justice has been served in this matter.It will be, because Mr Nang''s suggestion about there being a provision in the agreement that if there is a breach of the home detention terms, there will be immediate imprisonment for the remaining length of the period of home detention is reasonable.However, before I finalise the sentence, I do need to hear from the National Prosecutor''s office, and then each parties representatives."


    The national prosecutor immediately stood up "Sir that seems reasonable.We would suggest 8 weeks home detention for Madam Lu and sixteen weeks for Mr Lu as the minimum sentences to be imposed."


    The Lu''swyer said "Yes, subject to there being no default term of imprisonment for a breach.Any breach shoulde back to you sir, you hear the circumstances and then decide the circumstances."


    Alister looked to Hou Yi and Anna, and both leaned in and quietly spoke to each other then turned and said quietly to Alister "Yes"


    Alister then turned back and said "Sir, it would be eptable to my clients, however the consequences need to involve imprisonment for a breach of the terms of home detention.Simplying back to the court, and discussing the matter further is not appropriate as there will be a dy between the action anding back to court.My clients do not want to have to return to court to deal with ongoing breaches, as they suspect that it will be used to harass Madam Lu in breach of the order of protection."


    "Gentleman, please make that change to the agreement, and I require it signed by all parties, and that will provide me with sufficient time to prepare the conditions for home detention."


    With that the judge went quiet and started typing on hisputer.While this was happening, the national prosecutor made the changes as required by the judge, and he signed.The agreement was handed to Alister, and he, Hou Yi and Anna confirmed the changes, and then signed.


    Alister walked over and handed it to thewyer for Lu Jihnu and Yang Lin, who seemed to do the same.As it was handed back to the national prosecutor who double checked everything was correct and signed, it was clear that the judge was ready to proceed.


    The National Prosecutor''swyer indicated "Sir the agreement has been signed," and handed it up.


    The judge took a couple of minutes and double checked the agreement was as he required.It was."Gentleman, I am happy the agreement is as I required.What I am about to indicate as the sentence, which wille after myments, my assistant about to make copies of my signed version and the agreement signed by everyone, so you will have copies."


    "There will be parts of the agreement that I will be releasing as it will be required by monitoring authorities and the press.Saying that, I have heard everything that has been said in rtion to the medical report.I have some concerns, as Ms Jones expressed that there is no psychological or psychiatric evidence to back up the concerns about increasing stress to Madam Lu should Mr Lu be sentenced to a term of imprisonment."

 Chapter 271: Mondays Court Hearing - Part 8

    <h4>271 Monday''s Court Hearing - Part 8</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "However, given that Mr and Madam Lu have only had the weekend to obtain the report, I can excuse this.If contrary evidence doese to light, this matter will be brought back immediately before me, and Mr Lu will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the time he had served by way of home detention will not count towards any period of detention.Saying that, the penalties that I am imposing in terms of imprisonment/Home detention are:


    ? For Mr Lu, he will serve via way of home detention a sentence of 16 weeks; and


    ? For Madam Lu, she will serve via way of home detention a sentence of 8 weeks.


    If Mr Lu had served a period of imprisonment, I would have required him to serve 6 weeks and for Madam Lu I would have required her to serve 4 weeks.The only reason they are not serving more time is their agreement to this sentence and there not being any other criminal convictions for them and the reason neither are being required to serve that term, rtes to the medical evidence surrounding Madam Lu and the risks to her pregnancy, and the impact on her pregnancy of Mr Lu serving a term of imprisonment.During the term of home detention, the following conditions apply to both Mr Lu and Madam Lu:


    ? Unless for the purpose of a medical appointment for Madam Lu or a health emergency that cannot be treated by a doctor in their home, for the period of home detention neither are permitted to leave their residence.


    ? All visitors, including family, except for emergency medical treatment must be approved in advance by the prison authorities, and such visits can only ur at pre-approved times.


    ? All staff at the Lu''s residence


    o must undergo searches before and after leaving the residence.


    o Must be confirmed as being suitable people by Thursday this week to be in the home


    o Any new staff appointed in that time must be pre-approved by the prison authorities


    ? Both Mr Lu and Madam Lu willbe required during the period of their home detention to wear a monitoring device, at their expense


    ? The Lu''s must pay for guards approved by the prison authorities to monitor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until the term of Mr Lu''s home detention ends, all entrances/exits to their property.


    ? The Lu''s have the following restrictions on their behaviour:


    o All visitors must be pre-approved by prison authorities, including the times of their visits


    o All medical appointments must be cleared by prison authorities


    o They cannot during the time of home detention ess social media and the inte, their telephone calls will be monitored, their correspondence will be read by the prison authorities.


    o Unless in the case of a medical emergency, all telephone calls that they make must be pre-arranged with prison authorities


    o Their agree that their financial ounts and records are monitored.


    o They will ept visits three times per week from prison authorities at any time to monitor theirpliance


    o They are banned from any contact with the media during the period of their home detention and Madam Lu uponpleting her period of home detention is further banned from talking to the media about Mr Lu''s detention.


    ? Further any breach of the conditions or other penalties imposed results in the following:


    o Mr Lu to serve the remaining time of home detention as a term of imprisonment immediately


    o Madam Lu, upon her child reaching the age of 3 months will serve the bnce of any time of home detention in prison"


    "When shepletes her period of home detention, Madam Lu, will have freedom toe and go from her residence, but she cannot take in mobilemunications devices or do anything that tries to defeat the terms of Mr Lu''s home detention.If she does do so, she will face 6 weeks imprisonment for each and every breach upon her child turning three months of age."


    "This sentence and the conditions bnce allpeting views and take into ount the medical evidence.The Court will provide a sanitised version of the plea and penalties imposed, along with a copy of all the terms of the order of protection for Madam Hou within three hours.Thetter is done to ensure that it will beplied with."


    "There will be ament that indicates home detention was imposed based around medical evidence rather than requiring the term of imprisonment to be served in a jail but confirm that the evidence will not be released.This information will also make is clear the penalties on the parties for nonpliance and those the media will face if they assist in breaching those terms."


    "Anyments gentleman?"

 Chapter 272: Mondays Court Hearing - Part 9

    <h4>272 Monday''s Court Hearing - Part 9</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna turned and saw that Lu Jinhu, was again struggling not toment about the sentence.Yang Lin was grabbing him to stop anyment.She pointed out the reaction to Hou Yi, who could also see what was happening.


    The Lu''s Lawyer stood up "Sir, while we note that this is the penalty, we intend to appeal the part of the order that sentences Mr Lu to sixteen weeks home detention on the basis that this is excessive.I understand from speaking to the court this morning that an appeal would be heard within eight weeks, and we would suggest that an appeal date for that point be obtained immediately, however pending that appeal Mr Lu start serving his period of home detention."


    Alister stood up "My clients have no objection, although we believe that sixteen weeks is a fair sentence of home detention."


    The National Prosecutorswyer then responded "We agree with Madam Hou and Hou Enterpriseswyer on this point.It is a sensible course of action."


    "Gentleman, then we are done.Court Staff will advise the waiting media that there will be information released to them in three hours as to these proceedings, and that neither party will bementing about that."


    The judge stood up and left the court room.The Lu''s hurried out of the court, and Anna immediately turned to Alister and said, "They nned something over the weekend, and they want to get out to watch it unfold."


    "We can deal with it, Madam Hou.Let''s get you out of here, and away from the court environs as quickly as we can.CEO Hou, I wille to Hou Enterprisester this week to go over everything for you, and my ount will be sent.Madam Hou, by the way it was a pleasure to watch you, with the simple truth twist Mr Lu around.If you ever be qualified here, it will be a pleasure to work with you."


    With that Rosemary and Hou Yi helped Anna onto her feet, and onto the crutches.She worked her way out of the court room, and as soon as she was out, sat down in the wheelchair before being taken out side.As they moved to the door, they noticed that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were standing just inside the court building doors, looking at the media pack, with a real grin on their face.


    Anna grabbed Hou Yi arm, and he bent down to her."They know what is about to hit us as we walk out the door.By the look on their face it will not be pleasant."


    Hou Yi turned his head, and realised Anna was right "You are right.I am trying to think about what they could do, and the only thing is that I suspect that they are going to do something to target our marriage, as targeting you now will only cause problems."


    Anna turned to the bodyguards "Get my sister out of here first, thene back to get us out of here."


    "Yes, Madam Hou."With that they surrounded Rosemary and escorted her to the car quickly, keeping the media from her.What Anna and Hou Yi could here as they had figured out, she was a nurse, as questions about Anna''s injuries.


    Hou Yi squatted down beside Anna, who asked "Yi what do you think they could do?"


    "The difficultly for them, is most things would implicate Yang Lin, given she has been a part of my life for a period of time.Even though that was simply for convenience, it is a fact.I would think that the only thing that they could try is find a woman, who makes an allegation about behaviour to them alone or even worse ims an affair with them and that I either forced them to have an abortion or with a child that I have nothing to do with.Do you think you could cope with that?"


    "Yi, what do you say about it."


    "Anna, I''ve been honest about my rtionships.Sexually, other than you thest person I was intimate with was, let me put it politely that b**ch that has made our lives hell, and that was only because I was drunk and did not realise what happened until the following morning.That was eleven or twelve months ago."


    "Yes, a few times on and off in the times between my rtionships I had a sexual affair with a woman, but they have, and it sounds snobbish from the same social circles and they knew the score.None of them has had a child within any time that could say it is mine, and other than with you I always use protection.I would guess if that is the gambit, they have found someone to manipte to think they had a rtionship with me and are using her."


    "Yi you know I believe you however if that is it, let me talk unless it bes such that you have to step in.You know how I can, with the truth manipte things.OK."


    "Fine sweetheart."With that he leaned over and kissed Anna, and through the ss the photographers snapped multiple photographs.

 Chapter 273: Du XuXus press conference

    <h4>273 Du XuXu''s press conference</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Outside the court house, during the hearing:


    At 10am, a car, shrouded in mystery pulled up right in front of the press pack waiting for the oue of the court case involving Hou Yi, Anna, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.All anyone in the press knew was that there was someone that needed to speak to the press about one of the parties involved.With the assistance of security out climbed Du XuXu and her media adviser.


    Once everyone was assembled, the Du XuXu, stood behind the media adviser who started to speak.


    "Members of the press.During the weekend I was approached to assist this woman, Miss Du XuXu, from City A.Her story has been suppressed by CEO Hou, for over eighteen months, because he has a narrative he wants to portray in the media."


    "Once I heard her story, I knew it was necessary that I stepped in to ensure her story and the truth cane out.Given her nerves, I have a statement that I will read our on her behalf.Afterwards, she will try and answer her questions.She is highly concerned for her safety, and it may be necessary for us to cut this short to allow her to leave the area before any harm befalls her."


    "Just over eighteen months ago my client was in a quietly conducted rtionship with CEO Hou Yi.My client was employed by a business in City A, and to protect that business we will not be naming it.My client was being ckmailed by a supervisor and confronted them.CEO Hou walked in towards the end of that confrontation and misunderstood the whole situation."


    "What CEO Hou apparently overheard was my client telling her supervisor that she was willing to betray CEO Hou.That was not want was being said, she utterly refused to do this.Before she could defend herself CEO Hou humiliated her through verbal abuse without giving her a chance to say anything."


    "My client was aware CEO Hou had a standing reservation at a particr hotel in City A.Given the rtionship the hotel staff hew her on sight.To gain some courage before confronting the man she believed that she would spend her life with, she had a few drinks, but she ended up drunk.The hotel staff simply took her to CEO Hou''s room and let her in."


    "Before she could speak to him CEO Hou physically assaulted her and then, possibly sexually assaulted her.The following morning when she awoke CEO Hou was gone and left a note stating he wanted nothing to do with her and if there were any consequences from their rtionship she should get rid of it"


    "My client found herself pregnant, and contacted CEO Hou.She was simply told to have an abortion.CEO Hou denied to her that he was responsible stating that at the time that the attack urred he was in the Hou Enterprises jet waiting to take off to head to Paris.My client refused to have an abortion and gave birth to a daughter, who has never seen her father."


    "My client, copsed mentally given the stress she was under a couple of months after he daughter was born, and ced into a sanatorium by her family to recover.Three weeks ago her child was taken, and not been seen.CEO Hou refuses to act to locate his daughter, return her to her mother and take any responsibility for his actions."


    "Thises from a man, that ims to want to protect and support victims of intimate partner violence.Where is the justice for my client and her child?"


    Looking up, she noticed movement inside the court building."Members of the press, I fear for the safety of my client that we only have time for a couple of questions, as CEO Hou will likely be out soon be out."


    The Adviser pointed to the reporter she had spoken to and worded up asked the agreed soft question "Miss Du, what are you wanting?"


    Quietly, and not looking directly at the press Du XuXu said "All I want is my child back, her to be acknowledge as CEO Hou''s daughter and heir.I also want him to pay for what he did to me."


    The reporter followed up immediately with the second question he had agreed to ask "And how do you want him to pay?"


    "He broke my heart with what he did.I was never allowed to exin what really happened, and that I was trying to help him.While I am not willing to say he raped me, he was angry and physically hurt me, when our daughter was conceived.Despite his breaking of his promise to marry me I do not want to ruin his marriage.All I want is justice for my daughter, who has been deprived of her father for her whole life, and impacted by my own mental health caused by the circumstances of her conception."


    The press adviser looked up and saw someone, who she presumed wasYang Lin moving past the door, which was the prearranged signal to leave.


    "Members of the press, I am seeing movement in the court building, which I fear might be CEO Hou.My client has made it clear to me that at this time she is not strong enough to confront CEO Hou, so we need to leave.As you know me, you know how to contact me, and should my client be willing we will talk further with you, but not for a few days."


    With that she hurried Du XuXu into the vehicle and they left the area, with a press pack ready to go after Hou Yi when he left the court.


    As the vehicle was leaving the media adviser, pulled out her mobile phone and sent a text message to CEO Lu as she could not message Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin.

 Chapter 274: Waiting for the press reaction

    <h4>274 Waiting for the press reaction</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    CEO Lu who was in the shadows received a text message that read ''Pass on Mission Aplished.Tell them it was my pleasure and hopefully we can repeat a few weeks ago again.''


    As soon as he read the message, he was d that he had someone he could use to manipte his son and daughter-inw in the future for their sexual activities.He was frustrated with their stupidity as it had ruined their chances for the short to medium term not only to destroy Hou Enterprises, but to ce Lu Corporation in the position as the premierpany in the city and one of the premierpanies in the country.


    At least they were thinking.Not targeting thepany, but Hou Yi directly which should undermine confidence in Hou Yi, which would make the independent board members get rid of him, opening up opportunities.


    The only problem would be shoring up that Hou Yi was still in City A at the relevant time.His stupid sonseeded on that asion in acting against Hou Yi, and manipted and drugged that stupid girl.At least he was able to get her to believe it was her distant cousin that was responsible for what happened, particrly given her infatuating with him.


    The question was timing.He and Hou Yi had both been at the same conference in Paris the following day.However his arrival time meant that he had to have left City A, about midnight to have arrived in Paris when he did.Hopefully he could not prove where he was during the relevant time otherwise this gambit would fail.


    He was grateful he had been able to sneak into the courthouse without the press pack noticing his arrival to await his son and daughter-inw to leave the court room.Would they be serving their sentences by home detention or in jail?In some respects he hoped his son was sent to jail as it would be a short sharp sentencing allowing his to work behind the scenes on the undermining of Hou Enterprises.Due to the nature of his departure, there would not be a direct connection to Lu Corporation, despite the family connection.


    He looked up, and noticed his son and daughter-inw leaving the court room.They spotted him and moved over to him.


    Lu Jinhu spoke "Dad, rather than the eight weeks jail they imposed sixteen weeks home detention."


    "Damn it son, I told you, the better option was to take jail, as you can do little for the next sixteen weeks to help me."


    "F**k it dad, I need to support my wife, and I have a n.I am going to study on-line toplete my MBA, and this means they will have to allow me inte ess for studying, and I will use an Australian University for this purpose.I can then underhandedly then ess people I need to.The benefit is that I tell the authorities I am going to make use of my time of home detention effectively."


    "Smart thinking.Now I have a message," and with that he carefully showed them the text message.


    "Dad, we have to wait to have the monitoring device fitted, but it means that we can watch the press show when those two exit the building.It does not really satisfy me, but some revenge against them is better than nothing at the moment.I can n a better revenge once I am done with my home detention and hiding it in the study notes means that they will not find it."


    Yang Lin, then decided that she needed to enter the conversation "Dad, remember that my term of home-detention is only eight weeks, which we already knew.No restrictions then apply to me outside the house, and I can do the background work so Lu Jihnu can act.It is not wasted time, and more importantly they will think that we have forgotten about acting against them."


    "Now shut up you two, we need to watch what is about to happen, as there is movement at the court room door.I will move back into the shadows, but you need to be more so that they can see you.We do not want them to know I am here.I will organise so that when you are ready to get out of here, I can slip you out without press attention."


    With that CEO Lu, slipped deeper into the court building, leaving Yang Lin and Lu Jinhu to observe what was about to happen.They watched the press pack and waited to hear the calls from the press as soon as the door was opened and Hou Yi and Anna exited, which they heard, grinning from ear to ear.

 Chapter 275: The Press Reaction - Part 1

    <h4>275 The Press Reaction - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    To allow them to safely exit the court building the bodyguards provided a barrier for Hou Yi and Anna.Once they were outside cameras were snapping and every member of the press was speaking so no one could actually be heard.


    Hou Yi pushed Anna''s wheelchair away from the entrance, to a space where the bodyguards createdrger space for them to address the press.Once they were organised, Anna called out "Ladies and gentleman of the press.We will make a brief statement and will take a few questions, before we need to leave.Please calm down and listen."


    That prompted the press to quieten down until there was silence.Anna thenmenced speaking"In rtion to what has happened in the court, we will only be making this statement.The Court has made a number of orders as to the penalties imposed on Mr and Madam Lu.They will in due course be releasing some information, including penalties and order of protection that was granted.We will not, personally, making further contact, and there will not be anyment from Hou Enterprises."


    "Additionally I am guessing that you all want to know how my recovery from my injuries is going.


    As I suffered a concussion from the events in the police station my treating medical team, are slowly increasing the time that I spend on crutches, and this will be reviewed weekly.Their intention is that I will be solely using the crutches to move before the cast is removed.They hope, but are not certain that I will have a walking case."


    "I am asking you to ensure that I have space while I am recovering from my injuries, as the concussion was serious, as a knock could end up causing more injuries.Finally, before anyone asks, the woman that has apanied my husband and I is my sister-inw who came from Australia upon hearing of the incident.She is a highly qualified Nurse, who can assist in my recovery.As she is here for a specific purpose, please do not talk to her.We will take a few questions, before we leave."


    Hou Yi pointed to press member "CEO Hou, we have been provided with a story from a Ms Du XuXu.She ims you had an intimate rtionship with her in City A, and during a night of unprotected sexual intercourse she fell pregnant after you had verbally abused her, and subsequently you have abandoned all responsibilities for her and your child, who has not disappeared.What do you say about this, and how do you justify that in light of your ims to want to protect and assist women with your charitable initiative?"


    Anna looked at Hou Yi, who shocked his head, and Anna knew he would answer that question."I do not know where you got that story."


    "Directly from the woman in question, so answer the question."


    "Gentleman, you have a mixture of fact and fiction.Du XuXu, is a distant rtive on my mothers side, who I met by chance while in City A on business.She introduced me to other rtives there.She and I were never in a rtionship, but given my frequent visits to the city I formed a rtionship with someone there.I am not going to reveal her name, to protect her now husband, but as my wife knows that rtionship ended quite badly."


    "Du XuXu was the person who assisted me in uncovering the actions of this woman,She found out that this woman was using me to get business for her lover, and was intending to try to get whatever she could our of the rtionship for her and her lover.Du XuXu, on the day that I ended the rtionship provided me with the evidence."


    "Given how I felt, I told Du XuXu I would catch up with her and her family on another trip, and headed to City A''s airport.I was hoping that my pilot could get an earlier departure slot to head to Paris for an Intentional Conference I was attending from the following day.We could not get an earlier slot, and so I remained on the ne until we left."


    "One important thing to know, was that Du XuXu and her parents, given our family connection, when I was not using a standing reservation in a particr City A hotel were authorised to the hotel staff to use the hotel room.I confirmed to the staff that I was not using the room that night."


    "Three days after I left City A, while still in Paris, I was contacted by other extended family members, whoid out her im, that I immediately denied."

 Chapter 276: The Press reaction - Part 2

    <h4>276 The Press reaction - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, contined ¡­


    "They were skeptical of the im, as they knew of my rtionship with the woman in City A, so with my help when checked what happened on the night in question.Through CCTV footage the hotel made avable, we could confirm the staff''s statements Du XuXu spent time drinking at the hotel bar, and given how drunk she was, was assisted to my reserved room and left it the following morning.


    "Someone in the shadows was seen entering the room fifteen minutes after Du XuXu was helped into it and departed the following morning about twenty minutes before she did.We could not determine who was the person who went into the room as they shielded they face, and knew where CCTV blind spots were."


    "She likely fell pregnant to whoever entered that room, but suffered a miscarriage at about the eighteen week mark.She continued to repeat her ims, so her family ensure that multiple DNA samples were taken from the fetus.A private DNA test was run that confirmed that I was not the father of the child."


    "However as a result of the miscarriage she suffered a quickly deteriorating mental health situation, and her family arranged for long-term care in a sanitarium.As she has been diagnosed with multiple serious mental health issues needing long-term inpatient treatment I help her family with the fees for the sanitarium."


    "Just after my marriage, I spoke to my distant rtives and advised them of my marriage.At that time the confirmed to me that Du XuXu''s mental health was still quite serious still requiring significant inpatient treatment, including still suffering the delusions that she had given birth of a child that had been stolen from her.She was still in the sanitarium when I spoke to them and they were happy for my marriage."


    "Du XuXu''s miscarriage and mental health deterioration was never made public, not to protect me but to protect her and her recovery.The business dealings in City A I had that she was involved in showed me that she would have a brilliant career in business, and I did not want to see that ruined, hence why we protected her.She was that good, as I told my father and grandfather that if she was a Hou family member she would have been the CEO of Hou Enterprises rather than myself."


    "Now I cannot believe that members of the press would simply react to a part story, portraying it as the truth without doing any research to back up allegations such as this.It is designed to portray that I am a phnder, what gives no care for my sexual partners.It is designed to try and damage my marriage, and cause further hurt to my wife.That I cannot take."


    Anna Interrupted "Gentleman, my husband has not hidden the truth about his rtionship in City A from me, and I knew a little of Du XuXu''s involvement of the ending of the rtionship.Given what I have been going through myself, I can understand his need to protect me from her own situation.


    More importantly he made a decision based on her interests now and in the future regarding her health, well being and career prospects."


    "And I must agree with him, as journalists your task is to find the truth and then present that to the public.Simply taking a story as the whole truth without investigating it, is poor journalistic standards.You appear to have skipped a step, and this makes me wonder are you journalists of simply hacks that spread rumours as if they are the truth."


    "I really hope that is not the case, as I recognise some of you from the press conference detailing our initiative, and you investigated the statements we made.You easily discovered the truth of my husband''s story, and a couple of you worked with Australia journalists and located friends of mire who verified their observations of what urred to me."


    "Madam Hou, but that is different."Called out one journalist


    "It is not.But if you want to verify the information, I know my husband will release all the information he has, including flight schedules, copies of the hotel footage he secured, and where it involves his distant rtives, with their cooperation the DNA test results, and Ms Du''s medical records that confirm her miscarriage.It will verify everything that my husband has said, and I will expect an apology from all of you."


    "Madam Hou, CEO Houhas not exined himself.He is just telling a story, and not addressed the question that was asked."


    "I have addressed the key point of the question that was the allegations.To make it absolutely clear for those who did not understand my exnation, I deny Ms Du''s allegations.I did not get her pregnant, nor did I make any promises to her of any nature, save and except as an extended family member I would support her as any family member would do to another."


    "When I heard she was pregnant, I worked with the members of my extended family, her immediate family, to ensure that, she had the best possible medical treatment given she had no idea who was the baby''s father.That is what family is about."


    "Now, if this is all that you are going to focus on, I need to ensure that I provide those responsible journalists, who do act properly, are given the information that I have in my control, and I will speak to Ms Du''s immediate family about releasing her medical information and the DNA Test results."


    With that and the assistance of the bodyguards Hou Yi and Anna moved to the car and it drove off.

 Chapter 277: What to Do? - Part 1

    <h4>277 What to Do? - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, from inside the courthouse were enjoying themselves watching how ufortable Hou Yi was having to deal with Du XuXu despite not being able to hear what was being said.The one thing that they observed that they were not liking was how much the witch was defending him, and how Hou Yi was looking down at her with pride and adoration.


    It was obvious to them that the press were disappointed that they could not fully confront Hou Yi, but there was at least some sess in that.Yang Lin turned to Lu Jinhu "I hope that drives a wedge between the two of them.They deserve it for what they have put us through."


    "Lin, it seems to have achieved something, I am guessing we will have to wait a few days to see what happens, but ¡­"


    Lu Jinhu noticed that an official wasing towards the,As he stopped in front of them he said "Mr and Mrs Lu, I need both of you to please apany me so I can attach your monitoring devices before you leave and exin some things."


    While they were disappointed they could not remain looking at the scene outside, they were realistic that they needed to cooperate with the prison authorities otherwise they would end up in jail.Once they were shown into a room they quickly had their ankle monitoring devices attached.


    "Mr and Madam Lu, I need to give you some information about the devices, and the restrictions, breaches of which are an automatic breach of your home detention requirements and will see you immediately sent to jail.Any attempt to remove or alter it will automatically trigger an rm which is a breach of your home detention requirements."


    "The device contains a GPS locator that monitors your location, sending us alerts as to where you are.If you are outside the allowed area, it will trigger an rm.We need to be advised of medical and other rted appointments, as we need to program their locations and the time needed for them into the system to prevent unnecessary rms."


    "For example, when you leave the court building, while it should take you one hour to get there, you will have seventy-five minutes, and if you are not at your home an rm will automatically trigger, breaching the home detention requirements."


    "This afternoon officials wille to your home for our review, and determination of the requirements for home detention that you must install and pay for.We will allow you to have newspapers delivered, and like mail it will be checked before being allowed toe inside."


    "We will pre-approve your immediate family for entry into your home however they will be limited to twice per week, we would suggest Wednesday and Saturday for Madam Lu''s family and Thursday and Sunday for your family Mr Lu.We will screen the household staff for reditation to enter the premises daily."


    "Any person, family, staff or a pre-arranged appointment at your home, will be required to submit to searches on their entry and exit to the property, and have to surrender their mobile phones and other devices while they are inside.All devices that can ess the inte, will be removed, and we will ensure that today your homeplies with the terms of your home detention."


    "Sir ¡­"


    "What Mr Lu?"


    "When I left Lu Corporation, I made inquiries about enrolling in post-graduate study, here and In Australia.I am three units short ofpleting an MBA, and have found somewhere I couldplete the remaining unitsst Monday in Australia and immediately enrolled.My father made contact with them over the weekend, and they advised that they can facilitate it while I am in jail or home detention as they do this in Australia frequently."


    "The only problem is the units are on-line meaning that I need inte ess to listen to lectures, participate in course discussion boards as it is required for ten percent of the course work, and research for the papers required.I am happy to confine my on-line time to when someone is watching me, but I figured it was something that could be facilitated.I have a contact number so that you can speak to someone to satisfy yourself what they do for prisoners in Australia."


    With that a telephone call was made to the Australia university and due to the discussions between the university and corrections, were able to satisfy themselves as to this being possible. within thirty minutes.Yang Lin was immediately delighted as it ensured that with the tablet that she had hidden she could ess the inte for part of the day making it easier to bring those two down..

 Chapter 278: What to Do? - Part 2

    <h4>278 What to Do? - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile, Hou Yi and Anna were sitting in the car, driving back to their apartment, having informed everyone at the Ancestral home that they would be backter.


    "Well, I think we can both guess who was behind what happened," said Hou Yi to breach the silence.


    "Those two have no shame."


    "True.The question is how did they get her here?Someone else had to be involved."


    Hou Yi paused for a few seconds "Actually, the person I actually feel sorry for his Du XuXu.When I first met her, she was just a secretary in apany I was doing business with.While notmon the surname Du is not an umon surname.That started to make question if she might be rted to my mother."


    "It took some time and work but we eventually determined that our Great, Great Grandfather''s were brothers.A distant connection, but a connection all the same.More importantly I got along with her and her family, who I met when we were trying to determine if there was a family connection."


    "I have very few Hou rtions, and generally have a fraught rtionship with members of the Feng family, all because of business, I wanted no desired a family connection that was separate and not impacted by everything here.In City A I found distant rtives who epted me for me, not whose son I was and the role I had."


    "Du XuXu and her parents, who by the way are Doctors, always knew that they had use of the suite that I had permanently reserved in City A, given the amount of business we were doing at the time there if I was away.They all used this regrly, particrly her father who worked at an inner city hotel, who used it to crash between shifts if he and little time to go home."


    "I also helped Du XuXu get a job that was better suited to her skills.This brought her into contact with me ex, who she was always suspicious of.The day that she alleges I assaulted her, we had a open discussion about what she had found out about my ex and what she was doing to me.She was ying me.We had a calm rational discussion, and despite feeling hurt, I did not lose my temper."


    "What made it worse was my ex was nning with the man that she really as involved with to take Hou Enterprises for a ride.While I would love to say who she is I have way too much respect for her husband, who is the Chief Government Official in City A.Saying anything about her, will impact him way too much and that is not what I want to do."


    Hou Yi paused "Hang on, I am starting to get side tracked a little.Getting back to the day in question finding out what I did, in part more hurt my pride than anything else, so as I was not in a good frame of mind I did everything to leave as soon as possible.I called the hotel and told them I would not be there so Du XuXu and her parents were free to use the room."


    "I am guessing that she did not know, and because of her drunken state, the hotel staff escorted her to my room that they knew she could use.As to who entered the room and is the likely father of the child she miscarried, I have no idea.As to me, I went to the airport and boarded the ne so we could leave as soon as there was a slot free.We could not depart until our scheduled slot though."


    "We have to find her, and try and help her."


    "We will, and I will contact her parents and get them toe here to help.You are right we need to find her as she need to be getting the treatment she needs."

 Chapter 279: Mid-week - Part 1

    <h4>279 Mid-week - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday


    Time flew and before Hou Yi and Anna knew it, it was Wednesday.Anna, luckily despite the cast had been able to spend significant time with her family, while Hou Yi was at the office.He was just grateful that Anna was distracted from what he had already set in motion.


    However Wednesday was different, as Anna has her firs post release check-up.Meanwhile, Du AnLing and Leng Xi, were taking Rosemary, Reba, Pippa and Hannah to some tourist markets, and Hou Jang arranged with some friends for the other children to havepany of their grandchildren.


    James went with Hou Yi and Anna to Hou Enterprises as it was closer to the hospital for Anna''s review appointment at 11:30am.Anna headed to the Legal Department to talk to Amanda Mei to make arrangements for Jodie to be her temporary assistant for a couple of weeks as she would unlikely be at work when Jodie arrived.As she left Hou Yi''s office he and James were passionately debating a project involving medical facilities development in Europe.


    As the door opened at the Legal department, the changes were massive.Hou Yi had listened to her, and had theyout changed.Amanda was waiting in the elevator for her.


    "Anna, how good to see you.What do you think of the changes."


    "It looks Amazing.When did it ur."


    "That husband of yours when he came in on the day after you were hurt, came down and told everyone that we would have a paid weeks leave, while there was a rearrangement urring to the flooryout.Those who had to be here, worked elsewhere within the building.We arrived in on Monday and found this."


    "All the qualifiedwyers have an office on the outside, and all legal assistants etc are in the middle area.There is an Law Library in one corner, a couple of meeting rooms, and a kitchen where we can have a break or even sit and eat lunch.There is only a couple of people who hate it, because it took away what they thought was there rights.Come on, I will show you to your office."


    Anna looked down an noticed a ring on Amanda''s finger."Yao Tan, did he propose?"


    "Not only that, but because of your husband''s promises ¡­"


    Anna squealed, and then quietly said "Madam Yao, a pleasure.When did you get your marriage certificate?"


    "Monday afternoon, and your husband gave me Monday afternoon and yesterday off."


    "That exins his secrecy on a phone call."


    As they carefully moved across the floor, Anna realised that they were heading to one of the corner offices.Amanda pulled out a key and opened the door saying "This is your office."As Anna looked around, she noticed on the bookshelf were all her Australian Books, and on her wall was her degree and other qualifications.Amanda, after she had taken it in "Anna, your husband made sure that this office was especially decorated for you."


    "It is amazing.Now, tell me why you did not invite me along on Monday?"


    "Tan called your husband, and apparently he said that you were extremely tired, so he proposed that we should catch up tonight of tomorrow for dinner, and I was going to tell you then."


    "So, work wise, what are you doing?"


    "Your husband and I have agreed that until Tan and I have children, and yes I am ignoring his teenage triplets here as they, with the staff can take care of themselves, I can work full time.Then when I am ready I can return to work part-time.You can guess that my parents are not impressed.They simply expect me to remain at home looking after the triplets.Tan''s parents have told them to grow up and realise that women do work even after marriage, and as Tan was OK with it there was no issue."


    "Actually Amanda, the reason that I am here is I have a favour to ask. When Yi and I were in Australia I made arrangements for my assistant there toe and work for me here as legal support and a personal assistant.She arrives in a fortnight or so, and I''m likely for her first few weeks to be in and out of here.When I am not here, can you help her settle in to Hou Enterprises and of course use her to help you."


    "Anna, you do not have to ask."


    Before they could continued to speak, there was a knock on the door, and three of the supervisors that Anna vaguely remembered from when it was revealed her identity as Madam Hou were there."Excuse us Madam Hou, we were wondering if we could speak to you?"

 Chapter 280: Mid Week - Part 2

    <h4>280 Mid Week - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued¡­


    Anna responded, quickly "What gentleman.I am only here for a little while to do a few things, so make it quick."


    "Madam Hou, tried to make our protests about the re-organisation of this floor like this.The Hou Legal Enterprises internal Legal Department has never been like this and it will not work.You have to convince your husband to change it back, and give people back their offices like they had."


    "Not a chance gentleman.I made some rmendations to my husband, who has apparently acted upon them, so trying to convince me to tell him I was wrong has no chance.You need to adapt to a new environment.Private legal firms, government legal offices and corporate legal offices that I have been in over the years all work on an open n system."


    "The closed off nature here is notonly about developing little personality cults and little empires, which does thepany no good.Results are better when people are able to coborate, share information as they can work together to achieve the goal of what is best for thepany.It will share knowledge, initially on this floor and then when upstairs isplete across both floors, developing betterwyers."


    "Madam Hou, you do not have any power, other than being CEO Hou''s wife.It has to change for the good of thepany.You need to go as you should not be working here."


    "Did you not realise I am a board member of thepany.I am doing what I am qualified for, and will continued to do so, subject to what is happening in my husband and my personal life.This now will be the one and only warning that you get from me.You need to change your attitude and give this a chance, as in the end everyone will win."


    "Give it a chance, and if you feel three monthster that it is not working and producing better results, we can speak about it ande up with a process that will deal with the concerns better."


    "Go, leave,"Amanda said butting into the conversation.


    "Miss Mei, you have no business in this conversation."


    "That is it gentlemen, get out of here before I arrange for my bodyguards to throw you out.There will be no little empire building here if I have anything to do with it.And by the way, apologise to Madam Yao immediately, you interrupted a private conversation we were having."


    One brave member of the group, spoke us "You cannot force us to apologise."


    "No I cannot."Turning to Amanda she asked "Do you know who this is?" and Amanda nodded, so Anna turned back "But I can request Human Resources review your position, and take it up with people more senior in thepany, other than my husband, so think about it."


    Very quickly the group, said "Apologise Madam Hou, Madam Yao," and scurried away.


    Amanda pulled out a chair, and Anna sat down, before Amanda said "Damn it Anna, you have some guts saying that to the three senior deputy department heads.And do you realise that they will only be doing it at the behest of the Department head, who works on the next floor, who I heard is so annoyed that he has been demanding a meeting with your husband all week to protest the rearrangement of this floor and his floor."


    "What will he do, I actually am not employed by Hou Enterprises, I am still employed by my firm in Australia, and convenience means that I am based here to do work for them for Hou Enterprises.And Yi, knows themercial value to thepany given current developments and business in Australia for me working here, as do the rest of the board."


    "You certainly know how to y things."


    "Well you know, it is no more Madam nice, I will go in hard and deal with stuff as needed.I will not be intimidated, and most importantly I have Yi''s support."


    "I would not do it."


    "Well you know your husband would happily have you working in hispany rather than here.The only reason that you are not there is that he will be working on your father.Now, I know you were finding out what I needed to do to be qualified to practice here as awyer, what have you found out?"

 Chapter 281: Mid Week Part 3

    <h4>281 Mid Week Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Amanda continued, "I have spoke to the localw association.Due to the fact that you are a qualifiedwyer in another jurisdiction, there is a course that you need to undertake.They run it in conjunction with the university and it supplements your existing knowledge from your degree and practice."


    "It is tailored to cover the gaps in your knowledge of thew here so that you have the same knowledge as someone that haspleted their degree here.The all you have to do is the same admission course as everyone else.All you have to do is sent to the localw association, the national legal education centre and the practice board your academic transcripts and details of what you have done in practice.They will then decide what you have to do."


    "Thanks Amanda.Before I was injured I received confirmation from the Law Society.The process is simr.Your qualifications are assessed, and depending on the assessment you may have to undertake further study to get you up to the required education level.Before you are admitted, you need to undertake a training course, which is online including twenty-five days supervised cement, before applying for admission and having awyer move it.I can do both those. "


    "While thew sets the supervision period, foreign qualified practitioners who have worked can apply for partial exemptions, but otherwise once you are admitted, you simply have to have your work supervised by a unrestricted practicing certificate holder, which I can do."


    "Can you email me the information, and I''ll get you the information for here."


    "Not a problem.Now about this dinner?"


    "Tan is speaking to your husband about that.And by the way, why to those idiots did you call me Madam Yao?"


    "Make them think about who you are married to."


    "Damn it Anna, I knew you had a willingness ti tease people but ¡­"


    "You cannot help think about my cleverness?"


    "I do not know."


    "Amanda, I am going to be a pain, I have a few things I really need to deal with, with Australia, and Yi told me that theputer on my desk is set to ess their systems."


    "Well here is your office key.I''m still getting sorted out myself, but pop in before you go.


    Anna stood up and got herself into her office, logging on to the desktop, and into ANX''s systems.She found dozens of emails to go through, and messaged Mr Williams, to let him know that she was going to try and do little bits of work, but where she was as a result of the injury.


    One email grabbed her attention, which was about drafting a support affidavit for a file, that came through earlier in the day.It asked, if it was possible.Anna, decided that she could give thar a go, so entered into the client''s electronic file and found the data.Anna became so engrossed in the task, that the next thing that she knew, Hou Yi and James were entering her office.


    "Anna,e on, we have 45 minutes to get to the hospital for your review appointment." Said Hou Yi.


    "You realise, she is engrossed in what she is doing and will ignore us until she is ready."


    "James, grow up." Laughed out Anna "Seriously you two, all I need is five minutes, to finish this and send an email, close down everything and lock up, so sit down or get out."


    Both sat on the chairs in the office, and four minutester, Anna, was manovouring herself onto her crutches, to leave and go to the hospital for a review appointment.


    Forty-five minuteter, they arrived at the Hospital, and as James was getting out of the car he said "Now Anna, I am in charge, and I am not going to take an argument.You have already been on your feet for too long, so get into the wheelchair.And you will either do it voluntarily, or your husband and I will put you in it."


    "Spoilsport.Fine, help me into it."

 Chapter 282: Mid Week Part 4

    <h4>282 Mid Week Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    With that James helped Anna into the wheelchair, and Hou Yi started to push Anna inside the hospital and James followed.They were met at reception and taken up to the VIP floor and shown into a waiting area to await the specialists.


    A hospital nurse came in to take Anna for various tests, and James interrupted, and made it clear that he would be apanying Anna for these tests.The nurse in shock, looked to Hou Yi.After thest time, all the nursing staff in the VIP area knew better than to argue with someone with CEO and Madam Hou, given how hard the hospital head hade down on them.


    "Can I ask who you are"


    "A nurse helping to care for ¡­"


    Before James could evenplete his reply the nurse interrupted him "That is fine Sir.If you would apany me.I will let you know that not everyone will speak English.Your sister''sprehension and grasp of ournguage is amazing, so I will try and help trante if needed."


    Hou Yi was left on his own, sitting waiting for Anna and James to return from the various tests, which they did an hourter.He upied his time, returning a number of calls, and working with Assistant Wang to make appointments not only to catch up on everything he had put off in thest two weeks, but to deal with Lu Corporation.Thetter wasing along very well.


    Hou Yi, however was surprised with general business matters how understanding people had been, and even the contact he had with them before now that how soon he was getting back to business.He was presently surprised that the chairman and CEO of the Japanesepany he was negotiating a deal with agreed to travel to continue discussion, and others agreed to conference calls, despite their previous insistence that he had to travel to them in person.


    As Anna came in she made sure the chair was right beside Hou Yi, and she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.


    "How did everything go?"


    "The amount of scans and tests is already leaving me drained."


    "James?"


    "From what I was allowed to observe with the xrays, the break appears to be mending well, quicker than I would have expected for a break two weeks ago.As I have not seen the originals of the other scans, I cannot tell is there is an improvement."


    Just as James finished speaking Dr Lang walked in."CEO and Madam Hou, thank you foring in, and this is ¡­"


    "Dr, my name is James Jones, I am Anna''s brother and I am Registered Nurse in Australia.I am in the final weeks of my undergraduate degree which is cement, and my university has agreed ining over to help care for my sister, I can meet some of my cement requirements."


    "Mr Jones, a pleasure.Now, as each of the scans and other tests were done they were sent through to the various specialists, and they have quickly sent through their reports.Madam Hou, the break in your leg has healed much more than we would have expected.The orthopedic team, have decided that we will remove that cast and ce a lighter cast on, but until we tell you otherwise you are still not allowed to weight bare on it."


    "That decision will be re-assessed next week, but the lighter cast is to make it easier for you to spend more time on crutches.Today we want you using the crutches for at least 3 hours today, and by the time you are back next week for at least 6 hours."


    He then turned to James "Mr Jones, there is some rehabilitation work that the Orthopedic team want your sister to do.I will give that to you so you can make sure that she starts that.The Brain scans show nothing that causes and additional concerns but we will monitor that for a few month, as the initial view was the concussion suffered was significant."


    Dr Lang paused, "Mr Jones, I understand your background, but thest part that I have to say, I am guessing your sister and brother-inw will not want you to here, given the location of some of the injuries."


    James had a nk look for a few seconds, then he realised that part of Anna''s injuries must have been in her stomach area, so it was obvious what the Doctor wanted them to talk about."That is fine. "James exited the room, and stood outside with the bodyguards, waiting until they had finished.

 Chapter 283: Mid Week Part 5

    <h4>283 Mid Week Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Dr Lang continued after James left, "Apologies, I did not think that you would want to talk about thest series of tests.Your brother realised what we were hinting at Madam Hou.We were checking your reproductive system.The number and location of the blows to your abdomen are such we are worried about long term damage.Presently the tests show no issues, but you will have to be monitored for years, particrly if you have difficultly in conceiving in the future."


    "I have some discussions with you CEO Hou, now I need to discuss this with both of you.Until the castes off Madam Hou''s leg, the rmendation is that you will have to abstain from s*xual intercourse.We cannot enforce that, but it is a strong rmendation, simply to allow your body to heal Madam Hou."


    At that exact moment, the discussion was interrupted by a alert on theputer, which Dr Lang opened and read."We were awaiting blood test results.Some will note back for a day or two, but the one that hase back, means that we will need be somewhat careful."


    "What are you meaning?"


    "Before you leave, we need to take a couple of more blood samples, and undertake another ultrasound, as we have to check something."


    "Doctor, what is going on with my wife?"


    "CEO Hou, Madam Hou, one blood test result that hase back indicates you may be pregnant Madam Hou.It would be in the early stages.We need to take another sample and perform an ultrasound to see if we can any early signs of a fetus.It all may be inconclusive if it is early.Until we have confirmation either way, not only will we continue to perform blood tests, but will proceed carefully until we have the confirmation."


    "That takes me back to my previous point, it now is doubly important that you do not have s*xual intercourse, as there will be even more risks to the pregnancy.Also, at about 10 weeks, if it is true, we will need to start doing tests, some of which are normal in a pregnancy to screen for gic conditions, but also to further screen that the assault did not impact the fetus''s development."


    Hou Yi and Anna looked at each other, in shock.The possibility of a child, who could only have been conceived on the night before or the day of the assault, and survived.


    Dr Lang realised the look on both their faces."Do not get ahead of yourselves, we may be a couple of weeks until we have a confirmation either way."He then stood up, and opened the door, inviting James back in, and quietly arranged for him to return with Anna for a couple of more tests.


    Dr Lang turned back to CEO Hou "Your wife will have further blood tests, a urine test and a Ultrasound focusing on here uterus area to see if we can get an answer.We may not have results until tomorrow, and they may not be conclusive, but as soon as they are in I will let you both know.They will take at least 20 minutes and I will arrange for radiology to direct them to your car."


    With that Dr Lang, left the room, and Hou Yi''s mobile rang.He answered the phone, noticing that the call was from Yao Tan "What do you want Tan?"


    "Yi, settle down, what are you and your wife doing tonight?"


    "Why?"


    "Well I need to organise a dinner with you, I have something to tell you.I know your wife knows, but tell her to keep the secret, and I will tell you."


    "We were having dinner with the family, and then staying at the Ancestral house.We Should be able to change that.Where is dinner then?"


    "My apartment, say 7pm."


    "Tan, I need to confirm and when I do I will let you know.It should not be an issue."


    "Yi, what is going on?"


    "We are at the hospital for tests, following up ¡­"


    "OK I get it, you need to be avable.See you then."


    With that Yao Tan ended the call, and Hou Yi wondered what was going on.


    Hou Yi headed down towards the foyer, and he received a message that Anna was finishing off the tests.The bodyguard arranged for the car to be brought up and as it pulled up Anna and James into the foyer.They headed back to the Ancestral Home and on their return Anna headed toy down.After speaking to his mother Hou Yi conformed tea with Yao Tan, and worked from the Study until waking Anna at 5pm, for their dinner appointment.

 Chapter 284: The news

    <h4>284 The news</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    As Hou Yi woke Anna with a Kiss Du AnLing without knocking burst into the room."Mother!" yelled Hou Yi."Do you not understand respecting boundaries?"


    "Well darling ¡­" dragged out Du AnLing."I would have, but you left your mobile in the lounge, and that rapscillian friend of yours Yao Tan rang.I do not know why his parents gave up running theirpany and left it in his hands."


    "Mother, he is a respected businessman so ¡­"


    "Yi, his parents are good friends and I know all about his issues, and how he raised the triplets.Despite having them, you two in yourst year of high school, he lead you into some much trouble.Forget about it.He was querying if you two were going for dinner tonight.I told him you would be there by 7:30pm."She walked over and handed him his phone "and here is your mobile."


    As soon as Du AnLing had handed him, his mobile, it started ringing, so he answered it "Hou Yi speaking."


    On the other end of the phone was "Dr Lang here."


    "Just a moment."With that he turned to Du AnLing "Mother, I need to take this call in private."


    "Find, I will go.I have the car ready for you at 6:30pm"With that she turned and left the bedroom.Hou Yi then put the phone on speaker."Dr Lang, we are both here,Do you have some news?"


    "CEO and Madam Hou, Congrattions we have a concrete result, you are pregnant Madam Hou.our estimate is two or three weeks, as we could only find small signs in the ultrasound,but nothing to otherwise rm us.It appears to be pure luck you did not miscarry as a result of the assault.I will arrange for medication you need to start taking Madam Hou."


    "Now for some things that you cannot do.No s*xual intercourse until we give you the OK.No alcohol or caffeine, de-caffeinated Coffee and tea is OK.Plenty of fruit and vegetables, no raw meats, they need to be cooked.I am guessing as your sister is a trained midwife, she can go through all the does and don''ts with pregnancy.We will go through multiple things when youe in, in a week, but if there is any questions please do not hesitate to ask."


    "Thank you, Dr Lang."


    Hou Yi ended the call, and he and Anna simply stared at each other, for a few seconds before looking away.


    Hou Yi, stunned, could not believe their luck.His darling survived the assault along with their child that was conceived during the most amazing night and morning of his life.A child he hoped his wife wanted with all his life.He knew it would be her decision to keep it or not, but how much he wanted her to keep it.Looking at her, he wanted to tell her what was in his heart so much, but he knew that despite everything that they had been though, Anna would not except the truth.


    He recalled Phillipa''s words.what happened had to be Anna''s choice.She needed the control that the b**tard Lu Jinhu had denied her in their rtionship or she would end up rejecting their rtionship.He wanted to share the joy with her, and make sure that everything was perfect in their rtionship.Yes, given everything he knew there was a connection, but he had no idea what Anna wanted.


    Anna, likewise was stunned.When she looked at Hou Yi. she could see the delight at the news of her pregnancy in his eyes.There was something else there but that she was uncertain of.It was almost if he wanted to say something, but was hesitant to say anything.Anna wanted some sign of his delight at the news of her pregnancy, as she really wanted to tell him about how she felt.


    She was as certain of her feelings as she was two weeks earlier.She loved him, and knew that this was more than a passing thing.He was the person that she wanted to spend her life with, and raise children with, and at this moment she wanted to tell him so much.By pure luck she was pregnant, from their one and only time they had spent together.


    In some respect she wished that it had been more than that one time, before she fell pregnant, however, she knew at least on her part that the child she was carrying was conceived in love, not lust, and was wanted always.She knew that he cared for her deeply, but did he love her?That she did not know, and with everything she was not willing to risk any rejection.


    "Anna, let me help you with getting ready, as we we are joining Yao Tan and Amanda for dinner.A car is arranged for 6:30pm.We can talkter?"


    "OK.Do you know why they wanted to have tea?"Anna paused, and Hou Yi realised that he was being teased.


    "Come on you are trying to distract me.Do not let you being pregnant as being an excuse for being slow."With that heughed, but helped her off the bed and into the bathroom to get ready for their dinner.


    For Anna her doubts as they got ready drifted away, but she still was uncertain as to whether she should confess how she felt to Hou Yi.

 Chapter 285: The Dinner

    <h4>285 The Dinner</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    On leaving the Ancestral home Hou Yi waspletely distracted by his thoughts from the news they received ny minutes previously.They were given the amazing news that his wife, the love of his life, was pregnant.There was something making him hold back to tell Anna exactly how he felt.He almost convinced himself in their long shower, and the passion that had exploded that she was as in love with him as he was in with her but he wanted some other sign, not in the period of where they let their passion explode, to confess his feelings for her.


    Anna on leaving she realised how protective Hou Yi was being in carefully helping her into the car.She was hopeful though, it was more than just protecting their unborn child, as in the long run that would make her marriage even worse that what her rtionship with Lu Jinhu ever was.


    Soon after leaving the Ancestral home, Anna tilted her head over resting it on Hou Yi''s shoulder and drifted off to sleep.Hou Yi when they reached Yao Tan''s apartment woke Anna up, and then helped her out of the car and onto her crutches.As they arrived, an elevator behind the security desk opened and out walked Yao Tan and Amanda Mei.


    While Hou Yi had gave Amanda on her request Monday afternoon and Tuesday off, he was still surprised the two of them walked out hand in hand, with a smile on their faces.While he always knew how Tan felt about Amanda he wondered what was really going on.


    Anna however was not surprised seeing the two of them.They were escorted through security and apanied Tan and Amanda up to Tan''s apartment.Hou Yi given the times he had been there escorted Anna into the lounge area and settled her onto the couch.He noticed how quiet the apartment was, and wondered where the triplets were.


    Tan noticed the look, and said "The triplets are in their rooms, but I had to bribe them.Champagne?"


    Hou Yi knew based on Dr Lang''s advice was Anna could not drink alcohol, so he opted not to drink as well.He turned to Tan, and said "Apologies Anna was advised not to drink Alcohol at present, so could you arrange something non-alcoholic for her, and I will have the same."


    Anna, could not help smiling to herself, Hou Yi had made it easier for her to not drink alcohol without anyone working out what was happening.She knew how sharp Amanda was and suspected that she and Yao Tan would figure out eventually what was happening, but hopefully it would take some time.


    Yao Tan, however simply signaled to a staff member and turned to her and asked "Anna, what would you like to drink?"


    "Apple or Orange Juice, if you have it or otherwise sparkling water.Yi?"


    "Any of those is fine?"


    A few minutester, the staff member walked out with a carafe of what looked like Orange Juice and a couple of bottles of sparkling water.


    Hou Yi, determined that Yao Tan and Amanda Mei were stalling.Amanda poured the Orange Juice for Anna and Hou Yi while Yao Tan opened the champagne, and poured two sses for him and Amanda.As soon as that was done Hou Yi said "Come on you two, you are stalling.Tell me what is going on."


    Annaughed beside him, and he turned to her, with a look that he would like to shut her up.Anna leaned over and whispered "You would not hurt the mother of your unborn child would you?"


    Hou Yi knew that Anna had him "Anna ¡­"


    "Well you know you cannot do anything."She leaned over and kissed him.As she pulled away, she looked over the coffee table "Please stop teasing him, and confirm what he suspects."


    "Fine, but something is going on with you two, so you have to tell," promptly responded Amanda.


    "Not at the moment, we will say something when we can, now tell you two."


    Yan Tan decided he had to tell "Yi, remember the conversation we had Sunday ¡­"


    "Yes"


    "Well I took you at your word, and I have to apologies on Amanda hitting you up for leave Monday Afternoon and yesterday, but we went to the Civil Administration Bureau, and ¡­"


    "Got your marriage certificate.Damn it Tan, you should have called, we would havee."


    "Like you did.Our parents where there."


    "A toast to the new bride and groom."


    Soon afterwards they were called into the dining room for dinner.It was not until 10:30pm that Hou Yi and Anna left to return back to the Ancestral home.

 Chapter 286: Getting Advice

    <h4>286 Getting Advice</h4>


    Thursday Morning


    As it was around midnight before Anna was settled into bed, Hou Yi eased himself out of bed and quietly got ready.He noticed as he was about to leave the suite Anna was still asleep so he gave her a gentle kiss, not waking her, before heading to the breakfast room, where he was greeted by all of Anna''s family, and his parents.


    Immediately his mother said "Where is Anna?"


    "She is still asleep, as we did not get back until around midnight.I have to be in the office all day, and I figured she could sleep as long as she needs.So I can finalise everything for the Hong Kong trip, what time do you want to depart?You have tickets for Ocean Park on Saturday, and Disnend on Sunday.Friday night you stay at the Marriott and Saturday at the Disnend Hotel, with a room to use all day before you leave.The flight back iste Sunday.The doctor told me Anna cannot fly, and I have wall to wall meetings today and tomorrow.It does not worry us about not going, and we want you to have fun."


    Rosemary responded "But we are here for Anna."


    "Rosemary, Anna and I have spoken and we want everyone to go and have fun.We can do this again in the future with everyone."


    Du AnLing spoke "Well lets go early, so that we can hit markets and the like during the day and then have dinner on Victoria Peak Friday night, before Ocean Park."


    "Thank you mother.I will arrange one of the jets to be avable for a 9am departure.That will mean, you need to get away from here by 7:30am, and guides avable to escort you around Hong Kong tomorrow."


    Hou Yi''s grandfather interrupted before Hou Yi could say anything "Your grandmother, myself, parents and Aunt all are going, grandson.We all worked out we need to know what is there so that when you and Anna have children we have ideas what is around so we know what we can do with them and spoil them.It has been fun with so far this week, as we have learnt how much is around already here."


    "Fine, Assistant Wang earlier in the week made a series of bookings, I''ll have him confirm everything."


    Hou Yi raced through breakfast, while everyone else was having a leisurely meal.As he stood to leave he said "Rosemary, could I have a quiet word"


    Rosemary followed Hou Yi out into the lounge room "I need your promise that you will not say anything of what I am about to say to anyone, can you do that?"


    "Yi you are scaring me, but I will give you that promise."


    "We found out yesterday afternoonte, Anna is pregnant.The doctor said, as you are a qualified midwife you could tell us what we need to do and cannot do, and what Anna can and cannot eat.Can you let Anna know, and write it down for me."


    "Yi, and you expect me not to tell the family."


    "Rosemary, they think she is 2-3 weeks pregnant which is why the fetus survived the attack, and ¡­"


    "I know, in the first trimester there can be lots of problems so you do not want to get hopes up."


    "Plus they are not certain if the baby was not severely hurt from the assault, so we have that added concern."


    "OK, I can get that, but you have to promise me as soon as you get the OK that I can tell everyone, and more importantly I will be here for the birth and I am going to be her midwife."


    "Only if she wants it."


    "Now get going, I will see to Anna and have that talk.Do not worry."


    As he left the Ancestral Home Hou Yi telephoned Assistant Wang with the final arrangements for the weekend he needed to make, and to call onepany jet back from Europe in case it was needed over the weekend, and to send an email to apologise to the European executives for this.The one thing he could not really tell anyone is that the short hall jets were being used to help ferry otherpany executives for meetings about dealing with Lu Corporation


    Rosemary sat in a chair beside Anna waiting for her to wake.Once she had Anna in the shower, she turned and said "Yi told me, so congrattions sister.Once we have done your rehabilitation exercises, the midwife here will sit with you and talk quietly about the does and don''t''s with your pregnancy."


    Once Anna was ready, she and Rosemary followed Rosemary''s n before joining everyone else.

 Chapter 287: Hurry up weekend - Part 1

    <h4>287 Hurry up weekend - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    Hou Yi''s rm went off at 6:30am, as both of them had decided that they wanted to be up to send everyone off on their trip to Hong Kong for their get away.They knew that they could not dy themselves in the shower, so they quickly showered and changed before heading to the breakfast room.


    On arrival they saw a number of bleary eyed children, who were grumbling about having to get up early.Anna, knew them and said firmly "Come here everyone, now.Do not make me repeat myself."Anna, turned herself in her chair, and all the children came to Her.


    "Thank you.Now I know you all hate getting upte on holidays.Uncle Yi and I have organised something special.You have a couple of days away in Hong Kong with Uncle Yi''s parents, his Aunt and Grandparents.All of them want to go with you and have some fun.Today, there are a couple of tourist guides, one who will take those who want to go shopping, shopping, and the other that will take people to see some various tourist sites."


    "Tomorrow you will spend the day at Ocean Park, which when I looked on-line about it has a lot of thrill rides, and various animal disys, so that should keep everyone happy.You are staying at a hotel right next door.You then move to another hotel for Sunday, which is ...


    "Disnend" squealed Pippa and Hannah.


    "Absolutely.You are staying at a hotel there Saturday night.And a special treat tonight you are having dinner at a restaurant that allows you to look at Hong Kong at night.So for Hannah and Pippa that means before youe back with your dance school you will know the best rides.Now promise Uncle Yi and me, no arguing."


    With that there was a nod of heads from the excited children, who quickly ate their breakfasts before running back to their rooms to finish getting ready.


    Rosemary and Reba looked at Anna "Aunty Anna strikes again."Anna simply smirked.


    Reba continued "And I pity when you two have a child, they will be so manipted bu their mother to do what she wants."


    Hou Yi, Anna and Rosemary all looked at each other with thatment, biting their tongues not to say anything.


    Hou Yi looked at his watch and noticed that it was 7:20am."I guess that you will have to get moving, as the flight is due to leave at 9am.We will see you when you get back"


    When they had seen everyone off Hou Yi turned to Anna, and asked "What do you want to do?Stay here on your own, ore into the office?As everyone else is away, I need you at the board meeting at 3pm as you are a board member.You can sty here,e and sit in my office or go and work in your office, your choice?"


    "I''lle in.I am not sure what I will do.I can make my mind up when I get there."


    "OK, let me get you in the car, and what do you need from inside?"


    "Just my handbag.Grab myptop as well.I know I will not need it, but I want it with me."


    Hou Yi, rather than sending one of the staff into their room went himself and collected the items along with his briefcase, before returning back to the car for the drive in.On the drive he busied himself with reading various papers, and asionally Anna grabbed one of them to read herself.


    As they arrived Hou Yi put the papers back in his brief case, and handed his briefcase, Anna''s handbag andptop case to one of the bodyguards.He helped her out of the car and onto her crutches."Where did you want to go?''


    "What is on the board meeting agenda?"


    "Approval of a few contracts, and aint from the head of legal services."


    "OK that tells me where I need to be.Three supervisors who are connected with him were winging to Amanda and I on Wednesday.I think I better go back there, at least for the morning.I''lle up, say about 1pm, and stay then, if that is OK."


    "Not a problem."


    As they entered the building, staff members who saw Anna, started to p and call out "Wee Back Madam Hou", but respectfully they gave her plenty of room.Hou Yi apanied Anna to the floor where her office was located, and went with her in, gave her a kiss goodbye, and said "Message or call me if you need anything.See you at 1pm."

 Chapter 288: Hurry Up Weekend - part 2

    <h4>288 Hurry Up Weekend - part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    As Hou Yi left four bodyguards stationed themselves outside Anna''s office, watching and protecting Madam Hou.They all knew that the only person to get easy ess is was Madam Yao, who stuck her head in to great Anna, but otherwise left her as she was engrossed in her work.She interrupted Anna at 11am, for the Friday Morning Tea, which Anna decided she better attend.


    Unlike Anna who did not think she she arrived, one of the bodyguards brought in her wheelchair for her to use while at the morning tea, so she could protect her leg.The morning tea was filled with discussions about the new workspace arrangements.While it felt strange, it was generally agreed that the coborative approach it allowed made doing the work so much easier, and this would be better when upstairs was opened up to here over the weekend.


    After the morning tea, Anna finished the remote work she had been doing for ANX finishing as her mobile rm alerted her to it being 12.45pm and packed up.As she was leaving stooped to speak to Amanda, who said "See you at the board meeting."


    "What?" came Anna''s reply.


    "Tan is the Hou Enterprises Board independent member.There are thirteen board members, you Hou Yi, your parents and grandparents -inw along with six staff members, the Vice-CEO, the Heads of Finance, Legal, nning, International Development and National Development.Tan has a meeting so cannot be present and has given his proxy and voting instructions to me.Thepany charter means he cannot nominate any board member as proxy, so hence I am going."


    "See you at the meeting then."


    Anna, then went upstairs to Hou Yi''s office, and Assistant Wang immediately opened the door saying "Excuse me, CEO Hou your wife has arrived."


    "Show her in."


    With that one of the bodyguards wheeled Anna in on her chair, leaving her crutches, handbag andptop on the couch.As soon as Hou Yi came over the bodyguards left and went outside, shutting the door.As they were sitting at the table having lunch, Hou Yi wheeled her over, and said "Gentleman, this is my wife Anna.Anna these gentleman are one of the local partners here on the Sunrise project in Australia, from Tang Corp."


    "Is there a problem?"


    "Yes."


    "Yi, can you grab myptop then please."


    "CEO Hou, ther is no problem with your wife joining us, we have to discuss those legal technicalities we mentioned, and your Australian Lawyers have not provided us a response.We thought we would be having a teleconference with Mr Williams.."


    That infuriated Anna, she was simply being dismissed as inconsequential "Gentleman, do you not think a woman can help you."


    "Madam Hou, there are some capable women, but Mr Williams is the legal adviser on this project."


    "I know he is, but ¡­"


    Hou Yi could see Anna was about to explode and interrupted "Gentleman my wife has worked for ANX Lawyers for over five years, and is still employed, on a part-time basis by them.I suspect she has the information we need."


    "Apologies Madam Hou, we did not know."


    "Not a problem.I have spent three hours reviewing documentation sent through.However, less enjoy lunch before getting down to business."


    Twenty minutester, lunch had been finished, and the catering staff hade in and removed all signs of their meal.As the door closed, Anna spoke."Gentleman, I am sorry, but I need to sit on the couch with my leg out at the moment, as it is getting ufortable here.I know it will be inconvenient for you ¡­"


    "Madam Hou, no need to apologise, we were rude before, and spoke out of turn.We are surprised that you are even here, but can only be thankful that you havee in.We can work to amodate you."


    With that Hou Yi wheeled Anna over to the couch and settled her there before returning and gathering herptop and the papers.Twenty minutester, Anna had gone through the current legal matters on the Sunrise development, and all three gentleman from Tang Corp were happy.


    The one that seemed to led spoke "Madam Hou, we had been expecting a long drawn out meeting to go over those matters.Thank you for keeping it short.We have other independent matters ANX deals with in Australia.We may ask Mr Williams, where necessary you deal with them here, as it is time consuming sending executives to Australia."


    "Gentleman, if it can be arranged.But for a few months I am restricted due to my injuries.Email him and I will talk to him about what I can do."


    "Thank You Madam Hou."With that they left.

 Chapter 289: Hurry Up weekend - Part 3

    <h4>289 Hurry Up weekend - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    As the door closed, all Hou Yi could say was "Thank god Anna, those three were the most boring of the meeting I have had to have in thest two days.They are so sanctimonious and make an issue of every little point.You charmed them in less than an hour.That was the best meeting on this development I have had with them.Let me tell you, you are going to help me deal with them in the future."


    The problem was that the meeting was not solely about the Australian development.The worst part of the meeting was the final convincing them of need to be involved in the boycott of Lu Corporation.They were reluctant to be involved in the public press-conference about the boycott.It was only fifteen minutes before Anna arrived that they agreed but with the agreement that they would consider them for involvement in future projects."


    "Fine Yi.But remember I am recovering, and I am pregnant, so ¡­"


    "Anna, ckmailer.You know I would not ask you to do anything that you are notfortable with."


    "Do you have any more meetings?"


    "Actually no.I wanted to leave the bnce of the afternoon before the board meeting to consider the summaries on what is to be voted on."


    With that Hou YI and Anna sat reading various documents about the matters to go before the board, until 2:50pm, when Hou YI helped Anna back into the wheelchair feeling that this was the safest way for her to enter the board room.


    One everyone was seated, Anna saw that Uncle Feng was here, but the other 5 men she did not know.Right on 3pm, Amanda ran into the boardroom saying, "Apologise CEO Hou, Madam Hou, Vice-CEO Ji, gentleman for beingte.I have given a copy and have the original of my proxy nomination today to attend on CEO Yao''s behalf as the independent board member."


    "Miss Mei, you did not ask permission to leave the legal department.I do not care if you have a proxy vote, you need to get back there, as you do not have permission to leave the department."Spoke one gentleman.


    Hou Yi leaned over and said "That is the head of the legal department, Su Yang"


    Anna immediately spoke "Director Su, we have not had the pleasure to meet.Madam Yao told me she had her husband''s proxy vote earlier today as he had othermitments, and I advised my husband that she would be attending.Do you want to argue over who has the authority to excuse staff from their areas to attend a meeting such as this?"


    "Madam Hou, there is a process, and Miss Mei, did not follow it."


    "Director Su, I have already this week put up with three supervisors, who I believe were acting at your direction interrupting a conversation about matters I was having with Madam Yao and being quite rude about it.And do not say that I need to respect them, respect is earned not demanded to be given."


    "You work in the department, and you are required to respect those senior to you in the organisation.I was told that you were abusive and aggressive to them."


    Anna was prepared for this, Director Su, from what Amanda had told her, thought he controlled everything."Director Su, I was not, but I am not going to argue over the situation, because you will only believe them, but I can produce footage if you need it of what happened."


    "My supervisors tell the truth."


    Anna noticed Hou Yi was getting highly angry beside her, so she decided that she was going to hit this on the head quickly."Director Su, we will simply have to agree to disagree about what happened."


    "But you owe them respect and an apology."


    That was it for Anna "Director Su, I am a director of thispany like you, so they owe me the same amount of respect as they owe you.But you forget, I am the wife of the CEO and a shareholder, now do you want to try and argue with me over who has the higher position in thispany."


    Hou Yi noticed how quickly Anna had shut Director Su down, he loved to argue, and unless he won the argument meetings would simply drag on and on.They way that the family, and Uncle Feng dealt with him generally at the meetings was to let him win the argument before the vote.

 Chapter 290: Hurry Up Weekend - Part 4

    <h4>290 Hurry Up Weekend - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Anna however noticed how annoyed that he was with her, and decided that she would crush him now, to ensure that he was not going to be a long-term problem for her and Amanda.Damn him and hisck of respect.


    Before he uttered anything Anna continued, in a quiet, but what Hou Yi knew was a deadly voice "Director Su, you will listen to me.Before we get into an argument about Madam Yao, she is the wife of the independent director of thepany''s board.He has legitimately appointed her has his proxy for today''s meeting."


    "And before you start to argue further, remember that thepany her husband is CEO of, XF International coborates with Hou Enterprises on multiple projects both domestically and internationally.If you want to damage thepany, insult and belittle CEO Yao''s wife, and I can tell you now, I know thepany charter, I will see you removed as the head of the legal department and a new head appointed.That immediately will cease your roll on the board."


    "I will tell you once, Madam Yao is staying for this board meeting, having a legitimate appointment as a proxy.You know if procedure is followed for general board meetings, there is nothing you can do to stop the proxy from attending.Now, you will here address her by her title, Madam Yao, not Miss Mei."After a two second pause Anna continued "And if her marriage does not worry you, generally annoying her could have the same consequence, as her father is the Vice-CEO of XF International."


    Director Su, listening to Anna, realised that he could not say anything.She was nothing like what his subordinates had told him.They promised she was intimidated enough that she would vote with him.Damn it, his current n to take control of Hou Enterprises, relied on this.He had the internal directors except Ji Feng intimidated enough that they always voted with him.


    CEO Yao, despite his known friendship with Hou Yi, always acted as an independent director and weighed up actions.Having Madam Hou on side would be enough to convince him to vote to remove Hou Yi as CEO of Hou Enterprises and Ji Feng as Vice-CEO to install himself as CEO.He had nned to move at the next board meeting as Ji Feng had to give his proxy to another internal board member, which would have guaranteed victory for him.


    Hou Yi knew he needed to immediately regain control of the meeting."Gentleman, Madam Yao, Anna, wee to the board meeting for Hou Enterprises.This meeting, as you know was to have urred a fortnight ago to formally confirm the Company Charter requirement that upon our marriage appointed her has a director."


    "So as to prevent anyone in the future questioning this, thepany charter indicates that a maximum of three generations of the Hou Family can own shares, and six family members, including spouses, are to be board members.The effect of the provisions of the Charter is such that until I married my Aunt was deemed to be the sixth director.On my marriage, the charter immediately appointed my wife as a director."


    "The original meeting to formally confirm the effect of the charter, was simply dyed due to the assault on my wife that hospitalised her.Now for those who are unaware, my wife is a qualified Australian Lawyer, and with Madam Yao to be a qualifiedwyer here.In Australia she worked for ANX Lawyers, who are our Australian Legal Firm, and corporatew experience.She is well and truly qualified to be a member of this board.Can I please have confirmation from the board of thepany charter''s effect."


    Ji Feng, and Amanda Yao immediately put up there hands, Hou Yi also put up his hand, and said, "I am also voting as proxy for both my parents and grandparents.", which reached 6 votes.The finance director, who had been ashamed that a corporate spy had been in his department, decided to vote against the rest of the internal board members, to give an absolute majority, and put up his hand.As soon as everyone else seen that there was no doubts on the majority, they also put up their hands, but Hou Yi could tell that it was a reluctance on most of their behalf, specially Director Su.

 Chapter 291: Hurry Up weekend - Part 5

    <h4>291 Hurry Up weekend - Part 5</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "Gentleman, we are not going to have this argument.Madam Yao is the wife of CEO Yao Tan of XF International as well as being the daughter of its Vice-CEO.More importantly as Director Su indicated she works in the legal department, and has done so for a number of years."


    "In my view, is that she is a person who can quiet legitimately hold the proxy for her husband.As I am the chairman of this meeting, my decision in rtion to who can hold the proxy for absent board members if the only view that can counts.Now we need to get down to the business of this meeting."


    With that the quickly moved through all the agenda items, until thest item.


    "Director Su, I have deliberately left the final item on the agenda to now.It was ced on the agenda at your insistence.In my view this is not a matter for discussion at the board meeting, but to be fair I will provide you with the opportunity to justify to the board why you deem the matter of reorganisation of space within a department to be a matter that needs to be discussed.Those matters have always been in the discretion of the CEO as it is on a needs basis."


    "CEO Hou., it is not a matter that should solely be your decision.You failed to speak to anyone and simply imposed a new system on staff without consultation.No one agrees to this.It has ruined moral within the department, and I fear that I will loose my good staff, being left with those, who whilepetent I question their loyalties."


    "Director Su, I did not act without consultation.You are well aware that over thest few years on temporary basis we have hadwyers from various firms throughout the world working with us on secondment.All of them have categorically told me that the way the department has been structured for years, is inefficient and not suitable for effective work practice."


    "Staff are closed off in their own little worlds, and cannot easily, where appropriate work across various areas within the department.No qualifiedwyer is without an office, theyout is simply such that it is about making everyone essible to everyone else to benefit thepany.This will, as of this weekend include ess between the floors that the department is spread over with Internal staircases."


    "CEO Hou, from what my senior supervisors tell me no one in the department wants this."


    Anna by now was annoyed about listening to Director Su.He had no idea, and was a empire building within the department "Director Su, that is aplete and utter lie.Both Madam Yao and myself were at a staff Friday morning tea on the level we work on.I spoke to at least twenty people, none of which wereining about the new work arrangements.In fact I have heard noints."


    "Many at this morning tea in fact were excited about the fact that it was easy to coborate with their colleagues to achieve oues for thepany.Their onlyint is that it would take time getting use to how easy it was to speak to other colleagues about issues.None wereining about the work space."


    "Somements were about how this created the opportunities for them to learn about areas outside that specifically assigned to them.You forget I have worked at ANX Lawyers for 5 years.It is a highly sessful corporatew firm.If it was not, Hou Enterprises would not have chosen it for its Australian Legal Work.It operates in the same way that is being created.We worked together to achieve oues, which is what is trying to be achieved here."


    "It was obvious within thirty minutes of my arrival here that the previous arrangement within the legal department was about creating controble groups, dependant on senior departmental management for cross area coboration.Thepany is not first, it is about control, and that does not give the best oue for thepany."


    Amanda then spoke "Director Su, today if the first time I have met you in the five years I have been employed here, and until this week most of my colleagues I had only met at functions.In a few days, I have already noticed the increase in my productivity from this arrangement.I can deal with issues quickly for the best oue for thepany."


    "Your opinion does not matter Miss Mei."


    "Director Su, it is Madam Yao" spat out Anna, angrily.


    "As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by a boorish Australian who has no idea of manners and how things operate here."

 Chapter 292: Hurry Up weekend - Part 6

    <h4>292 Hurry Up weekend - Part 6</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi realised that Anna was fuming, and wanted the battle that she was about to engage in with Director Su, so he decided to let her go.


    "Director Su, you are starting to p*ss me off.While I was angry before I was ready to apologise for snapping at you.But you have been told a number of times already that it is Madam Yao.Plus how dare you insult me."


    "And by the way, Madam Yao is a supervisor.She reced Supervisor An, who soldpany secrets to the former Vice-CEO of Lu Corporation, Lu Jinhu.I seriously question your loyalty to thepany, you seem more concerned about your control over the legal department than thepany, and only interested in the opinions of those immediately under you who you control."


    "You do not interact with anyone else, hence people like Madam Yao have not had contact with you.How can you run a legal department like that.At ANX the senior partners made the effort to know the about 60wyers employed there plus over 100 support staff.I spoke to senior partners who were not in my line of responsibility at least one a week."


    "I want an immediate answer.What is important, the oue for thepany or having the department as you desire?"


    "Madam Hou, you should not ask me such a question."


    "Well I guess I have my answer, thepany is not your top priority, it is you."Turning to Hou Yi "Yi, can you speak to the head of Human Resources, about terminating Director Su''s employment here, as he is not loyal to thepany.And I would guess as soon as he finishes he looses his position as a director."


    "I will."


    "But CEO Hou, you know I am loyal to thepany and I have served here for over twenty years, including loyal service to your father."


    "Director Su, you were asked to exin what was the most important thing.The answer should have been simply.I have no confidence in you as head of the legal department.Until a new head can be recruited your temporary recement will be your deputy.You are removed effective today.You position as apany director will be taken by the Human Resources director.I will, however due to your service allow you to remain as a supervisor in the legal department."


    "However if I determine that you are notpletely loyal to thepany you will be terminated immediately.In consideration for your immediate termination you will be given a generous retirement package given you have been apany director.You also should remember when you signed your contract as the Legal Department Director, you agreed that even if you were removed you could not work for anypany directly or indirectly apany or a firm that acts for apany thatpetes with Hou Enterprises."


    Director Su, knew that he was gone.The only way that he could salvage anything was to remain within Hou Enterprises, so he had to swallow his pride."I will remain CEO Hou, as you have indicated.Do you want me to inform my deputy about his new role?"


    "Yes Director Su.but make it clear that it is a temporary position.This will be an open recruitment process where internal and external applicants can apply.Your Deputy is quite able to apply for the position, in the same process as all other applicants."


    Hou Yi paused, before then continued "We have been sidetracked.Director Su I have heard your position, and read your report as to the reasons for the return to the previous arrangement.However we will leave the department the way it is before judging if the remodelling has been sessful for the oue for thepany.We will also speak throughout the review process to staff members for their feedback.If all the evidence shows the oues are worse for thepany we will the revert back to the previous arrangements. Any opinions?"


    "CEO Hou my concern has been was that it was imposed without departmental consultation.That has been my issue.If I had been consulted, my senior managers would quite quickly have found out the views of the department and I would have beenfortable with the decision."


    "Former Director Su, the decision is not being changed.It is a decision that is within my powers, and if at the end of the process I am proven to be wrong I will be apologising to the board.However thepany has nothing to lose in this trial, and I believe the long term benefits will out weight the cons.Now the meeting is finished.For those who want, in the small dining room there is a light post board meeting meal, however my wife and I will be leaving you, and other that Director Su, gentlemen we will see you at the next meeting."


    Before Hou Yi rolled Anna out of the room, Amanda came over and gave her a brief kiss on the cheek, and whispered "I will call you over the weekend."


    Anna responded "Amanda, you and that husband of yours have not had a honeymoon, enjoy the weekend, and I will talk to you next week."


    With that Hou Yi and Anna left the board room, and one of the bodyguards, at Hou Yi''s direction collected their belongings from his office.Anna, decided that she needed more time on her crutches, so she, when they came out of Hou Yi''s office with help got out and up onto them to leave the building, and return home to the Ancestral Home, for a quiet weekend together until the family return.Hou Yi whispered on the trip home that he had a number of prospectuses for various vis for them to look at building this weekend.

 Chapter 293: The Return

    <h4>293 The Return</h4>


    Monday


    Hou Yi and Anna awoke suddenly to lots of noise throughout the Hou Ancestral Home.Hou Yi looked at an rm clock and realised that it was only 4:30am and to both of them it sounded like everyone had just arrived back.Anna, also then noticed that at that exact moment she was, the best that could be arranged given the cast on her leg, she was wrapped in Hou Yi''s arms and how right it felt.


    Anna paused for a few seconds before moving too much, just savouring the feeling of being safe and how right it was to be here.It was getting so much harder and harder not to tell Hou Yi how she felt about him.The only thing holding her back was she had observed nothing from Hou Yi significant despite some glimpses that potentially indicated he loved her as she loved him.


    Anna wondered should she take the first step, and confess how she felt, regardless of her fears as to the oue.She could take that he was notmitted as her to the rtionship, but what worried her was aplete and utter rejection.


    Before Anna could say anything further, she heard yelling "Aunty Anna, Uncle Yi, where are you."


    With that, Hou Yi turned to his wife, "I guess they will not leave us in peace until we go out and see them?"


    "True, I would not put it pass all of them toe running into the room and jump on the bed."


    With that Hou Yi quickly got out of bed, and put a dressing gown on.However in the few seconds before he did Anna had a clear view of his chest and remembered how good it was not only toy her head on and sleep, but also to kiss and explore his chest and when making love.Was it just three weeks ago when they consummated their marriage her assault that left her with her broken leg and unexpectedly resulted in her being pregnant.


    Once he had the dressing gown on, he moved around to the other side of the bed, and located Anna''s dressing gown, helping her into it, before she manoeuvred herself onto the chair, and he pushed her out towards where the voices where.The closer they got to the lounge room, the more they could here Rosemary and Reba telling the children to be quiet.


    Hou Yi pushed the chair into the room, and as the children saw the two of them, they ran squealing over to them, throwing themselves at Hou Yi, who knelt down for them.With the din of their noise, it was possible to here "Thank you Uncle Yi, that was amazing."


    Hou Yi looked over and noticed the ze in his parents, grandparents and Aunt''s eyes."Now everyone, it was a pleasure, but Aunty Anna and I have to go into work today.How about you head off to bed, and you can tell us about the trip tonight.Does that sound fair?"


    "But, Uncle Yi ¡­" whined one of the children, but Yi could not figure out who it was.


    "Hey, there are no buts here.You have had two busy days in Hong Kong, and you need to get some sleep, so you can enjoy the rest of your trip, before you have to go home.Plus I am betting everyone else is tired as well."


    After hearing the firm words, the all the children realised that there was going to be little room for argument, so they quickly gave Hou Yi a kiss on the cheek or a hug, and ran over to Anna, doing the same, before grabbing Rosemary, Reba and James'' hands pulling them out of the room.


    Du AnLing, burst outughing, and quickly realised that her son was ready to argue with her "What.You have always been able to control a room of adults with your voice, Yi, but never did I expect it would work with children.I pity my grandchildren when you two have them, so I guess it means I will be spoiling them, and you will have to increase my monthly spending limit."The glee in her voice was something that Anna could really hear, and realised that her husband had dug himself into a hole with his mother, without realising it.


    "Mother, do not thing about it.There is no way I am going to let any child of mind learn about spending from you."Hou Yi was deadly in his voice.

 Chapter 294: The Plan to deal with Du XuXu - Part 1

    <h4>294 The n to deal with Du XuXu - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "Yi,e on I was kidding."Du AnLing paused, and then continued "In fact we have something more important to talk about, and we have avoided it for a week."


    "Mother it is quarter to five in the morning, it is not the best time."


    "Yi, no avoiding it.Help your wife onto the couch so you can talk to your father and I, while everyone else heads off to bed."


    Anna realised that there was going to be no argument with her mother-inw given the tone of her voice.They needed to discuss the issue of Du XuXu.She grabbed Hou Yi''s hand and pulled his head down, and whispered "Let us just get this over with before heading back to bed for a little while."With that she gave him a quick kiss that hinted at more toe.


    Hou Yi moved the wheelchair over near the couch, and carefully lifted Anna out, and sat down on the couch with her across him, resting the cast on the couch.


    Hou Jang, first spoke "We were finally able to get through to Du XuXu''s parents on Wednesday.They had taken their phones off the hook to prevent harassment from the press.We put them into contact with an independent Public rtions firm that helped them put together and release the information, which confirmed what you had told them in the press release."


    "The problem for them is that despite all their efforts they cannot contact Du XuXu.They sent me a text yesterday, that the sanitarium finally confirmed that she left the sanitarium Fridayst week, so has been without her anti-psychotic medication since then.I sent the ne straight away to pick them up, so they cane here and try and find her."


    "Damn.Given how obsessed that she was when she was admitted ¡­"


    "Yi, what do you mean?"


    "Sorry, Anna I did not want to have to tell you.When Du XuXu was admitted to the Sanitarium after her miscarriage, ording to her doctors her delusions of still being pregnant, and that she and I were married were so bad, that she had to have significant treatment to stabilise her.They gave whatever the psychiatric condition was a name, but she needed heavy anti-psychotic medications to control her behaviour and stabilise her."


    "It was only three months ago that they finally stabilised her condition to the point that she somewhat epted reality.The thing was her family and us knew that is she was off her medication for more than three or four days, she would revert to her pre-medication delusional state."


    "They told me, that anyone around me would be at risk.She would see them as a threat to, in her mind, her rtionship and marriage to me, and that my parents were the ones who had been keeping them apart."


    "Did you not think I needed to know, especially in the circumstances,"said Anna quietly fearing for not only herself but her pregnancy.


    "Anna, I only just found out that she was off her medication, and you know that I would not deliberately risk you and ¡­"


    Hou Jang interrupted "What do you mean about the circumstances?What in the world is going on?"


    Hou Yi and Anna looked at each other in the eyes.Anna telling Hou Yi that they needed to tell his parents, and Hou Yi nodding to let Anna know he got her message.He leaned over, and gently kissed Anna on the lips, and after he pulled back from the kiss, and gently leant his head on hers he asked "Are you sure we should tell them?"


    Anna quietly could only respond, "They need to know and understand in the circumstances."She then manoeuvred her head so she could give him a brief kiss.


    "Mum, Dad, we found out on Wednesday as a result of the tests that Anna went through that she is in the early stages of pregnancy.They say less than 4 weeks."


    Du AnLing let out a squeal of delight.


    "Mum, calm down.You cannot tell anyone.The first trimester of a pregnancy is the riskiest one, where the most can happen.Plus the specialists are not certain that the assault on Anna caused irreparable damage to the baby."


    "We have to wait about six to eight weeks before the various tests can be conducted to determine if there are any issues.The only person outside the treating team at the hospital that knows about the pregnancy, besides us and now you is Rosemary, and that is because she is a trained midwife, so her advice can help us."


    Anna decided that she needed to add something "And that means no baby clothes or present shopping, until we tell everyone, OK."

 Chapter 295: The Plan to deal with Du XuXu - Part 2

    <h4>295 The n to deal with Du XuXu - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Hou Jang, decided he had to mess with his son and daughter-inw, given the toy shopping spree he went on at DisneyLand "So that means I have to get rid of all the toys I brought at Disnend for a future grandchild?"


    "Dad that is fine, but we are getting distracted from the main point."


    "True Yi.After I spoke to Du XuXu, family on Wednesday, I arrange a team of private investigators to not only find out about how she left the Sanitarium, but to try and locate her.Guess what I found out?"


    "The Lu''s are involved?"


    "You have it in one, son.Apparently on the Friday, CEO Lu visited the Sanitarium where Du XuXu was with his wife, to discuss funding programs to assist seriously mentally unwell children, stemming from the initiative that his son and daughter-inw started.Madam Lu Senior had been visiting other mental health facilities with the same goal in various cities during the week, so initially it sparked no concerns."


    "CEO Lu, apparently had business in City A, so he joined his wife, on this visit.They spend about two hours in the Sanitarium, but apparently CEO Lu disappeared for about twenty minutes.It was around an hour after they left that Du XuXu was determined to missing.They flew back here on the Lu Corporation Jet.There is no record of her on any transport to here, and she was seen on CCTV footage, in M Mall on Saturday morning, so there was no way that she could have gotten here by car."


    "The implication being that she was transported back on the Lu Corporation Jet."


    "That was the conclusion the private investigators also reached.The only other times that she has been locate on CCTV was Saturday afternoon, with a group of friends of Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s that visited them, and Monday when she was around the court building.Apparently, her so called media adviser, had until two weeks ago, been in the employ of Lu Corporation before she went out to establish her own business."


    "While it is not confirmed, the money that she used to set up the business seems to havee through three different channels that are all connected to CEO Lu.While it is not confirmed there are rumours that she obtained photographs of Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, engaging in, what I think you call a threesome, which is against the Law."


    "The other part of the rumour is that CEO Lu is using these to ckmail and control his son and daughter-inw.The thing is this adviser has worked to ensure that Du XuXu has been hidden very well.From the various sources if information what I am deducing, Yi and Anna id the Lu''s are determined to control the narrative around Du XuXu, I suspect for the purpose of damaging your reputation and marriage."


    "What do you think we need to do?"Asked Hou Yi.While he already had something in mind, he wanted to see what his father was thinking.


    "In my discussions with Du XuXu''s family, they are bringing all the medical evidence and reports, the DNA evidence and other material.They alsost week arranged for the fetus to be disinterred from its burial location under supervision and additional samples being taken for DNA testing to be taken.Five DNA samples were sent to five different locations here and overseas for sampling."


    "Other samples have been stored carefully for additional testing to be done.Two sets of results have been returned, and they agreed that the sample''s result matched the results taken at the time of her miscarriage.There is only one of all the test results outstanding and that is expected backter this morning."


    Hou Jang paused, "I have arranged a press conference at 3pm at the Key za Hotel Ball room, for us to present all the evidence with Du XuXu''s family with us.Thest thing I want, other than for your presence is for this to be connected to Hou Enterprises."


    "OK dad.We will be there at that time," responded Anna very quickly."This needs to be dealt with, as quickly as possible."


    "True Dad.And we need both of you to promise that you will say nothing about Anna''s pregnancy."


    "Yi, you can trust us."


    Hou Yi, looked at his watch and realised that it was now 5:30am."We need to get a little nit more sleep before heading into the office."With that Hou Yi carefully moved Anna off hisp so he could stand up, and then lifted her back into the Wheelchair, before taking her back to their room.

 Chapter 296: The Confession - Part 1

    <h4>296 The Confession - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    On returning to their suite Hou Yi helped Anna back into the bed, before moving the chair away.


    Anna removed her dressing gown and threw it aside, with Hou YI doing the same before climbing into bed himself.Hou Yi leaned over, giving Anna a passionate kiss.


    However, as he started to pull back, Anna quickly reached up and pulled his head back down for another kiss, which only ended when both of them were gasping for air.For Anna, the kiss was a little taste of heaven.


    Despite not being able to take thing further, both because of her injury and pregnancy, she knew that this was the time to say something.Not telling him that she loved him, was eating her up inside.Anna was certain it was a love thatst a lifetime.


    Anna was certain that there was no time like the present to tell Hou Yi how she felt.If she did not, she would regret it, and that is what she did not want.Whether or not Hou Yi replied he loved her did not matter at this exact moment.


    To prevent Hou Yi moving away, Anna ced her hand on his arm and quietly said "Yi, we need to talk about something, and I have been putting it off for some time."


    Those few words filled Hou Yi with dread.She was going to tell him she would abort their child and end their marriage.That was thest thing he wanted, and wanted to tell her how he really felt.He recalled Phillipa''s advice to him, Anna had to dictate their rtionship.He just hoped she would notpletely shatter him.


    As he turned Hou Yi took a couple of deep breaths, and as he looked at her responded "Yes Anna?"


    "Yi, I have ¡­"Anna started, and drifted off.


    Hou Yi noticed how nervous Anna was.That gave him some hope that what she was about to confess would be positive, but he knew he could not get his hopes up in case what she said shattered his dreams.He lent over giving Anna a quick, passionate kiss to calm her down.


    As he pulled back, "Anna, do not be nervous, just let me know what you need to tell me."


    Those words, gave Anna all the confidence that Hou Yi would cope with what she would say.After a deep breath Anna said, "Yi, I have to confess something."She then paused, and the silence in the room was almost stifling.


    Hou Yi quietly and gently said "Do not be nervous, simply tell me what you need to say.I will support you regardless of what you say."


    Hou Yi''s tone, words and the intent look on his face made her confident.It was now or never.She could not keep stalling, as it was hurting her, and would end up hurting Hou Yi as well.


    With one more deep breath, so that she knew that she could cope with the response "Yi, please do not feel that you have to tell me anything in response.I have to tell you that I am deeply in love with you.I never intended it, and I know that you never expected it from me, but I cannot keep going without having told you the truth about how I feel."


    Hou Yi heard the words that came from Anna, and he could not believe what he was hearing.Did she say that she loved him?He looked in Anna''s eyes, and realised that he had heard what he heard.His wife, was in love with him.


    He never expected it, and could have lived whatever married life fate gave them without it happening but it happened.He realised that Anna was waiting for him to say something.All bets were now off, and he was going to ignore everything that Phillipa had told him, and tell her how he felt.


    "Sweetheart.You do not know how much those words mean to me.I knew, when I saw you in passing at ANX that I had met the love of my life.Whatever ce you had in my life, even though I wanted this, was always going to be enough to sustain me.Fate brought you crashing into my life five weeks ago resulting in us marrying.I thought my dreams hade true, but your words have made everything perfect for me."


    With that he leaned over and kissed her, and in between kissing Anna he kept saying "I Love you."


    That broke the barriers for Anna and she in between kisses kept saying the same words "I Love you."

 Chapter 297: The Confession - Part 2

    <h4>297 The Confession - Part 2</h4>


    ** Warning Highly s*xualised behaviour.Persons under 18 should reconsider their need to read the chapter **


    Monday continued ¡­


    Despite, the limitations imposed on them given the risks to Anna''s pregnancy and the ster cast on Anna''s leg, their kisses became quickly passionate.While Anna was restricted in her movements and could only use her hands, Hou Yi soon moved down her body pleasuring her with kisses and his hands.


    Before either of them knew it the 6:30am rm set on Hou Yi''s mobile went off.All he wanted to do was remain in bed with his wife, not only expressing with words how he felt, but his body.He reluctantly pulled away from Anna and gazing into her eyes he quietly asked "Do you want toe in with me?"


    "Yi, absolutely, both into the shower and into work."


    Anna''s words resulted in him blushing, as he recognised their double meaning, and they his thoughts turned to how their passion had exploded in thest shower they properly shared on the day she was injured.He then realised what he saw in her eyes that morning and the night before was in fact an expression of how she truly felt, but that he had dismissed as his wishful thinking.


    After helping Anna out of bed onto her crutches they slowly made their way towards the ensuite.


    They paused and selected their clothes for the day.As Anna handed what she had chosen to Hou Yi she said "Despite loving my family and your family being here, I cannot wait until we can return to our apartment, and be alone in our suite ¡­"


    Hou Yi, gavne her a brief kiss, "I cannot wait either.That suite is so important, it was where we consummated our marriage, and" Hou Yi ced his hand on her stomach "is the ce where our child was conceived.The start of our family."Anna, bncing herself on her crutches and gave him a quick kiss before pulling back to allow Hou Yi ess to the robe for him to select his clothes.


    Once they reached the bathroom Hou Yi covered Anna''s cast and sat her into the chair in the shower.As he went to move behind Anna to wash her hair, Anna was determined he was not simply going to pass her by.She noticed that she was at the perfect height to perform oral s*x on her husband.She reached out, putting her hand on his hip, rubbing her fingers along his p*nis, and looked up at him.


    Hou Yi knew from Anna''s actions and the look in her eyes exactly what she wanted to do.Unlike the feelings with his girlfriends or casual partners had wanted to perform oral s*x on him, he stopped them as it did not feel right, with Anna he knew it was a selfless expression of her love for him.It felt right for him but he was determined that he should refuse her, as she was still recovering from her injuries.He could not help himself but to ask "Are you certain?"


    "Yi, if I was not certain I would have not stopped you.I know we cannot have intercourse, but we both need to express in the most elemental way how we feel about each other, let alone expressing it in words.This I can do for you, now.There are other ways that you can pleasure me, until we are given the OK for s*xual intercourse again by the doctors."


    Anna''s words and the look in her eyes, immediately made Hou Yi''s resolve to refuse this disappear.How much he wanted some connection to his wife.He always through that he would be the one doing this, like he did on that wonderful Wednesday morning, and was willing to do so if she was ready.However all thoughts flew out of his mind within seconds of Anna touching him and taking his p*nis into her mouth.


    Hou Yi, could not believe how wonderful this felt, and within seconds he was gently thrusting himself in her mouth.With how quickly he was bing aroused, Hou Yi knew that he would be lucky tost minutes.


    Anna oblivious to Hou Yi''s struggles quickly realised how amazing it was to be performing oral s*x on him.She wished she had followed her instincts on that beautiful Wednesday morning and done this them, but maybe it would not feel as good as it was now.As he started to gentle thrust in her mouth, Anna knew that this was not going tost long, as Hou Yi was quickly getting to the point he would looseplete control, and that is what she wanted.

 Chapter 298: The Confession - Part 3

    <h4>298 The Confession - Part 3</h4>


    ** Warning Highly s*xualised behaviour.Persons under 18 should reconsider their need to read the chapter **


    Monday continued ¡­


    Anna''s technique of arousing Hou Yi within minutes had him thrusting himself hard into her mouth and released himself.She swallowed as much as she could of his ejaction but due to how he kepting, she eventually had to withdraw her mouth from around his p*nis.As she was finishing him off with her hands Hou Yi lent down, and as he kissed her Anna transferred some of the ejaction into his mouth.After they both swallowed all they could do was moan.


    When Hou Yi had the strength to speak "Sweetheart that was amazing.I am going to do something for you."As he was speaking Hou Yi reached down, and inserted two fingers into Anna''s vagina, and started to move them.


    As Anna was highly aroused from having performed oral s*x on Hou Yi less than two minutester she found her own release, letting out another moan, which was an amazing sound to Hou Yi.That was a sound he was determined to hear again and again, preferably at least once before they left their room today, for the mundane remainder of the day.


    As Hou Yi pulled away, they both realised they needed to get ready for the day.However they were still struggling to keep their hands off each other with highly charged touches that kept distracting them.It took them another fifteen minutes to finish their shower, after which Hou Yi carefully lifted Anna out of the shower.


    However, given the pleasure Anna had given him with her selfless act of performing oral s*x on him Hou Yi decided that this was a perfect time to do this for her.He knew, given the space around the sink, he sat her there and dropped to the floor in front of her spreading her legs, and quickly starting on her.While the pleasure was amazing, she recalled when they consummated their marriage, but this was the best that they could do.


    Anna helped Hou Yi by spreading her legs as wide as she could, and knew that it was not going to take much for her to reach another peak.All rational thought went straight out of her head the moment that she felt his tongue prate her vagina.


    Realising how close Anna was to achieving another release started to arouse Hou Yi even more.While he would love to bring them both to their peak in the most satisfying way for both of them, they knew they had to wait.He pulled away and blew on her aroused vagina, before inserting two fingers inside this.


    Anna in a disappointed tone all she could say was "Yi that is not fair."


    Hou Yi, however started to stand up, and he took one of Anna''s hands in his free hand, cing it on his now erect p*nis, as he knew he needed her touch there and then.In a highly aroused voice expressing his absolute desire for his wife, Hou Yi said "Sweetheart, I promise you that we will do that another time, but I need you to ¡­"


    Anna pulled his head down for a passionate kiss with her other hand, knowing what Hou Yi needed her to do.Within a couple of minutes they reached their peak together.As Hou Yi withdrew his hand, he grabbed a towel and wiped away his ejacte from himself and Anna.He lifted Anna, to the chair that had been ced in the bathroom for her to use to get ready, then handed her a towel, while grabbing a fresh towel for himself.


    It was another ten minutes before Hou Yi had changed and helping Anna finish getting ready, before they left the bathroom.He moved to the small seating area and picked up his briefcase, Anna''s handbag and Laptop/briefcase, and collected both their watches and mobile phones from the bedside tables before they exited the suite.On ncing at his watch as he put it on, Hou Yi noticed that they had spent over forty-five minutes in the bathroom, leaving them only twenty minutes for breakfast before they had to leave to go to the office.


    Handing the bags to a staff member, after he slipped Anna''s mobile into her bag, and his into his jacket pocket, they entered the breakfast room and had a light breakfast before leaving and heading to the office.On arrival in Hou Enterprises, Hou Yi escorted Anna to her office door, and he leaned over giving her a passionate kiss regardless of anyone around them before saying "See you at lunchtime sweetheart."

 Chapter 299: Before The Press Conference - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 299: Before The Press Conference - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    As Hou Yi turned to Leave, Anna called out "Yi, can we talk?"


    As he turned with a smile on his face Hou YI responded, "What Sweetheart?"


    "Come into my office." With that the two of them entered Anna''s office and sat down on the couch.


    "Yi, I had this thought about the press conference regarding Du XuXu this afternoon. My only connection to the whole situation is that I am married to you. I do not have the emotional investment like everyone else, and therefore I can be dispassionate about the situation. It is going to be all about the evidence presented and public speaking, which are my forte. All we would have to do is work out a pre-prepared speech."


    "Anna, I could not ask you to do that," came Hou YI''s quiet response.


    "Yi you are not, I am offering. You know that I am not as fragile as I was. When we married," and with that Anna lent over and gave him a brief kiss, and then paused, simply watching his expression.


    Anna, after a few seconds continued "When we married, I was a shattered person with everything Lu JInhu had done to me. With your support, and more importantly your love, which I did not realise was there until this morning in five short weeks, I have been able to breakpletely from that toxic rtionship, confront and recognise what happened to me."


    "Phillipa and I had numerous discussions about how I was dealing with my feelings and the whole situation. As she exined it to me, unlike most victims my psychological make-up, education and work background has allowed me since admitting what happened to process and deal with much of the hurt very quickly. While I will never escape itpletely, I am able to lead a normal life, and deal with challenges that are thrown at me."


    "Most importantly, and you need to understand this. Yi, you are the reason that I am at a point that I can cope. You let me deal with it rather than trying to force me down a path. Now I want to do something for you. This I can do. I cany out the events and facts for the media, exin the science and other material. I often had to do this for clients, so I can do this for you."


    "Are you sure?"


    "Absolutely sure. Now do not argue with your pregnant wife. Now you need to get to your office, but before you go, I want a kiss, and promise me you will send me all the electronic files with all the information, including your travel history."


    Hou Yi, could not believe in such a short space of time, how firm and certain his wife had be, and more importantly how little she gave a care about what people saw. He moved closer to her on the couch, and lent over Anna, starting to kiss her.


    Hou Yi wanted to give her a tender kiss, but that was not what his wife wanted. Using her tongue she deepened the kiss very quickly, which made it almost impossible for him to break away from. After a few minutes he eventually and reluctantly pulled away, noticing in just a few minutes, that his wife had loosened his tie, and pulled his shirt from hit pants.


    "Anna, this is dangerous. We could ¡­" Hou Yi moved away from Anna, he heard a groan that clearly indicated how frustrated she was, and as he spoke, he noticed that she was disappointed in what happened.


    "We could ¡­"


    "Anna, I love you, but as you reminded me I need to go. I promise that I will email you the documents and see you at lunch time."


    Before anything else could happen Hou Yi pulled himself back together, and reluctantly left his wife''s office. He noticed that he was being watched as he left Anna''s office and moved to the elevator to go to his office.


    Anna simply stayed sitting in her office, distracted. All she could think about was spending time with her husband, and how soon it was until they could be alone. She needed that time, simply to bask in their feelings.


    That made her think about this morning and their confessions to each other, and she remained distracted until she heard a knock on the door and looked up. When she shook out of her thoughts, she noticed Amanda standing at the door with a huge smile on her face.


    "I thought Tan and I were shocking, but you two take the cake."

 Chapter 300: Before the Press Conference - Part 2

    <h4>300 Before the Press Conference - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Noticing the look that Anna was giving her Amanda determined that she was about to push the boundaries if she teased Anna further.She paused and turned to the realities of the work that was going to be before them.


    "Fine, I have the message, you do not want to talk about things, but remember there are blinds on your office windows to the main area for a reason, use them next time, as we do not want to see you and our big boss being passionate in your office."


    At that Anna at least had the grace to blush.When Yi kissed her she simply forgot where she was.


    Amanda continued "Now I will be serious, but before we get started do you need a hot coffee, or something brought in?"


    "Just some water or other cold drink."


    "I will organise that, as I am guessing you do not want it now.However the department is going to have to deal with the fallout from Friday''s board meeting.The ''new'' director of the legal department has called a meeting at 10:30am and demanded that everyone is there.His words, in the email were ''there are no exceptions, and this means for board members or spouses of board members'' referring to us."


    "I understand that someone from the nning was looking for you with regards to the Sunrise Project.I told them to bring me the file, and once I have it I will bring it in.They need some legalities that they have been advised of, and were wondering if you could give them a memorandum so that they understand it?"


    "Should not be a problem, so I will look at them, ans see what they need and if I can help them.


    Can youe and get me before the meeting?"


    "See you then."With that Amanda left Anna''s office and Anna settled into not only her work, but more importantly started making her notes for the press conference, checking information as she was doing so.


    She noticed there were three emails from ANX, about drafting specific unusual will uses, and one requesting a editing of an already prepared Family Law Affidavit.Anna opened the will files and realised that the uses was somewhat different they would not be challenging to draft.One use was about altering distributions to children base on things the parents have done for them and there were copies of the supporting documents on the files.The other was about making provision for grandchildren rather than children.


    While it was good to be useful, Anna soon determined that the only reason she was doing this was juniorwyers were beingzy.That needed to be stopped so she finished the task and emailed the partners alerting them to the issue so they could address it.


    In the twenty minutes to deal with the Wills, Anna noticed Hou Yi had sent her five emails with various information, which she opened and started to prepare for the press conference, making note of the various documents that would need to be provided to the press.


    Before Anna knew Amanda knocked on the door "It is 10:20, Anna we need to get to this meeting.The Acting Director Mien, was trained by former Director Su, and I would guess he will be the one really in control despite what happened at the board meeting Friday."


    Amanda went over hand handed Anna her crutches and helped her out of her chair.Despite the new stair case connecting the various levels within the legal department, Amanda and Anna, made their way to the elevators and went up the floor for the meeting.Given that they were among thest to arrive they were at the back of the area until someone spotted Anna on her crutches and helped create a path for Anna to a chair to sit on.


    Everyone had gathered by 10:30am, however there was no sign of former Director Su and the new Acting Director Mien, and people started to grumble as they had been taken away from their work for this meeting.It was five minutester, before both Former Director Su and Acting Director Mien, exited an office. Former Director Su, was looking to spot both of them, but he did not notice them and seemed pleased.

 Chapter 301: Before the Press Conference - Part 3

    <h4>301 Before the Press Conference - Part 3</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Rather than Acting Director Mein addressing the meeting former Director Su, started "Ladies and Gentlemen.Our apologise for the dy, however there were a number of matters that we needed to address, which took longer than we expected before we can exin matters to you."


    "On Friday, there was a board meeting one of the matters up for discussion was the tant disregard for how this department works and forcing a permanent departmental reorganisation without consulting you.Our structure, which has always been highly effective, is working on a narrow team basis with senior members facilitating cooperation across teams when required."


    "In not only my view, but that of the senior members of the department has ensured that you develop appropriate skills within the teams to benefit thepany.My goal for the meeting was to prevent any more restructure and re-organisation of the department.I lost the argument."


    "However you should know each and every one of you were betrayed by two people who work within the department."He took a quick look and while Anna and Amanda could see him, he apparently did not see them."However as they are not present at thismandatory staff meeting they will be terminated with immediate effect."


    Amanda was about to react, but Anna ced her hand on her arm and quietly said "Just let him go for a couple of minutes and leave him to me."


    Former Director Su, continued."These, and I cannot take to call themwyers as they have no idea how thew is meant to work.They have unconsciously supported the tearing down and destruction of the department and how it worked.It has to be stopped here and now."


    "However my defence of each and every one of you and this department was so determined that my removal as director of the department was forced on you.The only good thing was that I was able to persuade the board that the former assistant director should be appointed as the acting director with the intention to make that the permanent appointment."


    "Please be aware that I that I will not be leaving the department.I will be here to support you, and Acting Director Mein has appointed me has his assistant.Secondly I urge you, and I cannot say this strongly enough, that you need tomunicate with the Human Resources Department, for two matters."


    "The first is to urge them to make Acting Director Mein''s appointment a permanent appointment indicating to them your confidence in him, and the second it to tell them that the new arrangement is inappropriate and you need to have it returned to the arrangement that it was to ensure that it runs as smoothly and efficiently as I had it with each and every one of you."


    Anna, was sick and tired of the falsehood that Director Su was spouting.Now she was going to do something, and started to use the crutches to stand up.Amanda helped her while Former Director Su continued."Now please wee Acting Director Mein."


    "Hello everyone.After speaking to now Assistant Director Su, I have a full appraisal of what happened at the board meeting and can only deplore how he was treated and echo his words as to what needs to happen with this department, for the benefit of each and every one of you."


    Anna knew not was the time to speak and in the loudest voice she could possibly muster, with a real undercurrent of anger said "Enough with the lies."


    Not knowing who was speaking Assistant Director Su spoke "You know not to interrupt these meetings, and this is a sackable offence.You have to remain here, and I will be speaking to the Human Resources Department about terminating your employment with immediate effect."


    "I would like to see you try.You cannot tell the truth if it was standing right in front of you."This wasced with real venom by Anna.Amanda, beside her, was trying so hard not tough.Given Anna''s actions on Friday, she knew that these two had iting, and this time it was going to be a fun show to watch, and more importantly seeing how much everyone else reacted to her.


    Still not having realised was speaking Former Director Su immediately responded "How you would you know, I was at the meeting, and there is no one here that was."


    "You need to have your facts straight Director Su.The previous departmental arrangements you praised had multiple concerns raised bywyers on secondment from multiple countries, and you dismissed them.You were ruse and dismissive of a board member''s proxy, his wife, and demanded her sacking.You attempted to bully the CEO''s wife who is also apany director, and throughout the meeting tried to bully all board members to get your way."


    "You refused to listen to any opinion other than your own and dismissed anything that did not fit with your position.You were aggressive towards women in the board meeting.You refused to ept feedback as to the arrangements, or listen to the fact that it was a trial and that if at the end of the trial the position was still the same, the department would be returned to its previous structure."


    Anna took a breath and paused from her fierce and determined statement before continuing "And to be brutally honest, if that was not enough you ended up p*ssing me off so much through your, put it politely childish antics towards me that it was decided by the meeting at my request, that you needed to be removed."


    "Now do you want me to release the board minutes to show everyone how much of a liar you are, as if I go there there will be no saving your job."Anna paused for a few seconds and the deathly silence in the room continued.


    Anna resumed again "So what is your decision?You are wasting everyone''s time because you are so concerned with trying to re-establish the empire you were building in this department that was contrary to thepany''s interest."


    "Who is daring to speak to me like that?"


    "As I speak the truth, I give you two guesses?"

 Chapter 302: Before the Press Conference - Part 4

    <h4>302 Before the Press Conference - Part 4</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna observed the look on Assistant Director Su the moment that he realised that he had been found out, and she had backed him into a corner.All he could stutter out as an answer was "Madam Yao or Madam Hou?"Otherwise it was so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop.


    Anna, however, could not help herself, but to remain firm and ready to react."You got it right the second time.Now I need your answer, or do I call my husband and tell him to get rid of you?"


    "I am not going to say anything Madam Hou?"Again, with the tone in his voice, Anna realised that he was terrified about what she was about to do.The look that Anna could see on people around her was surprising.They really wanted to see what he did, and that was something that Anna thought was unusual.


    "Well I am going to take that to mean you are happy for me to release the board minutes."


    "Please do not Madam Hou."By the time that he finished speaking, the looks that Anna could see around her, meant that many people there were highly interested to see what in fact he did say at the board meeting.Former Director Su must have seen those same looks and being aware that what Anna said was the truth he did not want them to see those minutes, as it would expose his lies.


    There then was dead silence from Former Director Su and Acting Director Mein.At that point Anna was certain that she had them backed into a corner.Anna also knew that Former Director Su, was terrified that something else mighte out.That was interesting and could be something that needed to be investigated to determined if there is a long-term threat to thepany.That would be something that she needed to talkter to Hou Yi about investigating.


    Anna took a deep breath and continued "Now, please listen to me everyone.The rearrangement of the department is a trial and let me stress a trial that hase from feedback that has been provided from multiple overseaswyers who have been here on short term secondment.They have been in various sections throughout the department and their reports fed back to senior management is universal.The whole system is inefficient."


    "The decision my husband have, not only took into ount that feedback but my opinion after having spent a short period of time working within the department was to rearrange the department to the current arrangement.It is about promoting a coborative approach throughout all levels of the department, not simply having it facilitated through senior management."


    "Now, I will reinforce what I said this arrangement is a trial and it will be given six to twelve months to see what are the benefits to thepany.There will be ongoing reviews throughout the life of the trial to determine whether this is working or not."Anna paused and looked at Amanda moving her head towards the elevators.Amanda gave a short nod before Anna continued "I believe I should leave so this can be discussed more freely."


    Amanda then clearly made her presence known."And while I hesitate to call you gentleman, this ongoing disrespect to females is shocking.Assistant Director Su, what you demonstrated in the board meeting was degrading.You treated me as if I was trash, which is something I have observed that you have shown to women on and off throughout the years."


    "You are selfish and self-absorbed as all you could think about you.I sincerely hope during the open recruitment process, whether it is an internal candidate, or an external candidate appointed you Acting Director Mien are not considered for the position, as you let your predecessor belittle staff without acting to protecting them."


    Both of them moved towards the elevator, and there was a few members of staff that could not be seen pping as they got to the elevator and took it down to the floor they worked on.


    When they return downstairs Anna and Amanda entered Anna office and shut the door behind them.Anna sat on a chair, and Amanda on the couch, and they then burst intoughter given the reactions on the former director and acting director when they exposed their lies.


    Amanda was the first who could speak."Did you see their faces when you called the behaviour.They though they could undermine everyone and get rid of us quickly with lies and maniption."

 Chapter 303: Before the Press Conference - Part 5

    <h4>303 Before the Press Conference - Part 5</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna, took a slip of her drink, and responded "And you mentioning that it was an upon recruitment process for the new director, I think I saw about six faces of people thinking about applying."


    Before Anna could say anything, on er screen up popped a message from Hou Yi ''Saw most of the meeting on the CCTV as security were concerned.You and Amanda handled that perfectly.Do you think we need to get rid of them?''


    Anna responded ''Acting Director Mien is controlled by his predecessor who has wormed his way into the department assistant director.I do not trust any of them.Keep them on as they are too much of a risk out of thepany.But appoint someone from another department toe in as acting director, and pick two supervisors, not senior supervisors, to be their assistant until the recruitment process over.''


    Amanda noticed Anna typing, and asked "Who are you messaging?"


    Anna, before she could respond had a dreamy look in her eyes and that told Amanda All she needed to know.


    "I better get back as I have a lot of work so I can get that file to you.At this time, it is unlikely to be today."


    "That is fine Amanda, just get it to me when you can?"distracted by Hou Yi''s message in response Anna really did not pay attention to Amanda.


    Anna sat there smiling for a few minutes, not realising that her friend had left the room, before another message popped up from Hou Yi ''I know you love me, you are so distracted.''


    Anna could not help but reply ''True, but I was thinking about this morning at home¡­''


    Hou Yi, in his office could not believe the boldness of his wife given that they had both been able to tell the other how they felt about them.He knew that, despite being a closed system, if he did not stop their discussion, it could get out of hand quickly and given that he had a meeting in a few minutes it would not be a good thing.


    All Hou Yi could reply was ''Sweetheart, I would love to reminisce about that and think about what could happen tonight, I have a meeting, and it might not be a good idea.You can tell me about it at lunch.I love you.'' And with that he terminated the chat before Anna could be provocative.


    Anna knew that she was going to have to get even with her husband for not letting her have thest word but knew that it would be her pleasure to do that.


    Anna simply sat there thinking about Hou Yi, until there was a knock on the door, that broke her chain of thinking."Enter," was Anna''s immediate response.


    A new face, Anna did not know came through the door."Apologise Madam Hou, I was wondering if you needed a drink brought in, given you are on crutches?"


    "Just a cold drink would be wonderful."


    "Give me a few minutes, and I will bring it for you."


    That brief discussion made Anna realise that she was day dreaming and needed to turn her mind back to work and preparing for the press conference.


    As she finished re-login into the ANX systems, her new drink was brought in.Anna then opened the familyw file, and started to review the Affidavit.Being Alfred''s work Anna knew that it would be good, and as shepared it to the file notes, realised that he had been a little sloppy in the drafting.


    Using the change tracking feature she made the changes within forty-five minutes before emailing him that it was done.As she checked her email, she received an email from Mr Williams responding to her earlier email lettering her know that he would keep an eye on what junior staff where doing when requesting their help.


    Anna responded to the email thanking him for his response, but at the same time advised him that there was the possibilities of questions being raised about the Sunrise Project being generated here that may need rification.


    Anna logged out of the ANX systems and kept working on the notes and other things for the press conference, before her mobile rm went off telling her it was 12:50pm, so she went outside and alerted one of the bodyguards she needed help to carry her things up to Hou Yi''s office.One came in and collected the items and they made there way to the elevators and up to the top floor.

 Chapter 304: Before the Press Conference - Part 6

    <h4>304 Before the Press Conference - Part 6</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna arrived at Hou Yi''s office right on 1pm and knocked on the door as she opened it.Inside Hou YI''s office was his parents, and three other people who she did not know were there.Anna immediate instinct was that these people had to be Du XuXu''s family who hade here to help deal with the situation.


    Hou Yi, when he saw Anna could see that she was starting to get exhausted using the crutches so he moved over, carefully sweeping her into his arms and carrying her over the the couch so she could sit down with her leg out.He then moved and picked up the printing she had sent to his office so he then collectedand coted them before heading back to Anna.


    As he handed Anna her copy, she whispered, "the original is on the email I sent you about ten minutes ago."


    Hou Yi handed out copies to everyone and said "Anna and I have had a discussion without you and she suggested that it would be better if she was the main speaker at the press conference rather than any of us.Her argument, is that she is going to be more dispassionate about any of us about the whole situation."


    "I think that she is right, as I know given the past how much we are all invested in making sure that Du XuXu is safe and she gets the treatment that she needs.Plus Anna''s background means that she can take the press through the DNA testing so that they understand it.However I do not want to force everyone''s decision, so how about we read what Anna has prepared and make our decision of changes if needed."


    With that there was a nods around the room, but before anyone could say anything there was a knock on the door."CEO Hou, lunch has arrived for you, Madam Hou and everyone else."


    "Assistant Wang, show them in," was Hou Yi''s immediate response.He had arranged for a mixture of sandwiches that had nothing Anna could not eat in them along with some more traditional lunch dishes.As it was sat on the table, he immediately ced several sandwiches for Anna on a te and handed it to her, before doing the same for him, and going to sit in a chair beside her.


    For the next twenty minutes, everyone sat quietly and read what Anna prepared while eating.Du AnLing was the first to speak "I actually think we do not have to add anything."


    The next to speak was Du XuXu''s father, who Hou Yi had told her was Du Yu "The only thing I think we need to change is add the Sanitorium Name."


    Anna looked at him "Mr Du ¡­"


    "Actually is it Dr Du, I am a medical practitioner."


    "My apologise Dr Du.I thought long and hard about whether or not we should name the Sanatorium or not.Until your daughter left, from what I understand there was no problems with her treatment there from her admission.She only was able to leave due to staff inattention and the work of two people determined to manipte your daughter."


    "My concern is not only the consequences for her should she be re-admitted there and for the other patients that are there now and in the future.It could, due to press attention take away a safe treatment location for them, and that would not be fair for them."


    "Madam Hou ¡­"


    "Dr Du, call me Anna."


    "Anna, we are seriously thinking about returning her to the Sanatorium.I have spoken to psychiatrists here and based on the information from the Sanatorium they have determined that she needs to be forcibly admitted to an institution.As she isfortable there with the staff, and there is a secure ward, her return is likely to be in her interests."


    "That answers the question.If I am pressed, I will advise the media that we are not releasing the name or location of the Sanitarium for the protection of other patients.All we need to do is arrange a letter from them, that we can provide to the media that confirms their diagnosis but blocks out the name and location."


    "Let me get straight onto that, and they can email it directly to you Yi."


    "The only other thing Yi is I havepiled a list of the various documents that we will need to release to the press, via email after the press conference."


    "Anna leave that with me."


    Dr Du made a call, while everyone finished off their lunch, and said when he ended the call "Yi the letter will be here in an hour."


    "I can ess that on my phone, and Assistant Wang, will otherwisepile the documents to be release through the general Hou Family email, that he manages for me, that is not connected with thepany.


    Once everyone was finished lunch, Hou Yi arranged collected from the refrigerator in his office, a number of bottles of water and juice and offered them to everyone before helping Anna up so they could head to the Key za Hotel for the press conference at 3pm.

 Chapter 305: The Press conference regarding Du XuXu - Part 1

    <h4>305 The Press conference regarding Du XuXu - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Just before 3pm in the wings of a small meeting room at the Key za Hotel where they were holding the press conference Anna, using the crutches was standing with Hou Yi, his parents and Du XuXu''s family.She knew how ufortable she was standing with the aid of the crutches, but she knew that she was going to have to for the purposes of the press conference.


    Hou Yi watching Anna observed that standing with the use of crutches was bing painful for her.


    She did not need that, and he was concerned how this might not only affected her but their unborn child.She did not need the stress of worrying about any harm to their child, so he stood beside her and whispered "Do you want a chair to sit on?Should I arrange for a chair near the microphone to rest your leg on?Is there anything I can do to help?"


    "Yi calm down.No to the first, yes to the second, and that means a yes to the third question.Now calm down.I know you are so used to being in control in a situation like this, but you need to rx.I can do the job of getting the information you with everyone else there avable to answer questions on specific details."


    "You do not need to protect me all the time.There will be times that I need to step up and protect you.We have a marriage, and it is a two-way street where we both love each other and want to protect each other."


    With that Anna reached up, dropping one of the crutches but giving Hou Yi a kiss.When they broke apart he bent down and picked up the crutch for her, helping Anna put it back under her arm.


    Anna then continued "Yi, my training is all about public speaking, in front of strangers.I cannot advocate for my clients if I cannot do that and control my emotions as best I can.I can and I want to do this, so please support me."


    "Sweetheart, you should not have to."With that he gentle leaned his head onto Anna''s forehead, so they were touching."This is something from my past, that I should deal with."


    "Darling, what have you been doing for thest five weeks for me.We can face whatever we need to, together.As you often hear said ''United we stand, divided we fall''.For us that means that when we work together we will seed but if we if we try alone we will fail."


    Before wither of them could continue they were interrupted by the media adviser who coordinated the conference.Hou Yi stopped her briefly and asked her to have a seat ready for Anna to rest her cast on, while speaking.


    Everyone moved to the back of the stage area while the media adviser performed the introductions of everyone on stage.


    Anna, when singled to hobbled up on the crutches to the microphone and lectern, and a chair was brought out for her to rest her leg on.The media adviser as they had requested had ced two folders on the lectern, one that contained her speech and the other containing copies of all the documents that will be handed to or sent out to the various press organisations.


    Taking a breath, Anna looked out at the assembled media.It was obvious with a nce that they were out there ready to get Hou Yi.They had already made their decision, given that her media adviser was doing everything to ensure that her version of the story, without evidence was the only thing in the media.Hou Yi''s denials to date were simply dismissed as him trying to protect himself and denying the truth.


    Anna took a few deep breaths before starting to speak "Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, you will have to forgive me, standing and crutches for me have not been going well, I seem to drop them everywhere and be a hopping rabbit."


    While a veryme joke, most of the press realised that Anna, was trying to lighten the mood.With that Anna using the chair that was ced on the temporary stage and rested her leg in the case on the chair.


    "In all seriousness, I will ask you to bare with me, as despite everything this cast, and my leg does make it difficult to deal with standing.I am likely to have to at some point change to sitting down or some other way to rest my leg."Anna could see that there were no real objections from the press corps.She knew that they were being kind to her at that moment.

 Chapter 306: The Press Conference regarding Du XuXu - Part 2

    <h4>306 The Press Conference regarding Du XuXu - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna continued "Now I know there has been a significant amount of interestst Monday''s story.My husband challenged each and every member of the press corps that were present to go and verify the situation.No one has seemed to be interested in taking up the challenge."


    "None of you have made contact to request an interview with my husband or to verify information from Hou Corporation.You have condemned him without any investigation of the facts.It suits you to look for some other scandal connected to us.This is in the light of the condemnation of most press organisations due to theck of information avable to the press and public about the matters involving myself, my husband, Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin."


    "Before we get to the real reason for this press conference, I want to address this with each and all of you here about this.Maybe then, you can understand that we are not acting deliberately, and judge the information we will be presenting to you fairly."


    "The court has made a decision about the information to be released, and that is not a decision that we will trespass on.If as members of the press you have an objection, I understand that there is a process that you can go through to have the decision overturned.But I can, from the inside see the reasons why, and that ties with cross national issues where information is legally required not to be disclosed."


    "Now, without specifically addressing that matter further, as the press before you jump at me and tell me that I am awyer, and I know all the tricks, let me give you information about suppressing information in cases and why it can be important.It can be about protecting victims, witnesses, and even the justice system."


    "Imagine as a baby you were seriously abused, and s*xually assaulted by a family member. Your name and the details of the abuse were allowed to be published by the media, simply because the media said the public need to know all information.That information would be searchable on the inte for ever."


    "It is something that can be used against the victim throughout their life.Think about it you were the victim and abused but given the freely avable information you are made a victim for the whole of your life.You could never escape it."


    "It makes me think about the controversy in Australia, when it was announced publicly that Cardinal George Pell had been convicted of s*x offences against children.People were demanding why was the information hidden in Australia, yet a search of the inte for months would have found about the conviction."


    "The reason for this was that there were pending criminal charges of a simr nature, but that urred years earlier.While the legal systems from here to Australia are different, I have a question for each of you to consider."


    "If you were told that 12 of you were going to listen to evidence about certain offences that person X had allegedlymitted, but knew that X had been convicted of simr offences that urred at a different time and location, would you not automatically assume, given that X had been convicted of simr or the same offences that he did it regardless of anything else?"


    "No one can say that they would not be affected in looking at evidence knowing that.However if you did not know that same fact you would not have a predisposition to view that given X had done something simr he is more likely to havemitted."


    "It is for these type of reasons and many, many more that the courts make a decision to keep some information about offences private, or use fake names to hide some information of what happened to protect people."


    Anna paused for a few seconds, and someone in the press spoke "Madam Hou, so you are saying that there is something to be protected in what happened?"


    "Absolutely, if you want to try and find out more information go to the court and ask for the suppression of the information to be lifted argue with them.But get an understanding why it might have been suppressed and form your argument.Do not take it out on us, which is what you seem to be doing."


    "Most importantly you should not think that is an affront to the press while information us suppressed.You should try to think about why this has been done from the information that is in the public view.Apply that logic tost Monday''s situation, and you should in part be able to deduce why it happened.It is what is called investigative journalism."

 Chapter 307: The Press Conference Regarding Du XuXu - part 3

    <h4>307 The Press Conference Regarding Du XuXu - part 3</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna took a breath, and continued "Look we are getting distracted, and if you do want to talk about this further, I will try and direct you in ways to get your information, but let us get to the real reason that we are here for."


    "The phrase that I just used investigative journalism is something that you have seemed to have forgotten in thest week.Not one member of the press, when provided with contact details for our personal media advisors to obtain the information you were advised would be made avable.The only contact was to demand information on your timetable, not requesting flight information for the Hou Enterprises jet and statements that could be provided."


    "You were happy to harass my parents-inw while they were in Hong Kong this past weekend.While the were there, they were apanying my grandparents-inw, and members of my family who were visiting, including children between four and twelve years old.You demanded that my parents-inw tell you the truth about the situation.On the one asion when they spoke to you, you used them of lying to you."


    "You camped outside the home of Ms Du''s parents, and when they told you that they could supply the DNA test results that confirmed my husband was not the father of the foetus that Ms Du miscarried, you told them they were lying, and demanded that they confirm the affair, the birth of the child and that the child was missing."


    "It is now such a point that this situation cannot continue.We will therefore beying all the information out for you.As you arrived, we asked for the provision of email addresses.The evidence that you will be taken through, will all be forwarded to your emails."


    "If you were true investigative journalists, over half the information that I am about to take you through is easily found.Almost all of the rest is would have been able to been obtained with appropriate requests.It is as if you have blindly epted information without checking information."


    "My husband met Miss Du XuXu, when he was in City A.Unlike my husband, I have confirmed ith the woman in question that it is OK to reveal her details.She and her now husband are fine with this.At the time he was involved with the now wife of the Chief of Government in City A."


    "In meeting Du XuXu, my husband met distant family members of his and his mother.For my husband, he saw Du XuXu like the little sister he never had.Du XuXu, was highly educated and quite adept in the business world and had been appointed to a middle management role within Hou Enterprises City A office."


    "As my husband saidst Monday Du XuXu''s brilliance if she was in fact his sister would have seen her appointed at Hou Enterprises CEO.We have academic information from her university that is in the material that shows her brilliance in education.The Job appointment was such that it was not to be seen to y favourites with a distant rtive but based on her skills and ability."


    "Due to the family connection and his then girlfriend my husband was a frequent visitor to City A to spend time with them.He maintained a standing reservation at the Cona za Hotel in City A, and there is a confirmation of that in the materials, along with the confirmation from Hou Enterprises for payments of the room and the reimbursement from my husband for his private use of the room."


    "Due to the family connections Du XuXu and her family had been given the permission to use the suite at the Cona za Hotel when it was not in use by my husband, his parents or senior management of Hou Enterprises.The confirmation of this authorisation is also contained in the material from the Cona za Hotel."


    "Part of the reason for my husband providing this authorisation is, as Doctor and Madam Du can confirm, their rtionship with Du XuXu''s rtionship with her family could be testy.As a result she often used the suite, when needed a break from them.Like any parent Doctor and Madam Du, were d that their daughter had somewhere safe to go."


    "Du XuXu, was helpful to my husband in determining that his former partner was, at the time cheating on him.We have a letter from the Chief of Government and his Wife in City A that confirmed the rtionship, and the bitter end of that that was issued to rify information.It also spells out that the Chief of Government was not involved in the breakup of the rtionship between his now wife and my husband."

 Chapter 308: The Press Conference regarding Du XuXu - Part 4

    <h4>308 The Press Conference regarding Du XuXu - Part 4</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna still continued to provide the narrative to the press about the information they would be giving them."Due to this bitter breakup, which urred on the day that Du XuXu imed that my husband slept with her and she fell pregnant my husband refused spend time even at the Cona za Hotel before his flight to Europe for a conference at about 3am the following morning."


    "My husband directly went to the and through immigration and remained on the Hou Enterprises Jet until they were given an earlier departure slot at 10:30pm.In the materials that will be provided there are statements from the flight crew that confirm the arrival and departure of the Hou Enterprises jet.That is supported by the flight records obtained from City A''s airport."


    "These statements confirm that after he arrived my husband did not depart the jet.The immigration statement, also provided confirms that my husband''s and the flight crew''s passports were only processed once for departure on the relevant day, around 5pm."


    "On the other end of the journey, we also have confirmation from French Immigration as to the time that my husband was processed through their immigration services when the Hou Enterprises Jet arrived in Paris"


    "We have also been able to obtain confirmation from the Cona za Hotel that there was no sighting of my husband on the day in question, when Du XuXu alleged that they had their s*xual encounter."


    "While the Cona za Hotel are not willing to make avable their CCTV footage to protect other patrons privacy to the media they did arrange for four separate people to view the footage separately and each of them confirmed that there was no citing of my husband, but each were able to track the movements of Du XuXu in the hotel, including her entry into the room and exit, but also could not confirm who was in the room.There are statements from each of these persons confirming this as well in the material you will be provided."


    "Just over four weekster it became known by Doctor and Madam Du, that Du XuXu was pregnant, and Doctor Du had this pregnancy confirmed by a fellow Doctor.When the spoke to her about being pregnant she imed that my husband was the father of her child.They did not speak directly to my husband, but initially spoke to his parents about their daughter''s statements."


    "My parents-inw, made it clear that it in fact the statement were true that they would ensure that my husband would marry their daughter and provide for their child.When my parents-inw confronted my husband about the allegation, of course he denied this, and asked for his parents to arrange with Doctor and Madam Du for a family meeting, at which he would provide the information that would prove the allegations false."


    "This family meeting was held a weekter, and my husband had been provided with a copy of the CCTV footage from the Cona za Hotel on the condition he returned it to them.The footage did not show him on the day entering the hotel, but they were able to clearly track Du XuXu;''s movements in the hotel."


    "He also provided them with the flight details, an information that could confirm other times in the relevant period where Du XuXu could have fallen pregnant that ounted for his movements.With this information Doctor and Madam Du were satisfied that he was not the father of the child.More importantly this information clearly indicated Du XuXu spent a couple of hours in a hotel bar getting drunk before being assisted towards the room.It also showed someone hidden entering and exiting the room a number of hourster."


    "Du XuXu despite being confronted about the fact that it was impossible to have been my husband in the room, was insistent that it was him.Eventually, to satisfy her, it was agreed that when the baby was born that there would be a DNA test, and she agreed to ept that the tests showed."


    "However, Du XuXu miscarried at eighteen weeks.Her miscarriage started in the family home, and despite Doctor Du being present he was not able to prevent the miscarriage.When the fetus was removed Doctor Du made arrangements for supervised DNA samples to be taken from the fetus and Du XuXu, and the fetus sample was run against that of my husband.:


    "Six separate reputable DNA testingboratories from around the world, including one in Australia that I an quite familiar with and can clearly say that their results are trustworthy, all performed analysis on the samples, that confirmed Du XuXu was the child''s mother but my husband was not the father of the child."

 Chapter 309: The Press Conference Regarding Du XuXu - Part 5

    <h4>309 The Press Conference Regarding Du XuXu - Part 5</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Still ploughing forward with the information, Anna continued "ording to Doctor Du after suffering he miscarriage and being shown the results confirming my husband was not the father of her child caused a rapid deterioration in Du XuXu''s mental health.Psychologists and Psychiatrists were brought in to assist in treating Du XuXu at home, and in the circumstances she was given an indeterminable period of leave from Hou Enterprises."


    "However, her mental health deteriorated to the point that she could not remain at home with her family and was admitted as an involuntary inpatient in a sanatorium.We have a letter that confirms the admission of Du XuXu, and that it was involuntary.The name and specific location of the Sanatorium have been blocked out, not to hide information, but to protect it for its current and future patients."


    "We made this decision in consultation with the Sanatorium, as it is like a suppression order.It is not about protecting us., but a location for Du XuXu''s future treatment and protecting other patients who needs its help.Think about it this way, if you had a family member there, not connected with this case, would you want your fellow journalists there outside the Sanatorium hounding staff, hounding your rtives?If you can say yes to that question, then I will debate you about providing the information."


    "Doctor Du with other medical professionals made the arrangements for Du XuXu''s admission, and despite she everythingto my husband, he and his parents have to this time been assisting Doctor and Madam Du with the ongoing medical fees for her admission, not from Hou Enterprises funds which given that she technically still remains a manager in City A on indefinite unpaid leave for health reasons, but from personal funds."


    "There is a medical report from a leading psychiatrist in the material that confirms the various psychiatric issues diagnosed for Du XuXu, her treatment to date and the status of her condition before she left the Sanatorium.The information confirms that it has been a long process to reach some improvement in Du XuXu''s mental health status, but despite remaining serious it was very slowly improving."


    "Their opinion was that she would be able to be released for short periods of time somewhere in six to twelve months, and able to return to work on a part-time basis.That would all be supported and conditional on no breaks in treatment and continual taking of her prescribed medication to treat her conditions."


    "The report is clear that she is going to need life-long treatment, but she would with that treatment be able to return to her normal life.When my husbandst week mentioned a three-month period, he was confused about information he had been given by Doctor Du and the rest of the family regarding Du XuXu."


    "In the intervening time from her admission, to her apparent departure without permission from the sanatorium Friday week ago, my husband had visited her on multiple asions, as had other family members.She slowly epted the reality of her miscarriage, and that the child was not my husband''s."


    "That was in addition to the frequent family visits to Doctor and Madam Du''s residence.We have not provided details of the flights confirming those visits, as it is not directly rted to this situation, but provide it to give you additional information that shows my husband did not abandon Du XuXu or her family after the allegations levelled at him were proven false."


    "Before the weekend thest time my husband or his parents spoke to Dr and Madam Du, was just before our marriage was exposed.They were happy about our marriage and wished us all the best.


    "ording to the Sanatorium, Du XuXu, when she heard of my husband and my marriage, initially was happy, but over the next couple of weeks, became somewhat withdrawn.This did not rm them, as over her period of treatment a number of things could cause Du XuXu to withdraw into herself, but she would eventuallye out of it."


    "Nothing concerned them until Friday week ago when she disappeared from the sanatorium, and the next thing anyone knew was that she was here and gave her press conference outside the court building.Between her disappearance and the press conference the Sanatorium found out that she had been hiding not taking her medication for about a week and given the diagnosis the psychiatrists viewed that she would be suffering from delusions.They also view that she would be a threat to her own safety, but potentially to others."

 Chapter 310: The Press Conference Regarding Du XuXu - part 6

    <h4>310 The Press Conference Regarding Du XuXu - part 6</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "Subsequent tost week''s press conference, Doctor Du arranged for the fetus to be exhumed with further supervised samples for DNA testing taken from the remains.Those samples have been re-run against another sample from my husband, samples preserved from the original samples andpared to the original tests."


    "The localboratories have process this quickly with the original results being confirmed.the overseasboratories results should be back within three weeks that confirm the same point.My husband is not the father of the child Du XuXu miscarried."


    "Before anyone asks, the fetus was buried in a family plot, by a funeral director, who assisted with the exhumation.He confirmed the location and depth of the burial, and the existence of three specific items that were buried with the fetus.These items were located with the burial.There was also no signs of any disturbance of the burial site, which would be the case as no one had been buried in the family plot since the fetus was buried."


    "In our view the information given and the supporting documentation that will be emailed to each of you is sufficient to disprove the ims that was made by Du XuXu.More importantly we are calling on the press and public''s help to locate her as quickly as possible so that she can get the help that she needs.The Sanitarium and the psychiatrist are very clear that she does need this ongoing treatment at this time."


    "Most importantly, all this information will prove that my husband is not the person you have been making him out as for a week.You have effectively stated that he is a as a phnder, without a care for any s*xual partner, which is clearly not the case.The allegations are false."


    "Now do we have any questions?"


    Anna by now was exhausted and pulled the microphone from its stand and sat down on the chair.Hou Yi came forward as he could see what Anna was doing and helped her to sit down, giving her a brief kiss on the forehead before standing behind Anna.


    As they looked over the press, there were a number of people yelling out and with their hands up.Anna randomly pointed to one reporter.


    "Madam Hou, why did you do this, rather than your husband, your inws or their extended family members?You have no role in this and should not be speaking."


    "Gentleman, firstly I offered to do this.Of everyone here on the stage I am the person most removed from the situation and can be more dispassionate than everyone else.Plus, presenting information to be understood by the public and the press is something I have done in Australia for over five years for a living."


    "Madam Hou, you did not answer the question?"


    "I did, it was a joint decision, that someone needed to speak for everyone, and as I said I offered.Everyone else is here that can answer questions if necessary."


    "Madam Hou ¡­"


    Anna pointed to another reporter realising that otherwise it would be a back and forth going nowhere.Over the next thirty minutes, there were a number of questions for everyone that they all answered without question.Hou Yi decided after answering a question directed to him "Members of the press, we will be ending this conference after this next question.By the time that you return to your offices the emails with the relevant data should have arrived."


    With that Hou Yi paused and pointed to one reported "Madam Hou, no one has asked a simple question.How do you feel about all this?"


    "As I clearly saidst week, my husband has been clear to be about his past, as I have to him about m past.I understand his reasons for not telling me specifically about the situation with Du XuXu, but understand why he did not do so.Mental Health issues, regardless of what anyone says still tend to be looked down on as a problem.He wanted to protect Du XuXu, so she could have a future."


    "That is also the impression that I have from her family, as to why they did not speak about it.The only concern, and it hase to my attention that there are rumours that a visit to the Sanatorium where Du XuXu was receiving treatment sparked her leaving it.I hope that this is not the case, as it has denied her the ongoing treatment that she needs.¡­"


    Before Anna could continue, there was a loud bang, and as everyone turned and looked to where the noise was from, stood Du XuXu with a gun pointed at Anna.

 Chapter 311: A Threat? - Part 1

    <h4>311 A Threat? - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    With the sound of the gun the bodyguards standing in the wings waiting, raced into the area where the press conference was being held.one each threw Hou Yi, Hou Jang, Du AnLing, Doctor and Madam Du and the media adviser to the ground, and three surrounded Anna who was sitting on a chair, and with her injuries that would not be a good thing.


    At the same time the members of the press in the room dived to the ground.Anna, before the bodyguards surrounded her was trying hard not tough at them, as seeing the ways they were diving for cover was so funny.It reminded of footage seeing rats abandoning flooded areas for safety.


    One bodyguard, headed to where Du XuXu was standing from the stage area, and from outside the room three Key za Hotel security also came running in in response to the shot.The bodyguard reached Du XuXu first and pulled the gun out of her hand before she could, aim it again.The security guards grabbed Du XuXu and forced her to the ground.


    Behind the three Key za Hotel Security guards that hade running into the room was a fourth, who appeared to be a supervisor.In his hands was a walkie-talkie in which he was speaking and a cloth.On reaching where Du XuXu was on the ground, he handed the cloth to the bodyguard who wrapped the gun in it.


    It was only when the situation started to calm down that people started to look around and realised that no one had been hit within the room, but no-one was actualy certain as to where the bullet fired had gone.


    By then Du XuXu, was screaming "You b**tard Hou Yi, you b**tard.You promised me the world and what do you do.You b**tard., you liar.In front of my parents you promised that you would marry me when our child was born.You lied and abandoned us."


    By this point in time, the bodyguards let everyone on the stage on the ground up, and Doctor and Madam Du had made their way closer to their daughter.Anna saw how distressed Madam Du was, and the level of concern Doctor Du had seeing how out of control his daughter was.


    Du XuXu, continued her tirade "Hou Yi, you helped those so called parents of mine who are with you to steal our child and keep them from me.You are mine and that woman who is your co-called wife is trash."


    By now Du XuXu''s ranting showed how delusional she was.She continued "You are mine and mine only.You solely belong to me and our child.You will pay if you do not divorce her," and with that Du XuXu pushed the security guards off her, jumped up and started towards Anna, grabbing a hidden knife from her boot and swinging it towards Anna as she moved.


    As she was continuing moving, she continued "I will kill her.You have to marry me.All that she has said is lies that she has fabricated to keep you.You are helping her suppress the truth, and keeping them in that ce that force feeds me that medication to control me and for the truth to be hidden."


    The bodyguards disarmed her from the knife and threw Du XuXu back on the ground.This time, one of them grabbed a couple of zip ties that they had and secured her arms behind her back, to prevent her from going after Anna again.


    Anna could see not only rage in Du XuXu''s eyes but signs of how much her mental health had deteriorated.That scared her, even more than the cold-blooded killers that she had represented in their murder case.She was clearly unpredictable which made Anna concerned about what would happen to everyone.


    Anna looked at Doctor Du, who was on his phone, and from what she could hear he was calling medical help given how psychotic and out of control his daughter was.He looked like he was trying to get her detained given that state.Anna then nced at Madam Du who was in shock not only at her daughter''s actions, but her world hade crashing down.Her daughter was simply someone she did not know.


    In those few seconds of observing both of them Anna could see that both of them had realised their hopes for their daughter''s recovery hade crashing down.The one thing was that they seemed to have no idea about who was really behind what had happened.If they knew that the Lu''s were responsible for the situation, they would seek to confront them, and that would not be a good thing.

 Chapter 312: A Threat? - Part 2

    <h4>312 A Threat? - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna also could see that her darling was also in shock.He could not seem to process that Du XuXu had resorted to violence as she had.Anna grabbed his hand and pulled him down to her level.Anna knew that when she dropped the microphone on the floor it was still on.Anna internally said to herself that the only way to mitigate this now was to talk about who may have put this in motion.


    "Look at me Yi.This is not your fault, so do not me yourself.While we do not have all the evidence that Du XuXu leaving the sanatorium was sparked either by a visit from CEO Lu or his wife when they were visiting various sanatoriums gathering information about helping children with mental health issues or reading about our marriage in the papers.The thing was, something that none of us could control caused her to flee.Promise me that you will not think that you are at fault."


    Hou Yi with those words, and the look of mischief in her eyes, realised that Anna was hinting to the press what had happened.He knew that he needed to help her."Anna, I know, and I have my suspicions, but ¡­"


    Du XuXu, was still struggling against the bodyguards and security guards trying to get up.She screamed out "You witch.He is mine, and CEO Lu just told me the truth about you, you maniptor, con-artist and liar.You deserve to die.Hou Yi is mine, you cannot have him, he belongs to me not you."


    In observing the media that she could see, she knew that they had heard what she had to say, and that would prompt investigations, so she bent down and picked up the microphone.As she straightened Anna said "Miss Du I have not met you before, but I have examined the evidence.Even taken a dispassionate view of it, it disproves your ims.You miscarried your baby but more importantly my husband was not the person responsible for getting you pregnant, but you have my word we will try and find out what happened to you on the night in question."


    "You husband thief.He is mine, and my parents stole my child from me, they need to give me my child, and Yi will do what he promised, marry me."screamed Du XuXu.


    With that Du XuXu, pulled herself out of the arms of the security guards and came running towards the stage area trying to break her hands from the zip ties securing them behind her back, screaming "You need to die today for taking my man."


    The bodyguards were quick enough and that before she could get any closer to Hou Yi and Anna they forced her to the ground.However, given the ongoing danger Hou Jang, Du AnLing, Doctor and Madam Du along with the media adviser immediately left the stage.The bodyguards then escorted them straight out of the hotel into cars and they left the area.


    Hou Yi however reached over and scooped Anna into his arms and carried her out, not giving a care about the crutches.Hotel staff showed them into a room, to await for Anna''s crutches to be retrieved from the room and a car to return, given that they were one short.Hou Yi moved over to the couch and sat Anna down before sitting beside her.Anna moved, so that they could simply sit there hugging each other.


    Fifteen minutester, one of Anna''s bodyguards was shown into the room and spoke "CEO and Madam Hou, the psychiatrist Doctor Du arranged before he was taken away, has arrived along with other medical staff and the police with an order to detain Du XuXu for treatment.When she ran thest time towards the stage two journalists were knocked to the floor.While they do not appear seriously injured we have arranged for them to have aplete check-up at your expense to be safe.A car will he here in ten to fifteen minutes to take you back to the Ancestral home, and when wee to escort you out, we will have your crutches Madam Hou."


    Ten minutester, four bodyguards entered the room, one carrying Anna''s crutches.Hou Yi stood up and rather than allowing Anna to use her crutches to move out he swept Anna into his arms and carried her out to the waiting car for them to leave the venue and return to the ancestral home.


    Meanwhile, Du XuXu had been taken to a secure psychiatric hospital to begin her immediate treatment.

 Chapter 313: Hong Kong Tales - Part 1

    <h4>313 Hong Kong Tales - Part 1</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    On the journey back the ancestral house, Hou YI and Anna simple leant on each other, sping their hands.It was, despite everything and having staff in the car, just delightful to have some private time together, simply rxing in each other''spany.At one point Hou Yi could not help himself and gave her a short passionate kiss before whispering in Anna''s ear "I love you, so much"


    Anna''s immediate reply was "I love you too."She then leaned over and snuggled into Hou Yi''s embrace, which for her felt perfect.


    With Anna''s few words, Hou Yi realised how tired Anna was.He knew that he needed to ensure that she got to bed as quickly as possible, so that she could rest.Thest thing that either of them needed was anything else to happen, particrly to their baby.He quietly let the bodyguard know to call the ancestral home to have Anna''s wheelchair inside the door, so Anna could be ced in it when they arrived home.


    However, for Hou Yi, Anna''s snuggling into his arms was a little slice of heaven and he did not want her to leave them until she had to, so he slightly moved to make it even easier.


    When they arrived back at the ancestral home, Hou Yi carefully swept Anna into his arms carrying her inside and cing her in the waiting wheelchair that James and Rosemary had for her.As soon as they realised how tired Anna was, they both went into nurse mode.


    Rosemary angrily said "Yi, she is exhausted.You are meant to ensure that she does not overtire herself, kept calm and you are careful.You know that there are more reasons than just her injuries for that."


    With that onement, Anna knew what Rosemary was referring to and ced her hand on her stomach.James, observing that action andbining that with Rosemary''s words and his suspicions fromst Wednesday when he apanied Anna to the hospital, reached the conclusion that his sister was pregnant.


    James bent down and whispered to Anna "Are you pregnant?" and all Anna could do is nod in response.


    Before either Rosemary or James could take over and take Anna to her and Hou Yi''s room, out came running the children yelling "Aunty Anna, Uncle Yi,e on we want to tell you about the trip."


    Hou Yi, noticed that since he had ced Anna how drained she was, and started to say "Children, Aunty Anna is tired, maybe tomorrow?"


    "Uncle Yi¡­" came a whine from all the children.


    "Yi, none of us will have any peace until they tell us their favourite things from the trip.Take me into the lounge area, Yi." Responded Anna in a quiet and tired sounding voice.


    "OK, Aunty Anna has spoken, but ¡­"


    "No buts Uncle Yi."


    Looking at Hou Yi, Rosemary and James realised how out of his depth Hou Yi was and that he was going to struggle to keep the children under control.Looking at each other they realise that the needed to move Anna before the children started to climb all over her, so James grabbed a couple of hands and started pulling them towards the lounge area, an Rosemary pushed the wheelchair.James called out "Come on, we need to go and sit down so you can talk to Aunty Anna and Uncle Yi."


    Once they were in the lounge area the children started running around, so James said "Come on sit down.Thest thing Aunty Anna needs is for you to knock her leg."


    "Uncle James ¡­"


    "Everyone, No pleading with me or anyone else.You either sit down, or you cannot tell Aunty Anna and Uncle Yi about your trip."


    With that the children ran and sat down on a couple of couches.Anna in the wheelchair was moved to be beside a chair and Hou Yi sat down beside her."OK, tell us about the trip."


    "Aunty Anna, Uncle Yi" spoke Hannah "We all talked earlier, and everyone told me I had to tell you what we liked."


    "Why Hannah?"queried Anna.


    "Well, Aunty Anna ¡­"


    "There was so much we all liked" came Pippa.With Pippa''s interruption there was a lot of shushing of her, and some of her cousins saying "Be quiet Pippa."

 Chapter 314: Hong Kong Tales - part 2

    <h4>314 Hong Kong Tales - part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    After Pippa quietened down, and everyone else wasfortable Hannah continued, "Pippa''s right.We had a ball with Uncle James, Aunty Rosemary, Aunty Rachael, Aunty Xi, Nanna AnLing, Poppy Jang, Granny Hou and Poppy Hou."


    Hou Yi looked at Anna, and leaned over and whispered, "It already looks like my parents, grandparents and Aunt have wormed their way into their hearts."


    Anna turned and whispered back "That could be dangerous, they will want to spoilt them, and then spoil our child even more."


    Hou Yi gave her a quick kiss before saying quietly back "As it we will let them."


    James watching what was going on, loudly said "Break it up you two, that to the two of you are alone in your room, the children do not need to see that."


    Pippa, being smart, and ready to stir her Uncle James, called out "See what Uncle James.Mum and Dad can be worse that that when they think we are not watching."


    Anna realising that this conversation was about to go even further down hill said "Pippa leave Uncle James along, you know he likes to cause trouble, and you are letting him."


    In a sweet voice, Pippa responded, "Yes Aunty Anna and Uncle Yi," and that drew a round ofughter from the adults in the room.


    Hannah continued "Poppy Jang, Poppy Hou and Aunty Xi, were so much fun, they came on most rides with us, particrly when Uncle James, Aunty Rosemary and Aunty Rachael would not.Granny Hou, could not believe Poppy Hou going on the rides.The funny thing he said was that he would do it with his great-grandchildren, so why not with us."


    "He told us that and then grabbed us and we went back on the Railway Carriage rollercoaster at Disnend [Big Grizley Mountain Runaway Mine Cars], which scared Granny Hou, as it went forward and backwards."


    As Hannah was talking in walked Hou Yi''s parents, grandparents and Aunt.He turned to them before they could even sit down and asked "Grandfather, what is this I hear about you going on a rollercoaster?"


    "Yi, it was fun, and everyone, well maybe not your grandmother, enjoyed seeing me having fun, and I have to learn what is good and what is not so that when you and Anna have children I can take them on the good rides when they are old enough."Hou Jang and Du AnLing knowing the secret were struggling not to say anything about Anna''s pregnancy.


    When everyone was seated, Pippa, decided that she had to move, and ran over to where Du AnLing was seated, and climbed on herp.Anna went to say something, and Du AnLing shook her head and said "It is fine.Leave her be."


    Hannah decided to continue "We had lots of Fun.Friday, all us girls went to a market for a couple of hours, and Aunty Xi helped us buy some pretty things, dresses, tee-shirts, scarfs.All sorts of things.I think the boys stayed at the hotel and went swimming.We went out looking around, to somewhere, I think thedy called it Victoria Peak we had tea in a restaurant that gave us a view over all the lights."


    "After tea, rather than being driven back down we went down on something called the Peak Tram.That was fun, as we had to go down backwards, and all the seats were at different heights."


    "Where we stayed Friday Night was right next to Ocean Park where we went on Saturday.They even had an Australian exhibit where we saw a White Waby, plus other things like we have at home.The Kos did not make the grunting noises like we hear out on the farms where Aunty Rosemary, Aunty Rachael, Uncle Adam and Uncle Ben live."


    "We went up the top on a cable car, in a number of cars.That was scary as it was so high!When we got up there, we went on a water rapids ride [the Rapids], then on a wirly ride [whirly bird], a one that went in circles getting quicker [Rev Boster], bumper cars [Bumper ster] and a roller coaster like ride [Artic ster]."


    "We were all too scared to go on one ride that looked like it was totally off the side of the cliff [Hair Raiser].We then went into an exhibit and saw penguins, and other creatures that live in the icy environments.The penguins looked cute, and we wanted to bring a couple back.Poppy Jang and Poppy Hou brought us toy penguins though, and Granny Hou and Nanna AnLing brought us an number of other toys during the day."

 Chapter 315: Hong Kong Tales - Part 3

    <h4>315 Hong Kong Tales - Part 3</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    After a quick drink and a breath, Hannah continued with telling Hou Yi and Anna about the trip.


    "We went up a tower, to have a look and could see a wide area, both of the park and in Hong Kong itself and as it was getting close to 12:30, there was a show on at a open air theatre.It had been arranged for special seats for us, and seeing the animals perform was much better than at Sea World."


    "After that we found a caf¨¦ and had some lunch, before we went and did a few more rides.A water rapids ride [Raging River] and a mine car ride [Mine Train].As we were walking around to head and take the train down we found a Jelly Fish exhibit, a shark disy, a disy of something called sturgeons.We went on a Ferris Wheel, and a couple of other rides that I cannot remember [could be any of the rides like the Flying swing, Crazy Galleon, The Dragon, the Abyss or the Eagle]."


    "We then took the train back down and saw the Pandas.They were SO cute.There was a ck and white panda, and there was something they called a red panda.That really did not look like a Panda as I know it.We all got Panda toys."


    "Thest thing that we did was go into the big aquarium down at the bottom area of Ocean Park [Grand Aquarium] and wandered there before leaving and going back to the hotel.Us kids quickly changed and went swimming in the pool for about half an hour before we had to change and go to the hotel near Disnend."


    "Pippa and I were in a Frozen inspired room, which was AMAIZING!Others stayed in a normal suite.When we arrived, as we had out bathers still on, we went out to the pool.There was a water slide, and the pool was great.We yed there for a while, before we went and changed and had tea."


    "Yesterday, we stayed at the hotel for a while and swam in the pool before going to Disnend itself.There was a number of areas.A jungle area [Adventurnd] where we did a river cruise [Jungle River Cruise] a raft [Rafts to Tarzan''s Treehouse] and to a treehouse."


    "Next was a Wild West Area [Grizzly Gulch] where with Poppy Hou and Poppy Jang and Anuty Xi, we did the rollercoaster [Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars] about five times until Granny Hou and Nanna AnLing told us that we should go on some other rides.We took photos at the jail [Wild West Photo Fun] and yed in the water geysers [Geyser Gulch]."


    "The next area was a Mystery area [Mystic Manor] but that was disappointing as there was only one ride, inside a building [Mystic Manor] what told a story about an adventure.The chairs we moved in, kept swinging around.Then there was Toy Story Land.That was so fun, as we all know the toy story movies.The Slinky dog Ride just went in circles like the slinky dog in the movies chasing its tail.Then there was a Toy Solider Parachute Drop ride.That was a little scary."


    "The boys went on a Car Ride [RC Racer].We went into, what Aunty Rosemary and Aunty Rachael said was the older Disney movie area [Fantasnd].We went on the teacup ride [Mad Hatters Teacups], where we spun the teacups as fast as we could.Doing that was so fun, that we had to do the ride a couple of times, and trying to take photos was funny, as everything was moving quickly."


    "There was a Carousel [Cindere''s Carousel]; an elephant ride [Dumbo the flying elephant], Winnie the Pooh ride [The Many Adventures of Winne the Pooh], a show [Mickey''s PhiharMagic], before going to it''s a small world.The boys loved the next area, which was a science fiction area [Tomorrond] with an indoor roller-coaster [Hyperspace Mountain] and an Iron Man ride [Iron Man Experience].Granny Hou, went on spaceship ride [Orbitron] with me."


    "We then wandered back to Cindere''s castle area, and back down main street.Granny Hou, Nanna AnLing and Aunty Xi, brought each of us girls a Pandora bracelet with charms all the charms that they had there, including the special Honk Kong Disnend Charms, even Aunty Rosemary and Aunty Rachael got one."


    "Uncle James, Poppy Jang and Poppy Hou took the boys shopping somewhere else.We went back to the hotel, and us kids had some more time in the pool before we got showered and changed before having tea before going back for the fireworks and heading to the airport toe back."


    "Sounds like you had a lot of fun kids.What was everyone''s favourite ce?"asked Anna


    The children over each other were saying "Ocean Park" and "Disnend".


    Before Anna or Hou Yi could ask questions, they were interrupted by a staff member saying "Dinner is served."Hou Yi signalled to them, while everyone else got up and started to head to the dining room.


    "Can you arrange for our meals to be brought to our room.My wife needs to rest, and I will stay with her."


    "Yes, Young Master."With that everyone left the lounge area with Hou Yi and Anna heading back to their room while everyone else drifted to the dining room.

 Chapter 316: Recovering

    <h4>316 Recovering</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    A few minutes after they arrived back in their room, dinner was brought into their room by the ancestral home staff for Hou Yi and Anna.Before the staff left, Hou Yi told them he would leave their tes outside the room as they did not want to be disturbed for the rest of the night.


    Anna while Hou Yi was dealing with the staff made herselffortable on the couch to eat, before turning to Hou Yi and saying "It has been exhausting today."


    "Anna, sweetheart, you did well."With that Hou Yi leaned over and gave her a kiss.


    Anna pulled back before it could be too passionate."Yi, we need to eat, but can you turn on a news channel on the television."


    Hou Yi located the remote controls and then moved the painting covering the television before turning it on.Anna immediately saw that the news story on-screen focused on the Press Conference.They simply sat there watching in silence while they started to eat their meal.When the story ended it because obvious to both of them that the press had taken the challenge that had been thrown down.


    Hou Yi''s mobile rang, disturbing them.As he picked it up Hou Yi noticed that it was Assistant Wang, so he put it on speaker phone "Yes Assistant Wang, what do you want."


    "Apologies CEO Hou, I need to speak to Madam Hou, and I could not quickly locate her number."


    "Assistant Wang, I am here, you are on speaker."


    "Sorry to disturb you Madam Hou but a couple of unusual requests for you havee through to Hou Enterprises.The local University and Law Association have both requested you toe in and speak to them.I requested them to send the information through regarding their requests, but the University asked if they could have a response in a few days.As they exined it yo me they need to factor your response into their lecture schedule as they would like you to speak to a final year ss."


    "Send it through, but it would you let them know I will respond by the end of he week."


    "Not a problem Madam Hou.CEO Hou, as you requested between myself and the public rtions department all queries have been directed to your personal media adviser."


    "Thank you."And with that Hou Yi ended the call.


    Anna turned to Hou Yi "I wonder why I got the requests?Why would they ask a foreignwyer?"


    "Maybe because they want to do something about other legal systems, or even explore the ideas behind suppression orders.Your exnation today, would help anyone understand them.Do not worry about it, leave it for a couple of days and see what they are looking for with their requests."


    When they finished their meal, Hou Yi took their dishes and left then outside their room.When he came back to the couch "You know, despite enjoying being here with my family and part of your family, I miss the apartment.I cannot wait to go back home."


    "Yi, is that really going to be the ce to raise our child?"


    "Sweetheart, No.But I have already been looking for a family home for us, near here, so we can be close to family but have our own life.We will keep the apartment as it will make a much closer base to the office in the long-term if we do not feel like returning to our house.Now, let us have a shower and head to bed, you are exhausted and it has been a long day,"


    Hou Yi carried Anna into the bathroom, and helped cover her cast, before they indulged in a shower.Hou Yi, however put stop to any efforts Anna made, which were halfhearted to provoke passion in the shower.While he was so tempted, Anna was exhausted, and she needed to rx and recover.


    Once they were finished, and changed, Hou Yi carried Anna to the bed, and carefully ced her in bed.As he moved to go over to his side of the bed, he noticed someone had ced Anna''s crutches inside the door.He went over and collected them, cing them near Anna''s side of the bed in case she required them overnight.


    When he climbed into bed, he moved over and gathered Anna into his arms.She moved and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips and whispered "I love you".


    Within seconds both of them drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 317: Going without me

    <h4>317 Going without me</h4>


    Tuesday


    When Hou Yi awoke, he realised that it was just before 7am.As Anna was still asleep, he carefully slid out of bed ensuring that he did not disturb her, before selecting clothes from the wardrobe and entering the bathroom to get ready for the day.


    When he came out of the bathroom fifteen minutester, Anna was still asleep.He moved collected his mobile, and sat on the bed.He leaned over, and started to gently kiss Anna repeatedly on the lips, unable despite her being asleep letting the kisses get a bit more passionate.


    Hou Yi''s kisses woke Anna, and she sat up and stretched before noticing that he was dressed for the office."What time is it.Why did you not wake me so I can get ready to go to the office,"


    "Sweetheart, it is 7.15am, and you are exhausted.You need to rest, not only for yourself and recovery from your injuries, but you are pregnant and should not exhaust yourself.Stay home.There should be nothing pressing, and I will email Stan Williams and let him know that you will be unavable for the rest of the week as you are exhausted."


    "Yi I love you, but I need to do something with my day."


    "You have your family, and you need to do some of the rehabilitation work, so spend time with them.Talk with everyone about putting into ce most of the arrangement for our formal wedding.How about, we aim for about around ten weeks time in Australia.We do not have to be huge, and we will not have the concerns about your pregnancy being known too widely.Not the best weather, I know, but if we wait for that you will have to wait for a year and a half."


    "OK Yi, I will stay home, but you owe me.Now give me a kiss before you go."


    Hou Yi leaned over and gave Anna a deep passionate kiss, that was hard for both of them to pull away from.


    Once Hou Yi left the room, Anna put her head back on the pillows and the next thing that she knew it was 9:30am, and Rosemary and James were beside the bed.


    James said "Come on miss sleepy head.It is time for you to get out of bed.Rosemary will shower you, and I will get ready for your rehabilitation session.This will be short, and then you can have breakfast.We will do a second session this afternoon, which will be longer."


    With that he leaned over and handed Anna her crutches for her to get out of the bed.Rosemary, was waiting for her at the wardrobe to help select clothes for the day.Anna out of the corner of her eye, saw James pulling the bed together, while Rosemary carried her clothes into the bathroom and she followed.


    Rosemary shut the door, and started to wrap Anna''s cast to protect it while she was in the shower.As she moved into the shower Anna''s thoughts drifted back to yesterday morning in the shower with Hou Yi, how amazing things were given their admissions to each other.


    As Anna was thinking about that, Rosemary realised that she was drifting in her thoughts "Anna do not get distracted.You need to have your shower, and we need to get started on your rehabilitation work"


    Five minutester, Rosemary helped Anna from the shower before assisting her to change and safely return to the bedroom, where James was waiting.


    "Now Anna, the rehab work that we need to start with is with your arms.You will have found that your arms are really sore, and ording to what they told me at the hospitalst week, we needed to wait until today, for you to get use to spending most of your day using the crutches.We will work you through the exercises that will assist in dealing with the soreness in the arms, and your other leg."


    "You are a pain James, I should kill you and Rosemary."


    "Anna, Anna, Anna.You know we are not here as your family at the moment, we are nurses here to help you."James noticed the pouting look on his sister''s face."Do not give me that look.If you were in hospital you would be forced by the physio''s to do it.We will not be as mean as them."


    Anna then looked over to Rosemary "Do not think I am going to help you with this.Yes you are one of my best friends, but James is right, at present we are nurses here to help you.We can easily tell your doctors that you are not cooperative, and they will get physios involved and possibly given the circumstances return you to the hospital."


    "You will absolutely hate that, particrly dealing with physios in hospital doing rehabilitation work.You have been that way ever since it happened with the rehabilitation from that ankle injury after yingball, and when you broke your arm in that ident at home."


    "Fine" spat out Anna "Just remember I will get you back."


    "Anna you are all talk.You will not do that you love us too much."With that Anna realised that she had no hope in escaping from Rosemary and James, who were at this exact moment her personal torturers.


    Twenty Minutester, James was satisfied that his sister had done the exercises right."We are done.Lets go and get you breakfast, well given the time it is more likely brunch.Plus more than likely the hoard have driven Reba insane."


    "Bite Me, James, I hate you at the moment."


    "Well sister, you love me and you have no choice.Just be grateful it was us not someone else.So let us get moving."

 Chapter 318: Organising the Wedding - Part 1

    <h4>318 Organising the Wedding - Part 1</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    James and Rosemary helped Anna to sit up and move onto her crutches before apanying her into the small dining room for ate breakfast.While she was eating all around her, everyone was discussing their ns for the day, and debating who Anna would go with.


    For Anna, despite loving everyone shopping, y-dates and visiting people did not appeal to her.For Anna, despite the disruption of thest month she still craved the normality of her life, working in an officer each day,ing home of a night and having weekends free.That is what she desired.


    Anna considered what she would do and thought that she could twist Hou Yi into letting here into the office even for a half day.She pulled her phone from the small bag she had around her neck where she was carrying it, and dialed ''Hubby''


    Within two rings Hou Yi picked up "Good morning sweetheart."


    "Hi darling, you know I could ¡­"


    "Anna, I love you but do not even finish that sentence.You are too predictable, and you want toe into the office.Rosemary and James already have told me off, as you are not recovering from the attach, and taking care of yourself given you are pregnant.They told me, thating into work should be thest thing that you do, and apparently are going to tell your treating team."


    After a brief pause, Hou Yi continued "They scare me, as they will also get the rest of your family on my case for not letting you recover, and details about your pregnancy will slip out, and we really do not know about whether or not ..."


    "Yi, do not say that we will lose our baby."


    "Sweetheart, we have already been given the warning, despite every advance in medical science, they cannot be certain what will happen.Rather than stressing you, take the time that is left while they are here and spend what you can with them.Get them to help you n our wedding ceremony in Australia.Once they are gone, we can go back to our apartment and your time is mine and my time outside business is yours."


    "Yi I love you, but ¡­"


    "Anna as was said to the childrenst night there are no buts.I know you love me, however you need to focus on you and our ¡­"


    "Yi, you can help me do that if I am in the office with you," responded Anna in a pleading voice.


    "Anna, no pleading will get you in here before Monday next week.Use everyone and n our dream wedding, sweetheart.I cannot wait to see youing down an aisle towards me in the dress you have picked.As I told you it was perfect, and it will be.The only thing. make it a small ceremony in Australia and next year we can have a big shy ceremony here for everyone who will want to attend, and if everything goes right our baby can be the star of it.Remember cost is on object."


    "You are spoiling me," came a quiet reply from Anna.


    "No, I just want you to be happy.If that means that I indulge you I will do that, but I will not risk your health."


    There was a brief pause, before Hou Yi continued "Sweetheart, I am sorry but Assistant Wang stuck his head in and told me my next meeting is her.I will see you tonight.I love you sweetheart."


    "I love you too, Yi."And with that they both ended the call.


    Reba walked in as Anna was ending her call, and asked "Something is going on Anna, what is it?"


    "Yi is being somewhat mean, but he suggested that we have a small wedding ceremony in Australia, for family and close friends, then next year have arger ceremony here."


    "Rosemary, AnLing, Xi, you all better hurry in here."With that all three came running in.


    AnLing worried something was wrong "What is it?"


    "Guess what you son is nning?"


    "Other than annoying me, and cutting my spending allowance again?"


    "No, he and Anna just spoke on the phone and he wants to do a small wedding ceremony in Australia in about two months, then arger one here next year."


    "That Brat! He knows what I was nning, now he wants to mess with it.There is no hurry to do it."Du AnLing, despite knowing that Anna was pregnant, did not know who else might know and did not want anyone, particrly her sister-inw to know what was happening until Anna and Hou Yi said that they could tell people.


    Rosemary looked directly at Anna, knowing that she could say nothing in case someone else clicked that Anna was in the early stages of what was a very risky pregnancy, and arge wedding would take too long to n and have her heavily pregnant at the ceremony.


    Reba observed the Rosemary''s look and knew that she was aware of something the was not.She turned and demanded "Rosemary, you know why, spill?"


    "Sorry, patient confidentiality, and "raising her voice "James will also give you the same answer of patient confidentiality."

 Chapter 319: Organising the Wedding - Part 2

    <h4>319 Organising the Wedding - Part 2</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    James hearing his name, entered the breakfast room from the outside garden where the children were loving spending time with Hou Jang, and the Elder Hou''s."What is the problem?"


    "Rosemary knows something why Hou Yi and Anna are looking to have their wedding ceremony in two months, and she will not tell, citing patient confidentiality, your are not going to do the same thing, or will I have to get Adam, Ben, Wayne and Susan onto you about it."


    "Rachael, Rosemary is right, patient confidentiality, and Susan if she was here would tell you the same thing.So do not try."


    James paused, and said "Anna, Susan and I were speaking earlier, and she said that I needed to remind you about Hannah and Pippa''s dance school trip in few weeks time, where you agreed to go with the girls.The Dance school has said they can arrange for another family to be responsible for the girls on the flight, provided you meet them at the airport and remain with the girls until the end.You need to speak to Susan, and she will give you the contact details for the dance school and the travel agent who arranged the trip.She will text you the numbers to call."


    "OK let me sort that out first, then we can talk about the other."


    James showed Anna the number, and taking into ount the time difference, she knew that it would be OK to call them.


    Twenty Minutes,ter, she ended the call."Well, what did they say?"


    "They will be emailing me the itinerary, but they are happy for the children to still go, given a friend of Susan''s has agreed to care for them on the flights.We spent time arguing over what I am going to do, in that I will arrange for two bodyguards to go across to Australia to apany the children to Hong Kong."


    "Yi and I will, once we have the itinerary talk to the airline and upgrade the girls tickets to either business or first ss to make it easier for the bodyguards to protect them, plus I will talk directly to the hotel and arrange for upgrading of the hotel rooms as well."


    "Anna, you are stalling,e on given you and YI have shortened our time frames we need to work hard to organise stuff."


    "James, I am going to ask a favour.Can you arrange with my father-inw and grandparents-inw to take the children out and do something today?"


    "As long as you do those exercises at least three times before tea tonight."


    "I Promise."


    AnLing, realised that the breakfast room was not the best ce to have this conversation, so she suggested "Ladies, how about we go into a lounge room to have this discussion in a morefortable setting?"


    Knowing that everyone would follow her Du AnLing stood up and exited the breakfast room, heading down a corridor into a small lounge room.Everyone simply wandered after her, Anna asking the staff to bring them in coffee and tea, along with a cold drink for her.


    Once everyone wasfortable Du AnLing spoke, "Ladies, let us look at what we have to organise.Venue for the wedding ceremony, guest list, photographer, location for post wedding photos, reception.Wedding dress, and wedding party clothes are sorted, everyone just has to have fittings before they go back."


    Rosemary interrupted "Depends on the numbers being invited to the ceremony, if it less than fifty we could see if the chapel at gstaff Hill is avable, as Hou Yi liked that idea when we walked around there, otherwise we need to look at a church, or a venue for a non denominational ceremony.That makes us consider a Minister of Religion or a Marriage celebrant."


    "As to a Photographer I know a couple of people who know photographers, so I can send some emails and see who might be avable, but to do that I need the date.Post wedding photographs, gstaff Hill, Tower Hill, the Gardens, even possibly a few could be where Yi, Anna and the photographer take a helicopter to the Twelve Apostles or elsewhere along the Great Ocean Road.That will depend on the weather."


    As she paused, Reba continued "For reception venues, there are a few options, but catering might be a challenge.Without arranging catering, the Lady Bay Resort might be the best option, but if we have to fly catering in, then it opens up options.We just have to see what is avable and go from there with the reception venue.But for the football mad family members you better have a television avable for them."

 Chapter 320: Organising the Wedding - Part 3

    <h4>320 Organising the Wedding - Part 3</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    With that everyone started topile the guest list, to resolve the other issues.It was quickly determined that the guest list would be over fifty, so Rosemary, using Anna''s phone started making calls to sort out a church.


    Ten minutester she was off the phone "You have some luck Anna.This Saturdaying in nine weeks, the church is free.That is the first weekend of the next school holiday period.I told the minister that we would take it.He is emailing me details as technically we have to pay a booking fee, and he does want to talk to you.He asked me, once I had spoken to you to call him back, so you can speak to him."


    "OK let me do that, while I let you all get on with working out some of the other things, and making bookings."


    Anna took the phone and re-dialed the minister.Immediately on his answering she felt like a little child being called before the school principal, because he asked what the rush was.


    Anna knew that she could not say, the exact reason so indicated "There is no rush, it is just that my husband is a businessman and there was a window of a couple of weekends that we could do this ceremony, otherwise we would most likely be a year or more before we could have a formal church ceremony, as legally we have married in another country."


    Anna then paused before continuing continued "I know that you mentioned there is a booking fee, that is not a problem, I will arrange, within 48 hours for the money to be transferred.As it is an international transfer, could you please ask whichever bank you use to supply the SWIFT code so that it can be facilitated.Otherwise it might take a week to ur.By the way, would, in addition to the booking fee ept a donation for use for building repairs, say twenty thousand Australian dors?"


    "Mrs Hou ¡­"


    "That is not enough, will fifty thousand then do?"


    "You are kidding, right?"


    "No, actually give me ten minutes and I will call you back if you can take a credit card for that payment today."


    "We can." stuttered out the minister


    Anna ended the call, and asked "Can someone get my handbag from my room please"


    "What is going on Anna?"


    "The minister wanted to talk about our reasons for rushing into marriage as he sees it.So, I distracted him.I remembered when I was home at Christmas, they were starting the building repaid fund, to do some major repair, so I just offered to donate fifty thousand in addition to paying the booking fee."


    Du AnLing, looked as her daughter-inw, and smiled.She was already learning the Hou family way to deal with ufortable questions, distract and draw attention to something else."Anna, you are really bing a Hou, that was smart."


    Leng Xi piped in "And how often do we use that?"the two thenughed.


    With her handbag, Anna pulled out her wallet, and withdrew one of the ck credit cards Hou YI had issued in her name, and rang back the Minister, and finalised the booking, telling him that her sisters-inw and sister would work with him as to the order of service.


    Reba responded "You witch.You know I hate church stuff."


    "Well, what do you expect, you are there, and I am here so I trust you."


    Du Anling, saw the credit card Anna used, and moved over to see that Hou Yi had one issued in her daughter-inw''s name, not apanion card.As Anna slipped it back in, there was a second ck credit card.


    "That damn son of mine, he limits my spending ability, and gives you five credit cards, two of which will have extremely high daily limits, if any.When you are back on your two feet, we are going to Paris for shopping."


    "Mother, forget it, I know about you two and shopping.I do not need to spend for the sake of spending.I have a few current season pieces, but I am slowly building up a wardrobe of specially designed one-off pieces from the tailors store we stumbled on in M Mall.Tourist Market shopping is a definite though.But we are getting distracted from our task.Wedding nning"


    Ten minutester Rosemary reminded Anna that she needed toplete another repeat of the exercises that James worked through with her.While she was doing this, a light lunch was brought in.


    The bnce of the afternoon passed quickly with everything other than the photographer, hairdresser and makeup artist being sorted.Reba grabbed Anna''s phone and dialled Susan, to put her on the task, given the still stubbornness of Anna''s mother about Anna and Hou Yi.Rosemary worked through the set of exercises with Anna.


    Just after Anna finished the final set exercises Hou Yi arrived home and walked into the bedroom.

 Chapter 321: Three weeks pregnan

    <h4>321 Three weeks pregnan</h4>


    Wednesday


    Anna, stirred as Hou Yi started to move out of the bed.She turned her head and said "Yi, do not disappear ¡­"


    Hou Yi lent over and gave Anna a kiss, which she was determined that he was not going to break away from easily.Anna, took his face in her two hands, and quickly deepened the kiss, and it became more and more passionate.


    With much reluctance, Hou Yi eventually, but highly reluctantly pulled back, before in a husky voice "Sweetheart, it is 7am.I need to get moving into the office.I know your review appointment is noon at the hospital and I will see you then."


    Anna reached up and pulled his head back down before giving him another deeply passionate kiss.As she pulled away she smiled and said "Yi, I love you, but do not think I will simply let you slip away without ¡­"


    "Us indulging in something."


    "That is low Yi, you know how much I want to, but we cannot do what we really want until .."


    "I know.Hopefully the doctors might change their mind today."Before Anna could react Hou Yi move off the bed and went in to have his shower.As he came back into the bedroom, he moved back to the bed, and gave Anna another kiss, before carefully helping her to settle back into the pillows and exiting the room


    Twenty minutester Rosemary came in and escorted Anna into the bathroom to get ready for the day.She then, in James absence, started her on the first repetition of the exercises assigned to her.Once she was satisfied, she picked up Anna''s handbag and followed her to the breakfast room, where Anna joined everyone for a leisurely breakfast.


    Anna, after breakfast decided that she needed to check her text messages, and found a message from the tailors that they would like everyone there for a fitting today.She knew, that disturbing Hou Yi, had a busy morning toe and join her at the hospital for the review appointment, and dismissed calling Amanda and Yao Tan, but knew that the fitting for everyone else had to be achieved before they left.


    While the children were enjoying themselves in the garden, Anna turned to Rosemary, Rachael, James, Du AnLing and Leng Xi "I had not realised there was a message from the tailors wanting to do a fitting today for everyone.What about we go to M Mall, before I have to go to the hospital, and get this over with, so that I can spend as much time with you all over the next few days."


    With a nod of heads, Du AnLing stood up, and all Anna could thing was that she went and made arrangements for a number of cars to take the to M Mall.


    Just after 11 am, Anna, having gone through her own preliminary fitting started to worry about having to talk to the tailor about alterations given her pregnancy, but at the same time did not want many people to know what was happening.Given Rosemary wasing to the hospital with her, the tailors did her final fitting first, so that they could leave everyone else there for their final fittings.


    As they arrived with ten minutes to spare, Anna called Hou Yi and found out that he would be only a couple of minutes so they remained waiting in the reception area, before going upstairs ti the VIP level for her review appointment.


    Anna however was surprised when the only tests that she had to have done were some blood test, and an X-ray.When Anna returned to Dr Lang''s office it was not long before the X-Ray results were through.Surprisingly it revealed that Anna''s leg, despite the trauma it had been through was healing remarkably well.


    Dr Lang indicated that, provided Anna promised not to over-do things, and continued to move with the aid of crutches she could have a walking cast, and that they would only need to do one more X-Ray in a couple of weeks to determine when the case would be removed finally.The only catch was that it would require three physiotherapy sessions a week, with the promise to do the exercises given each day.That was an easy promise for Anna to make.


    Dr Lang, also revealed that other this and one final visit for her leg, she otherwise would be seeing the Obstetrician for her pregnancy.


    Rosemary, however could not help herself and indicated that she would be back for the birth of the baby, and be the midwife in charge of her sister''s care.Anna, however could not help butugh at the argument that ensued as to her ability to do this.


    As the appointment was ending Hou Yi started to excuse himself, and Anna, took one look at his face, and realised that he had something going on."Yi, I need to talk to you, so I will travel with you back to the office, while Rosemary heads back to the Ancestral home.You can send me home from there."


    Hou Yi was about to refuse Anna''s request, but the look in her eyes made him realise that it would be better if he spoke to her about what he had been doing over thest three weeks."Are you OK with this Rosemary?" He asked


    "Go Yi before I change my mind."

 Chapter 322: Starting Lu Corporations Downfall - Part 1

    <h4>322 Starting Lu Corporation''s Downfall - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    As soon as Anna was sittingfortably in the car taking both of them back to Hou Enterprises, Anna turned to Hou Yi "What is going on?You have been up to something for at least a week?And I know that it is not a surprise for me."


    "Who is to say that is not a surprise," came the calm collected response from Hou Yi


    "If it was, you would not be in the office as much as you are."


    "Hou Enterprises cannot take care of itself, particrly give our expansions from our traditional areas of operation.Plus there has been a few things that have taken me away from the office.And no, I am not ming you, the cause of that is your ex."


    "Yi, stop being smart and tell me.Whatever is going on is more than just simple expansion into non-traditional areas of business.You are too distracted for it to simply be business."


    Hou Yi, did not want her stressing out but if he continued to put off telling her what he had been up to, she would simply stress out more.The problem was that he was so annoyed with himself that he had not prevented Anna from getting hurt, and was ready to kill the bodyguards, who had not been on the ball to determine the threats to them.But did she really need to take on all the stress rted to his business tactics given it has only been five weeks since they married?


    Anna observing her husband from the side, knew that he was still stalling and more sharply said "Stop Stalling and tell me."


    He took a breath before starting."You know how disappointed in myself I am that I have, since we married let you get physically hurt due to those two idiots on three asions¡­"


    "Yi quit ming yourself.It would have happened regardless as Lu Jinhu as you have told me on several asions is a spoiled brat, who if he does not get his way resorts to violence and intimidation.That is a perfect way do describe what happened in my rtionship with him and he has not, and I believe will not change.Now tell me, or ¡­"


    "Fine.You remember those admissions you manipted out of Inspector Gang in your police interview that ended ¡­"


    "Yi do not say badly.Despite the broken leg, that was so much fun.He was so easy to twist around, and get information out of, all I did was push a little too much."Hou Yi observed that his beautiful wife had a smug look on her face, proud that she had used her skills to manipte despite the eventual oue.


    "Uncle Feng and his trusted people within the security team were able to get lots of information from the spies that either them or ourselves located had been maneuvered into ce by the Lu''s or simply manipted into being their spies.You know all I know about Du XuXu, but I have also gathered bits and peices of information about Lu Corporation''s tactics over the years.I simply decided to work, quite legally mind you, to pull away their support and ruin thepany."


    "WHAT!"


    "Anna, do not get upset and angry, that is not good for you and the baby."


    "I am not upset or angry, just shocked.What in the world are you doing?"


    "I had been starting to n everything, but the discussion I had that day with Tan when he and Amanda came to visit you in the hospital kicked it off dramatically.Tan wanted to try and destroy the Lu''s immediately.However I convinced him that the better option was to take down Lu Corporation as that impact Lu Jinhu''s parents and parents-inw''s finances, undermining there ability to cause issue in the future."


    "When we met Iid out all the information I had at the time and with Tan and XF International''s help, we started talking to our leadingpanies, who are partners in numerous projects.It was made clear to them that they had to chose between Lu Corporation or Hou Enterprises and XF International.You can guess whopanies were willing to support."


    Hou Yi looked at Anna noticed that she was interested in what he had been up to."Over thest three weeks, we have gathered enough support that will literally destroy most of their developments, as people will pull their money and support.That is going to happen this afternoon, when Tan along with at least seven leadingpanies CEO''s will have a joint press conference, announcing that they will not be doing business with anypany that now on that signs any deal with Lu Corporation."


    "Additionally some of them will be pulling out of all their existing deals with Lu Corporation, but in a way that will not hurt smallerpanies, contractors and the staff as existing developments that could continue without their investments could go topletion."


    "While I would have loved for it to be immediate I can see their logic and reasoning.Hou Enterprises will be seen not to have anything to do with the decision, as we have projects with allpanies that will be involved in this boycott which exin their presence at Hou Enterprises over thest three weeks on the basis that your hospitalization and injuries have limited my ability to travel.."


    "The only area of Lu Corporation that will generally be insted from this will be their Film and Television division.It is thergest, and even XF International''s division is a distant second ce.In talking to Tan, rather than Hou Enterprises going into that area, we will enter a joint venture with XF International.We have structured the deal that if we cannot agree, an independent third person will make the decision.We spoke to Phillipa, who we both trust, and she has agreed to take that position for us."

 Chapter 323: Starting Lu Corporations Downfall - Part 2

    <h4>323 Starting Lu Corporation''s Downfall - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "Phillipa, despite her passion for what she does, along with her sisters are the only heirs to Chen Corp that her father and grandfather run.She has a brilliant business brain but given that after her mother she will inherit her maternal grandfather''s title and everything thates with that she is not really interested in Chen Corp as she realises that she will not be able to be involved with it in the long term."


    "How good she is, is what she has managed to do with her maternal grandfather''s estate in thest five years.She has taken an estate that was just covering costs to one that makes millions of pounds in profit each year.That profit is over and above what has been needed to even do major works on the historical buildings in the estate.That makes her ideal for being the tie-breaker for the joint venture."


    After pausing for a few seconds, Hou Yi continued "The new joint venture, led by XF International''s Film and Television division has already moved and signed eight of the top ten top actors and actresses employed by Lu Corporation, along with a number of others.The remaining top two are likely to sign in the next few days."


    "But that is the tip of the iceberg, we have signed three high quality directors and other key behind camera staff.Additionally XF International''s Film and Television staff, have agreed to go to the newpany, with the proviso that if the joint venture folds, they return to XF International''s film and Television division.The joint venture along with the agreement for it to be responsible for three productions that Lu Corporation thought they had locked in will be announced on Monday."


    "All that will leave Lu Corporation is its international activities.The thing that their legally required to be published financial reports shows that they use profits from domestic activities, in particr its profits from the Film and Television Division to fund them.It will take, on my view about five years for most of those those international expansions to be self-supporting.There are a couple of smaller ones, that will be profitable in a year of so."


    "The problem for them was that the rushed to expand to multiple locations at one time.Most likely trying to keep up with Hou Enterprises.From very early on when my father took over thepany, our expansions were always strategic.We staggered projects throughout the world, so that a copse in one area would not impact another."


    "Additionally, we look for developments and projects that can add profits supporting already existing businesses.For example, given our control of Fengs we have gone carefully into precious metal and gem mining, refining and associated activities.We feed some into Fengs, and the bnce into the world market.Importantly that has secured Feng''s supply chain but also allowed us to expand into less exclusive jewellery chains.


    "Years ago, Dad helped develop a coal power station that supplied out manufacturing businesses in an area, and then purchased into coal mines to guarantee its supply and the excess power was sold into the national grid.Dad being conscious that public opinion was shifting more towards renewables we sold the power stations to put it into renewable power developments."


    "At the same time the government looked towards developing a domestic nuclear power supply industry, we worked with French and USpanies experienced in the nuclear power industry, to build a power station.Conscious of the risks, it is in a somewhat isted area and thend around it is restricted for future development, although we have manufacturing industries nearby."


    "We build a high speed train line from the outskirts of City A, to the station, that takes everyone from a particr train station stopping only at the factory station and then to the power station.It takes about forty minutes to get to the power station and the staff pay only a nominal fee tomute, but can also pay extra for meals and the like.


    "Unlike Lu Corporation, we factor in considerations of horizontal and vertical integration, which maximizes our profits.LU Corporation simply want topete against us, and that means their investments are risky."


    "When we moved into the tourism industry, we started with a small travelpany which over time has developed into a major worldwide travelpany.We slowly built it up while also investing in hotels, tourist activities, tourpanies and the like.The travelpany''s mantra is to get the best deals for the clients, our other investments with aligned businesses means that we can offer better deals to clients, resulting in better profits.The Sunrise development, is part of our ongoing expansion in that industry."


    "Lu Corporation rather than having a strategy have simply brought a travelpany, and hotels, resulting in those bing highly debtden businesses.The problem is there they have very little strategy for any international investments that they make.Most of their strategy is aroundpeting with and then destroying Hou Enterprises.That, while not obvious from their financials and other public information, can be determined when you look at their activities.That is their downfall."


    "Yi, I did not think ¡­"


    "Anna, I know most men would have loved to do to Lu Jinhu what he did to you.I wanted to do that, but when I fell in love with you six months ago, I fell in love with all of you.That includes the part that respects thew.If I had done what I really wanted to, I would have been disrespecting you."


    "Added to that, was some discussions I had with Phillipa.She made me understand that violence and abuse in any form would send you running in the other direction.I understood after talking to her that thest thing you needed was to go from the rtionship with Lu Jinhu that was categorised with physical and verbal abuse, to another rtionship where you would fear that would do the same as I demonstrated violence.I knew the day that we married that I was going to do the right thing to respect you, no matter how much it went against what I wanted to do because in the end, my goal always was you and a rtionship, everything else was secondary to this."


    "Yi, you idiot."


    Hou Yi lent down and taking Anna''s face in his hands kissed her.

 Chapter 324: Starting Lu Corporations downfall - Part 3

    <h4>324 Starting Lu Corporation''s downfall - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    After breaking away from the kiss, Hou Yi continued "Sweetheart, until two days ago, while I was hopeful you mighte to love me, I was fearful that if I did the wrong thing you would run, ending all my dreams for the future of us.We have a future, and do you know I actually feel that I deserve that future with you, because I respected what is important for you, thew."


    "Screw respecting thew Yi, we need to crush them, and to be truthful, I want to see the ruthless businessman that all the stories say is you."


    "Anna ¡­"


    "Do not Anna me.We need to be ruthless.I got the perfect revenge I wanted with Lu Jinhu, using thew to crush him, and he will be forever known as an abuser.The rest I do not care about."


    "Well sweetheart, that I can achieve, if you want, but I figured the n that has been developed is the best way, because in the end it will destroy the financial underpinnings of Lu Jinhu and his family, meaning that they cannote back in the future to use that as a means to hurt you.That suits me."


    "That sounds like fun."


    With that Anna moved a little, and Hou Yi realised that she wanted to be in his arms, so he moved across the seat, and carefully took her in his arms.The sat quietly until they arrived outside Hou Enterprise, before Anna spoke "Yi, I am guessing you are going to watch the press conference?"


    "Yes, but you need to go home."


    "No, I want to watch it with you.I promise I will spend tomorrow and Friday with the family."


    "Anna, you need to rest, and see your family as the next time you spend any time with them will be just before our wedding ceremony there."


    "Yi, I can do that, I need to be withyou to watch this go down.Please."


    Hou YI took one look into the pleading eyes of Anna, and his resolve to send her home immediately crumbled."Fine,e on.But you have to promise me that tonight you will go out and have tea with your sisters-inw."


    "Perfect, we can have so much fun ¡­"


    "Why do I fear that statement."


    "Spoilsport Yi.You know I will behave."


    Hou Yi stepped out of the car, and went around to help Anna out onto her crutches, and the slowly and carefully entered the building, crossing the the foyer before taking the elevators up to the the CEO Floor, and entering Hou Yi''s office.Hou Yi, once Anna was seated on the couch, moved over and to shift the painting covering the television and turned it onto the 24 hour business channel.


    As he came back across and sat down beside Anna, it was obvious that people were about to walk in for a press conference.Leading the group of 10 businessmen and women was Yao Tan, who approached the microphone on the stage, with the others all spreading either side of him.


    "Ladies and Gentleman of the press, wee.You may wonder why the ten of us, who while we may coborate on projects and may call some of each other or other businessmen and women friends have gathered from across the country, it is due to a mutual announcement that we all have to make.Following this, some of the people here will be making separate announcements for their respectivepanies, others of us, including myself will be making announcements in theing days.I have been designated as spokesperson for the group."


    "What has lead us to this time an ce, started three weeks ago, yesterday, when the wife of CEO Hou Yi from Hou Enterprises was assaulted in front of members of society, including three of us here at a charity theatre performance.While what has happened subsequent to then is shrouded in mystery due to the legal system.All that has been released by the courts that gives us some idea is that Mr Lu Jinhu and his wife Yang Lin, are the subject of a five year restraining order, which they agreed to, to prevent them from approaching, verbally abusing or physically assaulting Madam Hou."


    "While no-one here really understand''s the reason that Madam Hou is wearing a cast, I can indicate myself along with my now wife, who is a close friend and colleague of Madam Hou visited her in the hospital, have more of an idea.I came out of that visit clearly understanding that Madam Hou was assaulted by a police officer acting on what was erroneous information.That information, in some ways was connected to people from the Lu Corporation, and its CEO."


    "While that may have been connected to CEO Lu''s desire to protect his son and pregnant daughter-inw, the investigations some of us have been through as a result of our concerns about Mr Lu Jinhu, who formally was the Vice-CEO of Lu Corporation, have led us to believe thatpany resources may have been responsible for the provision of that information.None of us have conclusive evidence that allows us to make a firm decision if this is the truth or not."

 Chapter 325: Starting Lu Corporations Downfall - Part 4

    <h4>325 Starting Lu Corporation''s Downfall - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Yao Tan continued speaking, "However each of us, and thepanies that we represent, have for a period of time had significant concerns about involvement with Lu Corporation.We have all found, particrly in rtion to property development projects where we have been involved.Some of us have seen smallerpanies bullied and manipted into forcing Lu Corporation to bing involved in the projects."


    "Without naming whichpanies, two of us have been informed by different contractors involved in projects that Lu Corporation informed them that unless they ensured that Lu Corporation was the lead partner in developments, Lu Corporation would destroy them.In one case, again the development will not be confirmed, Lu Corporation used such tactics to be the lead developed without the risks for the project, and yet for the management of the development continue to receive fifty percent of its profits."


    "Such tactics, while notmon have been tolerated as a business tactic as ultimately the position thatpanies such as those which all of us here represent have made a decision.Business wise we could have refused to submit to their actions, but there were numbers of smallerpanies involved, who neither had the power or the ability to survive what Lu Corporation would do to them.They werepanies and businesses that had some importance to other projects where they were involved in with us, separate from those involving Lu Corporation."


    "Being good corporate citizens, means that while we willpete and strive to achieve our corporate goals, we will not use the power that we have due to our size or expertise in areas to destroy others.Lu Corporation, and its CEO have demonstrated in the recent past the tendency to do so, which has concerned us all in different ways."


    "These concerns, had prompted eachpany or group represented here prior to Madam Hou''s assault to conduct our own investigations regarding our involvement with Lu Corporation on various projects.Some of those preliminary investigations resulted in further detailed investigations in variouspanies, which we will not name, which resulted in the conclusion that Lu Corporation was engaged inmercial spying, either through cing people loyal to in into positions within ourpanies or through intimidation and ckmail."


    Yao Tan paused for a few seconds to let the impact of what he had to say sink in.He could see, in some of the members of the pressplete and utter shock.Here he was on behalf of a number ofpanies exposing tactics of Lu Corporation to gain dominance in areas.


    He then continued "For each of thepanies that we represent the tipping point for our involvement in projects with Lu Corporation was the assault on Madam Hou, given the involvement of the then Vice-CEO of Lu Corporation.We cannot and will not condone or sanction violence towards women in any form."


    "While it is possible understand Madam Lu perceiving a threat to her rtionship, in light of her pregnancy, there is no justification for her or Mr Lu''s actions.As a result each of ourpanies separately have determined from a date that we will each announce, going forward we will not have an involvement with Lu Corporation, projects involving them, orpanies thatmence new involvements with Lu Corporation."


    "For some of us in projects where Lu Corporation leadpany and the project agreements allow we will be serving notices on Lu Corporation headquarters terminating or involvement in the projects.If it requires is to take a loss we will do this, but where there is the ability we will be requiring Lu Corporation to immediately purchase out our interest in the development."


    "While we will not demand that allpanies involved in those projects immediately terminate their involvement, we will urge them if they can to get out of the contracts.That will not be possible for all of them, but to be clear going forward there will be a clear choice to make, Lu Corporation or each of thepanies represented here and Hou Enterprises."


    "And before any members of the press present put words in my mouth, or that of anyone else present, we are not speaking for Hou Enterprises.It is the view of thosepanies which we represent that it is in each of our interests that we disassociate ourselves from Lu Corporation, which means we are aligning with Hou Enterprises.I suspect that Hou Enterprises themselves will release their own statement about this in the future."


    "Members of the Press, I will not personally, or on behalf of XF International be taking questions about this matter.XF International have agreed to three separate projects with variouspanies that are represented here, and we will be allowing them to speak.Additionally on Monday next week we will hold a press conference at our headquarters about two separate projects involvingpanies not represented here."


    "The only other information we will provide to you, will be the time of the press conference which is still being finalised.While I am about to leave, I understand that Vice-CEO Ling from Chen Corp needs to leave very soon.I otherwise will be turning over the microphone to those present, and they can advise you as to their individual actions and details as to any future press conferences and whether they will take questions now."With that Yan Tan turned around and noticed there were eight heads shaking.


    "Just to be absolutely clear, none of thepanies here will be will as from today continue to coborate with Lu Corporation in any way shape or form in any project.We understand that in some respect some of us may suffer losses from it, it is a decision about each of ourpanies being a good corporate citizen of this country and not condoning violence, ckmail, intimidation and in some respects corporate espionage."

 Chapter 326: Starting Lu Corporations Downfall - Part 5

    <h4>326 Starting Lu Corporation''s Downfall - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    As Yan Tan stepped from the a woman approached the microphone."Ladies and Gentleman, for those of you who do not know me, I am one of the three Vice-CEO''s of Chen Corp.We will be holding a press conference at our Headquarters tomorrow morning at 10am to make some announcements."


    "However before I leave I can confirm two announcements, which otherwise CEO Na from GNA International and CEO Wu from KN Wu Corp will provide the details about.Madam Na and and Mr Wu, have flown in today from City A and City J specifically for this press conference.They involve coborations that Chen Corp will be involved in with each of them.They will answer your questions on those coborations, but other than that we will not confirm anything else until our press conference tomorrow which I hope to see you at."


    With that, Hou Yi turned off the television, and turned back to Anna, who responded "Damn Yi, you really helped set up a downfall.And it is all legal."Pausing Anna pulled Hou Yi to her and have him a brief kiss, before continuing "I have such a cleaver husband"


    Hou Yi started to blush at the praise from Anna, but pulled himself together before continuing "Anna, the problem is that Lu Corporation had made many enemies over thest few years in business.The tenpanies that were represented there are just the tip of the iceberg.All but three of the other top fiftypanies in the country, have all decided in different ways to ether end all or most of their coborations with Lu Corporation."


    "Over the past fifteen years there has been multiple reports of different types of behaviour to get their way so they were quite happy to push them away.And the best thing, if Yao Tan, carefully revealed the information from the interview and if any questions were asked, he can say he does not recall whether it was me or you who told him, on the day of your admission to hospital."


    "Sneaky."


    Before Hou Yi could respond, his phone rang, and as soon as he noticed it was Yao Tan, he ced the call on speaker "Hi Tan, I have you on speaker as Anna is here with me."


    "CEO Lu was on the phone within 30 seconds of me walking off the stage, demanding that I retract all thements, and telling me XF International had no possibility of getting our money paid out.It felt so good to tell him I would see him in court, and he could try to destroy us but that we would win."


    "I am surprised that he is not tried to call me, and abuse me about setting it up."


    "Yi he is not that damn stupid.He was however so angry he could not help himself about ranting and raving about how Lu Corporation is the toppany in the country, and everyone else should be remembering that now and in the future when it owns Hou Enterprises.He also made thement he was sorry the b*tch that you were married to did not fall for what he set up with the police and was not hurt more than happened ¡­"


    "The bast¡­" interrupted Anna


    "Anna!"


    "Yi, well he is if he set up what happened in the police station.You know how lucky we are."


    "I know Anna, but we cannot get distracted.What else happened Tan?"


    "He made somement about destroying you as well as you were behind this.And finally, before I ended the call, which by the way I have recorded stated, he has from Lu Jinhu some embarrassing documents and photographs involving Anna.I can tell you if I had pushed him he would have snapped but that ends up getting you nowhere.I would, Yi expect a call from him very soon."


    Hou Yi and Anna looked at each other before Anna said "Tan, I have no idea what that would be, but can you get that recording to the police, as that is a breach of the restraining order."


    "Fine Anna.I will give you a callter Yi."With that the call was ended.


    Hou Yi turned to Anna, and asked "What in the world could he have?"


    "Unless Lu Jinhu stole mail, the personal papers that he could have would only be bank statements and the like.Personal letters and cards, were generally sent to work, given theck of trust most people had in him.The worst photographs, unless they were photo shopped would be from University and until my third year I was underage so the college staff carefully protected me.They would behaviour of eighteen to twenty-two university students, unless he secretely recorded us having sex or took them while I was asleep."


    "Let me call his bluff."

 Chapter 327: Starting Lu Corporations Downfall - Part 6

    <h4>327 Starting Lu Corporation''s Downfall - Part 6</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi, in his phone locate Officer Mu''s number and using Anna''s phone dialled him.When the call answered he stated "Officer Mu speaking."


    "Officer Mu, it is Hou Yi here and my wife is with me."


    "CEO and Madam Hou.I was just thinking about getting in contact with you to see how things are going."


    "CEO Lu from Lu Corporation sent a somewhat indirect message through another CEO that he wanted me to contact him.While my wife is here I wanted to make that call, but given everything I do not trust him toply with the terms of the restraining order so I was wondering if you would listen to the call, while it is on speaker phone?"


    "Technically we are not allowed to do that CEO Lu, however given the implications of CEO LU''s involvement in Madam Hou''s assault, and the potential for breaching the restraining order I believe it can be justified."


    With that Hou Yi dialled a number on his phone and ced the phone on speaker and ensured that he was recording the whole call.Within five rings, the call answered "Hou Yi, you f**king b*stard.I wondered how long it would take thatp dog of yours to pass the message on and for you to call."


    "CEO Lu, do not be disrespectful to myself of CEO Yao.I know you hate my father and I, but that is between us, not associated with others."


    "Well you brought him into this situation between that b*tch of a wife of yours and what she has done to my son and daughter-inw."


    "CEO Lu, CEO Yao is married to a friend of my wife''s and apanied her when she visited my wife in hospital the day she was assaulted in police custody.Nothing wrong in that."


    "Well, I am telling you I have photographs and footage, that there is no way that you or your wife want released to the public, drunken behaviour, weird sexual activities with my son, even drugs being used in the property she owns.Ask yourself does she want that released."


    "You are bluffing."


    "I will send you one image, and one short clip when I end this call to prove I am not, but you have two options before we end.You tell everyone that you have agreed that you will be stepping down and Hou Enterprises will immediately be turned over to the control of Lu Corporation."


    "Additionally you will be paying to me and my family the amount of five hundred million dors US aspensation for all the harm that you have allowed to us, have the prison authorities immediately release my son and daughter-inw in home detention"


    "Further you will agree that your b*tch of a wife will spend the next ten years in a jail here for all her crimes, which will be what I tell you they are, with a requirement before her release that she personally will pay usone hundred million dors US herself personally, with the requirement that she will not leave prison until she has paid that sum."


    "In other words, unless you get what you want, you will seek to destroy my wife?Do you think I will abandon my wife?"


    "You have it in one.You must abandon that wife of yours unless you want to be made an idiot of in public.That b*tch stopped what was meant to happen five weeks ago and thank god my son my mine knows how to protect himself when dealing with b*tches.More importantly he knows that given I am the one that provides his money that he has to cooperate with me to give me what I need to get what I want.So, your answer?"


    "There is no way that I will give into ckmail."


    "Are you really certain that you want that to be your answer.It is a good deal not to be humiliated, as when I get what I want, and you know that I always get what I want no matter what it takes."


    "I do not give a toss CEO Lu, ckmail does not work with me."


    "Fine, have a look at what I send, and remember with my film and television division that even if they are faked you will have a hard time in proving it before you are destroyed.I will give you five minutes after I send you the images to call me back and agree to my deal, our find yourself and that so-called wife of yours destroyed before nightfall."


    With that CEO Lu ended the call, and Hou Yi spoke "Officer Mu, you heard that?"


    "Very clearly CEO Hou.As soon as that image and clip arrive let me know.I will arrange for CEO Lu to be arrested, as at the very least he attempted to ckmail you, and more than likely he has, if his implications are true, had cooperation either before or after the restraining order was put in ce.That will trigger a breach of the order for Mr Lu and depending on her involvement potentially for Madam Lu as well.I will let you know as soon as CEO Lu is arrested and keep you and Mr Nang informed of what is happening."


    "Officer Mu the photo, and footage have arrived"


    "Thank you CEO Hou, let us do our job."

 Chapter 328: Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 1

    <h4>328 Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Two minutester a message alert sounded on Hou Yi''s phone, and they opened the message.


    Immediately as Anna saw the photo, she burst outughing, and said "That is the best he has.Damn, it was the night of my 18th Birthday at the University College we were at, and the some of the girls decided that they had to throw a party, using the theme yboy Bunnies.He is kidding if that is ckmail worthy."


    "The worst thing that happened there was Lu Jinhu got so drunk, he started to grope every girl at the party, and damaged a few costumes including mine.He was about to get thrown out of the university for what he did, and my dumb luck escaped a court conviction, as none of us lied about how drunk he had gotten.Daddy paid huge money to keep him in university, if I remember it right."


    Then they turned to the video footage, and again it was obvious to Anna "Graduation dinner for my final year at the college.OMG, I can remember that, a college tradition for those graduating, was traditionally a nudie run, but about 15 years ago it was toned down to a speedo for the guys and a bikini for the girls, starting at the college entrance, through the various buildings gathering everyone behind them, through to the dining hall, where we will have, before we go and change into our proper clothes, individually run through the dining hall and past the window.That is not ckmail worthy."


    "Let me deal with him.I have arranged for a car to take you home and booked dinner for the girls tonight.Go home, rest and have a fun night out.Promise me that."


    "Yi, I want to stay to deal with this."


    "Honey, you have told me that these were from university, Lu Jinhu either had to give them to his father or tell him want to look for.Now go, and I want your promise."


    Anna leaned over, and gave Hou Yi a kiss, which he quickly deepened before pulling back, "Now your promise."


    "I promise Yi."


    With that promise, Hou Yi, helped Anna off the couch and onto her crutches and escorted her to the door, where he ced her into the care of the bodyguards, indicated "Escort my wife back to the Ancestral Home."


    With that he gave her another brief kiss in the lips, and went back into his office with Assistant Wang following him inside with a folder, when his phone started ringing.It was CEO Lu, so he immediately started to record the call indicating to Assistant Wang to be quiet.


    "Well what did you think about what I sent you and the deal."


    "CEO Lu, that looks like university high jinks.If I had anything to say, I would suspect my wife was in herte teens or early 20s when it was taken.Easily exinable away, and if it was meant to convince me to give into your demands, a pretty poor effort."


    "I figured that I would send you something tame, to start with.Well I will send you a photo my son took three months ago and gave me when I asked him a couple of weeks ago.That should be enough.You will have ten minutes more to think about it, but you have now added another one hundred million US to thepensation I told you you have to pay, and now your wife must spend 20 years in jail."


    "Get my meaning, the more you string me along, the more that I will add to what you must pay.You had no damn right to do what you did to my son and daughter-inw, now the f*ck did you have the right to try and destroy my business."


    "CEO Lu that fa?ade of being the even tempered but ruthless businessman that you tell everyone you are has slipped.You do not have the guts to try this to my face, so you hide behind a phone, so you can say that this never happened."


    "So, I can totally deny it, and if anyone tries and im that my phone rang yours all I have to do is say I left my phone at a meeting this morning and god knows who called you.Now, are you going to agree or am I supplying more and upping the price and punishment for denying me what should be mine."

 Chapter 329: Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 2

    <h4>329 Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi, wanting to provoke CEO LU further continued, "Come and make that demand to me personally and see my response.While I am often ruthless in business, I never try and hide behind others.You, manipte, use and hide behind people.So, my challenge ise and present your demand in person here at Hou Enterprises, if you are game, then we will talk."


    "No damn way.I am not that stupid.You control the security, you control the CCTV footage.Lu Corporation or not at all."


    "Same back to you.You have utter control of everything and given how well you raised that psychotic nymphomaniac person you call a son, why in the world would I trust you."


    "Do not talk about my son like that."


    "The truth hurts.I know of at least thirty women that you have intimidated, ckmailed or brought off to prevent them from going to the police with their ims of sexual assault and **** against him in thest six years.There are the reports of the group sex he has engaged in, the women you set up to destroy criminal cases against him with ¡­"


    "Shut Up, you b*stard.Why the f*ck did I not make sure fifteen years ago that that so-called car ident you were in with your mother did not kill the two of you.The driver screwed up then."


    Assistant Wang was in utter shock by this time.His boss was baiting CEO Lu, but if he heard it right CEO Lu just admitted to being behind the ident that almost killed his boss and his mother, and nearly brought Hou Enterprises to its knees as of theck of leadership for the months the former chairman spent with his wife and son when recovering.


    "Well, neutral territory then.How about the fountain near the east entrance to the Remembrance Park, in fifteen minutes?We can both bring a bodyguard who stays at the entrance, and no one else.That is an equal distance for both of us and will take use each almost all that time to travel there.More importantly no CCTV, if that makes you happy."


    "Fine, see you there."


    As the call terminated, Assistant Wang looked at Hou Yi, in surprise.


    Hou Yi walked over and pulled a book off the shelf, opened it up, and ced the phone in it.Once he shut the lid, he spoke "Assistant Wang, call for a car and tell the bodyguards I need to speak to all those here.Plus you need to make a note of everything that you just heard."


    With that Hou Yi, kept the fake book in his hand, and pulled out another book, which was also fake, and opened it removing another phone.He quickly dialed another number, and as soon as called was answered "Officer Mu, Assistant Wang will have some notes for you about my second call with CEO Lu.I do not have time to waste, but he is due to meet me at the Fountain near the East entrance of the Remembrance park in fifteen minutes."


    "We agreed to one bodyguard each, but he will have more.He forwarded a ned photo and film footage, more because he knew I would open them and that will have ced a virus on my phone.I will use this phone, for you to track, but he admitted he was behind the car ident that almost killed my mother and I fifteen years ago."


    "He also admitted that he got other images from Lu Jinhu a couple of weeks ago, so he has something on his son, but it might be enough to start breaching the restraining order, as Lu Jinhu had to know when they were handed over his father would be using them for ckmail purposes."


    "I will be there along with a couple of other trusted people."


    Hou Yi ended the call and slipped the phone into a pocket inside his jacket before removing the other phone from the box and putting it in his pocket.


    As he walked out the door, he stated "One guard only.Two are to remain here please and the rest get back to the Ancestral home to protect the family, and I want no arguments from any of you."At the same time, he was shaking his head.


    The most senior of the bodyguards, stepped forward and indicated."That will be me CEO Hou."


    "OK between the rest of you work our who is doing what."


    Once Hou Yi was in the elevator, the bodyguards turned to each other, and one said "He knows he has been bugged.four groups of two following him, as he will have the second phone on, tracking it ¡­"

 Chapter 330: Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 3

    <h4>330 Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "Gentlemen he is meant to meet CEO Lu at the fountain near the east entrance to the Remembrance park."


    "Thank you, Assistant Wang.OK two groups get there immediately, two groups tag along behind the car, but not following too close.I will follow separately.Let us get going."


    As the group headed to the elevator, the bodyguard that was speaking made a phone call "Security Level Red, Threat Level Red.Lockdown until advised otherwise.The Young Madam was heading home but call Bravo Team and advise them to return either to Hou Enterprises or the apartment, whichever they are closest to, as it will take too long to return there, Repeat Security Level Red, Threat Level Red."


    A minuteter ¡­


    The Bodyguards apanying Anna back the the ancestral home, received the emergency notification, and the one in the passenger seat, turned to make sure Anna was secure in the seat."Young Madam, we have to alter our ns, and will immediately go to the apartment for safety."


    "What is going on?"


    "At present we do not know but will find out."


    Before Anna could say anything more, the driver increased the speed of the vehicle, and they arrived at the entrance to the apartment within 7 minutes.The guards, unusually from Anna''s perspective all moved to surrounded the vehicle, with one helping her out and onto her crutches.As she slowly moved towards the elevator, she noticed three guards had weapons drawn, and were looking around.The stood outside the elevator until she and the two guards that apanied her were inside.Even as the doors were shutting, Anna observed those outside still had their weapons drawn.


    As the doors shut, the guards inside the elevator with Anna, seemed to rx a little, which really started to worry her.As she went to start to speak, the guard who spoke in the car said, "Young Madam, we will exin everything when we are inside the apartment, which is secure."


    A minuteter, Anna had exited the elevator and had moved into the lounge area and was sitting down."What is going on?"


    "Apologies Young Madam.We received an Alert from Hou Enterprises that there was an immediate threat to the family, and everyone was ordered to be locked down in a secure location, either at Hou Enterprises, here or at the ancestral home.The closest location for you is here.The Elder Master, Elder Madam and First Master, where with your brother and nephews at one of the Elder Master''s friends, three minutes drive from the Ancestral home.They arrived back there within five minutes of the alert.Miss Rosemary was back from apanying you to the hospital, and the First Madam, Second Madam, Miss Rba and your nieces had just arrived back from a shopping trip.They are all secure."


    "And my husband is still at Hou Enterprises, thank goodness."


    "Sorry Young Madam, he is not ¡­"


    "Where in the world is he?"


    "Young Madam, he was the one that initiated the lock down, with this weeks key words.All we know is that he has gone to a particr location in Remembrance Park"


    Anna immediately knew that she was starting to get stressed out, and this would not be good for the baby, so she took a few deep breaths, and pulled out her phone, dialing Assistant Wang "Assistant Wang, where is my husband."


    "Young Madam, I have been ordered not to tell you that ¡­"


    "You better tell me now."Anna, by now was getting more angrier with each second, not knowing what was happening to her love."I need to know."


    "Young Madam, the Young Master made it clear that I was not to say anything to you at this time¡­"


    "Damn it, get someone down to protect Amanda Mei, now.If there is a threat, given what happened when I was in Yi''s office, there will be a threat to her.Make sure she is safe, or her husband will kill us."


    "Young Madam ¡­"


    "Do not argue with me on this, get it sorted now.I would assume that the lock down room is my husband''s office, so get her secure there and have her call me please."


    "Yes, Young Madam."


    Anna ended the call and turned to the bodyguards."You heard what I jut told Assistant Wang, see what you can do to help protect her."


    "Young Madam, we are tasked with securing the Hou Family."


    "Damn it, do not argue with me, Amanda Mei,st week obtained her marriage certificate with Yao Tan, the CEO of ¡­"


    "XF International, we know CEO Yao."


    "Well, when I was with my husband, and he took a call from CEO Lu, while we were the ones in the firing line of his rants, and I suspect that this is why the lock down is in ce, CEO Yao will not be far behind.Make sure his wife is safe."


    The bodyguards listening to Anna''s logic knew that she was correct.Madam Yao needed to be kept safe, so a quick call was made to ensure someone was avable to guard her in the Young Master''s office.

 Chapter 331: Setting and springing the Trap - Part 4

    <h4>331 Setting and springing the Trap - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Anna took a couple of breaths and looked at the two bodyguards.Pointing to a chair she said as calmly as she could "Sit."


    "Young Madam we need to make sure ¡­"


    "Sit down."Came Anna''s response in a firm voice, which they realised that they would not be able to argue with.


    "Now, while you do not have to tell me, I am going to tell you what I think is happening.While I was with my husband, he received a call from CEO Lu, which contained some threats and ckmail attempted.Subsequently CEO Lu send a photograph and video to my husband.I know he nned to call again after I left, and due to that conversation, my husband has gone to meet CEO Lu.He decided to order the lock down, as he is worried about things getting out of control.Am I right?"


    He two bodyguards looked at each other, realising that with what she knew the Young Madam worked out what the issue was, and they decided that they would not y dumb "Yes Young Madam," came the response.


    "Thank you."Anna, however, was worried.Given that Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were under house arrest, she was worried that CEO Lu, despite his seeming calmness, was ready tosh out, given his ns to date had been ruined.


    Meanwhile, at Remembrance Park ¡­


    Hou Yi arrived within ten minutes of leaving Hou Enterprises, and after the bodyguard parked the car, he exited it and they walked to the fountain where the meeting was set.The bodyguard carefully turned on the surveince devices he had, to film whatever happened, including the camera on his phone.As this was often a meeting ce for meeting that could not happen in the office, they had with the mayor''s permission installed permanent surveince equipment, including visible CCTV cameras at Hou Enterprises cost to monitor this area of the park.


    Officer Mu and the few officers he trusted implicitly were racing to the area, in civilian clothes to be ready in case something happened, and hopefully to arrest CEO Lu.Unlike CEO Hou who seemed confident that he would be there Office Mu doubted it, as he had heard about the refusal of a number of top nationalpanies to have anything to do with Lu Corporation, CEO Lu would be trying to deal with that from an unknown location.


    Four minutes after Hou Yi arrived, CEO Lu, along with four bodyguards arrived, and strolled into the park walking straight at Hou Yi.As he got within hearing distance CEO Lu said "Oops, am I bad, I thought we meant one car load of bodyguards.And here you are with just one."


    "Well it is good that I do not trust you..."


    "What do you mean?"sneered CEO Lu.


    "Well I have three other guards here, just where you cannot see them."


    "You are bluffing, my guards can take you before they can get here."


    "Do you really want to try."Hou Yi''s voice was so determined that he could see CEO Lu, had been bluffed by his bluff.He knew he had weaknesses, and how to push them to stall for as much time as possible.The other guards would be at least five minutes before they were in position.He knew they were good, but not superhuman, given that they had tog back from him, to detect any surveince that he knew would be in ce.The message received confirmed this.


    "Well I do not have to.You would not have agreed to this meeting, if you were not going to negotiate, because I know you.You are generally too honest and stick to deals."CEO Lu was so convinced that he was going to win, Hou Yi could see in his face.Well, that I can use.


    "So, you think I will fold, why in the world should I?"


    "I will make your wife be the most reviled woman in this country if you do not."


    "So, your son was in a rtionship with her for five of the most abusive years of her life, and he tried to persuade a 16-year-old into a rtionship with him.What does that say about him, and you for allowing it?"


    "You have no right to talk about my family.You and that b*tch have ruined my son''s life, and you must pay.He cannot see to that, but I will."


    "Your son, the abuser and sexual predator.It is just ¡­"

 Chapter 332: Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 5

    <h4>332 Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    CEO Lu promptly spat back "My son is not a sexual predator, stop talking about him like that and give me the f*ck what I want."


    Hou Yi, could not believe how easy this was getting.Yes, the bodyguards were a worry, but he had trained in multiple martial arts, and his bodyguards, made sure he trained not only to keep up his skills, but to protect himself, shoot with deadly uracy, and ensured that his driving skills were almost as good as professional race car drivers.They left nothing to chance to ensure his safety, and here without Anna present, he was quite willing to use his skills, as he was not worried about the impact on her.


    As he took three steps forward, in a toneced with sarcasm, Hou Yi said "Poor you.You cannot take the truth, and I know exactly where he learnt it from."


    "Get the hell away from me," screamed CEO Lu "That w*ore you call a wife and that other w*ore you call a mother always deserved what they got.Your w*ore of a mother, convinced your father and grandfather to abandon all ns for joint business developments.That should the f*ck not have happened, as I did not deserve that for treating a servant like she should be treated."


    Hou Yi, was momentarily stunned, this need for revenge was that old.Damn it, he knew that CEO Lu had been prosecuted for **** and attempted **** of his mother when she was younger, but the prosecution agreed to a simple assault charge rather than a fight.You would have thought he would have realised then, that trying to harm the love of a member of the Hou family would end up backfiring.


    CEO Lu noticed the moment of shock that passed across Hou Yi''s face.He knew that he had finally gotten under Hou Yi''s skin, and that was going to get him what he wanted.


    "Well, you want the truth, you have to give me what I want.Complete ownership of Hou Enterprises, that w*ore of a wife of your as in jail for 20 years, 600 million US dors inpensation from you, and 200 million from your wife before she is allowed out of jail.And I will throw in not prosecuting you, and your mother for free.You will never get a better deal."


    That was enough to make shake Hou Yi out of the shock he was in "Well, it seems like someone cannot stand thew being used against them.Poor CEO Lu, a woman told the truth, and it was just luck that you got away with being dealt with for assault, rather than the reality of your actions.Bullies, I cannot stand, and I do not know how your wife has tolerated you for all these years."


    Hou Yi noticed the eyes of CEO Lu go wide.Direct hit.There was evidence that in the early years of his marriage to his wife that she had been beaten badly.He had gotten hold of the evidence to prove the assaults a week ago, simply for backup.Madam Lu was so afraid to do anything other than what her husband demanded, and that was something Hou Yi knew he could use against CEO Lu.


    "My wife ¡­"


    "If the victim of your abuse.As I told you. I know where your son learnt his behaviour and his views on how to treat women."


    "Shut the f*ck up.You are getting away from the point of this meeting.You are giving me what I want, for not releasing photos of your wife."


    "What photos.All you have shown me, is two images from when they were at university together, one I am guessing from when my wife was under age, and an image taken but your son, as it appears in the privacy of their home naked.So, what about them.None are such to scandalize people in context.But you admitted that that photo of my wife is just over two months old, taken while your son was involved with Yang Lin, and getting her pregnant.He is no angel and you have deluded yourself if you think he is."


    "You would not believe what I have, and if I do not have it, I have the best people in the film and television industry that can make fakes that no one can distinguish from the real thing."


    "Fraud and Forgery, I see it runs in the family like being a sexual predator."


    "We are not sexual predators ¡­"


    "As I said keep deluding yourself for as long as you like, I know the truth."

 Chapter 333: Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 6

    <h4>333 Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 6</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    CEO Lu decided that he had enough of this and took three steps towards Hou Yi and started to throw a punch towards Hou Yi''s face.As if in slow motion, Hou Yi in a smooth movement, threw one arm up to block and stretch the arm, and the other to deliver a blow to the arm, that left CEO Lu screaming.


    "Would you like to try again?Just because I held back to protect my wife''s fragile emotional state when your son decided to bully her, does not mean I cannot defend myself."


    "You b*stard," responded CEO Lu, who decided to try and kick Hou Yi.


    Hou Yi moved slightly and then bent his body while the kick went into the air.He then crouched down and swept a leg that knocked CEO Lu off his legs, given he was not stable on the ground.


    "As much as you keep trying, the more I will avoid."


    "Screw you, you b*stard."


    "Language, so that is something else that your son has learnt from you.If you want, I can keep teaching you a lesson, or do you want to talk business."


    Hou Yi was sick of this game and wanted to end it before anyone got seriously hurt, as he could see that CEO Lu''s bodyguards had realised that his earlierments where a bluff and ready to react.


    "Business.I want this sorted and your signature on the dotted line before I let these gentlemen," and CEO Lu indicated to his bodyguards "have their fun."


    "Well," and Hou Yi raised his voice "my three other bodyguards might have something to say about that."With that three additional guards stepped out from different directions."I told you that I did not trust you, and that they were hidden.So, lets get down to business."


    "Why should I, you broke the rules for the meeting."


    "Who did it first?You, who ever intended toply or me, who asked the others to wait away from the area because I wanted to give you an opportunity for me to trust you."


    "You, You ¡­."


    "Settle down, you want to talk business, so let go ahead with that."


    "You know the deal, give me what I want, and I will not release the photos and footage, real or fake that I have of your wife."


    "So, let me get this right, you are ckmailing me, in that you will not release the photos and footge to the press if I give you Hou Enterprises, agree to my wife spending 20 years in jail, and you to receive 800 million US dors."


    "You have it right, and ckmail is such a dirty word.I figured the real and fake photos and film I have regarding your wife is worth, let me be conservative, 8 billion US dors, if not more.That is what you are buying."


    "I am not buying anything, all I am doing giving into ckmail to prevent you from doing something without guarantees that you will not continue your actions."


    "You have it perfectly right.I will continue to require payments, any business you start, you can have for 5 years then it bes mine along with another 100 million US dors payment."


    "ckmail, as I said ¡­"


    "As I told you, it is the price you have to pay.And guess what, given your wife is friendly with CEO Yao''s new wife, he will have the same deal.The two of you are determined to destroy me, and I will take what I want, as neither of you will stand by and watch what I can do without giving into my demands"


    "Well ¡­"


    Hou Yi paused, as in walked Officer Mu, pleasantly surprised to see that he was wrong about CEO Lu attending the meeting.He had been listening to the whole exchange on the mobile Hou Yi dialed him on and was listening in person since arriving just as the meeting was starting hidden from view.


    "Let me introduce you to someone who I believe would like to meet you and speak to you further about what you want."


    "I do not need to talk to anyone, you are going to give me what I want, and given the dy in agreeing to my terms, to stop me releasing those photos now, you have to hand over a billion dors US, and your wife has to spend thirty years in jail, and you five years simply for p*ssing me off."

 Chapter 334: Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 7

    <h4>334 Setting and Springing the Trap - Part 7</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Officer Mu decided enough was enough "CEO Lu, I am Officer Mu from the police.You are under arrest for attempted ckmail, and aiding and abetting your son in breaching the restraining order against him, through disemmanting images via mobilemunications involving Madam Hou.I have to warn ¡­."


    "No damn way, you cannot arrest me, he is the one that you have to arrest.I was promised that the arrests I wanted would happen."


    "CEO Lu as I said you are under arrest, and any statements that you make will be used against you ¡­"


    "The Senior officer I spoke to you did not send you.S*it."


    CEO Lu, started to reach for a gun that he knew his closest bodyguard had in his jacket and was legally carrying, however before he could obtain it, Officer Mu had got to CEO Lu, and was putting the handcuffs on.CEO Lu''s bodyguards realied what was happening to their boss, and decided that they had to prevent his arrest, and they moved and pulled Officer Mu away.


    Hou Yi''s group of bodyguards, and the other police officers observing this revealed themselves, and came in and started to restrain CEO Lu''s bodyguards, and helped Officer Muplete the arrest of CEO Lu, before moving him into the police car that was driven to the gate.Officer Mu paused before turning around and briefly speaking "CEO Hou, that was dangerous, but thank you.I will be in contact to get a statement in the next few days."


    "Not a problem."


    As Officer Mu left, Hou Yi turned around and looked at the bodyguards, saying "Where is my wife?"


    "At the apartment sir."


    "Let us get there but call the ancestral home and let them know that the main danger has passed, but we will need to be careful.


    Hou Yi knew that he needed to turn and call his wife telling her what had happened since she left his office.Rather than, using his existing phone, as he knew the tech staff had to go through and remove all the bugs that he was certain Lu Corporation had installed through the images that CEO Lu had sent.He therefore pulled out the second phone, and dialed Anna''s phone.


    "Hello?"questioned Anna.


    "Hi Sweetheart"


    "Yi" came the surprised response from Anna."But that is not your number you are calling from."


    "Apologise I had to switch phones.As you left I realised such nd images were being used to install spying software on my phone.I will be getting the tech staff to clean the phone before I use it.They will divert all calls to this number as a temporary measure."


    "What in the world is going on?The bodyguards have me so worried, when they hurried me here to the apartment and then the security staff here had me surrounded with weapons drawn."


    "After you left I had a second call, upping the pressure on the ckmail.Given CEO Lu wanted a face-to-face meeting, I believed that he was going to go after, at least you and me, and potentially the rest of the family.I told the bodyguards ensure that, until at least he was initially dealt with, everyone was safe.That meant getting people to secure locations, of either my office, the apartment or the ancestral home, where we haveplete control."


    "I guessed that there was some threat, and given the conversation with Yao Tan, I had the bodyguards ensure that Amanda was safe as well.Damn it, I better tell the bodyguards at the office it is safe, and Amanda can go."


    "Hang on a moment."With that Hou Yi motioned to a bodyguard, and told him to let the bodyguards at the office, that it was safe for Amanda Mei to be let out of his office, and asked that she call Anna in about ten minutes, and she would exin what was happening.


    "Anna, the bodyguards with me will see to that, and I asked them to tell Amanda to call you in ten minutes.I will call Yao Tan and let him know what happened."


    "Yi, you have me worried, what happened?"


    "To cut a long story short, CEO Lu wanted a face to face meeting, and we agreed on a location and terms.I knew he would not abide by that, so I had additional guards follow me for safety, and contacted Officer Mu, who with a few other offices he trusted, agreed also toe to the location."


    "I baited him a little, and he repeated his ckmail attempts a couple of asions, and admitted to a couple of other things.Office Mu and the other police officers heard that, and he has been arrested for attempted ckmail and apparently some photos Lu Jinhu gave him recently so breaching the restraining order."


    "Damn it, I thought that idiot was out of our lives."


    "Sweetheart, he will never be out of our lives.I actually have to thank him for being the, lets be polite, idiot he was, otherwise we would not be married and expecting."


    "I never thought of it like that."


    "Well, I have.His actions have gotten us here.Yes, he hurt you during your rtionship and after you split, had me to the point that I was ready to kill him for what he has done to you, but when it boils down to it, him bring you here and dumping you meant that we could get married, and get to where we are now."


    "Yi ¡­"


    "You still for going out with the girls?"


    "Absolutely, but ¡­"


    "I will make sure there are additional guards with you.Now get yourself home, and a car will be there to pick you, Rosemary and Reba up in a few hours.I should get back before you leave.I love you."


    "I love you too."And with that Anna ended the call.

 Chapter 335: Chapter 312: Girls Night Out - Part 1

    <h4>335 Chapter 312: Girls Night Out - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    After the call with Hou Yi finished Anna turned to one of the bodyguards and said "Could one of you please help me upstairs."


    One bodyguard came over and carefully picked Anna Up, and the other collected her crutches, and they went up the stairs to the bedroom level.Once they were there, Anna was carefully ced down, and handed the crutches and she headed towards the Master Suite.She carefully took her time in looking through the clothes in the walk-in robe to find clothes to go out tonight.


    Feeling somewhat tired, she sat down on a chair for a few minutes when her phone started to ring.On checking the caller ID, Anna noticed that it was Amanda.


    "Anna, what is the world was going on?There are all these rumors flying around thepany, and some of them are scary, that Lu Corporation has filed charges that could damage Hou Enterprises."


    "Calm down Amanda.By the way do you know what your husband was doing today?"


    "He was at work.The one deal we have is that we do not talk about work, other than in general terms."


    "Damn our husbands for keeping secrets.The only reason I know is Yi finally cracked today and let me know what they have been doing thest few weeks.The two of them have been plotting to iste Lu Corporation, and damage it financially.I would guess my husband had meetings with executives of majorpanies and gave them the choice between Hou Enterprises and Lu Corporation.And they chose ..."


    "Hou Enterprises."


    "An my husband convinced your husband to be the one to be the public messenger of the choice to be made, with executives from nine otherpanies with him on the stage."


    An extremely angry Amanda spat out "Damn those two.We know how vicious Lu Jinhu was to you.Where did they think he learnt that, and why did they not tell us we were at risk.The triplets, they could be at risk.Damn it ¡­"


    "Amanda, there is something you have not told me.Spill."


    Amanda took a breath and in a much calmer tone continued, "I know you have heard the triplets mentioned a few times.When he was fifteen-years-old Tan got his then girlfriend, the same age, pregnant.I only recall bits and pieces as I was only about seven or eight, and the rest is what my parents or Tan have told me.I gather she wanted a termination, but as she was underage her parents refused to allow her to do so."


    "Tan told me, he was willing to do the responsible thing, but she refused.Two days before his sixteenth birthday, about six weeks early she gave birth to triplets two boys and girls.She abandoned them, and Tan took responsibility for them with the help of his parents, and arge payout that took most of Tan''s inheritance from his grandparents saw her parental rights terminated and Tan getplete custody for them."


    "At the time Tan had a couple of weeks left of the year at school and his parents helped him with the triplets until hepleted the year.My inws were clear that he had to be responsible for the triplets, which included being there for them, supporting them financially as well as everything else.The family wealth, and control of XF International helped him."


    "He took three years away from school and started to work within XF International, in a lowly position, but his skills allowed him to work his way up quickly.When the triplets were three years old his parents agreed to assist him toplete thest two years of his secondary school, which ced him in the same ss as your husband and Lu Jinhu."


    "All he did for those two years was school, work and caring for the children.In hisst year of school, with the help of my mother I babysat the triplets at times to allow him to work or study.Despite everything in his te, along with your husband and Lu Jihnu he was in the top three in their year."


    "Apparently other than your husband, when anyone in the year found about the triplets, they could not believe that he had taken responsibility for them.When he refused to dump them on people to go out with them, they told him they controlled him and refused to associate with him."


    "When the triplets were five they started school and he went to University here, unlike Hou Yi and a number of the others in their year who went overseas.All the time he was still looking after the triplets and working in thepany.Hou Yi was the only one thatpleted secondary school with him that has remained in contact."


    "I remember Tan telling me the worst thing on their first day of school was being mistaken for the triplets older brother, rather than their father.Once they started school, and I remember it well from babysitting them, they became difficult and hate Tan for their mother not being in their lives.I do not know why that changed, but your husband and I were there to support him dealing with that."


    "While we have been dating for a few years, it was only due to your husband that he eventually got over the issue he has had about asking me to take on the triplets.The boys in particr, but also his daughter Alecia until just after Christmasst year were anti, even my rtionship with Tan, as they hoped their mother woulde back permanently and marry their father.The change came about due to Alecia being sexually assaulted by someone I do not know, at a societal function."

 Chapter 336: Chapter 313: Girls Night Out - Part 2

    <h4>336 Chapter 313: Girls Night Out - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    With Amanda''s pause Anna spoke "There is something more about that part of the story, Amanda?"


    Amanda took a breath, and gently continued "Tan, at me urging due to how each of the triplets were coping in the aftermath of the attack on Alecia contacted their mother.She agreed toe back and speak to them, only after Tan promised to pay her money toe."


    "When she was arrived, she demanded in front of them that Tan give her the money he promised her toe.She talked to them, about what I do not know, but she came into the lounge room where Tan and I were sitting and yelled at him, while demanding more money that the triplets were a mistake and she should have made sure she killed them.She alsomented that she could not believe Tan kept them rather than dumping them in an orphanage."


    "She alsomented that Alecia deserved what happened to her, and then demanded that Tan pay her more money because she had broken away from her schedule toe here.Alecia overheard that and came in and told her mother to nevere back, and the boys were behind her nodding."


    "After Tan and I got married, and helping them deal with that and what happened to Alecia the triplets despite being sixteen asked me to adopt them."


    Anna, having heard the story, quietly said "I had no idea."


    Amanda quickly responded "I am surprised that your husband did not tell you.But my husband better watch it, I will kill him that he did not give me warning with what was going on because it means that I will struggle to protect the triplets.They do not need anything else messing up their life at this time, even their father."


    "Actually I have a better idea.How about you tell him off, and then dump him for the night and join my sisters-inw and me for a girls night out.The n is a meal and watching a movie somewhere, so maybe even bring Alecia with you?"


    "Well It is a school night ... Hang on Aleciapleted herst exam yesterday, so Tan can go jump tonight.His arrogance has ced us at risk, without telling us, so a girls nigh out sounds good."


    "Perfect.Come and meet is at the Hou Ancestral Home, as that is where we are staying why my family are out here, and we will leave from here."Anna briefly paused, "Amanda, despite my having not met Alecia do you think that she would be alright with being a bridesmaid for my wedding?Yi, has my brother, three brothers-inw and your husband as his groomsmen, and I hols have you, my sister, two sisters-inw.I need one more to bnce up the older members."


    "I will ask her, but I think she will love it, especially as it means that she can spend a little time in Australia, as she has always wanted visit there, and see a Ko in person."


    "Talk soon"


    "Bye Anna."


    With that Anna ended the call finished selecting what she needed to return back the the ancestral home, slipping off a hanger a long loose dress with its matching wrap, and a pair of t shoes that she could wear on the right foot.She carefully ced them in a bag, before carefully carrying it out and getting it to one of the bodyguards who helped get her back downstairs before heading back to the ancestral home.


    Meanwhile ¡­


    Amanda spoke to her step-daughter Alecia, who was looking forward to a girl''s night out.Amanda then texted her husband saying ''Tan I am so annoyed with what you have done today.Alecia and I having a girls night out, and security will be provided by Hou Yi.''


    When he received the message, Yao Tan realised that Amanda was annoyed with him so he needed to figure out what was happening.Before he could call Hou Yi, he received a call from him.


    "Yi, what is going on, your wife has invited my wife and daughter out tonight."


    "I had arranged for my wife and her sisters-inw to go out for a meal and a movie.With Anna''s leg in a cast they could not do more than that.So, what, she invited your wife and daughter.Alecia is sixteen-years-old.Please do not think, my friend, I am being flippant, but Alecia needs to meet Anna.They have both been treated horribly by Lu Jinhu and hopefully meeting her might end up inspiring her to actually take the final step."


    "Yi, she needs protection, she realised too early how harsh the world is."


    "The same as you did my friend.More importantly for her she has you, and now Amanda there to support her every steps of the way, just as you had your parents.I never figured out how you actually managed to raise three generally well-adjusted children, when, they could easily be your baby siblings."


    "Yi, she needs to be safe."


    "She will.I have booked a private room at the club, Amanda and Anna will be there, and Anna is not allowed to drink, so she will be sober.There will be a dozen bodyguards, and the club has arranged a private cinema showing of what ever movie they want.No danger.Let go a little tonight."


    "You promise me she will be safe."


    "Tan she will, now let her enjoy herself."Hou Yi paused, then continued "Now we need to talk business.You know the message CEO Lu had you deliver."


    "Yes ..."

 Chapter 337: Girls Night Out - Part 3

    <h4>337 Girls Night Out - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi continued in talking to Yao Tan."For ckmail purposes only.He wanted to try and ckmail me into handing him everything, iming he has photographs and footage of Anna engaged in illegal and immoral activities.CEO Lu is full of it."


    "Do you know all he had as a photo and video clip from when Anna was a teenager at university.


    And he thinks that I was dumb enough not to guess that it would have spy wear embedded in them.


    My tech department are already dealing with that.However he is dumping his son in it, iming he has a recently supplied photograph that is ore damning.That will be faked."


    "But, we all need to be careful as he decided he needed to threaten you and me and or families, as well as the otherpanies that have decided no to deal with Lu Corporation.A desperate move, but predictable, and the otherpanies are being informed for their protection.But he admitted something, while trying to ckmail me that I did not know.Remember that car ident that my mother and I were in when I was younger?"


    "Yes, it nearly killed her if I remember rightly."


    "Well he even admitted to being behind that."


    "Oh, that ¡­"


    "He did that, as he was not calm and in control.Lu Jinhu is exactly the same."


    "He always has been."


    "True, my friend.I used that and pushed the tight buttons to get him to overreach and make the statements.Being dumb, he even believed the spy wear he installed would leave no trace of anything happening today.He forgets I am not dumb, and more importantly that I am not as meek and mild that I have appeared recently with everything that has gone on with Anna, particrly at the hands of Lu Jinhu."


    "The idiot.We all know that you can ..."


    "Plot, n and scheme with the best of them.I nned ahead for the meeting with him to cover all eventualities.Does he not get that there is a corrtion with the current growth of Hou Enterprises and my involvement with thepany?"


    "Yi, he is an idiot.We all know that and he simply relies on the work his father to establish thepany, micromanages his senior management team, and simply tries to buy their way into things.I would guess that there has not been a new ideae from Lu Corporation for five or six years."


    "True, Tan.You and I understand modern business practices.We establish frameworks for what we need, have our involvement when required but trust the senior management team around us and those who are subordinate to them.He does not, and thinks everyone owes him.Those are his failings, and that is the pressure points, with your help mind you, that was pressed, and he could not deal with it."


    "Any idea what the police will do?"


    "Alister Nang is on the case from our end, but I would suspect given he will be charged with attempted ckmail, and aiding his son breaching the restraining order, they will bail him in the next 24 or so hours, with a court case months away.You and I both know, court cases only go quick when people are kept in police custody, as there are not ces to really hold them for any length of time."


    "What Alister has exined to me is that when someone is in police custody they must be brought before the court within 24 hours of being arrested , unless it is a weekend, when it is by 12pm on the Monday and the case unlessplex of being contested has to be finished within two months.Those they release after charge simply must wait until called to court unless there is someone else involved in the matter in custody.That simply means we will have to be careful, but let the girls have a fun night tonight."


    "Fine, but I am sending another 6 bodyguards to protect my wife and daughter."


    "You know my bodyguards will panic, but I guess they will have to deal with it.I understand from Anna that they are to meet at the Hou Ancestral home before heading out.Maybe sugest to Amanda that they get there between 6pm to 6:30pm."


    "Fine.Keep me updated with what is happening regarding the police, but are you ready for Monday?"


    "All ready.I have picked out two staff to be our two top executives within the coboration."The conversion drifted off into more mundane business matters.


    Hou Ancestral Home


    Anna, despite the time of day, arrived back at the Ancestral home within twenty minutes of leaving the apartment, when it should have taken at least thirty-five minutes, but she was notining.Being inside and off her leg was what she needed.The bodyguards not only helped her inside, but carried the bag.She was met inside the door, by Rosemary and Reba.


    Reba, however, could not wait "What is this I hear about tonight?"


    "Yi has organised a girl''s night out for us, my friend Amanda, and one other person.Meal, and a movie, as I cannot do much with this case on my leg."


    "Party Pooper, you could have watched us, and gotten drunk."

 Chapter 338: Girls Night Out - Part 4

    <h4>338 Girls Night Out - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Rosemary was clearly shaking her head, and Anna figured she better say something, or Reba would make it her mission to ensure that she was drunk very quickly.


    "Reba, I''ve been told that I cannot drink at least until I have the cast off, but I''m still happy for you to do what you want."Anna pause, and then with a wicked undertone "And more importantly it means that I can get the photos to show my brothers that you two lead me astray, not the other way around."


    Reba squealed "No damn way sister.No photos, no sending anything to my husband.He told me thest time after we went out and got so drunk that if we did it again, I would be banned from going out with you two, unless he was along.We still have your hen''s party to get through, and there is no way I want him tagging along on that."


    "Can you let me in, so I can not only go and do my exercises and get ready.It takes me so much longer than you to do so.The n is to leave around 6pm, or it may be 6:30pm."


    Rosemary grabbed the bag from the bodyguards and said "Come on.I need to get that leg covered so you can have a quick shower, and I can go and get ready, unless you what your baby brother to do it."


    "Rosemary," squealed Anna.


    "Anna be reasonable, he is not far off finishing his nursing degree and he has to deal with it."


    "Fine, if he isfortable but, and I mean it is a real big but, he has to secure the covering and let me shower, before hees back in.There is no way that I could ¡­"


    James had walked up, out of Anna''s sight "Come on Sister.If you feel that bad, you can borrow a bathing suit, and wear that while you shower.I have seen it all before."


    "James" squealed Anna.


    "Well it is true.That nudie run the four of you did when you lost that bet over the AFL grand final a couple of years ago, made sure I saw things that I really did not need to."


    "Fine, I am sick of arguing.I cannot wait until get out tonight and have some fun.I do not care who is going to do this, but I just need to shower and get ready."


    James however was worried about his sister, and called out "I will be there in a few minutes," as she hobbled away on the crutches.


    Reba saw the look that passed between Rosemary and James and had to ask "What is going on.You know something, and you need to tell me now."


    Even without thinking James immediate response was "Privileged information Reba.I would not even tell you if you tortured me for it."


    "Come on, who am I going to tell."


    "Reba, do we have to call Adam ¡­"


    "James you just wait."


    "Reba, you just have to wait, and that is the best that either of us can say.Anna has been through a lot in thest few weeks, and sometime we just have to let things rx."


    "When did you be so calm James."


    "Reba, nursing teaches you that, and I am determined to make a good career of it."


    James decided that if he did not move, he would tell Reba the secret that he knew he had to keep until Anna was three months into her pregnancy.Theyst thing he wanted to do is say something and she loose the baby, disappointing everyone.He walked along the corridors until he reached Hou Yi and Anna''s Room, and found Anna on the bed doing her exercises.


    He took one look and realised that she was so annoyed."Anna, are you OK?I can get Rosemary if you want?"


    Anna was off in a world of her own, and did not hear her brother talk.She was so annoyed with Yi at the moment.He seemed to dismiss what happened, but she was so worried that he put in himself in danger, what for, hurting Lu Jinhu and his family?That did not matter anymore.


    Yes, revenge had be a motivating factor for them getting married, but it was thest thing that was important in her marriage.The only things relevant to their marriage was how they felt for each other, and fingers crossed there was no trouble, this baby, and any children toe in the future.


    James, touched Anna on the shoulder and she turned her head to him, and that is when he noticed that she was crying.James sat his sister up, and gathered her in his arms before asking "Anna, tell me what is wrong?Let me see what I can do to help you."

 Chapter 339: Girls Night Out - Part 5

    <h4>339 Girls Night Out - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    All James'' words did was make Anna cry even harder.Rather than stopping her, he simply sat there hugging her, and letting her cry out what was worrying her.A few minutester, she stopped crying, so he slightly moved her back in her arms "Tell me what is bothering you sister.I cannot hep you if you do not tell me."


    "James, Yi was being stupid today.I am worried that he got himself hurt."


    "Anna, calm down.Let me call your husband, I think before anything you need to talk to him."


    "Use my phone, he has had to temporarily change numbers."


    "Anna, I will call and talk to him, if you can keep going with your exercises please."


    Jamrs took Anna''s phone and called Hou Yi, and while he watched his sister, had a quiet discussion with his brother-inw, finding out a short version of what happened.As he ended the call, Anna finished the exercises."Well what did he say."


    "Anna, he said in helping the police he got a little bruised, but there is nothing to worry about.ording to him, everything will be OK.Yi asked me to pass on a couple of messages as well.The bodyguards apparently will be told where you are going, but said to take one of the ck cards to pay for everything tonight.He also said that he was sorry but he will be caught up at the office tonight and is unlikely to be back before you all go so he will see you when you get back."


    James paused, and looked at his sister who seemed calmer."Nowe on, stop feeling sorry for yourself.I wil help you get into the bathroom, but leave you to shower in peace waiting for you to call me toe and help you get out."


    James escorted her into the bathroom, and helped Anna securely covering her cast, and sitting her in the chair in the shower, before leaving with the reminder "When you finish your shower, do not move.Call me and I wille and help you out."


    Fifteen minutester, Anna called out and Jamese in and helped his sister out of the shower, and into a dressing gown and out into the room.Once he knew that she was safe, he said "I will step out of the room to let you change, but call out if you need my help."


    "I have it James."


    Anna looked at the time on the clock, and realised that it was just before 6pm.She checked her mobile, and there was a message from Amanda, saying that they would be there at about 6:15pm.Anna was grateful, that at least the designed dress she opted for tonight, was calf length, easy to slip on, and easily matched with a essories so she could be ready in fifteen minutes, including putting light make-up on.


    As she moved to the door, with a over shoulder bag, that had her purse and phone in it James opened the door, and realised that Anna was heading out to wait for everyone.


    As she arrived in the foyer, the door was just opening and in walked Amanda Mei along with a teenager, who clearly had to be Alecia Yao.She looked happy that she was be treated like an adult rather than the little child her father always treated her like.Anna hobbled over and gave Amanda a kiss on the cheek, before saying "Hi I am Anna, Hou Yi''s wife.You must be Alecia.Did Amanda ¡­"


    "You mean Mum, she is more a mother to me than my birth mother ever was or wants to be.She only sees me and my brothers as people who owe her money."


    "Did your mum ask you for me, would you like to be one of my bridesmaids?"


    "You do not know me?Bridesmaids are meant to be women close to the bride."


    "Alecia, that is not an issue.It is my wedding, and your Mum and Dad are good friends of mine, and I think you see my husband like an uncle, as I understand when you were younger he asionally babysat you, so why should you not be a bridesmaid.As to getting to know me, we have time to do that."


    "Really?"


    "Yes, I would really like you to be a bridesmaid.The only thing is that the wedding is in Australia."


    "Mum did not tell me that.Yes, Yes, Yes" came the even louder and louder reply from Alecia.

 Chapter 340: Girls Night Out - Part 6

    <h4>340 Girls Night Out - Part 6</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Anna, quietly said "Come let us head into the lounge so I can sit before everyone else arrives."


    As soon as Anna finished speaking, Alecia looked up and noticed James.She had to ask "Who is that?"


    "Alecia, this is my baby brother James.He is over with my sisters-inw and my nieces and nephews, for a visit.James is in hisst year at Universitypleting a Nursing degree."


    Alecia, blushed, but as the well brought up girl she appeared to be, she reached out her right hand and said in English "Hello James, my name is Alecia Yao."


    James, Anna realised looked somewhat smitten at the young girl, but he reached out and shook her hand replying somewhat quietly for him "Hello Alecia, it is nice to meet you."


    James turned to Anna and said "Sister, you need to sit down", and helped her to sit on a bench just along the corridor.


    Anna turned quietly, "James, be careful she is only sixteen-years-old, and I understand that she was sexually assaulted about six months ago.I do not know more than that."


    "Anna, I am not stupid.I can tell when someone is hurting psychologically. She has a simr look to what you had a couple of times when you were with Lu Jinhu, and we are taught to identify people that might have psychological issues in my degree, in case they require intensive assistance.She looks like she needs someone just to talk to her.Let me do that for a few minutes.I promise she will be safe with me."


    "Fine."


    James moved over and lead Alecia away, while Amanda came and sat with Anna, the two of them simply talking about work waiting for Reba and Rosemary.A couple of minutester, Amanda looked up and neither James nor Alecia were in sight.


    Amanda asked in a worried voice "Did you see where they went?"


    Anna turned to her friend "Amanda, let it be.James, as I said is doing a nursing degree in Australia.Hemented that Alecia looked like she needed to talk to someone.He promised me that he would simply talk to her and that she would be alright."


    Amanda, spat out "You are kidding me.Tan will kill me."


    Anna, being as calm as she could "Amanda, I am guessing she has not really talked to anyone about anything."


    "Tan has her seeing counsellors to help her, but the always tell us that she talks about what she wants and is OK."


    "Amanda when do teenagers ever tell adults the truth about what is really going on in their lives and how they feel.I suspect that she is only going through with the motions to please you and Tan, rather than being serious about it.When I first saw her she had a look of hurt in her eyes, like there was something that she cannot and has not dealt with, but that look changed when she saw James."


    "How in the world do you know that?" asked an exasperated Amanda


    "Amanda, you know the types of litigation type work I was involved with in Australia at times required representing children.At times, often with teenagers I got the work because, if we are realistic, I was not much older than them.But you have to learn to read their non-verbal cues about matters as even though they know you are theirwyer they do not trust thew andwyers.They can tell you more than their words."


    After pausing, and seeming Amanda was calming down Anna continued quietly "Look we will give them a few minutes to talk once Reba and Rosemary arrive, before locating them and going out.She will be safe, remember that."


    With that the two of them drifted off into talking about work matters waiting for Rosemary and Reba to arrive and James and Alecia toe back.


    Around ten minutester Reba and Rosemary, came walking along the corridor as loud as could be, talking about having a great girls night out tonight.The paused when they saw Anna and Amanda sitting on a bench in the foyer.


    Reba called out "Well are we ready to go have fun tonight?"


    Amanda and Anna looked at each other, and Amanda pulled out her phone and dialled Alecia''s mobile, while Anna said "We just have to wait a couple of minutes."

 Chapter 341: Girls Night Out - Part 7

    <h4>341 Girls Night Out - Part 7</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    James observed Anna and Amanda talking turned Alecia, and quietly asked "Do you want to go for a short walk in the gardens?"


    Fascinated by the man in front of her, Alecia looking at James from under her eyshes said "Absolutely."


    James offered Alecia his hand and they walked through the small dining room to the patio outside it before James showed Alecia to a chair in the shade before sitting down himself.


    "Sorry to drag you off before you go out ..."


    "You did not," came the quiet response from Alecia.


    "I was worried.You seemed like you were ready to cry, and that was thest thing I wanted to see happen to you.What are you worried about?Can I help?"


    Alecia was stunned.Here was someone who she had just met, that seemed to be able to see deep inside her, knowing that there was something bothering her.Her father, Amanda or her brothers went between treating her like china doll or believing her stories that everything was OK, without delving too much into how she was feeling.


    "Why?"


    "Despite you being the prettiest girl I have seen in a long time."James stopped himself "Sorry, forget that, I should not have said anything."


    Blushing at thepliment, Alecia said"I will not."Alecia paused for a second."I am guessing someone told you what happened to me?"


    "It does not matter what other people have told me.What do you want to tell me?"


    "I do not know?"


    "Then do not worry about it.I do not need to know.But, if you feel that you need someone to listen to you, talk to my sister.Anna is a good listener, and she will be able give you some ideas what to do.Whether you take them that is your choice.Now give me your phone."


    With that James put out his hand and opened up the contacts on Alecia''s phone putting in his Australian Mobile number."You can, if you need call or text me if you need someone to talk to."


    Alecia simply sat there.She wondered would she have the courage to call or message James.He was nice, cute and unlike her friends older brothers who she would guess were a simr age, wanted to help her.All they wanted to do, as they saw her as dirty given what had happened is to have s*x with her.


    James stood up, and then said quietly "There is help, all you have to do is ask for it.Promise me that you will do that?"


    "I will."Alecia paused for a few seconds, and thought to herself, it is now or never."Thank you James.I have a favour to ask, as I need it."


    James looked at her, hoping that it would not be a request for something that might push his limits.He always had a weakness for girls like Alecia, pretty, long ck hair and about a head shorter than him in height, he knew that unlike any girl in his past, despite being over five years younger than him, she would be a real temptation to resist.


    At the same time, Alecia was ready to grasp the chance that she had.She told herself that she simply needed him to give her a hug, and if it felt right she maybe could push for a kiss.She was turning seventeen on Saturday, and she needed something special to help her through the disaster that would be.


    Alecia looked at James and said "I hate to ask, but I need someone who will not judge me to simply give me a hug."


    James was torn.While he could see that something was there about toe out and she needed a hug to know that everything would be alright, the temptation that it would give him which if there was not the age gap, the differences in their families, the distances between them and whatever had happened to her he would have simply ignored, would be difficult to resist.


    Deciding that he needed to put her first, James stood up, and help out his hand to Alecia to help her up.Once she was standing he simple nodded, and Alecia moved into his arms, and he hugged her around her waist.


    Alecia, as soon as James closed his arms around her, feltpletely safe.She wound her arms around his neck.In that moment Alecia knew that James as right there were people who would help her, and maybe she could move forward with what had happened.At the same time, she realised that she needed to kiss him and while standing on her toes, using her hands she gently pulled his head towards her.

 Chapter 342: Girls Night Out - Part 8

    <h4>342 Girls Night Out - Part 8</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    James, at the moment Alecia started to move, he knew what was about to happen.One part of him wanted to pull away, and refuse to allow it to happen, while the other part knew that this would likely be the only opportunity for it to ur.As he felt Alecia gently pull his head down, he cooperated and allowed her to kiss him.


    Alecia gently started to explore James lips, and moving her body as close into James as she could.The kisses and the feeling in his arms for her felt like heaven.


    James on the other hand, was struggling.Nearly all semnces of reality the moment Alecia''s lips touched his went out the window.it was perfect on one hand but resisting temptation to do anything more than gentle kissing would be a disaster at this moment.He would be no different from s*xual predators preying on vulnerable girls.


    However, for both of them, their thoughts were broken by the ringing of Alecia''s mobile.Alecia stepped back and answered it.All James heard was "Yes I aming."


    Alecia started to turn to leave, and James simply put his hand on her arm "Message me tonight when you get home after the night out.Promise me that you will try and have fun."


    Alecia nodded, and James escorted her back to the foyer where they found everyone waiting for them


    Anna looked at James and Alecia, picking up that something had happened while the two of them were out of Amanda and her sight, but before Anna could say anything together Reba and Rosemary responded "Girls Night Out.Let us go and have some fun!"


    At that all Anna and James could do is shake their heads, Anna worrying about what they would get up to and James then burst outughing saying to everyone as they left "Have Fun.I am d I am not going with those two."


    Amanda and Alecia looked at Anna, who decided that she better exin that often when she Rosemary and Reba would go out they would have a lot of fun that two of them would end up drunk at the end of the night, but there was no way that that was going to happen tonight.


    Out front was a limousine that was big enough for everyone, even taking into ount Anna''s cast, so everyone climbed in and the door was shut.It along with a convoy of four other vehicles all let the Hou Ancestral home heading to The Club, for their dinner.On the trip, Anna performed the introductions of everyone.


    After that, Anna said "Now I understand that my husband has booked us a private room at the club for our meal, and the club have then arranged for a private screening of whatever movie we want infort.He also told me in addition to the twelve bodyguards he assigned for us tonight, Amanda your husband has assigned an additional six.Overkill, but they seem determined to ensure that we are safe.So what movie do we want to watch?A new release or something that has been out for a while?"


    For the next fifteen minutes, there was bickering back and forth as to the movie that they would watch, but eventually with Amanda''s OK they decided that they would watch any James Bond movie they could watch with the preference for Daniel Craig as James Bond, but it did not matter who it was in the end which James Bond Movie they watched.


    Less than five minutes after deciding on the movie, the arrived at The Club, and were quickly escorted into a private room.The Manager escorting them, asked what was the movie that they decided on and Alecia quickly told their decision to the manager.


    "Ladies, there are two options.We have the ability to show films in this room, so we could start a movie now, and then you would have the ability to watch two movies tonight or you could simply watch one inplete peace once you have finished your meal."


    Anna immediately said, "Two movies please".


    With that the manager handed out menus and took the first round of drink orders.Within five minutes, the lights dimmed, and started Casino Royale.Waiting staff quietly came in and took everyone''s meal orders for entr¨¦e main and desert, and further drink orders were taken toe in through the movies.


    Everyone settled in for a rxing night with the girls, having as much fun as they could despite Anna''s leg.

 Chapter 343: Girls Night out - Part 9

    <h4>343 Girls Night out - Part 9</h4>


    Wednesday, continued


    Looking around her, Anna realised that Yi was right.She needed some girl time out, with family and friends.Alecia Yao was interesting.Unlike most 16-year-old''s she had met, despite projecting confidence, she was deeply troubled.Yes being s*xually assaulted might have something to do with it, but there was more about it.


    Seeing Reba, Rosemary and Amanda were enjoying themselves with a drink and chatting amongst themselves, Anna got up and moved over beside Alecia.As she sat down she said "I hope you do not mind?"


    Alecia nodded, and quietly said "I am just so d to be out of home even though Amanda is here along with a group of dad''s bodyguards.Amanda, I love like she is my real mother, but thetter is just a sigh of how much in thest six months dad has gone into overprotective father mode.I am sick of that."


    "Do you want to talk about it?"


    "But you will tell dad and my step-mother."


    "Only if you want me to.Sometimes having someone listen to whatever is bothering you helps."


    "I just cannot stand it.It is suffocating, and I am so tempted to just run away and to be done with it."


    "Alecia, running will not solve the problem.Plus I can tell you from experience hiding from it, ignoring it, and not talking to someone is just as bad."


    "But you married Uncle Yi are so blissfully happy, what would you know about it."With that Alecia started to cry.


    Anna looked over and was grateful that Amanda, Rosemary and Reba were chatting and watching the movie."I guess you have not been reading the news muchtely."


    "Why would I be bothered about that."


    "Alecia in thest few weeks your godfather and I have been dealing with my abusive ex-partner who is from here.My ex admitted to manipting me for his own purposes, but also physically assaulted me on multiple asions in public.I had to admit to myself what he did in our rtionship. "


    "He was financially, psychologically, and physical abusive, and tried to iste me from everyone he did not like, among other things.With your Uncle Yi''s unconditional love and support I have been able to deal with it legally and emotionally.Sweetheart, bottling it up does nothing, you need to talk and get some help.Let me see what I can do."


    "No one can help me, I did what I was told not to and I need to pay the price for that."


    "No you do not need to pay.It is hurting you, tell me what happened."


    "Dad six months ago took me and my brother''s to a charity function, at a hotel.I was so pleased that he thought I was old enough to go out and be involved in society when most of our friends, and my brothers had been going to some functions for twelve months or more.As Dad was only Fifteen when we were born, he is highly protective of me in particr, but to a lesser extent my brothers."


    "Dad told my to stay inside, but thinking I was mature I went outside on the balcony outside the room where the function was.A man, who earlier I saw talking to my Dad and brothers approached me.I thought he was safe and we talked for a while.While talking he, without me realising it, manoeuvred me to the stairs into the dark gardens."


    "I only realised what was happening when I saw how dark it was.I knew that I was not as safe as I had hoped.It was at that moment he knew I had figured out what was happening, and grabbed my hands in one hand, and using the other pulled something from his pocket to gag me preventing me from calling for help."


    "When he was happy that I cold not call out, he then dragged me into a pitch ck area, pushed up the dress that I was wearingand ripped off my underpants.I heard a zipper undo, and within a few seconds he was ¡­"Alecia could say nothing more, and burst out in tears.Amanda heard that, and turned towards Anna, who shock her head as to say I have this under control.


    "Sweetheart, did he put hit p*nis inside you?"


    All Alecia could do was nod, as if saying the words were impossible.Anna could not believe someone would **** this beautiful child.No wonder her Yan Tan was over-protective of his daughter.He wanted to protect her from making the same mistakes he did, and the first time he decides the trust her this happens.

 Chapter 344: Girls Night Out - Part 10

    <h4>344 Girls Night Out - Part 10</h4>


    Wednesday, continued


    Taking Alecia into her arms as best as she could Anna quietly asked "Can you tell me what happened after he finished?Do not worry if you cannot."


    Alecia nodded and quietly continued "When he was finished, I heard the zipper again so figured that he was finished.I was still pinned to the ground and he then said I was a w*ore and deserved it.He continued telling me that like all w*ores I deserved to be used and as I was now his w*ore he would use me as he wanted.He then decided that he needed to use me again, and I heard the zipper again, and he repeated the process."


    "After the second time when he pulled out he pulled me up into a sitting position, and as he removed the gag, he shoved it in my mouth pushing and pulling my head until he came in my mouth, refusing toe out until I swallowed everything.When he pulled out from my mouth he shoved the gag back in, and did it once more until he finished."


    Alecia was now shaking in Anna''s arms but Anna sensed that Alecia needed to continue.Alecia did.


    "He then said that I was a good little w*ore and if I kept pleasuring him like this unlike now he would not hand me over to his friends.I then realised there was another man there who had been watching the whole thing.I heard a second zipper and felt another p*nis being shoved into me while pinned on the ground."


    "The gag was removed and the first p*nis was shoved back into my mouth.The two of them kept swapping positions until the first man was satisfied and I could hear my dad, brothers and Uncle Yi calling me.The two men quickly disappeared and about two minutester my dad found me.He quickly got me to the hospital where I was examined, the police came and took statements and took what they said were samples for evidence."


    Tears were streaming down Alecia''s and trembling she finished "I feel so ashamed.Dad told me to stay in the room and I ignored him and this was the oue."


    "It was not your fault sweetheart.Did the police pursue the men who did this?"


    "How could they.While I could tell then the first man, I have no idea as to the second man."


    "No one should to that to you.The most difficult thing is admitting it, and not far behind is doing something about it.If you could, would you want to have the man you know charged?"


    Nodding, feeling confident she had unconditional support Alecia said "Yes, but Dad would be humiliated as someone he went to school was the first man."


    Anna could not believe that someone in theirte 20s or early 30s could be so cruel to a child like that."It does not matter sweetheart, your dad, Amanda, Uncle Yi and I will be with you every step of the way."


    "I want to, but it ruined me ..."


    "Your are not ruined.You are someone that has toe to terms with what someone did to you.I assume Amanda told you I am awyer like you," Anna saw Alecia nodding her head."While I practised in a lot of area in Australia, one thing I always enjoyed doing was helping people who had been victimised.Let me help you"


    "Are your sure ¡­."


    "I would not have offered if I did not want to.It is hurting you still, and if I can help you in some way I want to.I am guessing your dad has gotten you a counsellor to help you¡­"


    "Yes"


    "But someone to help you through the criminal system is what you need at the moment, because deep down you want to have them dealt with.Am I right?"


    "Yes¡­" came the reluctant answer.


    "How about, I call a police officer I trust and we arrange for a statement to be taken.We can do it at your Uncle Yi and my apartment, so you feel safe."


    "Can we do it tomorrow. If I am going to do this I want to do it as soon as possible before I used the courage to do it."


    "Sweetheart, do not worry I will be there with you.Now, we are being morbid, enjoy the rest of the night, and what we will do tomorrow, we will deal with.Promise me, you will talk to your dad and step-mother tonight about how you feel, and what you have agreed to do with me helping you tomorrow."


    "I promise."

 Chapter 345: Girls Night Out - Part 11

    <h4>345 Girls Night Out - Part 11</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Before Anna could say anything further the waiting staff brought in everyone''s main meals and Alecia moved slightly away from Anna.


    Amanda noted this, and decided once she had finished her meal, she would head over and quietly speak to Anna.


    Fifteen minutester, seeing that Alecia was watching the movie Amanda moved over the spea quietly to Anna, and said "She opened up to you?"


    Quietly so Alecia would not overhear, Anna responded "She did.She has not let me know who was involved but whoever that b*stard is, he has scared her.There in fact were two who repeatedly raped her, and she believes that she is still open to targeting.She has agreed, with my support to talk to the police and take it further.She knows what that will mean, including naming or giving whatever identifying information on the perpetrators.I am hopeful that I might be able to convince the police to interview her at Yi and my apartment, rather than her having to attend the police station."


    "No matter how much her father, brothers and I have talked about it, she has refused to do anything, and yet in one discussion, you had her agree."


    "I think she understood that I could put myself in her position, and therefore I have be the one person she can trust."Anna however wondered if that was the only reason,She say Alecia and James looking at each other before they walked away and had this feeling that there was something else there when they came back.The question is what.


    "We all have our suspicions on who did this, but until she confirms it nothing can be done."


    "Let us stop being morbid and enjoy tonight."


    With that all thoughts of what was toe with helping Alecia were put on Hold, and Anna started to get into the movie, and enjoying the night.Even Alecia seemed, to Anna to be more rxed that she was when they arrived.


    While watching the movie, Alecia sat contemting things.She knew what she had agreed to with Anna, after having listened to and taken on board James'' advice.It scared her talking about what happened to the police, but she knew Anna was right she had to deal with it.


    The problem was, what would James think, would he run in the other direction, would he refuse to ever talk to her again, once he knew what happened.That was more terrifying for her than anything else.She knew James, would be important in her life, the question is what would that be.Would he evere back here or would she have the opportunity to spend time with him in Australia.


    It then crossed her mind, did he have a girlfriend, that would be crushing.That would, for her take away the reason to go forward, knowing there was potentially something in the future.That made it definite, she needed to talk to James, so she pulled out her phone and sent him a text message ''Took your advice and spoke to Anna.Still out, but I need to talk to youter.''


    Within a minute, she received a response ''Call me when ever.We need to talk, but enjoy yourself.''


    That message for Alecia, gave her hope.He did want to talk, but what was that as, a friend or the potential for something more?Would she have the opportunity to find this out snatched away, before she could see what happened?


    Not long after 10pm, Anna started to feel over tired, and everyone agreed to end what, even for Alecia had been a good night out with the girls, before getting ready to head back to the Hou Ancestral home.


    Reba and Rosemary where their usual selves with a girls night out particrly given they were not paying for drinks.Totally drunk.Anna, before they left the room she took out her camera and sneakily took a couple of photos.Reba, noticed a sh with thest photo Anna took and said "What in the world!"


    "ckmail dear sister.You two know what Adam and Ben said, and if you want to try and cause issues for me with them, I have the evidence you broke a promise to them about not getting drunk on a girls night out."


    Rosemary, on hearing that turned around "You better delete that, or I will tell ..."


    "Ever heard of patient confidentiality Rosemary?"


    Laughingly, realising that she was not going to win the argument Rosemary responded "Just you wait, I will get my revenge, and you better not thing about using that photo."Anna just responded with augh.


    In the trip back to the Hou Ancestral Home they chatted among themselves, Alecia struggling to totally get involved in the conversation.When they arrived there, Amanda and Alecia climbed into the waiting car to take them home, with Anna promising to call Alecia tomorrow, after everything was sorted.Amanda indicated that she would message Anna the number.


    Anna, took her time to head back to their room and found Hou Yi sitting on a couch reading business papers.When he looked up he noticed that it was Anna entering their room, so he quickly put his papers back into his breifcase, and closed it.He noticed that Anna was exhausted so he grabbed her a nightdress and helped her change before settling her into bed before changing into pajamas himself and climbing into bed himself.As he turned off themp on his side of the bed, he bent over Anna to give her a brief kiss.However, for Anna there was no way that she was going to let Hou Yi move away before they spent some time kissing.


    When eventually, Anna pulled away Hou Yi heard a sigh that immediately alerted him to the fact that something was on Anna''s mind."What is wrong?"


    "Yi, you idiot.Neither you, Amanda or that friend of yours Yan Tan felt able to tell me about his children."


    "Anna, they are not a secret.I can only apud him, as when they were born he stepped up for them, sacrificing his dreams.Despite having known for seven or eight years he wanted to marry Amanda, he even dyed that for their sake.It took a lot for him to be convinced to even marry her given it was what they both wanted.The children helped that happen, particrly Alecia."


    "Speaking of Alecia, she is messed up with what happened to her.She talked to me somewhat about it tonight."


    "Her father and I suspect that he b*stard who did this was Lu Jinhu, because her was there and was seen talking to her on the balcony after being told by her brothers earlier in the night and Tan during a business meeting earlier in the day where to do.We think he wanted revenge, but do not know who else might have been involved.She will not talk about what happened to her"


    "After talking to me, I have got her to agree to talk to the police tomorrow, but she needs safety so I want to try and have that happen at our apartment."With a pause in a sweet helpless voice Anna continued "Could you contact Officer Mu, and see if someone that he trusts to deal with a vulnerable, victim of s*xual assault like Alecia, coulde to the apartment to talk to her.I hate asking him for help, but he has shown that he is trustworthy."


    "Leave it with me, but promise me that other than that you will spend the day with your family?"


    "I will."


    With that Hou Yi and Anna, settled themselves into each other''s arms and drifted off to sleep.


    Meanwhile, on arriving back at the family apartment with Amanda, Alecia ran into her room and locked her bedroom door behind her.As soon as she could she puled out her phone and called James, letting him know she talked to Anna, and asked for his help in the tomorrow, when with Anna''s help she talked to the police.


    After James'' promise, they simply talked on the phone for over forty-five, until James told her that she needed to have a long sleep as tomorrow will be challenging for her.

 Chapter 346: The Extent of wickedness - Part 1

    <h4>346 The Extent of wickedness - Part 1</h4>


    **Warning this chapter contains material that is inappropriate for those under the age of 18 years. **


    Thursday


    After observing the time on the clock when she awoke, Anna realised that there was plenty of time for them to enjoy a long shower before Hou Yi had to go to the office.


    There was, no way that she could not keep still and wake him up early as today, unlike her original ns was going to be a trying day.She was going to help Alecia confront events before spending, what would be precious time with her family before they returned home tomorrow.


    Leaning over Annamenced peppering Hou Yi''s face with light kisses, which quickly woke him up and started to be more passionate.As they continued, Hou Yi quickly realised that it was getting close to the point, that if he did not pull away he would be unable to stop.He reluctantly pulled back, but looked into his wife''s eyes.


    A frustrated Anna, asked "Why, Yi?"


    Hou Yi, took one of Anna''s hands and guided it down his body to his erect p*nis, "That is why my sweet wife.You are so tempting and if we keep going I do not know that I can restrain myself."


    As Hou Yi was speaking, Anna feeling his erect p*nis outside Hou Yi''s boxers could not prevent herself moaning our of frustration as they could not take the intimate moment very far, due not only to her leg but the early stage of her pregnancy.To Anna, despite that the one night they had indulged themselves was magical, in so many ways, the next time given their confessions would far exceed that feeling.


    Anna, had a mildly wicked thought that she decided to carry through with.She slowly started rubbing Hou Yi''s erect p*nis through his boxers, which without much effort elicited a moan from Hou Yi.He moaned in passion "That feels so good."


    Anna, pulled away slightly and sat up removing her nightdress, tossing it onto the floor before returning her hand back down to Hou Yi''s p*nis, but this time slipping her hand inside the boxers, and continually moving her hands soliciting more and more moans from Hou Yi.


    Meanwhile, Hou Yi moved closer and started using his hands and lips to touch Anna, kissing her body, rubbing and shaping her breasts, pinching her nipples and slowly moving his hand down her body.Using his fingers Hou Yi pushed aside Anna''s underpants and slipped one and then two fingers into her v*gina, while returning to her mouth for passionate kisses.Secondster they both reached their climax exploding with pleasure given to each other simply through their hands.


    As they came down, from this peak, their kisses became more and more gentle, to the point that the simply rested their foreheads against the others.They simply stayed there fore a few minutes, until Hou Yi quietly said "That was amazing."


    Anna looked deep into his eyes, and responded "It was.It is so frustrating though ..."


    Hou Yi''s response was simply "Mmmmm¡­."


    With a grin, Anna continued "But we could repeat Monday in the shower.I think we have the time?"


    That was all it took for Hou Yi, he quickly climbed out of bed, and picked Anna up in his arms carrying her into the bathroom.As he carefully covered Anna''s cast, she took the time to run her hands over any part of Hou Yi''s body that she could touch, eliciting more moans from him, and having him spend twice the normal time to ensure that her cast was covered.


    Just before he went to pick Anna up again to carry her into the shower, he reached down and removed his boxers tossing them in the direction of theundry hamper, and then with Anna''s help removed her underpants doing the same.He carefully picked Anna up carried her into the shower, sitting her down on the chair ced there for her to shower.


    It did not take long for the shower to be the sensual feast that Monday''s shower had been.Washing each others body became an instrument of pleasure, drawing moan after moan from each of them, before Anna reached the point that she could not stop herself, gently pulling Hou Yi around to stand in front of her, and take his p*nis into her mouth.


    Hou Yi knew that he was not going tost long with this pleasure, given how aroused his wife had him, and within a couple of minutes he could not help himself but to e*acte in Anna''s mouth, continuing to milk him until he finished.He watched Anna swallow and then bent down and gave her a deep kiss.


    Hou Yi then dropped to his knees, and gently spread Anna''s legs and moved her on the chair so that he could repay the favour and proceeding to use his mouth and hands to perform oral s*x on his wife.While he wanted to take Anna to the peak of pleasure time and time again, there was no way that she was going to allow that, and as she got near she used her hands to prevent him from pulling away, and simply exploded in pleasure.


    After they came down from their highs and actually showered, Hou Yi carried Anna from the shower and proceeded to dry each other.He carried Anna back to their bed, sitting her down while getting clothes for both of them, and they changed before heading to breakfast with the family.

 Chapter 347: The Extent of wickedness - Part 2

    <h4>347 The Extent of wickedness - Part 2</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    After breakfast, Hou Yi leaned down and gave Anna a gentle brief kiss, not giving a care what anyone in the family thought.He quietly said for her to only hear "Once I have some news I will arrange for Alecia to meet you at the apartment and let you know what is happening."


    Anna, responded "Thank you.I love you." And with that she gave him another gentle kiss.


    However, their farewells for the day were interrupted by James and some of the children.Jamesmented "Get a room", and the children were heard going "Yuck, Aunty Anna, Uncle Yi."


    Neither of them could help butugh, and Anna responded "Just you wait baby brother.I will remind you of that."


    Hou Yi looked down at Anna "I love you."With that he gave her another brief kiss, and continued "I will see you tonight."


    With that he stood back up and headed to the door, and as he reached its threshold he received a chorus of goodbyes.


    Anna, turned back, and despite finishing off the bnce of her breakfast, she was distracted not only of thoughts about what happened earlier on in their room, but also with what she was going to do.She wondered, given how much Alecia and James seemed at a nce to be taken with each other if her brother might be the right person to have with her as an additional support.


    Meanwhile in the car on the way to the office, Hou Yi''s mobile rang.It was Officer Mu.


    "Good morning CEO Hou."


    "Good morning Officer Mu.Do you know I am starting to think you have been assigned by the police to be our police officer."


    "It does seem like that CEO Hou, but sometimes it is just a quirk of fate.As to yesterday, given the involvement of yourself and CEO Lu, a more senior officer has been assigned to the case, but given our connection it has been determined I will remain your contact point."


    "When he was interviewed CEO Lu, outright denied the attempted ckmail and assisting his son in breaching the restraining order, but agreed the assault urred.He stated you set the up the meeting ..."


    "I proposed it, but he agreed to it." interrupted Hou Yi.


    "Which we already knew.He imed that you caused yesterday''s incident through threatening his business and family, and you also assaulted him.He has demanded you should be charged.Latest night he was charged with assault, and released pending a court date but with a restriction that he cannot contact you for any reason."


    "The senior officer decided, particrly based around the statements from myself and the other police officers present that there is evidence to charge him with attempted ckmail.As to the other, we need to speak to Lu Jinhu, and that has to be coordinated with the prison authorities given he is serving his period of home detention before a decision can be made."


    "Once that discussion has urred, the additional charges will be framed, and he with be charged with them as well, with additional restrictions to prevent him from releasing most likely faked or out of context images and films involving Madam Hou."


    "Thank you for that.I will make sure that security is increased for my wife, and extended family."


    "CEO Hou the senior officer has requested that I arrange a time with you and Madam Hou today to obtain statements regarding yesterday''s events."


    "Officer Mu, today is inconvenient for me as I have wall to wall meetings, including some put off during my wife''s hospitalisation.I will arrange for my assistant to move things in my schedule and contact you as to when I would have a two hours free to do that."


    "As to my wife, I had nned to contact you for assistance about apletely unrted matter that she needs some help with, however I would suggest that you make the arrangements with her directly for obtaining her statement."


    "What were you going to call me about, sir?"


    "I am not sure who was the officer who handled it initially, but about six months ago CEO Yao''s 16 year old daughter, who uses the English name Alecia was s*xually assaulted at a society function."


    "Just give me a moment."With that there was almost silence on the other end of the phone.Hou Yi could though here the quiet sound of someone typing on aputer keyboard."I have found that out, why?"


    "I understand that at the time all that was able to be done because of the state she was in was to take the various forensic samples, photographs of her injuries and the clothes she wore."


    "That matches up with what is here in the system."


    "My wife was talking to herst night and has gotten her to agree to speak to the police, provided she was there and it was done at our apartment.I have spoken to CEO Tan already this morning, and he has indicated that he can have his daughter there at 9am.She has a psychologist visit at 12pm today, so he believes that it is appropriate that it happens before that so the counsellor can help her if needed.Can that be done?"


    "If the officer whose investigation this is cannot, I know of a few female officers who would be able to handle that at short notice.If there is any issues, I can let you know, but someone will be at your apartment by 9:15am."


    "Thank you."


    With that Hou Yi sent text messages to Yao Tan and Anna, to confirm the arrangements for the interview.

 Chapter 348: The extent of wickedness - Part 3

    <h4>348 The extent of wickedness - Part 3</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    On receiving Hou Yi''s text Anna called out "James."


    With that James came over, asking "What is it?"


    "I need your help in returning to Hou Yi and my apartment.I will tell you why on the way there."


    "Well ¡­"


    "Do not y that game James, it is important."


    "OK Anna.Can we though make arrangements to go shopping afterwards."


    "Well that has been nned for everyone this afternoon, followed by a huge family tea.With everything I have not spent much time with anyone while you have been here, and I n to maximise that until you go."


    On leaving the Ancestral Home Anna made arrangements to call Du AnLing once she was finished at the apartment to make arrangement to meet them.


    Once they were settled into the car, and headed to the apartment, James turned to sister and asked "Why are your dragging me with you?"


    "Do you remember Alecia Yao, fromst night?"


    "The cute girl fromst night?"James was careful as he did not want to give much away, but Anna saw a far away look on James'' face.


    "Yes.What are you thinking about?It better not be in the gutter.She is only 16 and you are 22."


    "She is cute."


    "She is presently highly troubled.Her step-mother told me around six months ago at a charity function her father had taken to her she was s*xually assaulted.Given what she told mest night, it was not just that, but she was repeatedly r*ped.After talking with mest night, she has agreed to speak to the police to have those involved charged."


    "S*it, someone did that to her¡­"Alecia did not tell him thatst night.If she had, he would have been better prepared for this news.


    "They did.I cannot ask her father, step-mother or Yi, given they will kill whoever was involved, and she needs help to get through the report.Reba will not be of help which leaves you and Rosemary.Given I saw how, a a nce she connected with youst night, you became the obvious choice."


    "You should have said something. I am not sure," was James'' reluctant reply.


    "Susan told me on your first cement night with her in the Emergency Department you had to deal with a **** victim.She was terrified of everyone, except for some unknown reason you.You got her through treatment and speaking to the police.There is nothing different here, and I need your help."


    "There is Anna.Despite the age difference somethingst night meant I..."


    "Felt something for her?You know her father will kill you, and I suspect Yi will not be far behind him.Her father is overprotective of her, as he was only 15 when she and her two brothers were born."


    "F*ck" responded James in utter shock.


    "What Amanda, her step-mother and Yi tell me, their mother effectively abandoned them when they were born about prematurely.For money at their birth, she gave up her parental rights and only returns to the children''s lives when she wants money.Tan toplete the school year, had help from his parents, but they were clear that he was responsible for them."


    "He took three years off education to work at the familypany to support them before returning toplete his education ending up in the same ss as Yi, and he continued working part-time.When theymenced school Tan still working part time, went to university."


    "He has, given what Alecia and Yi tell me seemed to bnce this extremely well, and apparently despite their insistence he was responsible for the children, Tan''s parents have helped raise them.However, Alecia has been protected more than her brothers as Tan was always concerned that she would end up a young parent, like him, which he did not want.The first time he took her to a society function, this happened."


    "OK I get it.You need me to be a support, nothing more."


    "Just at the moment, please."


    Before James could respond the car pulled up at the apartment block, and the staff assisted Anna out of the car.Anna paused and informed them what was happening, but they replied that Hou I had already spoken to them.


    Anna opened the elevator, and when it arrived at the apartment, she was greeted by Butler Ge, who indicated he knew what was happening and that he would arrange for tea, coffee and cold drinks to be brought to the lounge, and that Alecia and the police when they arrived would be escorted in.

 Chapter 349: The extent of wickedness - Part 4

    <h4>349 The extent of wickedness - Part 4</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Just as Anna and James settled on the couch, Yan Tan and Alecia arrived.Observing the look on his sister''s face, James realised that she needed to speak to the man apanying Alecia.James took her hand and led her out to the outside area.


    Once the door was closed, Yao Tan turned to Anna and spoke "I do not know how you did it, but you have her willing to talk about what happened.Anyone else who has spoken to her about it has been shut down."


    "I do not know if it was me, or that she is ready to talk about it."


    "Who is that with her?"


    "That is my 22 year-old brother.I have already warned him that Yi would lynch him if he hurt her, let alone me, you and Amanda.He is scared what we will do."


    "Thank you.At least I do not have to worry.Yi told me I could use his study while she is speaking to the police.I am grateful you will be there for her."


    "Not a problem.Just let Butler Ge know if you need anything."


    They sat down waiting for the police.


    Meanwhile, out on the patio.


    James had escorted Alecia out there so his sister could speak to her father.Once they had moved from direct sight, they sat down.Alecia was rubbing her fingers in James'' palm.


    Quietly, and directly looking at Alecia James asked "Are you sure you want to do this?"


    "James as we talked aboutst night, I need to.I am not going to be able to move forward with my life unless I deal with this.It is going to be hard, but I have to do it."


    After lifting her hand and cing a brief kiss on the palm James asked "Are you absolutely certain?"


    "Yes.Now, you promised to tell mest night what you are studying?"


    "Nursing."


    "You are going to be a nurse.I thought women were nurses."


    "Alecia, that is so much of a stereotype.It would be like telling my sister if she says she works in the legal industry, that being a legal secretary must be an interesting job."


    "My step-mother would agree with you.Are you not going to ask about me?"


    "My sister told me you are 16 years old."


    "But ¡­"


    "Alecia, in warning me on the way over here about not stepping over the boundaries she told me about your age."


    At this time Alecia started to move close to him.Despite what he felt, James knew that he needed to set some boundaries otherwise this could get out of control quickly.If she had been eighteen, he would not have worried about pursuing a rtionship with her.


    Alecia was intriguing, captivating, and full of life, but her eyes showed so much pain.He knew that he had to be strong and make it clear that he was here to help her.The future, in his mind could take care of itself.


    Feeling James start to tense up, Alecia put her free hand on James'' chest and in as seductive of a voice as she could manage she said "Do not tell me I am too young for you.There is only six years between you and me, and anyway I turn seventeen on Saturday.There is more of an age gap between my father and step-mother."


    "Alecia ¡­"


    "James you have some idea of what happened six months ago.I need your unconditional support as you are the only person who has not tried to smother me with protection.Just be here for me, please.Whatever else happens will happen."


    Yao Tan looked up and was concerned that he could not see Alecia.He opened the Patio door, and as they heard it James and Alecia pulled back from each other.Seeing that, all Yao Tan could say in an angry voice was "Young Lady, he is way too old for you.Get away from him and go inside and speak to Anna."


    "Daddy, no.I am staying here."


    With that Alecia took a harder grip on James'' arm.James decided that he would be better off speaking to her father alone, so leaned down and whispered "Alecia, your dad wants to warn me away from you.Go in and talk to Anna.I promise that I will stay here while you talk to the police."


    Alecia nodded, let go of James'' arm and returned inside.As soon as her back was turned, Yao Tan grabbed James by the arm and pulled him along the patio out of sight from Anna and Alecia.He then pped James across the face and told him "Stay away from my daughter.She does not need you around her."


    "Sir, I let you do that because you are worried about her.I am not stupid.She is a young woman who has been to hell and back, but for some reason she feels she can trust me to support her.I promised her I will be there to do that, and I will not break my word to her."


    "Well stay away from her after today.She does not need you in her life."


    "That is her choice, sir.We should go inside, but I will not tell her about this as it will hurt her further."


    With that James turned and walked away and went back inside.Yan Tan followed him in, still with a scowl on his face, that he found difficult to hide from his daughter.As he entered into the room, three people were being shown into the room.

 Chapter 350: The extent of wickedness - Part 5

    <h4>350 The extent of wickedness - Part 5</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    On being shown into the lounge area the three polices officers introduced themselves, and sat down where indicated.Once introductions wherepleted, one officer removed a recording device from their pocket andmenced the formal interview, with the offices present indicating their names.


    "We are at the apartment of Hou Yi and his wife Anna, for the purposes of interviewing Miss Yao Xiyae¡­"


    "I hate that name, please call me Alecia."


    "With Yao Alecia.Miss Alecia, as you are under eighteen before we can talk to you we need the permission of your parents for us to speak to you."


    Yao Tan interrupted, stating "I am her father, Yao Tan.I give her permission for her to be spoken to by the police."


    "Mr Yao, we need the permission of your wife."


    "My wife is Alecia''s step-mother, and is in the process of formally adopting my children."


    "Mr Yao, we need to speak to Miss Alecia''s mother directly to obtain her permission."


    "When Alecia and her brothers were three weeks old their mother surrendered all parental rights to me.When this urred I provided a copy of that to the police station."


    "Fine.Can everyone present please identify themselves for the recording?"


    Anna went first "I am Anna Jones.My husband is Hou Enterprises CEO, Hou Yi.This interview is urring in our apartment.I am a qualifiedwyer in Australia.At Alecia''s request, and with the permission of her father and step-mother, I am here to support her and if necessary step in for the purposes of her obtaining legal advice.Her father does not want to be present during the interview, but will be in my husband''s study if required."


    Yao Tan responded "That is correct, and I am going now."He knew, despite the pse of six months since his little girl was assaulted he would not be able to be present during the interview. He headed to Hou YI''s study and started making the calls he needed to make.


    They turned to James and asked "And you are?"


    Anna, seeing the quizzical look on his face, tranted the question for James.


    "Apologies.As I only speak English I did not understand your question.I am James Jones, and a qualified nurse.I am also a close friend of Alecia and despite only speaking English Alecia has asked for me to be present also, in case she needs additional help."


    One officer understood English, and responded "Mr Jones, we do not simply allow support persons in interviews.Madam Hou, has a role here to provide legal advice, otherwise we only allow family to be present."


    Alecia was absolutely certain that she needed James with her.He was not judgemental, and made her feel safe, so in English she jumped in and said "But you would allow my boyfriend to stay, if he was over eighteen in the absence of my parents, would you?"


    "Miss Alecia, we would, but he did not say that is who he was."


    "Well I am telling you he is, so he is staying," quickly stated Alecia.


    Anna looked at James and rolled her eyes.She knew James should not get involved and yet Alecia was already calling him her boyfriend.Yao Tan would kill her for this.Alecia already with tearsing from her eyes moved over and sat beside James, who started to rub her arms and say "It will be OK."


    The police quickly and quietly spoke among themselves.The observed, regardless or not James was Alecia''s boyfriend, he couldfort and support her which would be needed for this interview., and that was going to be important.


    In English, the officer indicated "Mr Jones you can stay, but please do not speak."


    "Miss Alecia, can you tell us what happened at the charity event you attended six months ago?"


    "The date of 28 December is burned on my mind.My father allowed me to attend my first charity event at the Key za Hotel, despite having let my brothers attend such events for almost two years.Before we arrived, dad extracted a promise that I would not disappear out of his sight with someone neither he or my brother''s knew.Soon after we arrived, Dad quickly go distracted talking to business associates."


    "I stopped and talked to some school friends who were there with their parents.After a while, I found the room stuffy, and stepped outside the ballroom.The balcony had steps that let into the gardens, and I could see Dad and my brothers inside the ballroom, while I cooled off."

 Chapter 351: The extent of wickedness - Part 6

    <h4>351 The extent of wickedness - Part 6</h4>


    **WARNING this chapter is not suitable for those under 18, it contains descriptions of ******


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Alecia, continued "While I was outside, a man came onto the balcony who had been speaking to my father earlier.Given this, I thought it was safe to talk to him, and he introduced himself.We kept talking, and I did not notice, that as we were talking he slowly and carefully moved me along the balcony area to the stairs where it was quite dark and I out of side of my dad."


    "Before I knew it my arm was grabbed, and I was pulled down the stairs and into a dark area of the gardens where I could see nothing.I tried to pull away to escape, but he pped and punched me and it hurt.A gag was shoved in my mouth to prevent me from screaming.I was pushed into some structure, and a rope of some strong material was used to tie my hands together."


    "I was then forced onto the structure''s floor and my bound hands were tied above my head, and then a leg was tied so I could not escape.My dress was pushed up, my underpants ripped and my legs pushed apart.I heard a zipper and a few secondster I felt so much pain.He thrust his p*nis into me that hard I tried to scream out with the pain it caused..."


    Alecia, unable to continue despite James rubbing his hands on her back reassuring her she was safe.She turned and threw herself into his arms, sobbing.James looked down, and gave her a kiss on the top of her head, before quietly saying "Alecia, you havee this far.He cannot hurt you anymore, but you can have him punished for what he did.Do you think you can continue?"


    James'' words gave Alecia the confidence with him here she could get through this.She remained sitting on James''p and just turned in his arms.


    Observing this Anna was grateful that Yao Tan was out of the room, as James would be dead two minutes after the police left.


    One officer, still in English interrupted, saying"Miss Alecia, I know it is going to be hard to say, but we need to know where he thrust into you.And can you then please continue."


    "He thrust into my vagina, so hard it was so painful.He seemed to find it so pleasurable, that he kept doing that until he¡­"


    "He what, Miss Alecia."


    Alecia paused, confused as to the correct term, and turned whispering to James what she thought.


    James simply nodded.


    "I think the term is e*acted, my friends and I would have said finished off, inside me.I felt so dirty and sore.He was not finished.He pulled out, and the removed the gag from my mouth before immediately shoving his p*nis in my mouth, and moving it until he e*acted in there.On pulling out he grabbed my jaw forcing it closed and blocked my nose forcing me to swallow what he spent in my mouth, before recing the gag.He then forced his p*nis again back into my, again moving until he e*jacted a third time."


    "On him pulling out, I heard a zipper and thought it was over.I heard a voice tell me I was a w*ore like my mother and no one would believe a w*ore like me.He pped me again and stated if I told anyone he would kill my dad and whoever I told.A second voice said what was she like.The first voice responded nice and tight so she will quickly learn what we require her to do."


    "I heard two zippers, and one man shoved his p*nis inside me, before the gag was removed and another was forced into my mouth.Both kept moving until they e*jacted.It was then obvious both men swapped positions before they did the same thing. Once the man inside my mouth pulled out the gag was shoved back into my mouth.My legs were then pushed so wide apart and I then felt two p*nis being thrust inside me."


    "When they pulled out, the both punched me, and the second voice said that I would soon learn to do what they wanted like all w*ores.They warned me if I did not cooperate with them or told anyone, they would kill my father and whoever I told.There was then a bright sh and I heard thement good idea dad, and we can use the photograph on the inte to totally destroy her."


    "They must have heard a noise, and half untied my hands before they left.I was so sore and was struggling to get to my feet when dad found me and rushed me to the hospital.I was so terrified that I told ad to allow the hospital staff to do what they needed.They carefully removed my clothes and took forensic samples before treating the wounds that they could see."


    "At the time, as I was so scared because of the threats I was unwilling to say anything other than I was r*ped.It was onlyst night when I was speaking Anna who is married to my godfather that I even felt that I could say what happened to me.She told me the worst thing I could do was to keep silent as it would only hurt me more."


    "Miss Alecia, do you know who either of the men were?"


    "The man that spoke to me, after I had seen him speaking to my dad, called himself Lu Jinhu."

 Chapter 352: The extent of wickedness - Part 7

    <h4>352 The extent of wickedness - Part 7</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Anna was stunned.The previous Christmas Lu Jinhu returned here to spend time with his parents and make so-called arrangements for their wedding.The a*sehole.Not only was he cheating on her with Yang Lin, he now r*ped this little girl.


    James tensed up at the name.What else has that b*stard done.He abused Anna, physically and mentally and hurt this wonderful young woman.If he was standing here, he would kill him immediately.


    Alecia continued "I initially believed I had pulled the nameout of the air, and a few weekster searched on-line, and located a photograph on the Lu Corporation''s website of Vice-CEO Lu Jinhu.This was the man I spoke to on the balcony, and I heard his voice when I was attacked.I also found out that the CEO of the Lu Corporation was his father, and after listening to a few speeches his was also a voice I heard.I think there was a third voice as well.I do not know which voices r*ped me though."


    "Are you certain Miss Alecia?"


    "As to the voices, yes.As to who r*ped me, I cannot be absolutely certain but I do not believe they used condoms, so I would guess DNA tests would establish who was involved."


    "Miss Alecia, would you be willing to sign a typed copy of this interview when it is prepared?"


    "Yes," responded Alecia in a deted tone.She knew she could not handle anything else, and turned around and buried her face in James chest with her tears streaming down her face.


    Anna struggled to her feet, and moved over on her crutches towards the police and quietly said "I do not think she can continue."


    "We will end this now.We have other statements that confirm that she went to the hospital and what happened there."Then in a loud voice "Thank you Miss Alecia.We know how hard that was., but if we need anything else we will let your father know."


    With that the recording was ended and Anna handed a copy.Slowly she escorted them to the elevator and once they were heading down, she turned and went to the study, observing that Alecia was still in James'' arms beingforted.


    Anna opened the study door, and went in as Yao Tan was just finishing a call."It is over.There were two men that assaulted her, one she is certain was Lu Jinhu¡­"


    "That piece of s*it."


    "That is polite as to what I call him, was there as was his father and a third man.Who r*ped her she is not certain of."


    "Oh my god.Yi calls them sexual predators which I dismissed due to the bad blood between them as I saw no evidence, but he is right.What they have done to my little girl, my princess¡­"With that Yan Tan burst out into tears.


    "Do not worry Tan, the police will deal with it.Unless the forensic samples are damaged, DNA testing will determine their role in what happened.Alecia needs you to be there fore her without judgement."


    "What I have observed is she currently sees my brother as her biggest support., and he does not judge her.They seem to have connected.My view, subject to police advice and Alecia''s psychologists rmendation would be to get her away from here for a few months.A number of my family members are heading back to Australia tomorrow."


    "She could go and study for a term of two in Australia, attending one of the private schools in Warrnambool.There she will have my family there to protect her, so you do not have to worry.Yi and I have started to purchase arge farm that my brothers will run near Warrnambool and she could live with them while she attends school.James will be nearby for support.Importantly it gets her away so she will feel safe while the legal processes work their way through, somewhere that she wants to visit."


    "It would mean that she would miss her 17th birthday next week, but if there is going to be a dy, you might be right.She will feel safe.I failed her so much."Anna could hear the heartbreak in Yao Tan''s voice.


    "Do not think that.If what Yi says about there is true, there is likely many victims, she was not a one-off."


    With that Yao Tan and Anna went back into the lounge area to talk to Alecia and James about the suggestion.Alecia was excited but she knew that it was subject to the police''s view and her psychologist.

 Chapter 353: The Extent of wickedness - Part 8

    <h4>353 The Extent of wickedness - Part 8</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Anna looked at James, simply in shock with everything that had gone on.


    James was struggling with what had happened, and turned to Anna saying "I cannot talk now".He stood up and walked back to the patio shutting the door behind him as he needed a few minutes away from Anna.


    Logically he knew Anna had nothing to do with Lu Jinhu and his crimes.However Anna brought him into the family.Yes, he had abused her knowing what he now knew she unintentionally ced the family and their friends at risk.He was an animal.Staying around Anna there and then would result in him saying something he knew he would regret in the future.


    Walking over to a seating area, he sat down.James started to question himself as to why he was reacting in the way he was.This immediately turned him to thinking about had urred in thest, as he nced at his watch, eighteen hours.He could not believe the beautiful woman he met, when he observed her standing next to another woman, who was Anna''s friend.She immediately fascinated and drew him in, even before he knew her age.


    James realise in himself, at High School he had been a poor student, but he knew what he wanted to pursue as a career, nursing.He considered it his calling.being the only male in his year, everyone thought him gay.He decided within the first few weeks in his first year not to bother arguing against this presumption, despite having a girlfriend at the time.the benefit was he was not hit on by women at university, allowing him to concentrate on his studies.


    What a quirk of fate with Anna getting injured that allowed him to get some hours of one-on-one nursing and rehabilitation work, meaning that the bnce of his practical cement hours woulde down.


    He remember in the days after arriving, the discussion he had with his brother-inw.He questioned Hou Yi ruthlessly about his rtionship with his sister, as something never felt right with him.Yi took all that questioning and simply took the abuse he directed at him for allowing his sister get hurt.She did not deserve what had happened to her since her marriage.


    However, the look when Hou Yi spoke about falling in love with Anna, said it all.He knew it was the absolute truth.The words stuck in his mind, "All it took was just a glimpse of her, and I knew that she was the love of my life.I would do anything for her.If all she wanted me to be was her friend, than I ept take that as it would mean I was part of her life and I could satisfy myself she was happy, safe and protected.When I had the chance to im her as mine, I took it with both hands, because it represented all my hopes and dreams in one.I cannot help but to me myself for the event that have happened but in the end we will deal with these things and move forward together."


    James simply thought that his brother-inw was spouting rubbish, about knowing Anna was the one for him on a simple nce.No one falls in love with someone at first sight, let alone is willing to sacrifice themselves and their happiness for the other.


    Little did he know at that time his brother-inw was right.Just spotting the beautiful young woman, convinced him of everything his brother-inw had said and more.The problem was, he could not have a rtionship with her.She deserved the world, and he was a simply student, without wealth or a career.


    The other problem was that she was only sixteen.Yes, there was six years between them, but that was more than a third of her life.He hoped when she turned eighteen that there would be a chance for him with her, as he would have started his career and be in a position to offer her something, particrly given her families likely wealth.


    The one thing, that was already haunting him was the hurt in Alecia''s eyes, and he wanted to kill all those responsible for that.When she told himst night she had been r*ped he wanted to kill those responsible but wanted a true rtionship with her.


    However as the night wore on, he realised that that changed nothing for Alecia.He had to focus her, not the impossible and do what his brother-inw suggested, make sure that she was happy, safe and secure.Being her friend would achieve that, and regardless of what the future would bring he would always be there for her without anyone being suspicious of him.

 Chapter 354: The extent of wickedness - Part 9

    <h4>354 The extent of wickedness - Part 9</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    James was frustrated with Anna.While dealing with r*pe victims can be part of dealing with patients as a nurse, even a male nurse, it was never something he wanted to deal with for someone who he had deep feelings with.Professionally he could keep a distance, but with Alecia it was impossible.


    The situation for him, even before he knew who was involved, was personally.His feelings fromst night, when they were out on the balcony were confirmed.Despite their age difference and the reality in many countries a sexual rtionship between them would be illegal, he knew how he felt.


    He also could pick up that Alecia had significant feelings for him.That was obvious with herments when the police wanted to throw him out of the room, and she imed he was her boyfriend he absolutely wished that this was the truth.Also he knew she saw him as important as she continued the interview in English so he could understand what was happening.


    When Alecia sat on hisp he was terrified.He was trying within himself not to react but he knew she had felt the proof of his attraction to her due to her subtle movements designed to arouse and tempt him.It was utter torture for the time she sat there, as he could do nothing and was having to deal with theplete horror of what had been inflicted on her, particrly by that b*stard of an ex of Anna''s Lu Jinhu and his father.


    While he was conflicted and viewed that they did not deserve to live, Alecia did not deserve to be exposed to his feelings on that extent.He had to be strong, as he knew Alecia did not need him to be pulled from her life, as she saw him as her means to cope with what had happened.


    James, simply sat there trying to think about how he was going to deal with his sister.He knew she did not deserve to be med, but at the same time ...


    "James?"came Anna quiet voice, interrupting his train of thought.


    "Anna, what do you want?"


    "What is going on?"


    "Let me just say if that b*stard of an ex of yours was in front of me I would kill him.She did not deserve what happened to her."


    "I know you, it is something more that than."


    "Just leave it.I was thinking.I really cannot talk to you."


    "Do not think I am going to leave it.If you do not talk to me, I will make Rosemary or Reba get the information from you."


    "Leave it alone, Anna.When I am ready, I will talk.It was just a shock."James paused, and then continued "Do you have Alecia and her father''s numbers.I need to talk to him, but I do not want to do that without talking to her firstly.She needs control, given she is where she is because an adult almost double her age started the abuse of her."


    "Let me get them for you."


    With than Anna texted Amanda Mei, asking for the two numbers, and exining why.


    Meanwhile James sat still thinking.He knew he needed to speak to Alecia carefully before talking to her father, and possibly dying a return for a few days.He remembered when Anna was getting ready toe over here, apparently to marry that b*stard, what documents she had to bring.He did not know why, by he put all those same documents in his luggage.


    Spur of the moment for sure, but he was now thinking that it as a sign that he did.He also had previously looked at a lot of information about Country X, as he wanted to understand things if he ever visited here, and one interesting thing was that thew here, recognised those between 16 and a half and 18 could marry with parental consent.


    James stopped himself, was he seriously thinking about marriage to Alecia, having known her for less than twenty-four hours?As he thought about it, he knew that he was.He was kidding himself if he wanted to deny that he was, like his brother-inw and falling in love on sight, but he had to approach the question carefully, and see where Alecia''s head was before anything.


    Then, what would he bring his bride to if they married?He had no home, was just finishing his education, and if he was serious about it, his career path would be useless in most ces for a man.However, at least he could protect her, which is what he wanted to do, hopefully the rest would simply resolve itself.

 Chapter 355: The Extent of wickedness - Part 10

    <h4>355 The Extent of wickedness - Part 10</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Anna tapped him on the shoulder, disrupting his chain of thought "James you were off in a world of your own.I have the numbers."


    "Anna, can I borrow your phone, otherwise I will be making an international call on my phone.Your mobile is a local number.Or is there andline somewhere in this ce in a private room I can use?I seriously think Alecia should get out of here for a few months, and I want to talk to her father and her about it."


    "James, I have already spoken to Tan about this being a possibility and he was going to talk to Alecia''s psychologist and the police to confirm if it was appropriate to happen."Anna paused, and seeing the determined look on James'' face she knew she needed to let him make the calls otherwise he would not be satisfied."Follow me James, Yi''s study has andline.I need to make a couple of calls myself."


    James followed the slow-moving Anna on her crutches, into a Study.As he was doing this, he thought this was going to take a while and realised that at least with Alecia he needed to have the discussion face-to-face.James said said "I need to make these calls and meet up again with Alecia and possibly her father.Is it possible for you to arrange for someone to take me where I need, so you can go and join everyone else?"


    Anna knew that James was serious, but also right.Alecia needed to be handled carefully, and dealt with face to face."I will arrange that.You go ahead and make your calls while I make mine.When I am done, I will knock before Ie in, so that I do not interrupt you."


    Anna pulled out a piece of paper and located a pen, and wrote down the two numbers before leaving the room.James shut the door behind her, and leaned against it, taking a few deep breaths.He questioned himself, once more, do I do this?As he realised nothing ventured nothing gained, and what did he have to lose, nothing.


    He picked up the handset and dialed Alecia''s mobile.Within three rings, there was an answer.


    "Alecia it is James, are you free to talk?"


    Alecia looked around her, and said, "Two minutes.The psychologist is just leaving home and I am heading to my room."


    "I will wait."


    There was a few seconds of silence, and James heard a door m shut.


    "I am free."


    "That was not two minutes."


    "Well I ran, as I wanted to talk to you."


    "How are you?"


    "Do you know, I feel a little stronger within myself by having said who did it.I avoided it as I was scared what Dad, and everyone would think.Your sister was great, she really could see I was hurting..."


    "Has anyone told you who did it?"


    "No.She, Uncle Yi, Dad and Amanda have kept it quiet."


    "Please, do not kill the messenger.It was Lu Jinhu.From what I know and have observed, he forced his way into her life five years ago and into a rtionship.Apparently throughout it he was physically and emotionally abusive, but neither she or my brother-inw will tell me what he did."


    "I just know from what I observed, Anna was frightened of him, but struggled to leave him.It was a chance meeting with my brother-inw, I would say not long before or after he was involved in the attack on you, that it urred, they got talking and she ended up splitting from him.There is more to the story, but to be realistic I do not know all the details, nor do I want to know them"


    "Nooooooo..." cried out Alecia.


    "Alecia, baby ..."


    "What did you call me?"James knew less than a couple of minutes into the call he had slipped up.


    "I called you baby..."


    "I am not a baby" came a shockingly firm reply from Alecia.


    "You did not let me finish what I was saying.Can we leave that for a minute?"


    "Fine."James could almost see her pouting on the other end of the line.


    "Do not me Anna.She met him when she was sixteen at university, and I am guessing he targeted her for some reason."


    "Oh.Now getting back to other things, why did you call.Did you want to talk to me about something?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "I felt your reaction when I was sitting on yourp."


    "Alecia, you should not know about that, despite what he did."


    "James, I am not an idiot.We have had s*x education sses at school, and some of my friends have boyfriends and they talk.Plus, I do have two brothers, who are unable to help themselves about talking loudly about things."


    "But, but. but ..."


    "Be honest please James.Everyone for thest six months has treated me as some fragile piece of china that would shatter if pushed.As the psychologist told me today, while I will never get over what happened, I had got to a point about a month ago that I could cope with what had happened."


    Alecia took a deep breath and continued "All I had to be was in a position that I was ready to discuss the details and indicate who I knew who was involved, despite how much I was and still do hurt.I have been able to do that so all I must do is get through the criminal cases that wille.The maybe, everyone will step away from being too over protective.I do not need you, the person ..."


    A few seconds of silence filled the line.

 Chapter 356: The Extent of Wickedness - Part 11

    <h4>356 The Extent of Wickedness - Part 11</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    "Alecia, what are you meaning," came the pleading reply from James.


    "Fine," spat our Alecia."Like every day since I was attacked, talking and dealing with it hurt.But, unlike the past I could deal with it easier."


    "Why?" James questioned in a quiet voice.


    "I met you yesterday.In those few minutes we talkedst night, there was something I had not had in a long time.You saw me as me, not as a victim.That made me feel powerful and safe.I was then able when your sister asked me able to talk about what happened.I thought to myself that there was someone who loves me for me not focused on what happened to me."


    James was shocked.Was he that transparent that Alecia saw how he felt about her?Quietly he asked "What do you mean?" to find out what she was thinking.Could he hope, dare he push her for her feelings and what would her father say?


    "You saw me as me, not a victim.I also though I saw ..."Alecia then paused.In thest twenty-four hours she made dramatic leaps forward in dealing with what happened, simply because of what she thought she saw in James'' eyes.She knew she needed to talk to James face-to-face rather than trying to talk about this over the telephone, but would her father actually agree if he was not present.?


    Alecia continued "Could we talk face to face, if possible?This is a hard conversation to have on the phone."


    James knew that Alecia was right.They needed to finish the conversation face to face, as he needed to observe Alecia''s reactions to determine if he was pushing her too much.


    "Let my call your dad and see if I cane over to talk to you.There is a number of things we need to resolve."


    "Do you have his number?"With that Alecia sent an email to her father indicating James was going to call him.


    "Anna got it for me.Once I have spoken to him, I will call you back."


    After ending the call with Alecia, James dialed the number for Yao Tan Anna had given him.Yao Tan, answered after a couple of rings, saying, "Mr Jones, I received a short email from my daughter telling me you would be calling."


    "Thank you for taking the call.I was just trying to talk to your daughter about what is proposed.While I am happy to help, I just wonder if ..."


    "It is the right decision?I have spoken to your sister, and further with the police and Alecia''s psychologist, who she only spoke to for a few minutes today.Her psychologist believes that being in Australia will aid her recovery further, provided she has ongoing support."


    "The police given what Lu Jinhu did to your sister believes for Alecia''s safety, at least until the criminal proceedings are underway needs to be away from here.Their initial suggestion was witness protection until the charges are finalised.That is going to take at least three months as they want to wait for the DNA test results to be returned.That type of restriction will drive my daughter crazy."


    James paused, before deciding to continue "Mr Yao, I was just wondering if before a final decision is made, if I could go and talk face-to-face with Alecia.Unlike my sister who was an adult when she married Hou Yi and moved third of the world away, Alecia is a teenager who is facing that, even if it is temporary."


    "Alecia needs to make the choice rather that having her father or other adults around her imposing it on her, so she feels in control.I would also guess that, unless she has appropriate advice she would take the wrong casual clothes to head into the middle of a cold chilly winter in Australia."


    "I was going to talk to you and Alecia about it, but I would suggest that while most of her her luggage is sent to Australia on my bother-inw''s ne, she will still need to supplement it.I would then propose she and I depart twenty-four hourster on amercial flight to allow her to do that, and hide her destination.That dy, will allow my family to start getting things ready for her arrival, and for you toplete the necessary paperwork to assign temporary guardianship of Alecia to me or one of my sister''s-inw."


    "Mr Jones I can see you are concerned for my daughter.I would prefer for her to go with the rest of your family, but hiding her destination makes sense, as does getting her agreement to go," came out a defeated reply from Yao Tan.

 Chapter 357: The Extent of wickedness - Part 12

    <h4>357 The Extent of wickedness - Part 12</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    "It is not about imposing your will, it is about her making the decision.She is sixteen, almost seventeen from what I understand¡­"


    "Her and her brothers'' birthday are Saturday."


    "Well that is even more reason for her not to travel until Saturday night.Let her enjoy her birthday, as starting school Tuesday or Wednesday next week in Australia will not matter.I do not start back University for another week, and I only have one ss for four weeks until I have my final cement hours.Given the circumstances I will talk to the university to work as much of my cement hours around her schooling so I can be there for a support.Let me ask her what she wants."


    "I do not know¡­"


    "Mr Yao if you did not think I could be trusted, this suggestion would not have been considered.All I want to do is talk to her face-to-face, rather than by phone."


    Yao Tan paused realising that James was twisting him around.He knew what Anna did to the police, and from Amanda what she did at the board meeting.James was not too different from Anna in that respect.The one good thing was he focused on his daughter and what she wanted which was good for him, in his protective father mode.Resigned, he said "Fine.Where are you?"


    "My brother-inw and sister''s apartment."


    "OK before you go down stairs tell Butler Ge, that you need a car to bring you to my apartment as that is where Alecia is presently.I will let my security staff know that you areing."


    "Thank you, sir."Yao Tan then ended the call and called his security staff advising them of what was going to happen.


    Meanwhile, James telephoned Alecia back, and exined that he was on his way over.


    As he made the arrangements with the staff to be taken to Yan Tan''s apartment, James stopped himself, and though again as to what he was thinking.He knew he was kidding himself, and his focus simply had to be Alecia before anything else.


    Fifteen minutester.


    James was escorted into another penthouse apartment, very different but just as luxurious as Anna and Hou Yi''s.It was obvious this was a family home, which he knew Anna and Hou Yi''s would eventually be.


    As he waited from down a corridor, came Alecia, who grabbed James hand and pulled him along back down the corridor and into a sitting room attached to a bedroom.With one nce James knew this was Alecia''s room, and struggled not to groan out loud.


    As he tensed up James heard Alecia ask, "What is wrong?"


    "Nothing.I jut thought we would have spoken in a lounge room."


    "And have the staff listening in.They are worse than my father.When I am here, they do not leave me alone, unless I am in my room.I figured that the only way we could talk privately was in here."


    Before walking into the sitting area, Alecia turned and shut the door into her bedroom.She figured that she had messed with James enough.Despite her age she knew his reaction and ufortable posture told her something.She returned and sat down on the couch, urging James to follow and sit beside her.


    "Apologies, I forgot to shut the door, I should have realised it ¡­"


    "Alecia, you seem to want to apologise for a lot, you do not need to.This is your space, not mine."


    Alecia put her head down and quietly responded "OK".


    James reached over and gently lifted her head, "Do not do that.There is no need to be ashamed of anything."With that simple touch, James knew he was kidding himself with his denials about how he felt.However, there was no way he could say it.Alecia had for thest six months been to hell and back due to the b*stard Lu Jinhu.He did not need to add to her situation.


    Taking a deep breath, he continued "Alecia, while we were speaking it hit me, all us adults were imposing our decision on you.From everything I can gather your first s*xual experience was taken from you in, and please do not hate me for saying this, a brutal way.I also guess that since then your father and brothers have gone into over-protective mode."


    "You have been given little choice in your life since that urred.When I spoke to your father, I told him, the decision on whether or not toe to Australia for at least three months.Any other considerations should not matter."

 Chapter 358: The Extent of wickedness - Part 13

    <h4>358 The Extent of wickedness - Part 13</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Alecia wondered if there was something else."There is something that you know, and you are not telling me.What is it?"


    "Alecia ¡­" James said dragging out her name.


    "James, please just answer the question." Alecia asked in a pleading manner.


    James made the mistake of looking at her in the eyes and noticed not only the pleading look in them for an immediate answer, but something more behind that.With a sigh he answered "I do not know if it is urate, but apparently the police have already told your father so they can guarantee a watertight case, the DNA testing of the samples taken on the night could take at least three months.While he did not say, I suspect one will be sent oversees for verification.They also informed your father they want to put you into protective custody until the case is through the court."


    "Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo" cried out Alecia, and she burst into tears.


    With that reaction James gathered Alecia into his arms, and let her cry for as she needed.In one breath he had told her that she had a choice, and in the next breath in fact he had taken it away from her.He felt awful in doing that to the beautiful girl in his arms.


    In few minutes Alecia''s cries started to lessen and then stop.Alecia lifted her head up and looked at James.He quickly turned his head, as he knew that looking at her in the eyes would be aplete and utter disaster.


    Alecia was not going to allow him to do this.She wanted to, no needed to look at James directly in the eyes and moved one of her hands that had been gripping his shoulders and gentle pushed his head so he had to look at her in the eyes.


    The simple touch of Alecia''s hand on his face, almost broke all of James'' will.However, he figured if he briefly looked at her he would have enough time to remove her from hisp, before she realised how aroused she was.As he cooperated and allowed his head to be turned, Alecia moved, just enough that caused her to rub against him, causing him to moan.


    Alecia heard the moan, caused as she gently moved against James arousal.That was a sign that she knew she needed, and she decided to take the opportunity that was presenting itself to her.When she sleptst night all she did was dream of James.She wondered if the stories were true that people could fall in love at sight.None of her friends talked about it, and she picked up from conversations she overheard between her father and Amanda, that their rtionship developed over time.


    Alecia then though, that she was kidding herself about being in love.She had never had a boyfriend, nor anyone that she had a crush on and her introduction to s*x was brutal.While she figured she was kidding herself, she did not give a care at this exact moment.


    At the same time as she moved again against James arousal, Alecia reached up and pressed a gentle kiss on his lips as he moaned again.


    The simple gentle touch of Alecia''s lips was enough to undo James.He gently moved Alecia so that she was straddling him and using both his hands reached up touching her face gentle and holding her for another kiss.Six short kisses followed, and Alecia moved again.


    That was enough to make James pause, as he knew with how he was feeling he could take it too far to quickly.She deserved to rebuild her life and enjoy it to the full, rather than being trapped with the person who showed her the first signs of emotional connection after what happened.


    As he reached his hands down to lift her off hisp, Alecia knew what he was about to do, which she did not want.She pushed herself down hard on James causing him to moan even more than before.


    Alecia, using his moan, touched the tip of her tongue to the tip of James'' tongue.James then deepened the kiss, and followed Alecia''s tongue as she drew it back into her mouth causing Alecia to moan.


    Hearing Alecia''s moan James realised what he was doing and quickly lifted her of hisp.He stood up and walked to the window looking out.


    Alecia was stunned.She tempted him into doing what she wanted, but like everyone since she was attacked, he had rejected her.She though he was different to everyone else and burst out into huge sobs sitting on the couch.

 Chapter 359: The Extent of Wickedness - Part 14

    <h4>359 The Extent of Wickedness - Part 14</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    James could not, on hearing Alecia''s sobs, help to turn back to her.He knew with how he felt about her that he could leave her there on the couch sobbing.Ne knelt on the ground in front of Alecia, taking her hands in his.


    In a quiet voice, he said "Alecia, please do not cry¡­"


    That caused the sobs to deepen, and between the sobs she said "You are just like everyone else, since I was attacked.You are rejecting me, want to control me and have nothing to do with me."


    With those words, James realised that his actions, while wanting to protect her from things escting out of control caused this reaction.That was thest thing he wanted.All he wanted for her was to be happy and safe.His wants and desires did not matter.


    He reached up and gently touched her face "Alecia, I am five going towards six years older than you.You deserve the world, not into a rtionship with the first person who shows you any sign of treating you like a normal person, rather than a victim."


    Alecia simply sat there trying to take in what he was saying.Was she hearing him, right?She knew that is she did not ask she would regret it "What are you saying?"


    James paused.Lying to Alecia, would only make the situation worse, but the question to him was how much of the the truth to tell her.Taking a breath, he started "Alecia ever since you were attacked, it has been as if everyone around you has been in control of your world.Those b*stards started and took away the most basic of choices as a woman you can make.It has continued with your family, the household staff, and I would guess your friends and ssmates."


    "They have changed how they treat you and treat you as this person to be protected, pitied, and someone not fit to be in a rtionship with.To them you are this ss doll that has to be sheltered, and their role in your life dictates how they have done that."


    "You deserve to make choices for yourself, rather than me making them for you.You need freedom to be who you are and to fly and reach your potential.I am the person who is going to give that to you, as to me you deserve that and more.What I might want or desire has to have no role.If I took that control that you havecked for months from you I am no better than anyone else."


    Alecia paused, taking in what James was saying.Watching his face as he spoke, she could see some of the same emotions that she often observed between her father and Amanda on his face, pure devotion, and a desire that the other was the most important thing in the world.She never expected anyone would look at her like that, given what happened.It then clicked for her that he would sacrifice for her.How could someone feel that for her, a girl about to turn seventeen, who has been to hell and back.


    As he finished, she saw how he was extinguishing hopes from his eyes, because he wanted to give her the choice.That gave her courage to speak "Please be as honest with me as you have.If none of those things were an issue, would you want me?"


    Alecia knew that the question was bold, but there was no way that she was going to Australia without asking it.She needed to know the answer, as if it was a no, she would remain here, as in that moment she realised that her future was with James.


    "Alecia, you know that that question puts me in an impossible position?Your father is trusting me so much ¡­"


    "Please James, an honest answer.That is all I ask."


    James put his head down, knowing that an honest answer would break his heart, as there was no way that it could happen, but in that moment, he could not deny her the truth.James lifted his head, and looked at her with passion in his eyes "I would ¡­"


    As he paused Alecia realised that he was struggling to breach the trust that her father and his sister were cing in him for her.She dropped down beside him, taking his head in her hands so he could not look away."James, are the words you trying to say, but not willing to are that you love me?I love you.It seems strange, but a look was all it took, and I knew."

 Chapter 360: The Extent of wickedness - Part 15

    <h4>360 The Extent of wickedness - Part 15</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Those simple words broke through the barriers that James had erected.All he could do was sweep Alecia into his arms, and kiss her.Alecia slipped her hands down and under his top needing to touch his bare skin.Feeling her hands on his chest, James realised that things were getting out of control quickly.He slowed down the kisses and gently pulled away, urging her to sit up on the couch.


    "Alecia, I am way too old for you.You deserve everything the world can give you, to make your choices and fly.Not to settle for the first man who shows you affection."


    "James, my step-mother will not tell most people, but she fell in love with my father when she was seventeen.It took her seven years of devotion to get him to marry her, as he stubbornly focused on us and their age difference, rather than realising his own feelings.They missed out of a whole lot of a life together because of us, which makes my brothers and I feel guilty."


    "Our existence denied our father his happiness for so many years, and whatever children he and Amanda could have had.That is why despite us being about to turn seventeen we have Amanda to officially adopt us.That I do not want for myself.I know how I feel here" with that she touched her chest where her heart roughly was "And I believe you" touching his chest in the same area "feel the same.Why should we be stubborn?"


    "F*ck Alecia, do you know what you are offering is so tempting.I am just a poor student six months offpleting his degree, still living with his parents.I have wanted for years to be a nurse, despite the fact that many people assume that I am gay I ammitted to it.In my early years out of university it will not pay well."


    "Yes, my brother-inw is a fabulously wealthy businessman, but I do not want to depend on him.I do not know how long it will be before I can move from there, because I do not have the resources to do so myself.I have no idea what the future would bring, and there is no way that I could drag you, princess, into that uncertaintynor have to depend on your father.As my brother-inw told me he did with my sister, I fell deep in love with you at first sight, and I know I will do anything for you, even if that means giving you,,"


    Alecia ced her fingers on his lips to stop him saying the words she knew he did not want him to say."James, that does not matter, I fell in love with you and you are what I want.What is to happen we can work out, but I do not want to to miss out on what could be."


    James knew how messed up this seemed, but he knew that this is want he wanted.A few days dy, could let him talk to Alecia''s father and work things out.


    He paused and turned things away from this dangerous topic "So I guess, getting back to my original question, your choice is to go to Australia?"


    Alecia realised that he was now being over the top and picked up a cushion from the couch throwing it at James which causedughter between them.


    He continued, knowing what was about to happen would be dangerous, and so tempting in light of their confessions, but for her to go to Australia, it had to be done."Alecia, we need to have a look at your wardrobe, and see what clothes you have there that will fit your life in Australia for the next few months."


    Alecia stood up, grabbed his hand and pulled him into her bedroom area.As they got close to the bed, she paused.James so ready to give into temptation, but knew that would be a total abuse of the trust that Yao Tan had ced in him, gave her a gentle push towards an open door in which he could see a walk-in robe.


    Alecia was realistic in that that she could not put off the inevitable, and entered with James to work out what in her wardrobe was suitable to take to Australia.Working as a team for twenty minutes, they went through clothes, taking groups out and cing them on her bed.Once they were finished the moved back to the sitting area, and simply sat down, holding hands, and giving each other kisses as and when they decided.

 Chapter 361: The Extent of Wickedness - Part 16

    <h4>361 The Extent of Wickedness - Part 16</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    At Hou Enterprises


    As James was heading over to Yao Tan''s apartment, Hou Yi received a call from Anna.


    "Yi¡­" came the one word from Anna, and he knew immediately something was wrong.


    "Sweetheart, what is it?"


    "Darling, you would not believe it.That b*stard ¡­"


    "Your ex I am presuming.He has no ess to the outside world, so what has he done?We need to call the police?"


    "Yi, when he was over here around Christmas timest year ¡­"


    "He was.I remember seeing him in passing at the function where Alecia was...S*it you are telling me he did that to that lovely little girl?"


    "She told the police he was involved, along with his father.There was also a third unknown person present."


    "I should have killed himst night."


    "Yi, that solves nothing.Alecia would only talk it James and I were present.She imed to the police James was her boyfriend and sat with him for the whole interview.James is so angry with me, for bringing Lu Jinhu into our lives and what he did.I me myself."Anna burst out crying on the other end of the line.


    "Anna do not me yourself.Despite the age difference I guess James feels a need to protect Alecia, and will me everyone given that simple reason.He is growing up, and I guess he figured out what Lu Jinhu had been doing to you but felt he could do nothing to protect you.He now feels he can protect Alecia as he wants to do that."


    "Darling, you always have perspective."


    "Sweetheart, your brother is not dissimr to you.Now what are you up to?"


    "James has headed over to Yao Tan''s apartment to speak directly to Alecia about going to Australia for a few monthsThe police and her psychologist have agreed it is the best for her that to do that not only to get away from what happened but to allow the police toplete their investigation without fears for her safety.I am going to catch up with everyone else for the rest of the day."


    "I''ll talk to Tan when he is here for our meeting regarding Monday''s press conference and will see you tonight.I love you."


    "Love you too."And with that Anna ended the call.Two minutester she arrived at the restaurant that everyone, other than James and Hou Yi were waiting for her, to have lunch and enjoy the rest of today together.


    Meanwhile a knock urred on Hou YI''s office door, and in was escorted Yao Tan.Thank goodness that Anna had alerted him to what had happened and who was responsible as the devastationhe could see on his friends face.He quickly closed the door behind him and urged him to sit down.Hou Yi knew business was thest thing on his mind.


    All Hou Yi could say was "Anna let me know the basics of what happened.Do you want to talk?"


    How do you talk to a friend who found out a business rival hurt and humiliated his daughter simply for some form of gratification.


    "Those b*stards deserve to die and I am going to do it.They had no reason to hurt my little girl."


    Hou Yi could see that his friend would do it and very soon.Lu Jinhu being under home detention for as long as he was would be safe until he calme down, but CEO Lu was a different story.


    "Tan I totally agree with that sentiment.For as long as Anna and I have been married, I have wanted to kill Lu Jinhu, but then I thought of my wife.I quickly realised that doing that would destroy my marriage as I would be disrespecting a key part of what made Anna her, thew.It would have achieved self-gratification but I would not risk my marriage."


    "What makes him think him and his father believe they can get away with their actions is their money.Taking that away takes longer than the immediate self-gratification of violence protects Anna more than that would and respects her.Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin made a fatal mistake with Anna believing they could use their power to manipte the police to hurt her.That resulted in them being charged and now are convicted criminals."


    "That one action has given us the opportunity to deal with them.Not only through the withdrawals from deals involving Lu Corporation with otherpanies, but our n to take down Lu Corporation''s entertainment division, and exposing them further as exploiters.That will drain money from them and make dealing with what they did to Alecia more difficult."

 Chapter 362: The Extent of Wickedness - Part 17

    <h4>362 The Extent of Wickedness - Part 17</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Yao Tan sat listening to the passionate speech of his friend.He paused taking on board Hou Yi''s words and considered what Amanda would say if if he took thew into his own hands.While she was a corporatewyer, thew was thew.Hou Yi was right, Amanda would not ept him disrespecting thew, regardless of the situation, even if it was for Alecia.


    His shoulders slumped and Hou Yi knew that his words had hit home.He had taken from Yan Tan what seemed to be the one thing keeping him going presently.


    "Tan, let us focus on what we can achieve.In three weeks, we have pulled together nine of the other biggestpanies in the country to refuse to do business with Lu Corporation and encourage other businesses to do the same.I have already had contact with fifteen other CEO''s of majorpanies in the country who are joining the boycott of Lu Corporation.I know you have been the front, but the two of us have been the driving forces behind this."


    "We will bring them crashing down and leave nothing left to support them.Lu Corporation, despite the Lu Family owning just over forty percent of all shares, is a publicpany.Five percent is held for Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s future children.The Yang family control another fifteen percent."


    "However, from what I have heard certain members of the Yang family are disgruntled given Yang Lin has been dragged into the situation given Lu Jinhu''s actions.There are rumblings if they want to remain aligned with the Lu''s."


    "One thing you do not know, is that I have slowly on-market been purchasing publicly avable shares.I already have fifteen percent, and deals that will finalise by tomorrow for another ten percent.They have been at lower than market price as the owners want out of a rtionship with Lu Corporation due to Lu Jinhu.Plus I am targeting buying the remaining shares."


    "If I get all those shares, I believe enough of the Yang Family members will opt to side with me to throw CEO Lu out and agree to an audit of the ounts.If what I suspect is correct there will be enough evidence of embezzlement."


    "Damn it Yi, you can be ruthless when you want."


    "Well I did tell you that day my wife ended in hospital that I was going to bring them down.It just takes time to do it and ensure that they cannot get back up.The only issue is the Lu Corporation Charter says that the CEO has to be a Lu Family member, but there is a possible internal candidate that the board will likely pursue.Once that is started, I will then sell down my stake."


    "The money ¡­"


    "My wife is worth more than anything I am spending on this.As I said I am cutting out the financial underpinning behind the power the Lu''s have wielded which has generally shielded them and their behaviour.And the crazy thing is, my wife has no idea but I suspect that she will ultimately love what I am doing."


    Hou Yi paused "Now, we are getting distracted.Let us move to more important discussions about the Entertainmentpany, given that is why we originally scheduled this meeting.That will, further undermine Lu Corporaiton, as presently their entertainment division is theirrgest revenue earner."


    "Leaving the other shareholders vulnerable?Damn it Yi, that is close to insider trading."


    "Stuff in Tan.I have been after those shares from the day after my wife was injured, before we decided to do this.Anyone who wants to run that argument, has to try and show that I was not, and I damn well made sure there was enough of a paper and electronic trail and recorded all phone calls and face-to-face meetings.I have covered myself.For you to join it would be insider trading."


    "I see that I am not going to win this argument.I hope you have covered yourself, as you know once you make your move the Lu''s will fire back with ims of insider trading."


    "I have.People may think because of my calm demeanor I am not ruthless.But I can be, and only do it when I need to like now."


    "I would hate to be on the wrong side of you."


    "Tan, our wives would kill us if that happened."


    With that then spent the next 2 hours discussing the new Entertainmentpany Hou Enterprises and XF International were forming, firming up the arrangements for Monday''s press conference.

 Chapter 363: The Extent of Wickedness - Part 18

    <h4>363 The Extent of Wickedness - Part 18</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    After spending two hours talking business, Yao Tan looked at his watch, and decided that he needed to get back to his daughter.However, one thing was puzzling him, Anna''s brother.Maybe before he needed to leave, he had to question Hou Yi about him.


    "Yi, I have to ask you something.Your brother-inw, what do you know about him?"


    "Tan, ording to Anna, he took a couple of years off betweenpleting High School and University.Unlike Anna, he did not get any schrships and his parents refused to support him in following his dream to be a qualified nurse.He worked for two years, in jobs he hated, to secure financial support to undertake his degree, and he is in his final year, mainly with cements to go."


    "When Anna was injured, we were able to convince his university, on the basis we kept a record of his care for Anna, that the private nursing should count for some cement hours particrly as he requires some cement hours in a post-injury setting."


    "While he has been living with their parents, given his vocal support of Anna and my rtionship living there has be impossible.Living there has been the only way that he can afford to undertake his study.Anna and I have offered him the use of a house on one of the properties we have just finalised the purchase of, if he cannot remain at home.Their older half brothers are going to run a farming business on thend, and will in the future move into other houses on the property when they are ready tomence the business."


    "From all my interactions with James, he is a genuine person, without anything to hide, and who loves those he loves unconditionally.He even told me, since he got here, if he had any inclination that I was responsible for Anna'' injuries he would kill me, despite Anna''s feelings for me."


    "Last night, though we had an interesting conversation.He spoke to me about how I knew Anna was the one for me on sight and what I would have done if she had chosen Lu Jinhu.He also spoke about Alecia, saying that when he briefly met herst night that she appeared to be so hurt in her eyes.I told him what I knew about everything.Apparently from the brief discussion with Anna, he seems willing to help her."Hou Yi stopped and looked at Yao Tan, to see that that was a surprise to him.


    Yao Tan, quietly said "The police have told me that the DNA Testing to be absolutely certain will take at least three months, particrly as they are sending samples overseas to testing as well.They are concerned that the Lu''s will get wind of what is happening, but talking to Anna and your brother-inw, we agreed that she could go to Australia for three months, to experience life there."


    "Anna said that they could stay at your property and Alecia could attend one of the local schools.I had in interesting discussion with James before I came over.He said that he wanted to talk to Alecia face-to-face and let her be the one to make the decision.Yes, she and her brothers are turning seventeen on the weekend, but she is still a child."


    "Tan, despite what we all tell you, while legally she may be considered a child, and she has been through a lot, she is a bright intelligent and well-rounded young woman, much more emotionally mature than many of her friends.I would suspect that ¡­"


    "S*it.You are saying that your brother-inw might have fallen for her?"


    "Well how many friends of your sons have fallen for her in thest twelve months, let alone those a year or two older than them.And do not talk my friend.You fell in love with Amanda when she was seventeen.How long did it take you to marry her?"


    "Well that is different, I had the children."


    "Well you are about to turn thirty-four, and Amanda is now twenty-five, so you lost eight years with her from that simple attitude.Do you think your daughter will make your mistakes and make the person she loves, when that time happens wait for her?"


    "Screw you Yi, you should have said something.I have let him go there on his own.He will have been there for almost two and a half hours.God knows what has happened."


    "Tan, if he as I think he is, he will respect her and not betray her trust."


    "He will hurt her just like that b*stard did¡­"


    Before finishing that sentence, Yao Tan stood up and ran out of the office.

 Chapter 364: The extent of wickedness - Part 19

    <h4>364 The extent of wickedness - Part 19</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    As Yao Tan ran out of his office Hou Yi''s mobile rang.As he answered it, he realised it was Officer Mu.


    "CEO Hou, I just needed to give you an update, since I took your statement first thing this morning with that is happening."


    "Yes."


    "Yesterday, CEO Lu was interviewed briefly about the attempted ckmail and assault.He has admitted to the assault given the police witnesses but is adamant that you provoked him.He totally denies the attempted ckmail, iming that it was a business deal with you."


    "Well I expected that, and I did give you''re the recordings this morning."


    "They have been of great help, and the more senior officers have listened to those, confirming what we had discussed and I knew."


    "My tech department have confirmed that the photographs and footage CEO Lu sent were riddled with spyware, but it was over all the files, not one.it only activated when all three files had been opened and then sent a continuous stream of data to an outside server, the IP address of which they have tracked to aputer in Lu Corporation.Who do you need the information sent to?"


    "CEO Hou, the senior officer handling the matter has indicated he will send someone from ourputer crimes department toe and gather the information.Plus they need to speak to Madam Hou soon."


    "Officer Mu her sisters-inw and brother are in the country until tomorrow night, so she is spending the bnce of today and tomorrow with them.And I guess you released CEO Lu ¡­"


    "Given the suspicion of him assisting Lu Jinhu in breaching the restraining order he has been released with a conditions to abide by the restraining order protecting Madam Hou and not to have contact with either of you unless it is solely business rted.Given his position as a CEO of a multi-nationalpany, we cannot restrict his ability to travel, despite the fact that we wanted to."


    "The matters will continue to be investigated, but given there is a need to speak to Lu Jinhu regarding the breach of the restraining order it could be weeks before the prison authorities authorise that.We suspect CEO Lu will pressure him to take full responsibility for what happened, which we will have to shake.It could be months before we get matters near a court, unless CEO Lu breaches his release conditions."


    "Thank you for letting me know."Hou Yi was happy that the police were certain of their course of action, despite repeating information he already knew.


    "As to that other matter we spoke about this morning I understand that the investigating officers have already spoke to Miss Yao and the matter is now proceeding."


    "Her father told me the same during a meeting we have just finished"


    "Good bye sir."With that the call was ended.Hou Yi did not expect anything different to be the oue as CEO Lu was slippery.Before he could get carried away with his thoughts, he was interrupted by Assistant Wang.


    "Sir the senior executives from Bright Star have arrived, they are your next appointment.I suspect though it is not who you were anticipating."


    "Assistant Wang, Bright Star is a shellpany that the Yang family use to hide behind for certain investments.Its ownership is hidden behind multiplepanies, but I did my due diligence before I told you to ept the appointment.Please show them in, as I want to know what they really want."


    Assistant Wang was stunned, but he should realise that his boss, despite his youth is highly intelligent and is steps ahead of anyone when implementing a n like he has over thest few weeks.He exited the office and showed the Yang family members into Hou Yi''s office.


    "Gentleman, I wonder why you had to hide behind Bright Star to some and see me.You could have simply requested a meeting."


    "CEO Hou we simply did not want CEO Lu to know that we have requested a meeting, as he does not know we own Bright Star.He and his son over thest five weeks have acted to jeopardise Lu Corporation and our families investment.We know what you are close to getting control of thirty-five percent of Lu Corporation."


    "If you can get control of the bnce of Lu Corporation not controlled by the Lu''s or the Yang''s we will be willing to work with you, to remove CEO Lu, and to try in the long-term to have thepany charter amended to prevent him froming back and the requirement of a member of the Lu family to be thepany CEO."


    "I am interested, but I want the deal in writing."


    "Not a problem, we have the written proposal of our requirements here for us to support you at the board vote."With that paperwork was handed to Hou Yi.


    "Gentleman, give me until tomorrow to review this, and I will get back to you.If all is as expected I will contact you about signing the agreement."


    "Thank you CEO Hou.Please contact us through the number on the card attached to the agreement."


    With that the Yang family members turned around and left Hou Yi''s office, leaving him with the document that he started to read.He knew that he would have Anna review it with him when he got back for theirst night at the ancestral home before returning to their apartment.

 Chapter 365: The extent of wickedness - Part 20

    <h4>365 The extent of wickedness - Part 20</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Meanwhile


    After running from Hou Yi''s office Yao Tan immediately headed for his apartment rather than returning to XF International''s office.He just hoped his fears would not be realised when he arrived home.His little girl was already damaged with what had happened and he did not need her damaged more.


    During the fifteen minute trip back , he and Amanda were exchanging text messages, and given she was stuck there until the end of the day he promised her a car would pick her up.


    As he arrived back at the apartment building, he ran to take his private elevator up to his apartment, but as the door was shutting, a foot stuck in the door.As it reopened two identical boys walked in he got "Hi Dad" in stereo.


    Despite loving all his children, today he did not want to have to deal with them until he spoke to Alecia."Boys, when you get up to the apartment, I need you to go to your rooms and remain there until I let you know you can leave."


    "Dad, we have done nothing wrong, so why are you banishing us to our rooms."


    "Do not argue with me today.Alecia spoke to the police..."As soon as he started to speak the words he started to shake, which his sons immediately picked up on.


    "Dad, that is all you had to say.Has she finally said who hurt her?He will be dead..."


    "Just leave it alone.I need to concentrate on her, not dealing with you."


    "Fine dad."With that the elevator door opened and before Yao Tan could say anything his sons, were running up the stairs to the second level to their rooms.He walked into his home office and dropped his briefcase on the desk before heading down the corridor to Alecia''s room.


    As he reached the door, he could hear nothing from inside.That worried him.What as going on in that room.As he went to open the door, he determined that his daughter had locked it from the inside.That made him even more concerned.He hoped he did not walk in on something no parent should see their children doing.


    As soon as that thought came across his mind, Yao Tan was so concerned about his daughter being sexually active.He would kill any man or boy that would do that with her.His boys he had no concerns as he knew that they respected girls and treated them well while they were in any rtionship as if he heard anything different, he would ground them so much.


    He returned to his office to locate the spare key to Alecia''s room.He slowly and quietly opened Alecia''s locked door when he returned, rather than being harsh doing so.Despite being worried about his daughter and somewhat concerned the scene was charming.He relocked the door behind him so the boys did not walk in.


    As he turned around, oblivious to his entry, Alecia and James were still cuddled in each other''s arms, exchanging a series of gentle but expressive kisses.Thest thing he wanted was things to get too heated before him.


    In a very loud voice, he said the one word "Alecia."


    The two of them stopped kissing and turned around to see who was in the room.As soon as Alecia spotted her father, she turned her head and buried it in James chest.James, however refused to look away from Yao Tan looking him right in the eyes.


    In those simple actions, Yao Tan realised that unless he handled this situation right, he would permanently chase his daughter away.He moved around and took a seat in one of the chairs in the seating area.


    "Now you need to both look at me and tell me what in the world is going on here."Yao Tan, in hearing his words could not believe how calm he sounded when all he wanted to do was beat James to a pulp for touching his little girl like that.


    James, reached down and lifted Alecia''s head up, and she looked at him directly in the eyes she knew that she had to speak first as if James did, her father would kill him.


    "Daddy, ¡­"


    "Do not use that tone on my youngdy.You are trying to avoid addressing the question.Now the truth please."


    "Daddy, I know that you are going to hate me, but I know I love James ¡­"

 Chapter 366: The extent of wickedness - Part 21

    <h4>366 The extent of wickedness - Part 21</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Those few words shattered Yao Tan''s heart.He would not take this, he would protect his little princess.She had no idea what love was, and was simply infatuated with James.As of that he would not not be letting her go to Australia.He would keep her here under very strict controls to protect her while the investigation urred.


    "Get away from him Alecia," ground out Yao Tan "Or I will make you."


    With that Alecia threw herself back in James arms and wrapped her arms around his neck.She snuggled her head under James'' chin and turned her head responding, "No Daddy, I will not."


    Yao Tan determined that the only way he could separate them was to forcible drag his daughter away, and started to move towards the couch to do so.Alecia gripped James tighter to prevent that.


    "Sir, this is going to get no one anywhere.We need to sit and talk."


    "I trusted you, and you have thrown that trust back in my face," spat out an angry Yao Tan.


    "Daddy, he has not."


    "Alecia, I do not give a care what you think."That frustrated Alecia as she was sick of everyone except James treating her like she was fragile and knew nothing.


    "Dad, I am going to say this once" a determined Alecia said."I have for years epted that everyone, including you treating me like I constantly need protection.Yes, the first time that you allowed me to go with you to a society event I was attacked, but that could have easily happeneding home from a night out with friends."


    "Daddy, you call me your princess, but unlike my brothers who have a normal life, you have isted and sheltered me.Yes, we came into your life when you were fifteen, and are all grateful for you took us on when our mother abandoned us.You put your life with Amanda on hold for years for us, wasting time.I am not going to stand for you doing that to me in the name of protecting me to the point I have no life."


    "Alecia ¡­" pleaded Yan Tan.


    "No Daddy, that does not work on me."Alecia was still as determined as she had been."Yes, I will always be your daughter, but on Saturday I, like my brothers turn 17 years.I must live my life, learn my lessons and grow from them.I have learnt a harsh lesson, but do you know what, being over protective as you have makes me feel trapped by what happened and not able to move forward."


    "Daddy, neither you, my brothers or I am to me, those who did this are.They were adults, I am a teenager and they should have protected rather than hurt me.I will never get over what happened, but the more you try and protect me, the more difficult it gets to keep that perspective and move forward with my life.


    "Daddy, James sees me as I am, a real person with emotions and feelings, and respects what I want, not deciding without my input.That was what you were going to do.Yes, I want to spend time in Australia, but James made sure it was going to be my choice, not imposed."


    Alecia paused observing the conflicting emotions on her father''s face and continued "And do you know what, in less than twenty-four hours I have realised something.I must be me and follow my heart.I cannot deny what my heart tells me, and do you know what?"


    With Alecia''s pause Yao Tan was dreading what was about to be said, "What Alecia?"


    "Daddy, I love you and I want to remain here, but my heart is telling me to do something.And I want you to agree and then help me along the way.I must take responsibility for the oue.However, you put up roadblocks at every stage I will only resent you more and more, and we will end up without a rtionship."


    With that Alecia leaned up and whispered into James ear something, which Yao Tan could not hear.She then stood up, away from Yao Tan''s grasp and moved into her bedroom and shut the doors behind her.


    "I am guessing she wants you to tell me what she is after?"


    "Yes sir.I have tried to persuade her from this course of action, but I fell in love with the brilliant vibrant woman your daughter is on sight and I cannot deny her what she wants.Her happiness and wellbeing are the only things I want."


    "You sound so much like your brother-inw."Suddenly something dawned on him."Damn it, you want to marry her."

 Chapter 367: The extent of wickedness - Part 22

    <h4>367 The extent of wickedness - Part 22</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    "Yes I do, but ¡­" said James quietely.


    "There is no way that will happen¡­" Yao Tan spat out, with his voice getting louder and louder.


    Alecia came running out from her bedroom.loudly saying "Daddy, stop it.Do not have a go at him.He has spent so much time convincing me that I could do better than him, but do you know I was determined and proposed to him."


    "Daddy, you always tell me to grab for what I want and do you know this is the first time something that is contrary to your express wishes.You want to throw that in my face, and that will make me resent you so much more that I do now, given the restrictions you have enforced on me since I was attacked."


    "All I want is for you is to give your consent and to help us get from the Australian Embassy in the capital the necessary paperwork for us to marry.You need to let me follow my heart.You cannot protect me from every potential hurt, and if our marriage ends in disaster in the future I can ept that, but I know it will not."


    "What we n is to remain in Australia until James finalises his degree.We n to return here to allow me to follow my dreams in joining thepany, earning my degree and working my way up.You know I am the only one of your children that wants to be involved in thepany."


    "Junior and Ton want to be professional athletes and we both know they will never seed, but you have given them every opportunity to seed, but want to throw up roadblocks for me.I am protected and kept separate, but they are a part of the world.James can follow his career option here.All we would do is ask for some help from you when we return."


    Alecia paused for her dramatic finish "Remember that when Grandpa retired he and Grandma established a significant trust fund for each of us for when we demonstrate we can manage it and have either married or turned 21.I do not want to touch that, but if I have to I will.If I have to wait twelve months to marry James I will.But your stubbornness will cost you your daughter.Think about that dad.What do you want?Do you want a rtionship with me, or do you want to lose me?That is your choice, my choice is what my heart is telling me."


    "Alecia!" came Yao Tan''s surprised result."You know I want a rtionship with you.But..."


    "Dad, not buts.Yes James and I have know each other for less than twenty-four hours, but I know what I want.I am decisive when I make decisions, and in all but one case, I have always made the right decision.I will pay for my whole life for that decision, but this one is the right decision."


    "I can stop you, you know."


    "Dad, try.I have my passport and my individual household register.Given I turn seventeen on Saturday you can not prevent me from travelling.By the way most of my money is not in the bank ounts you control, but in ones I have not told you about.With the help of a share broker for thest six months I have been ying the stock markets, trebling my initial investment."


    "Before you ask how, I am your daughter and have learnt how to y the market from watching you over years.I do not need your money to leave, and if I have to I will leave.Make your choice now.Have a rtionship with me or throw up every barrier and lose any rtionship with me now and in the future?"


    In those few minutes, Yao Tan determined his daughter was exactly like him.She generally went with the flow but when she wanted something she would pursue it and seed.Can he keep punishing her for that one wrong decision six months ago?


    "Alecia, I want you to wait until James finishes his degree, and if you still feel the same I would consent to you marrying when you came back."


    James grabbed Alecia''s arm and pulled he head down and whispered in her ear "Alecia that is a goodpromise, take it.It is only four and a half months."


    Alecia, reached and gave him a brief kiss, and whispered "I do not care, four months and a half months will seem like four and a half years."


    "Dad, no.I have given you your options and despite what James is telling me about taking you up, No.It is now or lose me."

 Chapter 368: The extent of wickedness - part 23

    <h4>368 The extent of wickedness - part 23</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Yao Tan looked at James, and he realised the look in his eyes was that if Alecia had not been there he would have killed him for getting close to his daughter.


    After a few seconds, James broke eye contact because thest thing he wanted Alecia to do was react because the situation was getting too tense.James then continuing "Sir, I have no problem in epting this.When Alecia sprung her surprise and proposed I suggested this despite how much it was what I wanted.Alecia, however has made her decision, and I know that she is determined.That I have no problem with, because it is what I want."


    "However, thest thing I want to do is to damage the rtionship between you and Alecia.She will always be your daughter regardless of the future, her husband which I hope will be me, children, grandchildren.She was your daughter first and will remain your daughter.I also do not to damage your rtionship between your you and my sister and brother-inw, and any future rtionship with me."


    "However, as my brother-inw told me all that matters when you love someone is their happiness, safety and security, and you will do whatever is necessary to achieve that even if that means that you are not a part of their life.Alecia''s decision is that she is determined to marry me, hence her proposal."


    "Alecia is my focus, and it is not what I want, and you should not impose your decision on her as I suspect in the end it will damage your rtionship with her.Given what my sister and Alecia have told me, you have always done the same for your wife, so why can you not recognise that someone is and will do that for Alecia.She is as worthy for that as anyone."


    With that James looked directly at Alecia, and as soon as their eyes connected she knew how much James meant everything he has said.It made her want to passionately kiss him, but with her father present, she knew that this not only would be embarrassing but could end up being physical.


    "Dad, and I know, despite everything James has tried to tell me, I know what he wants.I want that.Marriage now rather than having to wait."


    Yao Tan slumped his shoulders as he knew that he was not going to be able to will the argument with his daughter.She had made her mind up, and regardless of what he told her, her bothers, and it appears even James that there was going to be no argument with his daughter.


    James was right, the more that he thought Alecia the more he risked loosing her in the end given she was determined to marry James.She was happy to wait twelve months but made it clear that if she was forced to do so, she would and still marry James but that would result him in losing any rtionship he could have in the future with his little girl.


    Pausing for about thirty seconds, Yao Tan then quietly said "Alecia, my instinct is to say no, but at the same time I do not want to lose having a rtionship with you now and in the future.I need to talk to Amanda for her to have her say.I want your agreement though, that we will both respect what she has to say.Can you ept that?"


    "I can Dad.But you need to understand I will not be dying anything, you need to make your decision rather than trying to dy.Call Amanda and speak to her but is has to be in front of me on speaker phone."Alecia was still determined in what she was saying, and in looking at his daughter he knew that there was no arguing with her.


    Yao Tan pulled out his mobile, and dialed Amanda, cing it on speaker phone.When she answered, he said "Amanda can you talk?I have you on speaker phone but I need to ask you something."


    "Just give me a minute, while I shut my office door."With that there was a few moments silence, and a door could be heard being shut.Amanda, came back on the phone "Now I can talk, but I need to keep it short, as I have a meeting in a few minutes."


    "Not a problem.Alecia ¡­"


    "Is causing you trouble.Anna texted me, and said that she was expecting it, and it involves Anna''s brother James."

 Chapter 369: The Extent of Wickedness - part 24

    <h4>369 The Extent of Wickedness - part 24</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    "Damn your information system," came Yao Tan, trying not tough at the same time.


    "Well Anna is a good source of information, so I am guessing she is listening.Hi Alecia," came Amanda in a bubbly voice over the phone.


    "Hi Amanda."


    "Now what is the problem, Tan?"


    "Do you know that your friend''s brother was proposed to by my daughter, and she is threatening unless I agree immediately she will refuse to have a rtionship with me."


    "Tan, of your three children, she is the one most like you.When she makes a decision, she will follow it with her heart.You have done the same for eight years.You refused to marry me because of the children, regardless of how you and I felt about each other.It was less than two weeks ago that you finally changed your mind."


    "How many years of happiness have we missed out on, and how has that impacted your children.Yes, they know that you love them above everything, but at the same time they have seen you sacrificed your own happiness.Alecia, and I am guessing James you are also there ¡­"


    "I am," responded James


    "Alecia, if I asked you to wait until James finished his degree, would you be willing to?"


    "Amanda, no.This is something I will not wait on, and as I told Dad, I will simply leave and have no rtionship with him, and if I have to I will wait 12 months before I marry James, but marry him I will."


    "Tan, you have your answer.While I would prefer you wait until James finishes his degree, Alecia I can tell you will not, and James I guess if you had the choice you would not ¡­"


    "I would."


    "Tan, agree.Thest thing I want to do is loose Alecia from our lives.But there are some conditions, and you two must agree.You will marry as soon as possible, and we will get you to the capital to get the paperwork for your marriage, Tan you will agree, you will live where we tell you in Australia with security guards, and when James finishes his degree you both wille back here."


    After a brief pause Amanda continued "Alecia, your choices will be you either go and work for your father, or your godfather.You must, on your return go to university and study while you work.Finally, I want both you Alecia and James to promise that you will not consider having children for at least two years.Your rtionship needs to survive the strains of everyday life, and thest think I want to see is a child brought into that and you two fighting."


    James, immediately responded "If that is what it takes."With that he lifted Alecia''s hand up and gave her a kiss on her hand and looked at Alecia.All Alecia could do was look into his eyes and she simply wanted to ignore anything else.


    Alecia after staring at James for a few seconds she broke away because she did not want such a restriction on their ability to have children.She took a deep breath and spoke quietly but with a determined tone underneath it."Amanda while I do not want children so young, as I remember things about Dad''s struggles with us at such a young age.However, if I fall pregnant it is meant to be, and I will not be aborting the child simply to meet a promise to you."


    "Seems reasonable but promise that you will try to prevent pregnancy.Tan, agree, or we will lose her, I believe their promises."With that Amanda hang up the phone.


    "Well Alecia, you have my promise, but there are a couple of things.Thepany jet is not being used tomorrow, so it will take both of you to the capital to obtain the paperwork to marry, and you will immediately return here.While you are gone, I will contact the Civil Administration Bureau to arrange a ceremony aste as possible tomorrow."


    "Alecia, I want you to obtain your marriage certificate in front of me, Amanda, Anna and Hou Yi, plus other family members.I will arrange for some ie from your Trust toe to you, but you otherwise will not touch the money your grandparents have given you.Most importantly, James you will sign a pre-nuptial agreement, as nothing else will happen unless that is signed.Can you both agree?"


    Before either looked at the each other them immediately responded "Yes."

 Chapter 370: The Extent of Wickedness - Part 25

    <h4>370 The Extent of Wickedness - Part 25</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    Meanwhile


    Getting through the security around his son''s residence due to the home detention frustrated CEO Lu.While he colde and visit up to three times per week, the requirements to enter the property were frustrating; surrendering his mobile and other items made obtaining ckmail material on his son and daughter-inw difficult.


    Entering the house, CEO Lu saw the household staff scurrying away, given the look they could see on his face, retreating into the kitchen.The staff hated the screening arrangements toe to work, the fact Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin were under home detention minimised the work they had to do, but ensured they received better pay.


    On entering the study CEO Lu observed Lu Jinhu, oblivious to his entry listening to something on hisptop.He hated being made wait, especially by his son, and he walked over forcibly shutting theptop disturbing what Lu Jinhu was doing.


    "What the f*ck are you up to."


    "Studying toplete my masters.Unlike Yang Lin I cannot sit around doing nothing for four months."


    "How in the world did you get that through, particrly if you need inte ess."


    "I have ess three times per week under prisons'' supervision, you idiot, to ess study material, participate in discussions and submit material, plus emails that they can read.I can encodemunications to friends in emails.No what do you want?"


    "To talk to you."


    "You do not want just to talk.You want something and tell me what it is, as I do not have the time today to deal with you given how Yang Lin is today."


    "As I said, I want to talk to you."


    "Just cut it out Dad."


    "Well I am trying to fix your mess, and I need to talk to you about it."


    "Dad Yang Lin and I are not stupid.We took responsibility as we were cornered and put forward an offer that was epted.I covered for you telling police investigators that those idiot police officers were confused about you telling them the questions to ask tht b*tch, convincing them that your contact was limited to confirming information."


    "Dad you were responsible for bribing the police, not us.You figured that you were in control and when it backfired we epted responsibility as you demanded it.So do not talk to me about fixing a mess."


    Angry, CEO Lu reached over and pped his son to the face, before walking around the desk an punching him of the chair onto the floor and giving him a swift kick to the stomach.


    "Now listen to me son," came out the angry response from CEO Lu."You need to take responsibility for some other stuff.The only way that you are going to get the money you need to support yourselves is from me, and it will remain for years.I own you, and you will do what I tell you."


    "You ¡­"


    "You have no choice.Your f*cking actions have caused huge problems.I though that the b*stard Hou Yi was soft and unable to act decisively and use violence.Who would believe he has such a ruthless streak?He has been nning for weeks acting to actively take down Lu Corporation.He is behind ten of the leadingpanies in the country pulling out of all their deals with us and refusing future cooperation."


    "Some of them are already announcing other deals that willpete against us.Other than Hou Enterprises there would be nopany that could have pulled this off, as they have the power.God knows what else on a business means that he has ns.I have had to attempt to ckmail him, to get spyware on his phone.I got the spyware, and got him to meet, thinking that I had the power in the situation."


    "But who f*king knew he was a strategic thinker, had more people in ce and the ability to be physical.I tried to take him down, and he got me.He also had the damn police and I am having to plead to an assault, but I can run an argument that this is a long term issue fighting about what had happened to you and Yang Lin, and therefore get a small penalty. You however are going to ept responsibility for my attempt to ckmail him and using those images I had from you of her."


    "F*ck you.Your visits have been setting us up if you failed in your attempts to achieve hat you wanted."


    "Well I was attempting to get what your screw up five weeks ago prevented, Hou Enterprises."


    "What are you going to do if I do not agree."

 Chapter 371: The Extent of Wickedness - part 26

    <h4>371 The Extent of Wickedness - part 26</h4>


    Thursday continued ¡­.


    CEO Lu paused for a few seconds, ready to drop the next thing on Lu JInhu. "Son if you refuse, I will ''cooperate'' with the police and give them enough information to change you, not only with breaking the restraining order, as I was simply a father who wanted to help his wronged son and daughter-inw, but on charges rting to group sex.But, it will only be just enough for that, as do not think I am stupid enough to give them everything I have on you."


    "Do that and you will screw up our rtionship?" spat out Lu Jinhu.


    "Well you know as I have always told you the most important thing is to protect yourself first, thenes thepany and then the familyes third.You have nothing on me ¡­" came a almost sickly response from CEO Lu


    "You forget, I do."


    "Are you talking about the the Yao girl.You will be the only implicated in that.You were the one talking to her, you were the one who helped manipte her into the gardens, and you were the one that she will believe was fully responsible for what happened."


    "I have learnt from you.I knew in advance where you would go, if you got what you wanted, and I set up a camera that could record images in the dark.That was in addition to the footage I handed to you.My material is well hidden and you will not be able locate it.The most that I can be gotten for is that I was stupid enough to escort her into the darker areas outside the view of the room.However I was not gone for more that five minutes."


    "You think we were not prepared.That w*ore you bedded when you arrived home that time was someone that I had ensured was nted in your bed.She knew I wanted your seaman and to get that she was paid to take the condoms that you used.I also had from that w*ore and others I put in your bed enough voice recordings to be able to deal with the situation.We did not speak, so even if she does voice identification it will be you."


    "You b*stard.That little girl was terrified being at a society event. I spoke to her to try and calm her down, and suggested all she do was go into the gardens where it was quieter to walk around and get calm.You then did that."


    "Well you know, I like the asional virgin, and then to ckmail them into continuing to be a s*x partner until I tire of them.The problem was that CEO Yao, has for six months kept her under tight supervision.I had to locate someone else, that still does what she is told."


    "While people can say some of mine and Yang Lin''s sexual activities are perverted and unnatural.At least all of ours are with adults and by consent, despite what you have had actresses y.You target under age girls.You and that friend of yours are pedophiles.That is something I cannot im to be."


    "Well you cannot prove that, whereas I have the the evidence of your activities.So what is your choice?I want an answer now or as soon as I get out of here I will be giving the police what I want."


    Lu Jinhu took a couple of deep breaths.He knew at this exact moment he had no option but to agree with what his father wanted.Since the Yao girl incident he had been preparing himself for something like this happening.He had gathered information as to his father''s activities.It was something he did not want to use because he only had enough for one y, but ying this card would destroy thepany.


    "Fine, I know when I am beaten.I will, when I have our daily contact with the prison authorities arrange to talk to the police.I will say that you told them about a situation, and I figured that I needed to deal with it."


    "Good, you better, as I do not think your wife would like to be cut off from money, when she ends her home detention."


    "Fine, now I am going to touch base with your wife, to arrange to buy items for the baby."


    With that CEO Lu walked out of the the study, and walked around to locate his daughter-inw to talk about what they need to start to arrange for the baby.


    Within a couple of minutes the telephone in the study rang and Lu Jinhu noted that it was the daily call from the prison authorities to check-in with him."Hello, Lu Jinhu speaking."


    "Mr Lu, we are just checking in with you and your wife.Can you put her on the phone."


    "I am sorry she was not feeling well today and she is resting, with my father presently spending a little time with her."


    "Thank you Mr Lu, does Madam Lu need to visit a doctor?"


    "We will see how things go.I briefly spoke to my father who advised me of something so I need to speak to the police about it.They were dealing with him yesterday."


    "We will arrange for someone to contact you."


    As he hung up the phone, he went into the hidden cab in the bookcase behind him, and pulled out what he had on his father, and decided what he was going to use.

 Chapter 372: Breaking the News - Part 1

    <h4>372 Breaking the News - Part 1</h4>


    Thursday, continued¡­


    Back at the Yao Apartment


    Yao Tan could not believe what he had agreed to.The look of absolute delight on Alecia''s face made him realise that she was happier than she had been in over 6 months.


    His thoughts were disrupted with a text from Amanda, asking for the specific for the pre-nuptial agreement to protect Alecia''s money, so she could fill in the gaps in the nk for a university friend was emailing her to use.Additionally, this same friend, who spoke English well, was willing to provide James the relevant legal advice to ensure it was legally binding


    "Alecia, James, I need to go and speak to the boys, but I need four promises from you for now."


    "Yes" immediately responded James.


    "Yes Daddy" came Alecia''s quieter response.


    "Firstly you will stay in the sitting area as I do not want to walk in on something no parent wants to.


    Secondly you will start making a list of what you agree on for the pre-nuptial agreement.Amanda will be home soon to finalise it, and she will put you in contact with someone who can give you the necessary advice James, before you sign.Thirdly, the door will remain open.Finally you will remain in the room until I return."


    Both immediately answered "Yes."


    As Yao Tan left, Alecia collected from her desk a pen and paper.She had her suspicions what her father would want inthe agreement, but knew herself what she wanted, and just hoped James would agree.


    Alecia''s list of the terms to include for a break-up of their marriage started with:


    ? Children ¨C joint physical custody and equal time with the children, children to primarily be educated in early years in Country X, but intter years children can be educated in Australia or mutually agreed country.


    ? Children''s births to be registered in both countries, and passports obtained for both countries.Primary passport for travel is to be the country that has more visa free entry or visa on arrival entry.


    ? In the event of both parties'' deaths, children''s guardianship is to James'' sister Anna, and children to reside in Country X.If she is not alive then to Yao Tan.


    ? Children to live in Country X, unless being educated in Australia.Children to spend at least 6 weeks per year in Australia.


    ? Alecia waves any rights or ims to anything James might receive from his Sister and Brother-inw or through his parents, save for what is in the agreement


    ? James waves any rights or ims to anything Alecia might receive from her father and step-mother or have received from her grandparents.


    ? On the breakdown of a marriage if there are children, both parties agree that the family home will not be sold, and two nearby residences, one for each party will be purchased with each party for the time the children are in their care moving into the family home, so the children remain always in the family home, which is sold upon the youngest child turning 18 and havingpeted all education before university.


    ? Both parties agree that on the breakdown of their marriage, their joint assets will be totaled and equally shared between them.


    ? Both parties agree that Alecia, since she enters the marriage with significantly more assets than James will pay to James the amount of 5 million dors US, if the marriage ends in the first five years and a further 600,000 dors US for every year over five years of marriage.James is, however free to reject part or whole of this amount.In that case the money will be ced in trust for any children.


    When Alecia handed it to James, he said "I do not want money Alecia."


    Alecia turned around, stood up and gently backed James up so he sat back down on the couch.She sat down beside him."James, I do not think you understand what I have.Just at a quick guess, and these are figures in US dors, I will eventually receive shares in XF International worth currently about eighty million; I have a trust fund of about one hundred and twenty million; in thest six months I have turned six million into over eighteen million on the share markets; ready cash in ounts I control of over four million and dad controls another million.It is quite reasonable that you receive money if our marriage breaks down.And I want you to have it."


    After recovering from the shock, James quietly said "Alecia, you should have told me.No wonder your father is so anti this."


    "No James, he and I are too much alike.He needs as much as I do to be in control"

 Chapter 373: Breaking the News - Part 2

    <h4>373 Breaking the News - Part 2</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    "Alecia, I want nothing.I am simply happy toe out with what I came in with and anything we build to be split.I ¡­"


    cing her finger on James mouth Alecia said "James, I view that whatever we have, regardless of when we received it should simply be split between us if we ever split, which I do not believe will ever happen.But, I need Dad''s agreement to marry and he will throw up every roadblock unless this happens.He needs to find it eptable, but we can overturn it in the future you realise."


    "Alecia!" responded James in a surprised voice.


    "James, unlike my brothers I am awaiting the finalisation of my results that will see me eligible for university eighteen months before my brothers.Spending a little bit of time in the Australian Education system while you finish your studies before we return will be fun.Plus, I know I will be able to work part-time at XF International while I am at university.Dad did it, and I can do it."


    "Then why agree to go to an Australian school?"


    "Originally it was so I could get to Australia.Now can you live with that so we can deal with my dad?"


    "Alecia, OK, but you know my position on the agreement."


    To prevent James from arguing further Alecia leaned over and started kissing him, and within seconds the kisses started to be somewhat more passionate.Being mindful of the promise that they made, other and slipping hands under tops they did not go any further than that.


    Time seemed to pass and neither of them heard the door open, and two peoplee running in who yelled out in surprise "Alecia!What the ¡­"


    Immediately on hearing her brothers in stereo, Alecia reluctantly pulled back out of James'' arms.


    "What are you two doing here?You know the agreement.I have my space which you do not invade, and you have your space which I do not invade.And talk to me in English." Said Alecia in a angry tone in English.


    "Dad told us toe and speak to you."


    Alecia turned and seeing her father standing behind them realised that he had deliberately told them toe into her room.How many times had she done the same thing.Payback ¡­


    "Well he said that you have something to tell us."


    How much Alecia hated this stereo sound that they often did.Alecia gave a deep sigh, and decided to be quick and blunt "This is James, he is my ¡­"


    "Boyfriend?"


    "No my fianc¨¦.Dad has agreed that we can get married and I am going to Australia for a few months so James can finish university before we return."


    "But Alecia, you are going to break up the three musketeers" immediately piped in Tan Junior.


    He was immediately followed by Ton "And you promised you would never do that."


    "You two sound like crybabies.We promised that to each other when we were three.We turn seventeen on Saturday.Do you expect me to sit and wait for you two to mature into functioning adults?I love you, but we have been so different for years.You will take at least two more years toplete High School, I am simply waiting for my results to finish."


    "You all know I could have gone to university six months ago, but opted to take a couple more High School units.You are sportspeople, and business interests me.You, with dad''s support have been over-protective of me, and have with him be worse when I made one mistake, but at the same time you treat my friends and other girls asmodities."


    "I have fallen deeply in love with James and Intend to spend my life with him.Dad has agreed, after we have made a few promises.We will go to Australia for James to finish university and be a qualified nurse, beforeing back when I not only going to university but joining XF International, which you want nothing to do with unless it is about sponsoring you for your sporting dreams.And before you say anything, we have promised that we will not have children for a couple of years."


    "But¡­" whined Junior and Ton


    James had had enough.His young nieces and nephews could be painful to deal with, they were not as bad as these almost seventeen-year-olds.Pouting, whining and whinging at their sister, because she was not doing what they wanted.


    "Enough" yelled James."Do not treat your sister like that.She is not your toy to control.She is her own person and you need to respect her.If you cannot, you will be banned from our home when we return until I feel that you are respectful to my wife, your sister."


    "Well, he speaks, but not ournguage," spat one of them


    "Alecia knows that, and she understands that I will have to learn over time.Between her and my sister, I should be able to learn basics within months."


    "La-di-da, who cares about your sister, she is no one."


    Alecia put a restraining hand on James as with the arrogance of her two brothers James was about to really get angry."Junior and Ton, I do not think Uncle Yi would like to hear that"


    "Uncle Yi has nothing to do with this."


    Yao Tan realised that this was about to decent into a all out argument between his children and son-inw to be.Alecia and James were being egged on by the boys who knew no boundaries.


    "Be quiet boys.Amanda and your Uncle Yi would not like to hear that attitude.James'' sister is Uncle Yi''s wife and Amanda''s friend and work colleague."

 Chapter 374: Breaking the news - Part 3

    <h4>374 Breaking the news - Part 3</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    "When did Uncle Yi get married to someone other than Aunty Lin?" responded one of the boys


    "I liked Aunty Lin, and I wanted her to marry Uncle Yi."Came the other


    James decided he needed to asserte authority, and sharply responded "He married my sister a little over five weeks ago, and they quietly got their wedding certificate, telling their families afterwards."


    Yao Tan realised what James was trying to do, added "I do not want an argument boys.It does not matter who your Uncle Yi married.He is happy which is the most important thing.Now you need to promise to give Alecia the space she needs, particrly when she asks for it.No arguments.She will spend what time she wants with you before she goes to Australia.Now go."


    As the boys left "Thank you Dad, those two ¡­"


    "Alecia, I know you love them but ¡­"


    "They are so different from me."


    "True.They are more like your biological mother that you are.They focus on what they want regardless of their skill and its attainability, have a more normal IQ than yourself, somewhat immature and self-centred.But for all their faults they love you, and they will miss you.Now, what have you got down?"


    "It is over there Dad," pointing to the coffee table.


    Pulling Alecia into his arms while waiting for Yao Tan, James stated to wonder what to tell his family.However the ringing of Yao Tan''s phone disrupted his thoughts.


    "Hello Amanda, are you on your way home?"


    "I asked a favour of the big boss and he ising with me.I figured you needed to let him know what was happening to deal with Anna.We should be there in five minutes.Where are you?"


    "In Alecia''s suite, the boys are being their usual self, and I had to banish them from here while we talk."


    "Can you get Alecia to set up her printer for me please, and grab myptop from the study?"


    "Will do."


    "We will see you soon."With that Amanda ended the call.


    Yao Tan turned to James and said "You better be prepared, your brother-inw ising here with my wife."


    "Uncle Yi," screamed Alecia."Not fair Dad, you should have told me earlier."


    "I just found out he wasing with Amanda.She has asked if you could set up her printed and I have to get herptop, as she wants to get this agreement sorted as soon as it can be done."


    Yao Tan walked out of the room and went and located his wife''sptop setting it to ess the home wi-fiwork and connecting it to Alecia''s printer.Just as he sat down, in walked Amanda and Hou Yi, who was surprised to find his brother-inw still at Yao Tan''s, and with Alecia.


    Before Alecia or James could say anything, Yao Tan, said "Yi sit down, I better tell you what is happening here, before you kill anyone."


    With that Hou YI sat down on the chair and looked around trying to figure out what was going on.His mind drifted to the conversation he hadst night, particrly after he saw the brief nce that went between Alecia and James.


    "What is going on?I need to get home, taking James with me, so we can have a family tea."


    "Well Yi, there has been a lot that has gone on, and I do not know how much Anna has told you?"


    "Between her and you I know what happened just after Christmasst year."With that James, Yao Tan and Hou Yi sat down while Alecia and Amanda were at her desk.


    "It has been agreed that Alecia needs to get out of hte country for her safety, and Anna proposed that she go and live around her family in Australia, with James being nominally her guardian"


    "Sounds reasonable Tan."


    "James convinced me toe and talk to Alecia for her to make the final decision.I agreed to that, but when I walked in I found the two of them kissing.Apparently, my daughter, your goddaughter proposed to him.She gave me two options, agree to them marrying with my consent before she goes to Australia and maintaining a rtionship with her in the long term, or refuse.She would simply then wait twelve months and I would lose a rtionship with her.You can guess my choice, but I extracted a few promises from them, including a pre-nuptial agreement that Amanda is drafting for them to sign."


    Trying not tough with how simr his god-daughter was to her father, all Hou Yi could say was "Tan, can you give me a couple of minutes to speak to James?"

 Chapter 375: Breaking the News - Part 4

    <h4>375 Breaking the News - Part 4</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi moved to a corner of the sitting room, and James followed him.Hou Yi quietly asked "James, are you certain about this?"


    "Yi you know the discussion we hadst night.I was certain on sight Alecia was the one for me.My priority is what she wants, her happiness, well-being and safety.That requires her dealing with what Lu Jinhu did to her.You know I was ready to kill him for what he did to Anna, now you can imagine what I want to do to him, let alone his father."


    "Alecia needs to be away from here while the police investigation goes on.Using the excuse of going to study in Australia for two terms achieves that without people knowing.But I wanted to make sure that we were not forcing it onto her.It needed to be her choice."


    "I came here to ask her about her choice, but we talked and she proposed to me.I knew from the moment I saw her what I wanted, but I was never going to force that choice on Alecia.Her proposal is what I want.It secures her happiness and mine.The worst thing I could do was say not, and there is no way my heart would be in that."


    "We have agreed with Mr Yao that we will return from Australia once I have finished my degree, for Alecia to do her degree and work within the familypany.My issue is how can I support her?I question whether I deserve her, but she thinks I do."


    "James, leave aside the issues about money.If that was not there, would you marry her?"


    "As soon as I could Yi."


    "Then you have your answer.I knew in my situation I had to let your sister make her decision, as I did not want my wealth tainting the decision.But I did not need to doubt her, as she loves me for me.Looking at Alecia, who by the way is shooting daggers at me for talking to you, do you question how she feels about you?"


    "No, that I am certain of."


    "James, she will be happy with what you can do.Now I will tell you the one thing that no one else will say.Follow you heart, as regardless of what the future brings neither you or Alecia will regret your decision.Now, when you are in Australia you can live on a house on the property.That is the least I can do for you and my goddaughter."


    James looked at Hou Yi strangely."Alecia and the boys were not christened until they were five-years-old.Alecia came home from school demanding that Tan made sure she had a godfather like her friends, so I was his choice for them.Given that, I do not want you to feel dependent on me for amodation.I am willing to loan you the money to purchase a property in Australia."


    "For my wedding gift to the two of you will be an apartment here to live in.The two floors below Anna and my apartment are vacant and have two apartments per floor.As I own the building, I will have builders convert them into a two-floor apartment, and make sure it has ess to Anna and my apartment.Alecia is too like her father, that she will not be anything but a canny investor and able to make a profit.Now what can I do to help?"


    "I need to get to the capital tomorrow to the Australia Embassy to try and get the paperwork to marry.I brought all my ID documents I believe I will need, but you are meant to make an appointment month in advance, and then get back to marry tomorrow.We do not have an appointment at.."


    "The Civil Administration Bureau.James let me help.I''ll make the baby jet avable tomorrow morning to take you and Alecia the capital and have a car ready to take you to the embassy.I can contact the embassy and try to speed up the process to get the paperwork and will arrange for ate appointment to obtain your marriage certificate."


    "I suspect you and Alecia will remain an extraday or two before heading back to Austra, with her birthday bring on Saturday.Send most of Alecia''s luggage on the ne with the family, and I will arrange for tickets back to Australia.The bodyguards that Tan or I will arrange to be there for Alecia can meet you at the airport."


    "Thank you, Yi, I do not know what to say."


    "Just promise me you will not hurt my goddaughter, that is all I want."


    "That I can do."


    Alecia had enough of waiting, and came running over "Uncle Yi I hope you are not..."


    "Alecia, you know I would not hurt you.I have told James my wedding present to you two, and he can tell you about it.Plus, if your father has not already put hispany jet at your disposal tomorrow to go to the capital to get the paperwork, I will make the baby jet for that purposes, as well as using my contacts at the embassy to smooth out the process to obtain the necessary paperwork, and work to help arrange the appointment to get your wedding certificate."


    Alecia threw herself into Hou YI''s arms, calling out "Uncle Yi, thank you so much."


    Before they could continue, Amanda called them over, and with the help of Amanda''s friend on the phone, both James and Alecia agreed to the proposed pre-nuptial agreement and it was signed.Hou Yi, meanwhile made the calls he needed, and put into ce the arrangements for James and Alecia tomorrow, working with Yao Tan.

 Chapter 376: Not Just another Friday - Part 1

    <h4>376 Not Just another Friday - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    Anna awoke wrapped in the arms of Hou Yi and could not help herself but start to move slightly, which immediately awoke her husband.


    As he sat up Hou Yi knew from the look on Anna''s face something was troubling her."Anna, what is it?"


    "Yi, I am concerned about ¡­"


    "James and Alecia?" he ended the sentence with.


    "Yes.This is happening so quickly.I just do not know if it is the right thing."


    "Anna despite what we have told everyone, our rtionship is no different.Before you literally knocked me off my feet and we spoke and agreed to marriage, we had only met briefly in passing, firstly at your office and then in the Australian Embassy.I knew on sight that you were the one person I would spend my life with, have children with," and with that he ced his hand on her stomach before leaning down and kissing it."Grow old with.You feel the same about me.Why not could it happen to your brother?"


    "Yi, I can see he cares for her, but she only turns seventeen tomorrow.What is she changes her mind in a couple of months and breaks his heart?Then there is thenguage barrier, I have taken years to be fluent to appropriately interact with people here, but they can tell I am a foreigner who learnt thenguage in adulthood.All James can struggle to say is Hello, do you speak English, please, thank you and goodbye.How long is it going to take him?"


    "Anna, stop worrying.James knows his mind, and you have to trust him to make the right decision for himself."


    "But he has not qualified or started his career."


    "Anna, he will have his career, Alecia will make sure of that."


    "But, what about her?How in the world will she deal with my mother, who as you know still refuses to deal with me as I ''abandoned'' the man she believed treated me correctly.She will make life impossible for a vulnerable girl like Alecia."


    "Sweetheart, you are worrying too much.Of the triplets Alecia is like her father.She is determined, stubborn, intelligent, and has an extremely good business brain.The boys, so Tan says, are more like their mother, people who want to pursue their dreams rather than being grounded in reality.What happened at the hands of those two ¡­"?


    "Narcissistic, egotistical men?"


    "Not quite the words that I was looking for, but they will do.At their hands, which still scares her because she feels vulnerable to them because they have threatened her and forced her to be sexually active in the most abhorrent and vile way.That will not change for her and be her point of vulnerability.However, she is otherwise OK. "


    Pausing, Hou Yi continued "Apparently Alecia gave her father two choices.Option one was to agree to their marriage and maintain a rtionship with them, their future children and Alecia would work in XF International.Option two was to refuse and they would simply wait twelve months, and she would not have a future rtionship with her father.As Alecia is the only triplet wanting an involvement in XF International, Tan does not want to drive her away."


    "When Tan''s father retired, they re-organised their investments to allow them to travel the world without a worry,ing back for visits about four times per year.Themunicate electronically with their grandchildren.Part of that investment re-organisation established trust funds for each of the triplets that they can get ess to as early as reaching twenty-one or marrying and meeting other requirements."


    "Part of those requirements is about their ability to manage money, and they have been tested as they were given six million dors.They boys used it for their sporting dreams and have little to show for it.Alecia waited for a few months and with my help has invested that over thest six months turning it into about eighteen million."


    "The Trustees will likely give her ess to that trust fund after her marriage, the boys at the moment will be unlikely to get ess to most of it until they turn the final ess age of thirty-five.Those skills will ensure that whatever money she and James have it will be enough to properly support themselves and their family."


    "What?!?"


    "Alecia is quite the savvy investor, and she is likely to end up taking over XF International.And in being realistic, your mother is a pussy cat when ites to how Tan is with Alecia, especially given what happened.She convinced him to agree to the marriage, and he has.Plus, she will not have to live with your mother."

 Chapter 377: Not Just another Friday - Part 2

    <h4>377 Not Just another Friday - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Pausing before continuing, with what Hou Yi knew would make Anna angry."I told James yesterday, as a wedding present I would buy them a house in Warrnambool to live in while James finishes his degree, and a ce here.Before you ask why, Alecia is my goddaughter.She she started school her friends talked about their godparents, and she went home and demanded to know why she did not have them.Tan asked me would I be the triplet''s godfather.That entitles me to spoil her somewhat and given James is your brother thest thing I want is for them to struggle when I can help."


    "Yi, I do not know what to say."


    "I just want to take your worries away Anna."With that he leaned over and gave her a kiss, that soon became passionate.He pulled away, and looked at the clock, realizing the time.


    "Sweetheart, if I do not move I will not be free for when James and Alecia obtain their wedding certificate given I have a lot to do in the office today.Before I leave I will ask Rosemary toe in and help you get ready for the day, otherwise it will be an hour or more before either or us get going."


    With that Hou Yi, gave Anna another deep kiss and reluctantly pulled himself away before having a shower and getting ready for the day.While Hou YI was in the shower, Anna went to the wardrobe and located clothes for the day, before heading back to bed.Before he left the room, Hou Yi ced the clothes Anna had selcted into the bathroom before giving Anna another kiss and leaving the room and locating Rosemary to make the arrangements for her to help Anna.


    Twenty minutester Rosemary arrive to help Anna.As Anna was showering they talked aboutst night''s news.


    "Anna, you know I think that husband of yours will have to be wary when your gets to Australia as everyone who was not here will want to kill him."


    "Rosemary, do you know, I do not give a care.I have already debated thisst night and this morning with Yi.His position despite a couple of things is that the two of them will make a go of it.I do not know, but I have to trust James is making the right decision.I suspect, they will in a few years separate, but if we oppose it, we would loose him."


    "True, he seemed happier than I have seen in him years.Living with your mother has be sucking the life slowly out of him.This will get him away from her and in reality she only has herself to me for her children and step-children wanting nothing to do with her."


    "True, and if what Yi has told be about Alecia is true mother will find out what a strong girl is.Apparently Alecia gave her father two choices yesterday, agree to the marriage now and have a rtionship with her in the future or oppose and she would simply wait for twelve months and have nothing to do with him."


    "Vicious.James has found someone who will deal with, and I hate to call your mother this, the witch."


    "Do not worry, you know I have called her worse.James is too soft-hearted when ites to her, and has always tried to excuse her behaviour.The first time she says anything to Alecia he will now tell her were to go."Anna paused as she figured she needed to know the other thing Yi told her.


    "Yi also told me, that they do not have to worry.Apparently, Alecia, along with her siblings was given an amount from their grandparents to judge things about whether they can have ess to certain money and shares given to them.Her brothers used it to support what most people believes is their unattainable sports dreams.Alecia, used it to invest and took six million and within six months turned it into eighteen million."


    "You are kidding me?"


    "From what Yi told me, I am not.So, it means that mother dearest cannot have any influence."


    Rosemary, given Anna was finished helped her out of the shower, and get ready for the day before they went to join everyone for breakfast, and to go out for the day until James and Alecia obtained their wedding certificates.


    As everyone was leaving, Anna reminded the staff that they needed to pack for her family, including James, and have the bags ready to go to the airportter tonight, and to arrange for additional cases if required.

 Chapter 378: Not Just another Friday - Part 3

    <h4>378 Not Just another Friday - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    9am, Police Headquarters


    Lu Jinhu, apanied by three armed corrections officers entered the police station for his pre-arranged interview.He was quickly escorted into an interview room with a corrections officer and two police officers, one of whom was Officer Mu, who was inserting the discs and USB sticks into the recording machines and starting the recordings.


    "Mr Lu, you asked for this interview what can we do?You are aware that you are entitled to a Lawyer present?"


    "I am aware, but I am waiving that requirement as given the terms of house arrest we have limited ess to funds and anywyer will be employed by my father, resulting in this case in a conflict."


    Pointing to the corrections officer, he continued "As this gentleman or his colleagues can confirm I had a visit yesterday from my father, in response to his detention after an incident involved Hou Yi, which I understand urred on Wednesday."


    "Yes Mr Lu.What do you want to say?"


    "Well, from what he told me, you are looking at him over two matters, an attempt to ckmail CEO Hou, and the use of photographs involving his wife."


    "So, ¡­"


    "It would not be surprising that my father, given my former rtionship with Miss Jones has many photographs and film clips involving her, starting from our time at the same university college.I could not be specific on what he has.I advised him of the restraining order, and his needs toply with it."


    "Speaking to my father yesterday, I realised that I may have made a mistake in talking to him about the restraining order, after I spoke to him and corrections staff yesterday.It was my mistake in warning him not to do things that could reflect on us not to use the material that I had sent him over the years involving Miss Jones.I really did not think that using anything he had in his possession from before the restraining order came into ce would be a breach, which I gather he did use.But it appears it is a breach, and in reality it was unintended by my father, and is my fault as I did not rify what would breach the order and tell him.."


    "Mr Lu, thank you for being honest.Assuming your father backs up your statement, I would be rmending that neither of you are charged with breaching the order.It appears you have made an honest mistake.The next time that this happens, there will be no leniency."


    "Thank you sir."


    "Now while you are here, we need to rify something, and I would appreciate your cooperation.The two officers involved in the assault of Madam Hou, have their hearings in the capital on Monday.They each me the other.Given that you cannot be further prosecuted for what happened, would you be willing to cooperate further?"


    Lu Jinhu paused, he knew he had kept his ace up his sleeve to try and restrain his father, and so far did not need to y it.


    "Sir, when the two officers called we exined the situation from our perspective. I made it clear that I was after certain items, and advised them if they secured them I would show my appreciation.My intention was to provide something to benefit the whole police station, not them at all.Even a sum of money that could be used to help people in need.Nothing was agreed to, but it appears there may have been a misinterpretation of our words."


    "We did not talk to them about hurting Miss Jones.It might be that one of the offices may have suggested it, but I cannot recall if that was the case.It might have been the officer named Fang, but I am not certain.One thing that they asked for was dates, particrly as to when Miss Jones and I moved in together.I was not certain, but I could recall telling my parentsso I suggested telephoning my father who most likely would have the exact date as Lu Corporation records would have been changed to reflect that new address."


    "As to what urred in the conversation they had with him, I have no idea.All I had done was message him to let him know the police would contact him to confirm the date when Miss Jones and I moved in together, and that he otherwise answer their questions honestly.We both had doubts as to the validity of the im of Miss Jones and CEO Hou being married, and at the time we were investigating this as no public information provided actual confirmation of their marriage."


    "Without that confirmation my view was that she had obtained the orders in Australia through false representations which would have ensured that she would have been dealt with the legal authorities in Australia.Do you have any more questions.My wife has a doctors appointment at 10:15am, and the corrections officers want to get me there for that."


    "No thank you Mr Lu."Officer Mu stopped the recording, and handed copies to Lu Jinhu and the corrections officer, as they were leaving.


    Once they had left, Officer Mu turned to his fellow officer and said "That was utterly useless.I am guessing his father put the pressure on him regarding Wednesday, as unless we can shake them, neither will be dealt with for breaching the restraining order as well as reducing the attempted ckmail matter to something lesser, unless we are able to prove what he used was faked, because we cannot confirm when he received it."

 Chapter 379: Not just another Friday - Part 4

    <h4>379 Not just another Friday - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile


    James and Alecia walked nervously off Hou Yi''s private ne into the waiting car, to take them to the Australian Embassy.As the sat into the back and were whisked away from the airport, James could sense that Alecia was nervous.


    He took her hands in his before turning to her and asking"Are you sure about this?Just because you told your father what you did yesterday, does not mean that we have to do this.I am happy to wait."


    "James, I would not have said what I did if I was not certain, it seems like you are uncertain if we should be doing this."


    James, decided that words were useless at this exact moment, and leaned over before giving gave Alecia a passionate kiss and then reluctantly pulling away.


    As he sat back is quietly asked "Does that answer your question?"All Alecia could do was simply nod her head.


    James then quietly continued "Alecia you need to realise that this luxury, despite your wealth is something that we will not have in Australia.There is no way that we will have a driver on call.I have a car, yes, it is years old and assuming the bodyguards I know your father will send to keep an eye on you ept that it is OK, we will being using that, and we will not have a second vehicle.And I will not be letting my brother-inw purchase anything other than a simply house for us.Yes we will have a high level security system but that will be it."


    "James, as I have told you, what I have is yours.As to living the ordinary life, in some respects I hate the life that my family''s wealth imposes, staff on tap, no privacy.That is what I want.You better realise though, the only ss I ever struggled with is cooking, so you better be reasonable, or we will be eating take-away all the time."


    "Do you think you should have told me that earlier, I have been known to boil pots dry..."


    Alecia turned andughed at the face James made when she spoke, and he responded."You should have seen your face.Once we were old enough each of us had to spend four days a month in the kitchen, helping to prepare the meals, and under the chef''s supervision we learnt how to cook simple meals.I can cook, and I can follow a recipe."


    "Do not scare me like that."


    Alecia carefully undid her seat-belt and slid over into the seat next to James and did up that seat-belt.She simply leaned on his shoulder, and quietly sat there thinking about what had happened in thest thirty-six hours or so, and what was toe.She knew deep down she had made the right decision, and just hoped James never regretted his.


    When Alecia moved over and put her head on his shoulder James felt a sense of peace.Everything was right.Yes, almost all his friends would think he was mad for making such a quick decision, but he knew he it was the right decision for him.


    Neither of them moved until they arrived at the designated stopping area away from the Australian Embassy.Before James and Alecia could even undo their seat-belts let alone the door the bodyguard assigned to apany them was there opening it for them.James stepped out before helping Alecia out and before leaning back in to gather the case that had all their documents in it and Alecia''s handbag.


    They walked hand in hand to the Australian Embassy entrance with the bodyguard behind them.At the gate James, pulled out the email confirmation of the appointment, and he and Alecia entered the Embassy followed by the bodyguard.They had to wait about ten minutes for the official to be ready for them, and they followed him into an appointment room toplete the necessary paperwork.


    Thirty Minutester, paperwork in hand James and Alecia trailed by the bodyguard walked out of the appointment room, and the Embassy.Once they were through the gates the bodyguard called for the car to meet them at the set-down location.Once they werefortable the returned to the airport and flew back to City T, where they were met by Yao Tan.As they reached the car, Yao Tan, turned to James and handed him his phone, "Yi would like to talk to you."

 Chapter 380: Not just another Friday - Part 5

    <h4>380 Not just another Friday - Part 5</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "Yes," said James tentatively, taking Hou Yi''s call.


    "James, I had so speak to the Tailors at M Mall that have made your other suits yesterday afternoon about the wedding clothes, and asked them could they have a simply suit ready for you early this afternoon.They indicated they could, as they would not need to measure or fit you for it.Apparently your father-inw to be is taking Alecia to M Mall to purchase a dress before your wedding.You can collect your suit from them as it is ready."


    "If you work out that you need anything else Tan has agreed to pay for it and I will reimburse him.He has also agreed to apany you to a jewelers were you and Alecia can select an engagement and wedding rings.I have spoken to the jewelers, and provided you do not go overboard, tehy will send the ount to meBefore you try and protest, Tan will be telling Alecia that those however will being from part of her inheritance that will be transferred to the two of you after today."


    After a few second paused all James quietly responded "I guess all I can say is thank you."


    "James do not tell your sister but it is called self-preservation.She loves you and wants you happy, and that makes her happy.If I have to spend money to achieve that I will."


    "True, stress will..."


    "Do not say it, you know we are not telling anyone for another nine weeks or so.The only reason you know is you were with us when we found out, and Rosemary knows is that her specialist knowledge is important."Hou Yi paused before continuing "Plus, as I told you Alecia is my goddaughter, and she deserves happiness.But you hurt her..."


    "I know, it will be a tossup between you and my father-inw to be as to who will kill me.I actually think my sister might beat you to the punch on that one."


    "Just be calm.Between myself, my assistant and your Tan and his assistant, we have organized everything else, and we have a big family dinner booked for everyone before the rest of your family return.Most of your luggage, and Alecia''s luggage will head back with them as well."


    Hou Yi stopped before asking "Now the only thing, and please talk to Alecia about this, is where you want to stay tonight.Alecia might want to stay with her family so she is there to spend as much of their birthday with her brothers; you can stay with my family at the ancestral home, or I can arrange for a room at one of the hotels Hou Enterprises has an interest in for a room for you tonightAs to your return to Australia you have first ss tickets on a flight with a twenty-four hour stopover in Singapore, and a room room at the Marina Bay Sands, with a car at your disposal."


    "Thanks Yi, I better get going since we have a few things to sort."With that James ended the call and handed Yao Tan his phone back.


    "So, Yi told you then?"


    "He did.I will let Alecia decide about tonight, but it appears that between him and you you are determined to..."


    "I damn well hope that this is the only time Alecia does this as I am struggling to cope.And because of that I want to ensure that today is as memorable as possible for her.Now get in the car, so we can get this shopping over with."


    Once they were all in the car, James turned to Alecia and whispered about the conversation with Hou Yi.She could not believe what her father and godfather were doing for them.She turned to her father and asked "Daddy, could we go to Fengs before the Mall?"


    Yao Tan, realizing that Fengs would be on the way to M Mall, advised the driver to take them there.On entry they were met by Manager Yong who spoke in careful English."CEO Yao, Miss Yao, Mr Jones, CEO Hou called me and confirmed that you would being in today.I am Manager Yong.Can we show you into a VIP Room?"


    James lent over and whispered into Alecia''s ear "What do you want to do?"


    Alecia turned around, and quietly said "James, we will not have this in the future, so ¡­"


    James turned to Manager Yong and replied, "We are happy looking at the moment."


    Yao Tan moved slightly away and indicated to Manager Yong that he wanted to speak to him."When my daughter selects her rings, can you add a ne to match it, and I also want to gift her for her birthday tomorrow, a strand of pearls, matching bracelet and earrings as well as a diamond pendant, dress ring and matching earrings."


    Forty-five minutester Alecia finally found the engagement ring both she and James were happy with, and they decided on simply gold wedding bands without adornment.Following the instructions that Hou Yi had provided, Alecia also selected a pendant that she liked as her birthday present from him for tomorrow.


    While confirming the right length for the pendant from Hou Yi, Manager Yong secretly handed Yao Tan the items that he requested.

 Chapter 381: Not Just Another Friday - Part 6

    <h4>381 Not Just Another Friday - Part 6</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    On leaving Fengs they headed to M Mall, with James disappearing to collect his suit.Alecia, started wandering through various shops to locate a dress wanted to wear when obtaining her marriage certificate


    When she finally located the dress she wanted Yao Tan nced at his watch and observed that they only had ny minutes for the two of them to change and reach the Civil Administration Bureau for their appointment.He hurried them back to his car and headed towards his apartment, calling the staff to arrange a light meal for them.


    On arrival back at the apartment, Yao Tan showed James into the guest room where he could change while Alecia ran to her room to get ready.As Alecia went to her room Yao Tan realised that this was thest time she would be here as his princess daughter, her next time here she would be a married woman.What had he agreed to?


    When he left the guest suite Twenty minutester James located Yao Tan alone in the lounge room.Firmly Yao Tan said."James, I will tell you his but one.You hurt my little girl, I wille after you.Being Yi''s brother-inw will not matter.My children, have been through so much due to my own youthful mistakes."


    "What do you mean?"


    "You know I got their mother, my then girlfriend pregnant when we were both fifteen.I thought I was young and invincible, and that we would be together for life.Teenage pregnancy soon dispelled that view.Neither of us knew she was pregnant until she was about four-and-a-half months along.As she was under eighteen her parents had to consent to her having an abortion, and they refused."


    "When I knew what was happening I offered to do the right thing and marry her, which she refused and her parents tried to force her to ept.She did everything she possibly could to try and end the pregnancy but her parents watched her closely to prevent her from doing that.The only thing she partially achieved was she was starving herself, and she was admitted to prevent her from killing herself and them by that action."


    "The only way her self-harming behaviour was stopped was my parents released a portion of my trust fund to pay her to protect the triplets until they were born.When they were born she was very clear that I paid her more money or the children would be put up for adoption.As an unmarried under-age father I had no rights, but I wanted to be a parent for them."


    "My parents eventually agreed to release most of my trust fund money, about fifty million dors to pay her to sign away her rights to the children to me.She did that freely.For the first few weeks as I was in my end of year exams my parents cared for them to allow me toplete the school year.It was clear from then on, they were my responsibility.They would be an asional baby-sitter, but other than that for years we were refused entry to the family and ancestral home."


    "For the first three years of their lives, all I did was work in low-paying entry level positions at XF International, which was enough to support me and the children.The only positive thing, and in reality it benefited all staff, was a on-site staff creche was established and we did not have to pay for it.We lived in a, what you would call crime-riddled area, because that was all I could afford.That ced them at risk, but I did everything to minimise that because they did not deserve to suffer due to me arrogance and mistakes."


    "Once I proved to my parents that I could care for the children, they agreed to allow us toe back and live in the ancestral home while I finished High School, and that is when Yi and I became friends.I still had to work part-time in thepany.I refused as I was use to being independent by then, but I epted their offer to pay for finishing High School."


    "Once I finished High School the children were ready for primary school, and while I was at university and working most of the time they were at school.Any gaps, my mother helped to care for the children.I worked hard to obtain my university degree in two years, not the normal three years, as that was for the children''s benefit, and I was appointed to a management position in XF International."


    "The children ultimately were at the bottom of my list for emotional support for many years, as I needed to earn my ie to care and support them.I have tried in thest few years to make up for that early neglect, but I know I never will.Alecia resents me as these same things have made me over-protective towards her, as I do not want her to make the same mistakes her mother and I made, but at the same time we have a good rtionship as we are simr in personality."


    "The biggest issue is that about every eighteen months or so their mother re-surfaces making problems until I pay her off to leave the children alone.I learnt early on, if I did not she would make their lives a misery for months."


    "Now I will make this very clear, and only tell you once, you hurt her, it will be thest thing you do.


    I will protect her from you if I have to."


    After having listened to the story, James understood why Yan Tan and Hou Yi were protective of Alecia, and he knew thar he had to be the same."I will do everything I can to avoid hurting her at all."


    "That is all I can ask."

 Chapter 382: Not Just another Friday - Part 7

    <h4>382 Not Just another Friday - Part 7</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Before James could further respond to what Yao Tan said, Alecia entered the lounge area wearing an cream dress with flowers around the hem.Yan Tan, reached to the side of him and picked up the flowers he ced there earlier before handing them to James.James turned and handed them to his bride, and the left to head to the Civil Administration Bureau.


    Alecia and James headed to the elevator, and waited for Yao Tan.James quietly asked "Alecia have you made up your mind as to where we should spend tonight.I know my preference, but what do you want to do?"


    "While I would like spend as much time with my brothers tomorrow on our birthday, there is no way I want to spend our wedding night with my family.I have two bags packed, one for tonight and one for our trip to Australia.Uncle Yi has already organised with Dad for the bulk of my luggage to go with your family tonight to Australia."


    "Hotel then?I do not think I could stay with Hou Yi''s family tonight.Giving you want you want tonight is the best I can do given how rushed obtaining our marriage certificate is."


    Alecia nodded and then lent into James, while they sat there waiting for Yao Tan to return.When he did, they headed into the elevator and to the foyer, waiting for a car toe and take them close to the Civil Administration Bureau.


    As they walked into the za out front of the Civil Administration Bureau, James and Alecia saw who was waiting for them.Hou Yi and Anna, Amanda, Hou Jang, Du AnLing, Deng Xi, Hou Yi''s grandparents, Rosemary, Reba, all the children, Alecia''s brothers, and another couple who looked the same age as Hou Yi''s parents and they were unknown to James.


    Alecia''s brothers however did not seem to be impressed that they were there, which Yao Tan immediately responded and with Amanda''s help dragged the two of them away for a few minutes.It could be easily heard that they were being reprimanded for trying to spoil Alecia''s day.


    Alecia walked over to the couple, dragging James with her, and as they arrived she said in English "James, this is my dad''s parents."Continuing, however in her native tongue Alecia continued "Grandfather, Grandmother, James does not speak ournguage, but his sister" with that she was pointing to Anna "who is married to my Uncle Yi does, and I would suspect that he will soon learn, particrly with my help."


    Grandmother Yao continued "Alecia, while I indulge you with your name, I have to admit when your father told me what you did yesterday, I was surprised.While you are so much like him, I never thought you would stand up to him and bluntly give him two option, given how much he has always tried to protect you.Congrattions girl."


    "In speaking to Amanda, who introduce my to your soon to be sister-inw, and your Uncle Yi, I soon figured out that your young man wants the best for you.Now, while I did not bring it for you, I have at the ancestral home for you a number of family heirloom jewelry pieces.I will bring them to you tomorrow."


    "Traditionally they should have gone to Amanda, but she told me when she and your father got their marriage certificate that she wanted them to be kept for you.Your grandfather and I also want to give the two of you some additional money, as I understand your young man is finishing off his university degree."


    "He is grandmother.He only has a few months on a nursing degree, to be a nurse like his sister, and one of his sister''s-inw."


    "An unusual choice for a man."


    "That does not bother me grandmother."


    "Now sweetheart, you should not be here talking to your grandmother.I would suggest that you need to rescue your husband-to-be from your grandfather who looks like he wants to debate a number of things with him."


    Meanwhile, as soon as Alecia started talking with her grandmother, her grandfather in English started to interrogate James.


    "Young man, why should I let you marry my granddaughter?"


    "Grandfather Yao, I do not think it is a case of you letting me marry your granddaughter.She and her father had an argument before he agreed, and anyway she had made up her mind as to what she wanted to do.I love her and her decision gives me my heart''s content."


    "Well how are you going to support her?I cannot let her go to just anyone."

 Chapter 383: Not Just Another Friday - Part 8

    <h4>383 Not Just Another Friday - Part 8</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "Sir, that is our decision on how we will support each other.Alecia is highly intelligent, and while she ising to Australia with my so I can finish my degree ¡­"


    "Business I hope?"


    "Actualy no, I am studying .."


    "You are going to be awyer like your sister."


    "Grandfather Yao, no.I am studying to be a nurse."


    "Men are not nurses, that is a woman''s job."


    "Grandfather Yao, nursing is a profession, as much as being a doctor is.It is about caring for people and supporting them in dealing with their health."


    "But that will not support my granddaughter."In a much louder voice he demanded "Tan get here now.How dare you let this ¡­"


    "Fahter calm down.Alecia and I hae debate this, and he is her choice.Let it be."


    "Well you and I ¡­"


    "Father, no we will not be debating it.Once James finishes his degree they areing back here and Alecia will join thepany on a part-time basis while studying for her degree. As to financial support you know the money you gave them for their sixteenth birthday she apparently has tripled it in six months, so financially they will be fine."


    As Yao Tan finished giving information to his father, Alecia came back over and red at her grandfather, as if to say, stop bullying my fianc¨¦.


    Meanwhile, standing to the side watching everything was Hou Yi and Anna, reflecting on theirst time they were here, and they obtained their own marriage certificate.Hou Yi looked down at his wife, who despite beign slightly ufortable standing on her crutches was happy to be here.


    "Anna, sweetheart how much has changed since we werest here?"


    "Yi, darling, there has been such a dramatic shift.We left here with unusual expectations ande back here realising how we really feel about each other and with our life ahead of us."


    With that Hou Yi leaned down and gave Anna a kiss, but it was soon interrupted by the children yelling out. "E.Uncle Yi, Aunty Anna, we do not need to see that."


    Pippa then piped up "Well, I suppose it is no different to what we see all our parents do."Rosemary and Reba could not contain themselves and started tough.


    Hou Yi looked at his watch and realised that they were just about at the time for the booking, and called out in English "Come on everyone, we need to get moving."With that everyone started to head towards the entrance for the Civil Administration Bureau.


    Once inside, James and Anna, with Hou Yi and Yao Tan went up and confirmed their appointment.Rather than into a small office, everyone was shown into arger room where there was seating for 30 to watch for formal process for James and Alecia to obtain their wedding certificate.


    Anna, on entering took a seat at the back of the room and Hou Yi slipped into the chair beside her.While everyone else was entering the room Anna rested her head on Hou Yi''s shoulder while waiting for the whole process to start.


    Due to James only speaking English, the process was done in bothnguages.As the official started to drone on, Anna turned to Hou Yi and said quietly "Was our ceremony like this?"


    Hou Yi whisphered into Anna''s ear "It was, but the oue ¡­"


    "Ended up being so much more than either of us expected" Anna whispered in finishing thement.


    As the process went on, the Lawyer in Anna found it fascinating.How it process went on to ensure that theyws wereplied with.None of that sank in when she and Hou Yi obtained their marriage certificate or the times subsequent to that where she had watched the process.


    It was different to the process in Australia where people had to filing their notice of intent to marry through to their ceremony religious or civil, and in the location that they wanted.Here the legalities were all performed in a government office with the wedding ceremony being about fun, family and friends, without the stress of legalities.


    As Anna looked at James and Alecia during the process they both appeared to be so consumed with the it.For them it was a momentus asion that was appearing to consume all their thoughts.Who would ever have thought James, would have changed from the person he was even at Christmas just past.All he wanted to do, was to go out and party with his friends.Now, he found something that was more important than anything to him.

 Chapter 384: Not just another Friday - Part 9

    <h4>384 Not just another Friday - Part 9</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Around the room, people were watching what was urring.Rosemary and Reba were surprised that all the children were sitting calmly.Usually when they are together none of them can remain calm, and despite their angelic features the worst offenders were always Pippa and Hannah, most likely because they had little choice at home.


    Rosemary felt a tug on her top sleeve.It was Pippa "Aunty Rosemary, Uncle James really loves Aunty Alecia doesn''t he?"


    "He does Pippa.Now you need to be very quiet, and let everything finish.Can you do that for me?"


    "Yes Aunty Rosemary."


    Pippa sat watching her Uncle James and her new Aunty Alecia.When Aunty Rosemary, Auntry Reba and Aunty Anna told them what was happening, none of her cousins or Hannah could believe what they were being told.She always thought that Uncle James would never get married.


    He never seemed like her mummy and daddy, Aunty Rosemary and Uncle Ben, Auntry Reba and Uncle Adam, Aunty Anna and Uncle Yi.All he seemed to do, if she remembered what her mummy said was to party and get drunk with his friend.That never sounded good, whatever it was.


    However, Uncle James and Aunty Alecia had the same looks she kept seeing particrly with her mummy and daddy.The only thing Pippa was worried about was how Granny and Poppy would take to Alecia.She remembered Granny''s reaction at the nice restaurant when Aunty Anna and Uncle Yi came to visit.


    Granny hates Uncle Yi, but he is nice.He had Aunty Rosemarye out to help Aunty Anna, and then he had a big nee and bring there here.There was no one else on the ne.Then he introduced them to Grandma AnLing, Grandpa Jang, Grandma Hou, Grandpa Hou and Aunty Xi, and with their help let them have lots of fun.She cannot wait to tell all her friends what she did at school.No one will believe her.


    While continuing to watch her Uncle James and Aunty Alecia, Pippa could still not worry about how Granny will treat Aunty Alecia.Hopefully she will be nice to Aunty Alecia, because she really makes Uncle James happy.


    Across the room Alecia''s grandparents who happened to be in the country for the triplets birthday tomorrow, were surprised when they went to XF International''s office to find out not only had their son finally married Amanda Mei, but that he was not in the office.One thing, in all the years since the triplets had been born was that he demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice himself.


    Eventually they were able to reach him on his mobile, and were not so worried when he said he was in a meeting at Hou Enterprises.Yes Hou Yi had been somewhat a bad influence on Tan when he had returned to school when the triplets were three.While he helped support Tan, while he studied, worked and cared for the children, he interfered in the lessons that they were trying to teach Tan.


    At least weekly he had Tan to his family home, and family spoiled Tan and the triplets, with little gifts, cash, general help, and so they found out yearster babysitting so the two of them could go out at least twice a month and Tan be a normal young adult, rather than just a single parent raising three children, and having to financially support them.However, Hou Yi, despite their misgivings has always stayed a true friend, and that they could not fault him for.


    However, Tan drops a bombshell, that he has agreed to let Alecia marry Hou Yi''s 22-year-old brother-inw.They did not know who was worse at that exact moment, their son or his friend.Who was responsible for allowing that?


    Unlike the boys, they knew Alecia was so much like her father it was scary.She always knew her mind, but Tan''s problem was that was over protective, and that is why that incident six months ago happened.They wanted to know who harmed their granddaughter, but no-one, even the boys were talking.


    The one thing, that they realised when Alecia arrived with her fianc¨¦ outside the Civil Administration Bureau they observe something that they have not observed in Alecia before.A level of maturity, that despite her intelligence that had been missing before.She was happy, andfortable in the decision, so maybe Tan was right.The other thing noticeable was that there was a weight lifted off her shoulders, as if she had talked about what had happened six months ago.That could only be a good thing.

 Chapter 385: Not Another Friday - Part 10

    <h4>385 Not Another Friday - Part 10</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    At the front of the room, watching carefully the proceedings was Yao Tan.Despite not wanting to see his little girl move on her life, just watching her make themitment to James reassured him that he had made the right decision, despite it breaking his heart.Yes, he loved his boys Ton and Junior, but Alecia was special and regardless of what she did she would always be his princess.


    Looking at Ton and Junior, they were sulking and making it clear that they did not want to be here.In that respect they were so much like their mother, who always had to be the centre of the room, and she pouted and sulked if that did not happen.Alecia was right, they could not see anything other that themselves.


    Their focus was on bing elite athletes and he fed that dream, as much as he had fed Alecia''s dream of entering the business world now and piano and dance lessons when younger.When they really talkedst night, as she said, she loved ying the piano and dancing, she knew that she was skilled but had no real talent to make a career out of it.


    Alecia was realistic, it was a passion but would not be a career. Real life, she knew meant she had to have a career but she could still indulge in her passions.She told him that the Ton and Tan had to face that reality, they were good but not that good enough to make a career of their sports dreams.She said that he needed to tell them they had 12 months to make a career possible or they had to go to university and study something and make career and indulge in their passion outside the career.That was a conversation he was not looking forward to.


    He turned back, and noticed the look on his daughter''s eyes, and could not stop himself from getting a few tears in his eyes.


    Ton and Junior, however, were sitting there watching Alecia be the centre of everyones attention.That was not fair.They knew, as when they spoke to their mother earlier today, she confirmed what they knew they were talented and should be the centre of attention, not Alecia.


    They just had to suffer through the bnce of today until tomorrow when the celebrated their birthday, then the natural order would be restored.They would return to their correct positions, them the centre of attention, and Alecia just a side yer in their world.The good things about this though would be that theuir father would have more money for them to pursue their sports dreams.


    As they had talked to each other beforeing they knew that they were only a little bit away from achieving their dreams and the extra money that their dad could give them would ensure that they could achieve it.The other thing, is that her suite would be free and they knew one of them could take that, and the other would remain in their joint suite upstairs.


    At the front of the room, James and Alecia, were not only focused on what was happening, but on each other.They did not even register the attention that they were receiving from their family around them.The time just simply flew by and before they knew, the official was handing them their marriage certificates, their joint household register, James'' newly issued household register and returning Alecia''s to her.


    As they turned around, Tan, handed to James a ring box from Fengs that held the two wedding bands that they had seletected.James opened it and turned iot to Alecia for her to remove his band.He took Alecia''s band out and handed the box back to his father-inw.He quickly took Alecia''s hand and slipped the ring on her finger, before she turned around and did the same.


    The official indicated to them that the had another couple waiting to use the room, so they all slowly left the room, and the Civil Administration Bureau, before heading back to the Hou Ancestoral Home, where Hou Yi had arranged a small buffet meal for the couple, given Rosemary, Reba and the children had their flight back to Australia tonight, taking with them Alecia and James items, and the bodyguards that had been assigned to them and to remain for Alecia and James.


    As soon as they entered the breakfast room, it was obvious to see that the staff had creted a simply buffet, and a space for everyone to rx and eat on the patio outside.James escorted Alecia directly outside and they sat down on a couch, before Pippa ran straight over and said "Can I have a hug Aunty Alecia?"


    Alecia looked at James, who lent over and whispered "You better get use to it, Pippa in particr loves hugs from everyone, and I guess you are going to be her faourite person very quickly."


    Alecia, however, was reluctant to pick her up, and James realised that she needed some help, and turned to Pippa "How about giving me a hug first, and they your Aunty Alecia?"


    "OK Uncle James," and Pippa let James pick her up for a hug.She then lent over, and Alecia then moved in and gave her a hug.Once Pippa was happy she got down and ran off with everyone else.


    For the next few hours, everyone except the boys enjoyed themselves having a meal, and interacting, before Rosemary, Reba and the children had to leave for the airport and their flight home.Junior and Ton, however found a corner and sulked, until they realised that Alecia and James had disappeared.

 Chapter 386: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 1

    <h4>386 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 1</h4>


    Saturday


    Alecia awoke to her being pulled back into the body behind her and realised that it was James pulling her back into his arms.As she hit his chest, he whispered into her ear, "Good Morning Mrs Jones, and Happy Birthday."


    Alecia turned herself in his arms and looked directly into his eyes."Good morning my husband."


    James lent over and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.Alecia, however, was not going to allow him to stop at just that.She knew how amazingst night had been after they arrived in the hotel suite arranged by her Uncle Yi.James only focused on what she wanted and it made her understand and ept that what happened six month prior was also designed to be degrading, abusive and taint her as much as it was about forced s*xual intercourse.That made letting go of those memories so easy.


    James spent time simply kissing her and giving her so much pleasure before they sealed their marriage through consummating the marriage.That moment was perfection.


    Alecia on deepening the kiss would have nothing of James pulling away.She grabbed his shoulders and pushed his down on the bead and moved her body over his while continuing to kiss him.As Alecia straddled him, James felt how quickly his bride was arousing him, but let her continue for a few minutes before gently pushing his shoulders up.


    "Darling, I need to get protection."


    "James I do not give a care."And with that she started to rub herself arousing James even further, to the point that he grabbed her hips and moved her just enough toe down on him, and she quickly realised what he wanted.


    Some timeter, Alecia looked at James and said, "That was a wonderful way to start the day."


    However, before either of them could speak further Alecia''s phone started to ring.Laying on top of James, she moved enough to answer it and say "Hello"


    "Happy Birthday baby girl."


    "Daddy, it is early."


    "Alecia it is almost 11am.The number of your friends who have called has driven us insane, and we have the party in a small ballroom at the hotel at 1pm.I have sent your clothes to you."


    "Daddy, leave us alone.We will be there."


    James took the phone out of Alecia''s hand, and as he was hanging it up, he heard Yao Tan saying "Alecia do not make mee up¡­"


    Pulling Alecia into his arms, James rolled them over so he was on top.However as he lent down to kiss her they were interrupter by a knock on the door, and then heard who was outside call out "Apologies but we have a delivery."Alecia knew that this was the delivery her father had told her about.


    "James, we better get the door.Dad said he was having something delivered but I did not think it would be so soon."


    Reluctantly, James stood up, and located a nearby dressing gown and when an answered the door, with a harsh "Yes.''


    "Sir we were requested to deliver this bag, and a light breakfast for you."


    James grabbed the bag and turned to Alecia who nodded about the breakfast being brought in.


    "Bring it in and get out quickly."


    "Yes Sir."


    Within two minutes, the staff set up breakfast and left the room.Alecia then climbed out of bed, taking the bag from James'' hand and dropping it on the floor before slipping off his dressing gown.As she was lent in to give James a kiss, she said, "We have a couple of choices before heading down for the party, back to bed for an hour or so, and a quick shower or a long shower¡­"


    While A long shower was tempting, James quickly realise returning to bed was the best option and pulled his wife gently with him.As he sat down on the on the bed, he pulled Alecia between his legs, beforeying back, pulling her down on top of him, while giving her a passionate kiss speaking of the desperation and short time they had before the party.


    As shended on James, Alecia was determined there was one final thing she wanted to banish from that awful night six months ago.James had shown her the night before now much kissing her body could arouse her, and she knew before they headed to the party she was determined to do the same for him.His actions gave her the perfect opportunity to do so.


    As she started to kiss down his torso, James immediately knew what Alecia was going to do.He reached down to pull her up.Alecia looked up at him through lidded eyes and said, "James I want to do this, I need to do this."With that she reached down with her hands and started to caress his erect p*nis before moving down and starting to take him into her mouth.


    Given what had happened, James knew Alecia had no real idea about performing oral s*x on him, so he reached down and started to gently move her head as he could feel her simply sucking him."Sweetheart, you should move your head up and down, but please be careful with your teeth."


    Alecia, following that suggestion started to move her mouth, she continued to use her hands to arouse James.Very quickly James knew his bride, despite her unskilled actions had him to the point that he was about toe in her mouth.There was no way that he wanted that so as he reached down, to pull her head up he said "Alecia, I need toe inside you, not this way."


    With that he gently rolled Alecia onto her back, and started to kiss her, and moving down her body ...

 Chapter 387: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 2

    <h4>387 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 2</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Fourty minutes, Alecia and James stirred from their bed and James realised it was almost noon, leaving only an hour to get ready for the party.As he sat up he said "Alecia, we need to get moving, otherwise I could almost guarantee that we will have your father and others up here."


    Alecia turned and looked up at James and said "But you could join me ¡­"


    "If I did that, we would bete.I would guess that the bag has your dress plus makeup and jewelry to wear, and that you will take some time to get ready.You better head in to shower first."James got out of the bed and picked up the bag Alecia had previously taken from him and carried it into the bathroom.


    Alecia was disappointed that she would not convince her husband to change his mind, so she climbed out of the bed and walked over to where the hotel staff had previously put their light breakfast.On noticing orange juice she poured herself a ss, and quickly ate some fruit.


    James walked over and gave her a kiss before taking the ss before gently pushing her towards the bathroom.When Alecia was in the bathroom, he was grateful he had taken Hou Yi''s advice and kept another new suit to wear today, and located that and all his other items to head into the bathroom when Alecia was finished.While waiting he sat down and nibbled at the foot that had been brought in for them earlier.


    Thirty minutester Alecia exited the bathroom, and literally took James'' breath away with the dress she was wearing.While he wanted to do something about it he knew they only had twenty minutes before needing to head downstairs for the party.


    As he exited the bathroom, Alecia was slipping on her shoes, and he saw that she had ced them for him to easily slip them on.


    Taking the room key, they existed and went downstairs, where they found Yao Tan, Amanda Mei, Junior, Ton, Alecia''s grandparents, Hou Yi and Anna all waiting for them.


    Ton, angry that Alecia had kept them waiting, spat out "Why did you keep us waiting.Everyone will be here any minute."


    There was stunned silence before Yao Tan sharply responded "Ton that waspletely uneptable.You need to grow up.Today is not just about you."


    "Well it needs to be about us, given yesterday was about her."With than he pointed to Alecia."We were totally ignored.Now she will spoil this party."


    Alecia had enough of Ton and to everyone but James walked over to her brother and gave him a light p on his head."It is about the three of us, and we are also celebrating Dad''s birthday in a couple of days.Grow up."


    As she turned and walked away, James reached out and pulled her in for a hug.


    Yao Tan decided that they better get inside the room before the situation deteriorated and he guests arrived, so between him and Amanda Mei, the each grabbed on of the boys and dragged them into the room with everyone else following behind.


    Across the foyer, there was one interesting observer to the by-y between.CEO Lu observed the Yao girl, and how much he wished it was night again, so he could drag her away and have another repeat of six months ago.That little b*tch had been protected so much that he was unable to get her again, and continue what he had started in making a little w*ore out of her.


    CEO Lu knew how stupid he had been previously in trusting that idiot of a son get and hand over the material to enable him to ckmail Yao Tan into handing over chunks of money and his business to protect his little girl.His son was refusing to had over anything other than a grainy image, and despite his searching he had not located the material which his ungrateful child was holding that over his head.


    He needed that now to disrupt whatever that b*stard Hou Yi was doing, given he was close to Yao Tan.His shot at ckmailing Hou Yi failed now his only hope was Yao Tan, otherwise Lu Corporation would be in trouble.Despite the work of thepany executives no one really understood, given how he kept control, that everything was a finely bnced act, which relied on the money and his other ckmail efforts.While the Entertainment Division made a profit it would not be enough to sustain Lu Corporation as everything else was basically break even at the moment, and the international investments would take time to return a good profit.

 Chapter 388: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 3

    <h4>388 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 3</h4>


    **Warning this chapter contains s*xually explicit material and discussions of forced s*xual intercourse and therefore is not suitable for those under 18 years of age**


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Now CEO Lu has spotted that little w*ore and he wanted to try and get his hands on her again, this time to ensure that he had the material to ckmail Yao Tan and his family.The only thing was who was that man with her?He had to go, given he seemed welded to her.However he was realistic that he needed help to grab her, and decided that he needed to call one of his friends who also enjoyed girls like Alecia Yao toe here so when they grabbed her he could continue where he had left off previously.


    So to prevent being overheard, he moved to a quite corner in the foyer and made his phone call.Help was going to be about an hour.Thinking about what he would do to Alecia Yao this time, was starting to make him ufortable.Looking across the foyer he spotted a 17-year-old member of the cleaning staff of the Key za Hotel, that he had already turned into what he needed.She was moving towards where he was sitting, given there was a camouged door for staff to use nearby.As she was getting closer, he moved across and cut off her path.


    "Little girl, I want you at that location you know well in five minutes, otherwise I will be telling management about your little attempt to thieve my watch."He had shown her previously the photographs he had ensured he set up the first time he used her of her attempt to take her watch.


    He knew there was no way she could loose her job as she needed it to support her family and that ensured herpliance.


    She looked down, and quietly said "Yes Sir" before walking through the hidden door.


    CEO Lu, moved and exited the hotel into the gardens and moved to the CCTV Blind spot that he used for these ongoing little activities with these easy to manipte girls.Unlike prostitutes, he never had to pay them, he was not worried about diseases, and given the ckmail material he had on them they would nevere at him, as he would ruin them.


    As soon as he arrived, he undid his pants and two minutes after he arrived, his little whore turned up.He forced her immediately onto her knees and told her to perform oral s*x on him until he told her to stop.He immediately dropped his pants and underwear, and as a good well-trained little w*ore she immediately closed her lips around his p*nis and started to perform oral s*x on him.


    It immediately made him think about how it felt when he forced his penis into that Yao girl, and this made him immediatelye, as that was the best he had in a while given her levels of fear.The little w*ore pleasuring him kept going for a couple of minutes and has he pulled out, he told her to swallow.


    He saw the look of fear in her eyes which immediately aroused him again.He told he to stand up drop her underwear.He then forced her to turn around and bend down, before pulling up her skirt.He decided to do something with this little w*ore he had not done since the first time he used her and quickly forced his p*nis into her a*al passage.


    CEO Lu''s victim wanted to scream out in pain, but she knew after thest time she did that with this man, he arranged for her to be so badly beaten on her way home to deliver the message that he could do what he liked to her, and she had to shut up, take it and pleasure him otherwise he would not only have her beaten again her family would be killed.She just wished he would leave her alone, as this was so degrading and hurt so much.


    It did not take CEO Lu long to again ejacte, as for him he was imagining doing this again to Alecia Yao.


    As he pulled out this time, he turned her and said, "You need to remain here.I have some things to to and will be back, and you will have some more things to do.If you are not here, remember your family will pay the price."With that he cleaned himself up and returned inside.

 Chapter 389: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 4

    <h4>389 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 4</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile, inside the event room there the birthday party was happening due to Ton''s outburst Alecia decided to step back a little.Ton and Junior were always unpredictable in their behaviour towards her when they perceived they were not the centre of attention.Yesterday, she could see how much they were not coping, given the focus was on her and James.


    As she took James'' hand she quietly said "James, let us step back.My brothers cannot cope unless they are the centre of attention all the time.That is why they acted like spoiled brats yesterday."


    "Alecia, it is also your birthday as well."


    "I really do not care.I just want to enjoy today, so can you..."


    "Whatever you say."And with that he lent down and gave her a brief kiss on the lips, and let Alecia drag him off to the side.


    Very soon after Alecia and James moved to the side the doors on the room swung open and guest started to arrive.To James, from a somewhat outsider''s point of view everyone easily greeted his brothers-inw and father-inw, but very few initially sort out Alecia.They simply stood walking to Anna and Hou Yi.


    It was not until James noticed that for at least five minutes Yao Tan had been signaling for Alecia toe over, that he turned and whispered in her ear "Alecia, your Dad is after you to go over with him and the boys."


    Alecia turned to James and responded, "Why should I be bothered, my brothers do not want me there."


    "Alecia it is your birthday as well, go and enjoy it."


    "I am happy here."With that she reached up and pulled James head down for a kiss.


    Alecia decided for herself that she was going to ignore her father for now and move away from where she was with James before finding a quiet corner simply to sit with hom.Anyone who wanted to talk to her coulde and find her.


    James, turned and noticed someone looking inside from the outside patio/Balcony area, staring at Alecia.He had no idea who this older person was, and decided to turn to Hou Yi, and ask.He tapped him on the shoulder and said quietly "Yi, who is that staring in from that balcony?"


    Hou Yi turned, and soon as he spotted it, James could see his brother-inw tensing up.In a low, but angry and aggressive voice he responded "That b*stard, I though I would have taught him the other day not to try and mess with my family and friends.Maybe I need to give him another lesson?"


    "Who is he?" responded James in the same quiet tone he had used.


    "You remember that, lets say idiot, that I know you and your brothers all want to kill ..."


    "Lu Jinhu?"


    "Yes. That is his father."


    "F*ck, do not let Alecia know, you know that he was involved in what happened to her?"


    "Yes, Anna told me.I will arrange for extra security.There is no way that we need him here.He is, put it politely all p*ssed off with me, as he tried to ckmail me and I turned the tables on him."


    "What did you do?"


    "Set him up and the police are looking at him for assault and ckmail.And it was so pleasurable dealing with him when he assaulted me as I responded in kind.I just wish it had been his son, as that would have been better.But you better not tell your sister, she will kill me if she knows I used violence."


    "Given what you are doing for Alecia and I, that is a secret I can keep for you."


    James looked over and noticed Alecia was talking to a group of girls about her age, so he decided that after letting his father-inw know who was observing he would go over.As soon as he reached Yao Tan, he quietly pulled him aside, and said "Sir, I just noticed someone staring at Alecia from outside.My brother-inw said it was CEO Lu, and that he was going to arrange for extra security around to protect my wife."


    He immediately noticed the look on his father-inw''s face, and continued "Alecia, I do not believe noticed him."


    "Thanks goodness that is thest thing needed today."With that Yao Tan left James alone and walked over to his friend to further talk.

 Chapter 390: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 5

    <h4>390 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 5</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile, as Alecia walked away from James, Anna and Hou Yi, three girls swooped in, enveloping her in a goup hug.One was about her height but with dyed red hair, another was a couple of inches taller than her with blond hair and the third one was taller again, but with jet ck hair.


    "Hi Melissa, Jessica and Sally, good to see you."


    "Happy Birthday Alecia" they all echoed before letting go.


    "Howe you were not with your stuck-up brothers?When we walked in the only thing, they were interested in was them," responded the red-head.


    "Melissa, you know them as well as I do, unless they are the centre of attention..."


    "They act like spoiled brats," came the tallest girl.


    "Sally, you know I hate when someone..."


    "Finishes off your sentences" responded Jessica. "We know.You tell us all the time."


    "Now what have you been doing with yourself thisst week, girl.You are so lucky that you have finished all your assessments. I did myst one yesterday, and Jessica and Melissa have theirst one the end of theing week." Asked Sally.


    "A little of this and a little of that.Dad finally got his marriage certificate with Amanda Mei, so as you can imagine that has been an adjustment, and the two idiots over there have been like a little children who have had their lolly-pops taken away.Dad, for at least five or six years as put any life on hold with Amanda for us, and I have no problem, as she loves Dad and that is important."


    "Forget about your father, girl, who was that hunky white guy you were kissing before?I am surprised that your dad even lets him within ten metres of you.I could just eat him up."


    "He is mine, Melissa.Get your eyes off him."


    "You go girl, who would ever have thought you would have it in you."


    Aleica looked over and spotted the boys looking in her direction and observing her talking to Melissa, Jessica and Sally.If looks could kill, she would be dead, because they hated the fact that her closest friends saw through their behaviour.


    "Look, at the moment I am in the do not p*ss off Junior and Ton mode, and they are not happy that you are talking to me."Alecia was pointing at the two of them and their looks, when suddenly Melissa noticed the rings on Alecia''s finger.


    Grabbing her hand, and turning it to see the rings, Melissa simply had to ask the question "What in the world?They better be dress rings."


    Before Alecia could respond James walked over and ignoring the looks from her friends, bent down and gave her a quick but to any outside observerpletely passionate kiss, before reluctantly pulling away.He then turned to look at the three girls with his wife and before he could say anything Alecia reached up and ced two fingers over his mouth.


    James instinctively knew Alecia wanted to speak particrly having overheard thest part of her conversation with them before he came over.He decided he had to tease his wife a little before she spoke and gently pulled her fingers away from his mouth, before turning the hand palm up, and giving it a gentle kiss.


    The eyes on the faces of the three girls went wide, and before anything got out of hand Alecia looked at James, and he could see that she wanted whisper something to him.James bent down and Alecia whispered, "These are my friends, please behave."


    "As if I would not sweetheart."


    Alecia when whispered "You better" and to get a measure of revenge for the kiss on the palm she blew on James right ear and then gently tugged it with her teeth.


    Alecia turned to her friends and started to speak in English, so they received the message without her having to be blunt. "James, let me introduce to my friends."Pointing to each as she introduced them "This is Melissa Yu, Jessica Long, and Sally Ge."


    "It is nice to meet youdies."


    "Well, who is he?"asked Sally.


    "Patience everyone, you will ruin the surprise."


    "Do not be a spoilsport Alecia, tell or we will go and harass your brothers and you know they will spill."


    "Fine, this is James Jones.His sister is married to my godfather Hou Yi, and ¡­"


    "Quit stalling," responded Jessica


    "He is my husband."

 Chapter 391: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 6

    <h4>391 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 6</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    "What!" said a stunned Melissa, while Jessica dropped the ss in her hand and Sally''s mouth was just opened with nothinging out.


    James moved behind Alecia, and wrapped his arms around her while she said "No we are not kidding.We obtained our marriage certificate yesterday."


    "And your dad agreed?"Continued Melissa


    "He did, after some discussions."


    James looked at Alecia''s friends and could see that they wanted to talk in depth with her, so he bent down and quietly whispered "Sweetheart, your friends look like they want to talk to you further, but without me."


    Alecia turned in his arms and whispered, "But I do not care..."


    "But remember where we are going tonight."With that James lent down and gave Alecia a brief kiss before moving away towards Anna.


    "Alecia he is so sweet.Damn, we all wish we met him first." Immediately said Sally


    "So girl, when are you going to take him out with us?" followed up Jessica


    "After we all finish exams?" then came in Melissa


    "Sorry guys I will not be here.James and I are heading to Australia.He has a few months to finish his degree and then we are returning, and I am going to take up a position in XF International, and go to university myself."


    "You are meant to have fun.You know we all promised each other that we would do that when we finished."


    "My life changed the day I met James, and to be truthful I do not regret any change."


    Meanwhile


    James walked towards Anna and he could observe the closer he got the more she was tensing up.She had spotted CEO Lu looking in from outside, staring alternatively at her and Alecia.Rather than immediately saying something he turned around and started to scan the room to locate him brother -inw.When he eventually spotted Hou Yi, he and Yao Tan were talking to a number of other gentlemen.James changed direction and headed over towards them, and despite not understanding what was being said guessed they were talking about business.


    As he arrived at the group he tapped Hou Yi on his shoulder.Once he finished speaking, he turned and noticed it was James.James quietly said "Anna has noticed..."


    As soon as Hou Yi heard Anna''s name he turned towards his wife, and observed Anna staring at the balcony doors and had spotted CEO Lu.This time, rather than getting the security to move him out of site, he was going to take action.He tapped Yan Tan on his shoulder and as he turned around, Yao Tan also noticed who was looking in.Hou Yi said quietly "Let us handle it."


    With that Hou Yi and James turned away and James followed Hou Yi out the reception room door, and into the foyer before exiting the door into the gardens and walking along the balcony towards the CEO Lu.Hou Yi noticed how focused he was on looking inside the room rather than paying attention to who was outside with him.


    Hou Yi stopped James and quietly said "I will go one side and if you can go the other side."


    "Not a problem.I saw him not only looking at Anna, but he was staring at my wife again."


    "Not a problem."


    James slowly walked behind Hou YI who walked around passed CEO Lu and to his other side.When he was in position Hou Yi, tapped CEO Lu on the shoulder, and with a start he turned around and as soon as he saw it was Hou Yi he started to take a couple of steps backwards, and backed into James, and turned with a scowl on his face and looked at James.


    James decided to y dumb, and said "I did not realise people here were so rude as to stare at people and not use any manners when they back into people."


    "Get the f*ck out of my way."


    "I do not feel like it, and I think the gentleman here has something to say to you."


    James looked over at Hou YI and realised how he was loving this unsettling of this b*stard.This was fun and when Hou Yi finished he decided he would have a little fun to.


    "Why would I talk to him."


    "I saw you so fascinated by his wife and goddaughter in there that I figured that you had something to say."

 Chapter 392: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 7

    <h4>392 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 7</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    CEO Lu realised with those few words that he had been seen looking at Anna and Alecia.Damn he had wished that he had not been caght and able to tempt either woman out so he could mess with either Hou YI or Yao Tan.But there was something revealed that he did not know.Yao Tan''s daughter was Hou Yi''s goddaughter.Interesting.Messing with her would mess with the both of them that would make it even sweeter, and the ckmail even more effective.


    "Are you going to ignore me?"


    CEO Lu stood there quietly, and totally ignored Hou Yi, as he looked behind James he realised that Yao Tan was alsoing towards them.S*it he was going to be trapped soon.


    He turned back towards James, with the intention to escape, but said "Why in the world do you care?You are a no body."


    Hou Yi decided it was now his turn to speak."He is not a no body.He is my wife''s brother and lets just say if you though what I did was harsh the other day, just hink about what he and his older brothers want to do to your son if they could get their hands on him.I think it would be ten times worse than anything I did to you."


    James saw the dawn of recognitione across his face and he enjoyed it.


    "And I know what you tried to do to my brother-inw, and in being realistic I put you in a simr group to your son.My sister is not a toy for you to y your sick little ckmail games with ¡­"


    "You would not dare.I would have you throw into jail so quickly as you are a non-citizen and assaulting a citizen would see you jailed immediately."


    "Do you think I really give a care.Your son made my sister''s life hell for years.As soon as she broke away, he continued the abuse.And you support him and will aide him in his activities.Most people would apud me for standing up for her when you are outside starting at her and frightening her."


    Yao Tan, now decided the joint in the fun and make him squirm even more "What makes you think he is a non-citizen?"


    "Well he was not born here, so how could he be a citizen?"


    Yao Tan looked over to James and grinned.It was obvious the three of them were being quite sessful in intimidating this idiot, so why not go all in, and make it even worse?


    James decided to add "Well my wife is a citizen and when we obtained our marriage certificate yesterday, I obtained citizenship through marriage."


    Hou Yi then continued "So do not try and y the same game your son tried with my wife and I.It is legally valid, and you know we would crush you."


    "Your sister is a piece of scum, and it would therefore be that you would marry a piece of scum yourself."


    That simplyment enraged the three men around him, who all with a menacing face stepped in towards him.


    "Do not be abusive, my wife is not scum."


    "And how dare you be verbally abusive towards my daughter, his goddaughter" with that Yao Tan pointed to Hou Yi, "and his wife" pointing to James."Now get away from here.You were not invited to the party, you are harassing my family and friends, particrly my daughter and by wife''s best friend."


    James had enough and decided that total intimidation was required and decided to show him, so he moved in closer to CEO Lu, and started to tower over him, given he was six foot six inches tall, and CEO Lu, was the same height of Anna.


    Without totally invading his personal space, so he would see, James clenched his left hand into a fist and as he hit it on his right hand "If you continue, harassing my sister, my wife or out family, it will not only be me thates after you it will be my brothers and they are even taller than me.So, get out of here."


    Hou Yi observed CEO Lu''s eyes go wide, worried about what now would happen, so he had to chip in "And I will help my brothers-inw achieve this, including flying them out.So leave my wife and my goddaughter alone."He leaned in and then whispered "And I know you were involved in what happened to my goddaughter six months ago, and if I ever get the evidence watch out.I will ruin your business and your life."

 Chapter 393: Happy Birthday triplets - Part 8

    <h4>393 Happy Birthday triplets - Part 8</h4>


    **Warning this chapter contains s*xually explicated material including forced s*xual intercourse not suitable for those under the age of 18 years **


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    The three of them stepped away, and saw CEO Lu run off, terrified that there was someone else about that might hurt him.The three of then started tough.


    Hou Yi stoppedughing first and turned "He was so terrified, not only that he had been caught let alone what we might do to him physically¡­"


    "He has no idea about what is to happen on Monday," ended Yao Tan.


    "You two have something nned?"


    "We do James, and do not worry about it.For thest couple of weeks I have had private detectives keeping him under surveince to determine what he is responsible for.There are some promising leads but that is a work in progress.I will be bringing him down, as his arrogance and the money let that idiot of a son of his think that he could do what he liked to my wife, and he needs to pay."


    "Damn it, Yi.You better not hurt Anna with this."


    "I will make sure she is safe James, thest thing I want is for her to be hurt more than she has.But taking him down will protect her in the future."


    "Come on you two, we better get back inside before our wives realise we are missing."


    With that the three of them returned back inside and into the reception room rejoining the party.


    Meanwhile across the Foyer, CEO Lu was seething.He had been seen, and threatened but Hou Yi, Yao Tan, and this neer who apparently was Hou Yi''s wife brother and married to Yao Tan''s daughter.That was going to make it more difficult to get ess to that one, but he would make sure that it happened, as he needed her, as those girls he currently had control of were boring, and for him and his few friends using them was OK, as they fitted their age requirements, none were as good to help his business as her.


    All it was going to mean was that he would have to think about another way to get to her, and if now was imperative that that idiot of a son gave him the material he has, because it was getting to the point, he needed it.


    Before he could think more, he was tapped on the shoulder, and he looked around.He immediately stood up and embraced the man quietly and discretely saying "Come my friend.It is not what we were hoping for, as Hou Yi and Yao Tan have a protective ring around her, and apparently she has gotten married to some foreigner but I have something that will work for us.You will have to excuse me though, I was a little bit impatient and gave her a bit of a test run earlier."


    "Not a problem.Thest time we had the opportunity to enjoy someone together, I had a test run before you arrived.What goes aroundes around.She is terrified enough?"


    "Absolutely.Thest time we use this item, we scared her enough that she realises that she had no option but to do what we want.I told her that she had to quickly get someone new her age and meet us there, otherwise her family would be ¡­"


    "That works well.The usual spot?"


    "Yes, lets go and enjoy what we can the best we can, given we cannot have the current prize."


    With that the two of them left the foyer and calmly in the hotel gardens moved themselves to the blind spot in the CCTV coverage, where CEO Lu found the hotel maid from before, and she had another your hotel maid.The first maid was obviously terrified, but she knew enough to introduce the new maid, and confirmed her age, being sixteen to her seventeen.


    The two men quietly spoke to each other and determined CEO Lu would start with the sixteen-year-old, while the other started with the seventeen-year-old, given CEO Lu''s earlier taste.They grabbed both girls and quickly gagged both of them to prevent them from calling our, before quickly stripping thempletely before forcing them onto the ground, spreading their legs and forced themselves inside them repeatedly until they had their pleasure, and proceeded to threaten the girls, and continued sexually assaulting the two of them for over an hour, until they werepletely satisfied.

 Chapter 394: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 9

    <h4>394 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 9</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    As Hou Yi. Yao Tan and James re-entered the reception room the noticed three women gathered, looking extremely angry at the three of them.They looked at each other and realised that they would not be able to avoid their wives and walked over to them.


    Each of them grabbed their husbands and pulled them away to talk to them in depth, although for Anna, it was a difficult task.Hou Yi realised that she wanted to talk to him and followed her to a quiet area of the room."Sweetheart."


    "Do not sweetheart me, what in the world were you up to?"


    Hou Yi, realised that his wife was extremely annoyed with him, and it might not be pleasant when they arrived back at their apartment tonight."Anna, I saw how you were reacting when you spotted him."


    "Yi it is a free world.No matter how annoyed that I am he has a right to be here."


    "Anna, I could see from half way across the room that you were shaking.All I wanted to do was have a word with him.James and Tan came out with me to make sure nothing happened.All we did was tell him, to go away, and stop trying to intimidate you."


    "Do not try and convince me that you are telling the truth.I saw James get very close to him and punch his fist in his hand, you were threatening him."


    "All James did was tell him to leave you alone and said that he would face something worse than simply a punch, if he ever thought about following his son and hurting you.He also warned him to stay away from his wife, since he was also staring at Alecia, and he was worried that she would notice it and react.All he wants for her today it to enjoy her birthday party."


    "Yi, do not try and turn it on my brother.You started the confrontation."


    "Sweetheart ¡­"Hou YI lent down to give Anna a kiss, but she turned her head to the side.


    "No Yi do not think that that will make me less mad at the moment.Now help me over to a chair."


    Hou YI took a look at Anna and knew that he was going to have to do a lot to make it up to her.She was extremely disappointed that he had been involved in intimidation of CEO Lu.


    Anna however was trying extremely hard to keep a smile off her face.While she hated the fact that they had intimidated CEO Lu, given it was about protecting her and Alecia, she had absolutely no problems.Anna was realistic that he was an enabler of Lu Jinhu''s behaviour, including his treatment of her, so if he can be intimidated into behaving, then she was all with it.


    Meanwhile in two separate other spaces in the room Alecia and Amanda were also giving their husbands a telling off for their behaviour.


    The three men, once their views have finished telling them off all looked at each other, realising that they would have to do a lot to get back into their wives'' good graces.


    Junior and Ton, however watched what was happening.They had seen their father, Hou Yi and James outside surrounding CEO Lu.While they knew what Lu Jinhu was, CEO Lu had always been nice to them and treated them with respect, unlike many of the other business elites who surrounded their father.They tolerated them but had no respect.


    They quietly stood talking to each other and realised that they knew a way that they could make this whole damn party about them, rather than having to share the day with their sister and father.It was no fun.Alecia''s close friends were stuck up, and other than being polite and tolerating them for Alecia''s sake, ignored them and all their friends, despite how nice they were to them.


    Seeing if they could locate CEO Lu and invite him in would be fun to watch reactions of Alecia and their father, and the spotlight would be where it needed to be, particrly given that it was spreading around those who were there that Alecia was married.


    Melissa had been standing behind the boys and heard their discussion.She looked around to locate Their father and walked quickly across the room while they were still talking about their n and informed him what she had heard.

 Chapter 395: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 10

    <h4>395 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 10</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Yao Tan looked at his watch and noticed it was 2:30pm.Heading with Amanda to the stage area, he noticed the boys about to leave, so picked up the microphone set up there.


    "Hello everyone.My wife Amanda and I wee our friends and family here to celebrate the seventeenth birthday of our children Tan Junior, Ton and Alecia today, along with the early celebration for my birthday on Monday.Children, could you and James please join us up here."


    The boys with those few words knew their father spotted them, and unless they refused to join him and Amanda, Alecia would again be the centre of attention.They rutned and headed to the stage area joining their father, Amanda, Alecia and James on the stage.


    "As you all know," continued Yao Tan, "I was thrust into parenthood at the age of sixteen.For you my children, and all of your friends out there let it be a lesson particrly is you are sexually active with your boyfriend/girlfriend, practice safe s*x."Thatment caused a ripple ofughter throughout the room.


    "While I never expected to be a parent, let alone a sole parent at such a young age, given their mother decided to surrender her parental rights just after their birth, I have never regretted the decision to raise the three of you on my own.Seventeen yearster, life has been an adventure with each of you, and I would not have changed a thing, despite having my wife with me."


    "Now, before any of you yell out about my parents¡­"


    Hou Yi could not help himself, and yelled out "Yeah them, and some close friends too."


    This drew some chuckles from the crowd and someone added, "Friend and business rivals."


    "Frememies?" came someone else resulting inughter throughout the room.


    "Thanks everyone, making a joke out of me."


    "Well it is easy."


    "Please let me be serious so we can get back to the fun."After a brief pause Yao Tan continued "Luckily I have the most wonderful parents who not only supported my decision to raise my children as a sole parent, they have graciously returned from their seemingly never-ending retirement holiday toe and join us in celebrating birthdays today."Yao Tan politely pped, and everyone present jointed in.


    "Their support when the triplets were born toplete the school year.But them made it clear I needed to raise and support the children.Their tough love meant I had to learn to care for and be financially responsible for them, but deep down I always knew thest thing they would see was their son or grandchildren suffer.They reminded me constantly that I needed to achieve my full potential, including ensuring Ipleted my education."


    "While I was able to get my foot in the door at XF International, they ensured that being the CEO and Chairman''s son was no guarantee of promotion.I had to learn the business from the bottom up.I never had a free ride and achieve by my own actions.My hope is, my children you develop the same work ethic, as well as any siblings Amanda and I may have for you in the future."


    "Despite everything I hope you realise my children you have been my priority.I want you to soar and achieve your dreams.You each have your own talents and skills and deserve the opportunity, within reason, to achieve what you want and explore to determine your own path."


    That drew a fewughs, and without Junior and Ton realising it he hadid down the reality that they would end up facing.


    "My darling daughter, you have justmenced your new life adventure.You are leaving us for just under six months heading overseas with your husband¡­"This drew gasps of shock from those guests who had not heard about Alecia''s marriage.


    Yan Tan continued "¡­for him toplete his university degree, before you both return here with you joining XF International while going to University.Your path will be like mine, starting at the bottom and earning your way up.Can you and James please promise me that I will not be a grandfather until you turn at least twenty."


    "Dad, who knows what the future will bring."


    "Alecia, stop trying to give me a heart attack.Thest thing I want is your husband performing CPR on me."Those around who knew that James was almostpleted his nursing degreeughed.


    Someone not knowing the joke asked "What is so funny?"


    Anna responded "My brother has almostpleted a nursing degree, so as a medical professional he would be expected to ¡­"That then caused theughter to spread once people realised what would happen.

 Chapter 396: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 11

    <h4>396 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 11</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Yao Tan continued "Alecia, just because you are smart and do not ask me how you did it, convinced a stockbroker to tact for a sixteen-year-old and can turn a good profit on the stock market that I will ever go easy on you in the business world."


    "I suspect you had an adult helper to form the contracts for your stock market activities¡­"Yao Tan turned and looked at Amanda, who could not look him in the eye."Thank you, my love, you confirmed exactly who was helping her.But despite that help, you have exceeded mine and your grandparent''s expectations."


    "Now James, in front of everyone there I have decided I am going to repeat the private warning I gave you.If you hurt my little girl, do not think I will let you live, and Alecia''s godfather, despite being your brother-inw, will not save you. He will help me make you pay if you hurt her."


    "Tan, do not give him ideas.God only knows if he and I are lucky enough to have children what you will have him would up to do."Yelled out Anna.


    "Anna, you will have to hold him back.And what about the trouble you and my wife will get into."Responded Yao Tan, and that resulted in Amanda giving him a light tap on the back of the head.


    "Junior and Ton, my boys.You have pursued your dreams around sport.You have shown me how much faith you have in your own talents, and in each other.You have demonstrated among your peers your talent.You have demonstrated the ability to manage your dreams and your education, without allowing your marks to suffer too much.You have shown, in some respect you have your birth mother''s artistic bent.Junior, with your music, and Ton with your artwork."


    "Ton, I quite proudly disy at least one piece of your artwork in my office at all times, changing that when you give me a new piece.Looking at your artwork, when I feel I am struggling with things, reminds me of what is important, family.Junior, your joy and exploring and creating within the musical realm reminds me that things can be simple, we do not have toplicate things and life."


    "My boys, the next twelve months for you will be your most challenging.While your sister has made decisions with respect to her life, it now is up to you to make your decisions.What do you want to do, how can you support yourself, do you need to forgo a dream and focus on reality, and what will you need to change?None of that is a decision that I can make for you, or a decision that you can make for each other.It has to be your own personal choice."


    "Yes, my life has changed significantly in thest few weeks, Amanda and I finally married.I can only thank you, my children, for not only telling me for years to follow my heart, as what makes me happy will make you happy.Your eptance and willingness even at your age, for Amanda to formally adopt you, shows me that you all know that family is important."


    "Finally, I have something for each of you."Turning to Amanda, she came up to Tan with three bags."Junior, in among the items in your bag is a precious gift of one-on-one musical sses with world renown musicians, and a personal challenge for you to strive for for your eighteenth birthday.Ton, in among the items in your bag, including your usual credit at your favourite Art store, includes some one-on-one time with artists along with a challenge for you for this year."


    "Now do not be disappointed at your challenges my boys, I want you to think about what exactly you want with your life, and reach to achieve things, which I know that you can.Alecia, you have already exceeded what I would expect of you at your age and made your choices.All I can and will do is support those choices.In your bag, Amanda and I have decided to spoil you with some jewellery.My challenge to you is about what you will achieve within thepany when you return."


    "Now friends and family, the waiters areing around with Champagne for adults and a couple of non-alcoholic options for those who are too young to drink or do not want alcohol."The waiters took a few minutes to circle around and ensure that everyone had a ss in their hand.


    Yao Tan then continued "Can I ask everyone to raise their sses.Happy Birthday Junior, Ton and Alecia, and all the best for theing year."

 Chapter 397: Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 12

    <h4>397 Happy Birthday Triplets - Part 12</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    After the toast, Junior and Ton looked like they were about to leave the stage ignoring a couple of things, so Alecia moved towards the microphone and indicated to her father to hand it over.


    "Dad, before everyone gets sidetracked into their own things with this party, I have a couple of things to say.Junior and Ton, thank you for being the best father two brothers a girl can have.You have been a rock in times of trouble.While our lives are different from what we expected twelve months ago, and we are now taking different paths.Remember that you will always be my brothers and nothing will change that."


    "Dad, thank you for being who you are, our rock and our support, the one who makes us strive to achieve.We can only wish you and Amanda the best for the future.Now, given your birthday is on Monday, can I ask everyone who is here to raise their sses, and ¡­"Alecia turned and looked at her brothers, who reluctantly raised their sses "Happy Birthday Dad for Monday."Everyone in the around echoed the happy birthday, and there were Mr Yao''s and Yao Tan''s through the crowds.


    With a nod of Yao Tan''s head, the birthday cakes were brought out and ced at the front of the stage.After Happy Birthday was sung, the cakes were cut, and the cakes were taken back out to be cut up for everyone.The wait staff started to circle around again with trays of food for everyone to eat, and more drinks.


    Junior and Ton realised that given the attention had been focused on them that the could not put into ce the n that was spoiled, but at least the attention was on them.People started toe up and talk to them.


    Alecia, however, with James slipped off to the side."James, did Uncle Yi tell you what time our flight to Singapore is?"


    "No, we will have to go and ask him."


    With that they walked over to Hou Yi and Anna, who were quietly sitting,seemingly lost in each other''s eyes."I hate to interrupt the love fest here ¡­"


    "Shut it James.If you were not my brother."


    "Calm down Anna.You know you need to keep calm, and why."


    "Spoilsport.I do not need you ying nurse."


    "Well that is what I am, so settle down.Yi, I forgot to ask what time the flight is?"


    "7pm James."


    On checking the time, James and Alecia realised that Alecia needed to start saying her farewells, so that they can get ready to depart for the airport.James lent down, and whispered "We need to start saying out goodbyes, so we can change and head out."


    Alecia nodded and with James apanying her, she headed to to the gift tables and opened those gifts and cards for her separating them into two piles, one to take with her and the other to remain here until they returned.When she was finished Alecia requested a hotel staff member to take the items she was taking with her to her and James'' room.


    With James apanying her Alecia then started to make her way around the room, speaking to the guests.When she reached Jessica, Melissa and Sally they were talking to Junior and Ton who seemed happy that Alecia''s best friends were talking to them.


    Alecia knew that Junior had a crush on Melissa and Ton on Sally, they and Jessica tolerated them for her.Alecia wondered to herself things would change while she was away.If Melissa and Sally were determined to have nothing to do with her brothers romantically while she was away, it would crush their dreams and make them move on with their lives, while preserving her friendships.


    Alecia butted in and gave her friends hugs, reminding them that she would be in contact once she was settled in Australia, and they could talk.James gave each of Jessica, Melissa and Sally a hug and a kiss on the cheek indicating it was nice to meet them.


    Alecia then hugged and kissed her brothers before saying "You know I am going to miss you like anything.I want a few of promises from you two."


    "Why should we?" responded Ton.


    "Well, Ton, I want you to please do some paintings for James and I to put in our new home when we get back.You need to send me photos of them and I will pay you for them.Junior I want you to pleasepose a short piece of music for you to y when James and I have our formal wedding ceremony here.Finally, I am going to think about Dad''s challenge while I am away, can you promise me you will try to achieve your challenge."


    Ton could not believe what he was hearing from his sister.She wanted his artwork.Maybe he could follow what he wanted, in bing an artist, rather than going down the same path as Junior.He nodded and gave his sister a hug and a kiss, and then shook James hand.


    Junior could not believe his sister.He was reluctant to agree with her as Alecia was intending to drive a wedge between him and Ton.However he decided today he would not say anything and gave Alecia a hug and wished her the best.


    As they went to leave, Alecia and James, said goodbye to Yao Tan and Amanda Mei, and Hou YI and Anna as they were exiting.They returned to their room, changed and packed their bags, before calling down to reception and heading towards the airport, for their flights to Australia.

 Chapter 398: The Walls are breached - Part 1

    <h4>398 The Walls are breached - Part 1</h4>


    Monday


    Hou Yi, awoke with Anna sleeping beside him in their own bed in their own home.Noticing the cast on her leg reminded him of how he had failed her.His movements however awoke Anna, sleeping beside him.Anna noticed Hou Yi watching her and turned reaching up to bring his head down to her and when he realised what she was doing Hou Yi cooperated with Anna.


    They continued kissing while gently arousing each other and increasingly found it hard to pull back.Eventually they were able to stop but could not keep from their foreheads touching.


    "Good morning wife"


    "Good morning husband, I love you."


    "As to I.You do not know how much I have dreamed about waking up with you when it is easy for us to confess ¡­"


    "How we feel about each other.I know.I never through when Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin did what they did I could be this happy, but it is what I need.You are the person who I will spend my life with."


    "Me too."With that he leaned over and gave Anna another kiss.


    "I cannot wait until you have your case off, and we have permission to ¡­"


    "Me too.Have I told you now magical that night was¡­"


    "Almost a month ago. It fulfilled my dreams and I could not believe it."


    "I cannot believe how stupid we were for weeks.We danced around how we felt for almost a month.And it was so funny when we spoke to Phillipa yesterday and confessed to her what we had admitted to each other.She told us she knew the day that she first met with us how we felt about the other¡­"


    "But we had to be ready to say something to the other.I just wish you did not have to go through what those two put you through, let alone what that idiot put you through."


    "Yi, how many times have I told you, do not worry about it.I figured out what is important, and has gotten us to this point now, and it will be a real story for our children and grandchildren in the future.We love each other and want to spend our lives together."


    Anna paused before continuing "Now, I know you have something else nned for Lu Corporation.What is it?"


    "How in the world ¡­"


    "You forget I love you.I can pick up when you are hiding something from me.I knew on Wednesday you have something else nned, as some of the people on stage were people I had seen you having meetings with.You were the ultimate power behind that press conference.But I know that will not satisfy you.Come on, you need to tell me, because at least you need another board member on your side if there is a reaction."


    "Anna, you need to let me keep some secrets."


    "You know that you are not going to be able to keep secrets from me, I can read you so easily."


    Hou Yi gave a frustrated sigh and decided that it now did not matter about keeping a secret from Anna on this."Business wise Lu Corporation''s major ie source is their entertainment division, including shoppingplexes, film and television.While we have been involved in Shopping and Entertainment Complex development, sometimes in ventures involving XF International, Hou Enterprises has only otherwise had a small entertainment division that has focused on musicians, mainly in an international context.XF International has arge division focused on Film, Television and music domestically."


    "After some discussions with Tan, he proposed a equal joint venture, drawing on each of our expertise, for Shopping and Entertainment Complexes, Film and Television lot development, and domestically focusing on artists in Film, Television and Music arenas.Thetter will be the immediate focus, with the former being more longer-term ventures.Business wise it makes sense as it draws on both ourpanies expertise, and will help to undermine Lu Corporation''s Entertainment division."


    "Why would Tan propose it?"


    "Business.Both Hou Enterprises and XF International know thatpeting against each other in activities ultimately will harm both businesses.That is generational, not simply because of Tan and my friendship.Where it has suited both businesses there has been a history of coboration.We are simply going to take that further."


    "We decided to form a joint venture, that brings together both our entertainment divisions along with our Shopping and Entertainment Centre developments, which XF have only been a bit yer in.Additionally we will pull together both our ns for a Film and Television sound lot development together to make arger more powerful development."


    "The immediate target though has been recruiting artists to create hearline acts in the joint venture, with renegotiation of contracts with existing artists, to allow them to move to the new venture.We already have in ce arrangements to deal with the situation if the joint venturees to an end, that will benefit bothpanies.Hou Enterprises will have the ability to expand the artists under our management, while keeping other developments and XF International will have benefits regarding shopping and entertainmentplex developments that they otherwise would not have had."


    Hou Yi paused, and continued "Come on we need to get ready and into the office as there are things we need to do."


    "True."With that Hou Yi, walked into their walk-in robe and selected a business suit for him, and a suit for Anna, and carried them into the bathroom, before returning to the bed to carry his wife into their bathroom, working to cover her cast so she could have a shower.Twenty minutester after showering and indulging themselves somewhat in the shower, the exited and changed before heading downstairs to where a breakfast was waiting for them, and then headed to the office.

 Chapter 399: The Walls are breached - Part 2

    <h4>399 The Walls are breached - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    When they arrived at Hou Enterprises, Hou Yi escorted Anna to her office, before taking his leave and heading to his office to prepare for the press conference at 10am.On entering Assistant Wang handed to him the final draft of the press release with all the various documents that would be handed out to those present at the press conference.Hou Yimenced reading it.


    Despite his discussions with Yao Tan, Hou Yi''s eyes still widened at the list of talent signed to the joint venture.Five were A list talents the snatched from under the nose of Lu Corporation.Three were start who, given their connections to the Yang family, he never thought they could sign.It seemed like they could see what wasing and preferenced their careers over any sense of family loyalty.


    He picked up the telephone and called, Yao Tan who quickly picked up "Tan, I cannot believe who you had sign."


    "I am guessing that you saw those connected to the Yang Family.Do you know they were the easiest to convince to sign.They did not want to be associated with what Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin have done.They were just looking for an opportunity to get out."


    "Really¡­"


    "Yeah.One signing that only happened yesterday was a 17-year-old girl.Just starting out in the industry, but her talent is amazing.However, you would not believe it ¡­"


    "Some connection to what happened to Alecia?"


    "Possibly.I need your wife and mine toe and talk with us to her, as we need to convince her to go to the police.I know kids this age, and she is not telling me the truth about what really happened to her.She hinted at being abused within Lu Corporation''s entertainment division, but not by whom."


    "Yi, you know as well as I do, there have always been rumours about abuse of talent within Lu Corporation''s Entertainment division.They have focused on young actresses and female singers to advance their careers bing mistresses to senior figures within the division, thepany or friends of CEO Lu.I suspect there is something significant to the story, but I am guessing that she will not say anything with me present.I suspect our wives and their skills will have her open up."


    "That mean Alecia might have some things wrong.Lu Jinhu''s involvement was solely in facilitating her attack and his father and someone else was otherwise responsible.The mind boggles at what he could have done."


    "Let us not jump to conclusions."


    "Ok, I get the message.See you soon.Plus if it is possible I will have Anna and Amandae with me to the press conference, otherwise I will arrange for them to be there by 11am, which should be when the press conference is ending."


    "See you then."


    Checking the time, Hou Yi realised he needed to head over to XF International.He knew soon the world would hear the sounds of the walls crashing around Lu Corporation.He would love to see the reaction of CEO Lu, but he would have to work damn hard to save hispany given what they were doing.


    On his way down he stopped at the legal department to see Anna and Amanda.As he got out of the lift, staff attempted to surround him, demanding his attention.He paused "Ladies and Gentleman, you need to get out of my way.I am here to see my wife, so move.If you have matters you want to bring to my attention, you know the process for doing this."


    With that the bodyguards moved and created a path for Hou Yi to walk towards Anna and Amanda''s offices.Before entering Anna''s office, he knocked on Amanda''s door and quietly indicated that he needed to speak to her with Anna.With that the two of them entered Anna''s office.Anna did not realise that they had entered until Hou Yi said "Anna ¡­"


    With a start she looked up and said sharply "What!"she then realised it was her husband."Sorry Yi, I have had so many interruptions today already."


    "Apologies.I was just speaking to Tan, and we have a situation that we need your help with regarding the new joint venture. Are you free now, or if not can you be over at XF International by around 11am?"


    Anna and Amanda looked at each other, wondering what was happening, but nodded their heads, before Anna said "We will be there before 11am, I have a couple of things to finish."


    Before leaving Hou Yi walked over and gave Anna a brief kiss and turned exiting her office before heading downstairs and over to XF International.

 Chapter 400: The walls are breached - Part 3

    <h4>400 The walls are breached - Part 3</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Gathered in the wings of XF International''s small theatre, was Hou Yi, Yao Tan and the new artists that they had signed to the joint venture.Yao Tan, introduced Hou Yi to the signings.To both of them, they observed those artists from Lu Corporation''s Entertainment Division were grateful to be away from that environment.


    Hou Yi started speaking to the group."Thank you opting to join this new venture.As you will be aware from your contracts, if this venture ends you have the option to join either XF International or Hou Enterprises Entertainment Divisions or leave and join somewhere else."


    "It is important if you have any concerns at any time, please raise them with your management team.We do not want unhappy artists, as that benefits no one.Your management team will develop a clear view as to your career path, so listen to their advice, but it is your career so raise concerns.An unhappy artist will end up hurting their own career, which we do not want."


    "We are now not going to patronise you.We are aware that rumours persist that for artists in the entertainment industry to advance their careers they have to give s*xual or other favours to producers and directors.We will not tolerate this happening to artists in this venture nor has it been tolerated for artists that will join you from Hou Enterprises of XF International''s entertainment divisions.Tell someone, whether it is you or someone else even from anotherpany .Go to senior management or Human Resources within the joint venture, or go to eitherpany''s human resources department."


    "If something from your formerpanies concerns you, we urge you to talk to someone, from within the venture or at Hou Enterprises or XF International.We will assist you in making the reports to the necessary authorities to have the matter dealt with."


    Yao Tan then stepped up "Ladies and Gentleman, we are serious about this.We will never tolerate maniption or abuse of our artists.It has not been allowed in ourpanies prior to now, nor will we let it happen in the future.Alone we will not be able to stamp it out within the industry, but we want to protect you as people."


    "Your choice of career path should not dictate what happens to you.There is no way either of us would want that to happen to our wives nor would I want it to happen to my 17-year-old daughter and sons.If we could not ept that for them, why should we allow it for people we employ."


    "We will leave you, and make the announcements, and then you will be brought out and introduced along with your management team to the press, for you to speak to them.Do not feel that you have to answer any questions, we are just grateful for your presence here today."


    With that Hou Yi and Yao Tan turned and walked away, and moved into the wings further, ready to walk out.Yao Tan turned and quietly said "Do you think that we will get any admissions as to behaviour that has happened within Lu Corporation''s entertainment division?"


    "To be realistic, I do not care, but they needed to know what we stand for with this, and that if there are issues, we will protect them, both from the past and into the future.However, ¡­"


    "Like me you suspect that there may be something behind the rumours about Lu Corporation''s entertainment division?"


    "Absolutely.Those rumours have been about for years, and centre around young artists. Tan I suspect the older, more established artists, had been through it and now tolerate it as part of the industry.What I have heard is often it is 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds who are targeted, they are just starting out as they are just starting their career and are dependent on producers and directors."


    "While I want to see it stamped out, it is not always possible.However if it ys into my hands at the moment to destroy Lu Corporation, and therefore undermine all the financial backing Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin have had to prevent they from ever attacking my wife again, then I will use it."


    "I knew you had a ruthless streak Yi, however ¡­"


    "Tan, I hate being ruthless, I like ying the business field honestly and relying on skill and talent to achieve a result, this is the situation where I do not give a care as business ultimtaly is not the goal, it is the protection of my wife."


    From out on the stage, the two of them heard "Ladies and Gentleman, wee to this joint press conference between XF International and Hou Enterprises ¡­"

 Chapter 401: The Walls are breached - Part 4

    <h4>401 The Walls are breached - Part 4</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Hou YI and Yao Tan both walked out onto the stage, and then looked out at the gathered media.As they had discussed, Hou Yi walked up to the microphone to address the press.


    "Wee.You may all be wondering why you are here for a joint press conference between myself representing Hou Enterprises and CEO Yao representing XF International.While we arepetitors in business, many of our interests ovep.As you are awarest week CEO Yao announced a mall development joint venture between both Hou Enterprises and XF International.That is the first in a ongoing series of projects that will ur between ourpanies.We are here today to announce an ongoing joint venture between Hou Enterprises and XF International in the Entertainment area."


    Yao Tan then took over "As you will be aware both XF International has a significant entertainment division, focusing on film and television.Hou Enterprises'', while having an entertainment division focuses on artist development and management and facility development.We are announcing a joint venture today, that willbine bothpanies'' strengths for their benefit.While we will retain our separate divisions, rather thanpeting in certain ovepping areas, will cooperate to maximise benefits for bothpanies."


    "Artists will have three options when they sign from now on.They can sign for the joint venturepany with an option for whichpany''s entertainment division they will go to, if the joint venture ends; sign with XF International''s Entertainment Division or sign with Hou Enterprises Entertainment division.No artist, whether existing or a new signing will be disadvantaged by their decision and all existing artists without terminating their contracts will also be given the same option for their career."


    Hou Yi then returned "There will also be an expansion of funding for various film and television projects.As you are aware Hou Enterprises connections with various film industries throughout the world where the artists signed to our entertainment division often work.These resources will be avable to members of the new joint venture and some artists with XF International."


    "This will provide artists with the opportunity to expand their careers internationally.Further, there will be additional shopping and entertainment precinct developments in the country in which both Hou Enterprises and XF International will be the sole contributors that will be developed and run through this joint venture."


    "Hou Enterprises, existing re-development of its film and television lots throughout the country will continue, and while it will retain ongoing ownership of these, their management will be part of this new joint venture."


    Yao Tan returned to microphone."There is being handed out a press release that details the specifics of the various projects that will be part of this joint venture, and those that will remain eachpany''s, and those, like the film and television lot development that while remaining eitherpany''s possession will be managed by the joint venture."


    "As part of the joint venture, for existing and new artists, we have ensured an appropriate code of conduct to protect the artists, many of whom are young and impressionable people.Rumours always exist in the entertainment industry of the misuse and exploitation of young people who are desperate to further what can often be a very short career."


    "All artists that are part of this venture will have clear ces in which they can report, either internal attempts for exploitation or external attempts.Any person within the joint venture or eitherpany''s entertainment divisions who engages in such conduct or hides it will be subject to significant and harsh penalties including potential immediate termination of their contract."


    "We will support artists who make disclosures of past actions within the industry.We cannot continue to allow this.As a parent of three 17 year olds myself, I cannot allow this to continue in this industry."


    Hou Yi returned "We will not personally be taking questions about the joint venture at this time, and urge you to read in detail the press release that you will be given.It has details as to where questions can be submitted to before the close of business tomorrow, with answers being provided to all by close of business Thursday.Recruitment for senior management of the joint venture will be handled by XF International, but bothpanies will appoint a joint head, responsible to bothpanies boards."


    "Now, you will be introduced to the artists who have signed with our new joint venture."


    Both Hou Yi and Yan Tan, as agreed stepped back and as each artist was introduced they shook their hands before leaving the stage.

 Chapter 402: The Walls are Breached - Part 5

    <h4>402 The Walls are Breached - Part 5</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Stepping off the stage Hou YI and Yao Tan headed back to his office to await Anna and Amanda''s arrival.Yao Tan informed his assistant to ensure that they were shown straight in, and requested tea be brought in for the while they waited.


    As the tea was brought in, Hou YI''s mobile started to ring.He did not recognise the number but suspected it would be CEO Lu.He answered in and immediately ced it on speaker phone.


    "Hou Yi here."


    "You b*stard, what are you doing."


    "CEO Lu, I could say that it is a pleasure to hear from you, but we both know I would be lying.What do you want?I am not going to y games with you as I have important business to see to."Hou Yi''s voice was immediately firm and hard, which was contrary to the grin Yao Tan could see on his face.Yao Tan realised his friend wanted to y a game with CEO Lu and he knew it would be fun to watch.


    "What gives you the right to try to destroy mypany and take away staff."


    "All is fair in business, and I have not acted illegally.We just made a better offer to your artists.Does anyonein when your entertainment division does the same?"


    "Who cares what otherpanies do.We are the premier entertainmentpany in the country, and I will be insisting onpensation."


    "It is debatable if you have the premier entertainment division¡­"


    CEO Lu screamed in response "It is not, youb*stard.We have and always will have the premier entertainment division.Everyone knows that."


    "As I said, it is debatable.Plus it is within the purview of Hou Enterprises to enter into a joint venture, and between the areas that we cover and ¡­"


    Screaming even louder CEO Lu interrupted "No it is not."


    Yan Tan was struggling not tough.However noticing the signal from Hou Yi, it quickly alerted XF International and Hou Enterprises IT departments to prepare for a cyber attack from Lu Corporation, as well as notifying the police of the potential problem.Tan knew Yi had anticipated this as being what would ur, damn it he is psychic on this.


    "Temper, Temper, your inability to control yourself is showing."


    "You, You ¡­"


    "Come on, what do you want?"


    "For you to drop this joint venture immediately, hand over yourpany to me, pay me thepensation I told youst week, and then just maybe I will not publish the images that I told youst week I would do, and would only seek to have that b*tch of a wife of yours jailed for thirty years."


    "Did you not learnst week?"


    "The police already view that my son is at fault, so what there is nothing that you can do to touch me, because if you try I will ruin your wife socially.She will be someone no one will associate with, and that will destroy yourpany."


    "As I have told you, I will show that what you intend to use are fake or is in breach of the order of protection in favour of my wife.I know your son admitted to not properly telling youst week with the police that you should delete any images you have involving my wife, plus not to use them.Do you think he will take responsibility a second time for you?"


    "If he knows what is good for him he will, as otherwise he will have a nice long jail sentence."


    Hou Yi could not believe CEO Lu.He was willing to throw his son to the police to save himself, but at the same time it indicated that he must have to have some ckmail material on him to be so sure.


    "We are getting sidetracked.As to the artists that have left Lu Corporation''s Entertainment Division, my trusted member within my legal department has reviewed their contracts.Yes Lu Corporation is entitled topensation for their early contract termination.We will pay that.But ..."


    "No buts, that money will be lovely."


    "Hou Enterprises, and I can be confident XF International will seek that Lu Corporation pay thepensation they owe for artists they have signed in thest six months under the contracts they had with us.Hou Enterprises, will be nice and waive the penalties for the nonpeting uses for contracts terminated without agreement.We will adjust all of that and send you thepensation we owe you within the hour."

 Chapter 403: The Walls are Breached - Part 6

    <h4>403 The Walls are Breached - Part 6</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "You cannot counter bnce anything.You have no rights to do so."


    "Argue all you like, you have two options ept the agreement and get yourpensation today, or take us to court and wait months for a hearing, where I can tell you there will not be the generosity shown.Plus ourpensation im will be filed within twenty-four hours with the courts.Your choice."


    Yao Tan, was finding this highly interesting.Who was the trusted legal staff member?However it was interesting that Hou Yi could simply push slightly and CEO Lu would react.No matter how much in negotiations he pushed there was never a reaction.


    "I do not need to make a choice.You will not be sessful, you know I will win."


    "Your arrogance is showing.Just because we have never imed, does not mean that the rights do not exist, and if you want to enforce your rights it will be simply a counter im to our im."


    "Screw that"


    "Temper, Temper.You did not ring about artists, so stop trying to divert attention from what you want to talk about."


    "You ¡­"by now CEO Lu so incensed on the other end of the phone, and Hou Yi now noticed how hard it was for Yao Tan not to react.


    "Come on, what do you want, I am not going to y the games."


    "You know I have those images."


    "Nice try, I know that they are fake ¡­"


    "Who cares whether they are fake or not, all I have had them posted on line, and you will have to try and save your wife''s image."There were a few seconds silence and then CEO Lu continued, almost with a maniacalughing undertone to his voice "They are up, now try and protect your wife."


    "I hope you like jail.Your son got you out of troublest week, but he will not risk it for you a second time.And I will prove that it is fake."


    Hearing that Yan Tan now sent the second of the prepared messages to the police and the IT departments of Hou Enterprises and XF International.He wondered how Hou Yi predicted this reaction.Normally it always is easy to predict within a range, but Hou Yi presently is scarily urate.


    "As If you can see me jailed."


    "Do you really want to y this game.Let me be realistic you have little options ¡­"


    "I control what happens, and I will crush you."


    "Just try.This is simply time wasting, and ¡­"


    "I will win."


    "Do not bet on it.Goodbye."With that Hou Yi hung up.


    Hou Yi looked at Yao Tan, andughed."He was so predictable."


    "How in the world did you know what he would do?"


    "I am not psychic, but he tipped his handst week.He is so blinded by trying to get what he thinks he is owed, that he cannot see anything other than targeting me.Presently that blindness is undermining his generally good business sense.It would have told him not to try and ckmail me, and to cut his son loose.However he cannot see any other options now, and that is making targeting him so easy."


    "And ¡­"


    "Let me be realistic.;You and the otherpanies that cut your ties with Lu Corporationst week, did so for business reasons that will benefit you in the long term.We all know, somehow in ventures with Lu Corporation involved, theye out highly profitable, whereas everyone else does not.That never made business sense to anyone."


    "True, but to know my friend I am thinking you may have used me a little."


    "Tan, you know I ampensating XF International with this joint venture.Hou Enterprises with the projects that areing online would have been in a better position if we continued on alone.It is the same with the otherpanies.Deals will be structured to help them repair any financial damage Lu Corporation try to do.For you my friend, the payback is thergest, as he will target you more than anyone else because you are my friend."


    "Yi, thest think I would want to be is on the wrong side of you."


    "Never will happen my friend.You know we have always had each others back and even before my brother-inw married your daughter I have always seen you as family, so I would never target you like that."


    As they sat quietly, Hou Yi received a text message from Anna, indicating that they were on their way.After alerting Yao Tan to this, they both quickly finished their drinks and headed down to the foyer to await their wives.

 Chapter 404: The Walls are breached - Part 7

    <h4>404 The Walls are breached - Part 7</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    As Hou Yi and Yao Tan arrived in the foyer, a car pulled up and out climbed Amanda and with help came Anna onto her crutches.Both women walked into the foyer, talking ot each other, and Hou Yi and Yan Tan walked over and greated their wives with a brief kiss.


    Hou YI turned to Amanda, and quietly asked "You exined everything to my wife?"


    "I did and I am guessing you have not let my husband know my involvements of far?"


    A sheepish reply from Hou Yi was "I was about to."Yan Tan shot both his wife and friend a look of contempt that he was kept out of the loop with what was going on.


    Amanda turned to her husband "Do not get annoyed about this.You forget, I am employed by Hou Enterprises and when it rtes to work, I have to retain my responsibilities there.You know that I love you"


    Yao Tan knew his wife was correct, so knew that he could not say anything to counter it.He just wished that she was working at XF International rather that at Hou Enterprises.His problem was that every time he tried to engineer the move for Amanda, her father would stick his nose in, causing problems.At least working at Hou Enterprises she could have a career, that kept her safe but that her parents wanted to deny her.


    The four of them crossed the foyer and moved to the backstage area of the theatre where the press conference was just wrapping up.Amanda looked out at the theatre which was quickly emptying. And noticed several people gathered on the stage.Within five minutes the theatre was emptied, and the people on the stage were directed to seats on the theatre, as well as other peopleing in through the door.


    At Yao Tan''s signal four chairs were taken out onto the stage, and a camera set up looking at the chairs.Five minutester the seats in the theatre were full and at Yao Tan''s signal the four of them walked or hobbled in Anna''s case out and took their seats on the chairs.


    Yao Tan in his hands had a portable microphone.He turned on and started to speak "Wee everyone from XF International''s Entertainment Division, Hou Enterprises and those from our new, as yet formally unnamed joint venturepany.For those who do not know, I am Yan Tan, the CEO of XF International, and the other gentleman with me is Hou Yi, the CEO of Hou Enterprises.The woman next to me is my wife Amanda Mei, the daughter of XF Interational''s Vice-CEO and awyer employed by Hou Enterprises, and the woman next to CEO Hou is Anna Jones, also awyer employed by Hou Enterprises and his wife."


    Yao Tan handed the microphone to Hou Yi "While we have made a press announcement, it is important to speak to all of you directly.Some of you are here, others are watching this live and others of course will be watching thister.However, we will require everyone to acknowledge that they have attended here, seen it live or watched it online, plus read the code of conduct that will be provided to every member of eachpany and the new joint venture."


    "We also are challenging every one of you toe up with a name for the new joint venture.You will have a week from today to submit your entry, the best ten options will be chosen by CEO Yao and myself, and then presented to each of you to vote on.The top three options will then be taken to a joint board meeting of both Hou Enterprises and XF International for the final decision.Those that make the top 10 will receive a gift voucher from Fengs.The top three will receive a further, but surprise gift voucher, and the winner will receive a travel prize."


    Hou Yi handed the microphone back to Yan Tan "We believe that challenging each and every one of you, will create some healthy coboration between people and the three different groups that will; being together under this new joint venture."


    By now there was a little bit of indistinguishable chatter from people present.


    Yan Tan let this go on for a few minutes, and then said "Now there are some serious matters that we need to address, and we do need everyone''s attention.While you all have contracts, regardless of who it is with, it is the intention to seek both domestic and international opportunities for you to pursue your career.Consequently, you will be required to sign a code of conduct."

 Chapter 405: The Walls are breached - Part 8

    <h4>405 The Walls are breached - Part 8</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Yao Tan handed the microphone to Anna "While what may seem eptable behaviour here may not be tolerated in other countries you end up working in.In Australia, where I am from behaviour including bullying, harassment, sexual assault, and workce behaviour that ces people''s well-being at risk is not epted.It could leave you facing civil ims or criminal charges."


    "I am not professing to be an expert in thew in every country, the code of conduct that you will be signing makes it clear that you will follow standards as to workce behaviour eptable in that country.Every effort will be made to ensure that you have the information toply with that requirement."


    After receiving the microphone from Anna, Amanda continued."Finally, and Anna and myself will be here after this meeting for anyone who wishes to speak to us immediately,es to a point in the code of conduct.You will be required to immediately act if you see any person being sexually harassed, abused or manipted in the entertainment field including for the purposes of furthering their careers."


    "While it has been tolerated in the industry, we will not continue to tolerate it.You as artists, and behind the scenes staff deserve a safe and secure workce free from such behaviour, as much as Anna and myself have working in an office.And this is a warning, if any artist, director, producer or other behind the scenes staff member is found to engage in such behaviour your contract will be terminated immediately.No warnings."


    "For victims of such behaviours, we will assist you to navigate the legal system to have your perpetrators face prosecution, support those who have observed the behaviour to make reports of what they have seen.For perpetrators who admit their behaviour before charges are brought we will assist in you to deal with the consequences of your actions, but those who do not admit their behaviour you will face the consequences on your own and potentially be terminated."


    "We are drawing a line as of today regarding eptable and uneptable behaviour.Over the next few months, there will be a course, run multiple times, for you all to understand what is eptable behaviour.You will be required toplete this course as part of your employment."


    After receiving the microphone back Yao Tan continued "You will all be handed a copy of the code of conduct, and it will be dated as to when you received it.You have a week to read it, obtain your own legal advice if you wish and return it.We ask those present to please write your name so we do not email you a copy of this as well.Additionally we will make avable a list of contact details for both XF International and Hou Enterprises Entertainment Divisions and the new joint venture in case you require them."


    "For those with existing contracts or contractsing up for renewal, you can remain where you are or request a new contract with the joint venture.You will simply have to elect where you will go if the joint venture ends up.You are not obliged to make this decision if your contract still has time to run.There is no pressure on any of you."


    "CEO Hou and I will remain to answer technical questions for ten minutes, as we have other matters to get to.Our wives however have agreed to stay until 12:30pm for anyone who wishes to discuss matters rting to anything that we have raised."


    With that Yao Tan and Hou YI stood up and moved off to the side, while Anna and Amanda remained sitting down.Some senior managers within their entertainment divisions came up to speak to them about various operational matters, while quietly watching their views.For them both, it was obvious that they were getting asked questions in rtion to the code of conduct, which they seemed in just the few minutes they observed them, they were handling promptly and quickly.


    As Yao Tan and Hou Yi headed our three young women approached Anna, very timidly.As soon as they quietly spoke to her, she tapped Amanda on the shoulder and said something to her.With that Amanda moved across the stage as to give Anna some privacy.


    As they were exiting the room Yao Tan quietly said to Hou Yi "One of those young women who approached your wife was the one I thought had something to say"


    "Do not worry my friend both our wives can handle matter.And most importantly given we want to protect those working for us and the joint venture they know that crimes have to be reported."

 Chapter 406: The Walls are breached - Part 9

    <h4>406 The Walls are breached - Part 9</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna was approached by three young women, and one quietly said "Madam Hou, we were wondering if we could speak to you quietly and privately."


    Anna realised that it would be difficult in this ce to find somewhere private to have a discussion, so she tapped Amanda on the arm, and she turned around, and bent down.Anna quietly whispered to her what she needed, and Amanda moved off to the opposite side of the stage, so Anna was left alone with the three young girl.


    Anna turned, and indicated to them each to take a chair and sit down so they faced each other.


    "Ladies, how can I help you?"


    "We have not known what to do, but listening to today, we need help?"


    "Yes?"


    "Two of us havee from Lu Corporation''s entertainment division and signed for the new joint venture, and¡­"


    One on the right-hand side of Anna interrupted "We all went to school together when we were younger and I told them I would help and support them."


    "So, what is the problemdies.I do not want to sound like I am pushing, but I can see that there is something worrying you.So, I can help you I need to know what is the problem for you?"


    The first one speaking started to speak "HI I am Joan, and this is Mary," pointing to the girl on Anna''s left, and then pointing to the girl on Anna''s right "and this is Sophie. We believe that given your experiences with the Lu family you would be the best one to talk to.We alle from a small country town over two hours away from here.There are little opportunities for young people, other than farm work or working in factories."


    "At school we were lucky enough to have a music and drama teacher that spotted we each had talent, and they helped us pursue it.They convinced our parents to allow us topete at a talent contest here just on twelve months ago.The top performers were all offered contracts with Lu Corporation''s Entertainment Division."


    Sophie then spoke "At the time I thought that I was not as lucky as them and was not considered a top performer.However, someone in XF International''s Entertainment Division thought that I had talent and they offered me a contract.Despite being at differentpanies we have always kept in touch."


    "We were all sixteen-years-old at the time of the offers, and our parents each agreed to give temporary guardianship of us to thepanies, so that we could pursue our potential new careers and help our families.It all seemed so great, but little did we two know what awaited us."


    Anna could see the two girls that hade from Lu Corporation were now in tears.It was obvious to her that they had been through something highly traumatic.She knew what they needed, so quietly said "Please do not take this the wrong way, but if I could easily move, I would get up and give you each a hug, you look like you need it."


    Mary, who who had been quiet to now quietly said "Thank you Madam Hou, just knowing that you care is enough."


    After a few deep breaths the tears from both girls seemed to start to slow down, and the girl on their right said, "It is OK, I am here, and you know Madam Hou wants to help you."


    Joan started to speak after a few hups started to speak "The first three weeks, we were showered with attention, we were given managers and discussions were had about opportunities open to us in acting.Both our managers made arrangements for us, along with the other new talent to attend a industry meet and greet run by Lu Corporation.That is when the nightmare began."


    "While those in attendance were influential people within the industry or financiers of projects, we did not know the sinister event that we were attending.After being introduced to various people, our managers left us for about fifteen minutes and then returned.We were staying together as we only knew each other.Our managers told both of us that there was someone that wished to discuss project opportunities with us privately."


    "Our managers told us they had discussions with these people, but they said before anything was signed they wanted to speak to us privately to see if we liked what was going to be put to Lu Corporation as a deal for Lu Corporation and our managers to sign on our behalf."

 Chapter 407: The walls are breached - Part 10

    <h4>407 The walls are breached - Part 10</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Mary took a breath and continued the tale."We spoke to each other about it.TO us it seemed that these powerful people were wanting to respect our opinions and not force us into something that we did not want.We agreed to the meetings and our managers took us to the private rooms for these meetings."


    "In the room I entered was CEO Lu himself, and he greeted me at the door.I did not realise it at that time but in greeting me at the door, CEO Lu locked it making me escape from the room impossible.He escorted me to a couch and then apologised for the meeting being in a hotel room, but he knew that it would ensure a private meeting.I cannot remember what we talked about but after about five minutes I was ufortable and realised that it was not really about my career."


    "At that time I made it clear that I was going to leave and that is when things became horrible.He grabbed me and hit me before dragging me into the bedroom and tying me to the bed.He said that he had not just brought me for the night but for as long as he wanted.He continued saying if I wanted a career in the entertainment industry I had to cater to his demands until he tired of me otherwise he would crush me and ruin my family."


    "CEO Lu then ripped off my underwear and s*xually assaulted and raped me.As I lost track of time I have no idea how many times he did that.I just remember arriving back at thepany supplied apartment at about 3am, and twenty minutester she," Mary pointed to her friend before continuing "stumbled in and we broke down in each others arms.I told her what happened to me and she said someone called Rong Jingye did something simr to her."


    "The next day my manager called me to a meeting.When I arrived my manager was outside their office and told me to enter the room where I found CEO Lu waiting with aptop.He used it to y footage of the previous night that had been edited to make it appear that I agreed to what happened.He told me, unless I wanted that footage leaked, my career and family ruined and facing a massive debt with Lu Corporation I had to agree to do whatever he demanded of me until he tired of me."


    "During the next nine months he repeatedly abused me forcing me to have s*x with him and any person he demanded, and do any act.When I tried to resist I was beaten and additional threats were leveled towards my family as well as being reminded that my behaviour would be deemed as a breach of the morals use in my contract requiring me topensate Lu Corporation to the tune of eighty million for damaging their brand."


    "I believed I had no option.About three months ago his abuse of me slowed down and ceased two months ago.That aligned with a new batch of artists between fourteen and seventeen joined thepany.Thest time he forced me to have s*x with him, he had a fifteen-year-old girl with him, who he ckmailed me to show her how to pleasure him, and to join them having group s*x"


    "In that room, was also seven other men, and once he was happy that I had achieved the task he wanted he told them they could do with me what I liked.I was kept in that room for about three days, forced to have s*x with those men on demand.I do not think i slept all that time.When I was let out of the room, CEO Lu was there and reminded me that I had to do what he told me otherwise that footage would be released."


    "Sophie''s brother is employed by the government working in cyber security and we told him what had happened to me.His area of expertise is dealing with child pornography online and gathering the evidence to prosecute perpetrators and producers of it.He was able to locate footage of not only my abuse but the abuse of other girls on line, but so far has not been able to trace who posted it or who has viewed it."


    "On the night that the abuse started, we knew enough to get medical treatment and snuck out of thepany amodation attending a nearby free medical clinic.We both told them what happened, but were frightened to tell them the perpetrators.They took something they called a **** kit telling us they would file it with the police in case we changed our mind in the future and wanted to talk about what happened."


    "The clinic also screened us for s*xually transmitted diseases.When they knew we were in the entertainment industry they arranged for us toe in once a fortnight to be checked, and given contraception.The doctor who saw me said that I had to be ready to report what happened to me, but they would help to keep me as safe physically as possible."


    "About six months after the abuse started I found out as a result of his abuse I had fallen pregnant to CEO Lu.I was still only 16 years old.As there was no way I wanted the baby, the clinic arranged for an abortion with the doctor who was seeing me ensuring a sample of the baby was kept for the purposes of DNA testing in case I decided to make a report.I want him dealt with, but it will not only ruin my career, but destroy my family."

 Chapter 408: The Walls are breached - Part 11

    <h4>408 The Walls are breached - Part 11</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Sophie added "My story is simr.Rong Jingye was waiting in the room I was shown into.His offer focused around having me trained to pursue a pop music career, as well as remaining an actor.I had not thought about thetter and it seemed interesting.When I went to leave I told him I needed to think about it as I was only fifteen.He then grabbed me and tied me to the bed.I lost count after he r*ped me the eighth time."


    "When I got to thepany the next morning I was taken to an off-site meeting.On entering the room Rong Jingye was there and yed footage of what happened to me.He told me unless I immediately performed oral s*x on him he would release it to the media and he would kill my family.As I was on my knees unknown to me my manager came into the room and filmed meplying with his demand."


    "Once I stopped my manager said to Rong Jingye that here was the film and made it clear that I had breached the moral''s use in my contract with Lu Corporation.It was made clear that to ensure that I was nor reported for that I had to do what they both wanted.Over the next two hours the two of them r*ped me repeatedly."


    "Their abuse, together and alone continued until three weeks ago when a new artist to Lu Corporation who I was trying to protect from them told my manager that I was trying to harm her career.She had only just had her fifteenth birthday and there was no way I wanted her to go through what I had been through for almost a year.With that they had me dumped from future projects I had already signed to do."


    "When this offer came up I immediately jumped at it as I had been told that CEO Lu was going to have me taken to a brothel where I would be required to work until they decided I had served my punishment for standing up to them.Mary was simrly threatened, so I understand.I recorded that call, as I figured that I had nothing to loose."


    "The worst thing was when I talked to senior artists at Lu Corporation about what was happening they told me that that was what I needed to do to seed in the industry.They also said satisfying those powerful men in the industry would ensure that I could have the career I wanted, and that is what I should focus on particrly is my earnings were supporting my family."


    By now Anna was struggling not to cry.She had been horribly treated by the Lu''s but it was nothingpared to what these two girls had been through.They had been subject to, she could think of no other way to describe it, as being s*xual ves to pedophiles, who easily targeted vulnerable young girls who had little support and simply wanted a career to help their families.


    "Girls, I am happy to help you do whatever you want.If you want to go to the police, I can be there with you or arrange for someone to help support you.I will make sure I can do what I can to protect your careers, but that is something I cannot guarantee will be totally sessful.IF you simply feel better from talking about it, then I will simply wait until you want to do something."


    Both girls started to cry, and their friend, Joan who was sitting on Anna''s right simply spoke "Madam Hou, I talked to them about it, and said it has to stop.Over twelve months I have watched my friends be so withdrawn that they are shadows of themselves.Yes, they have had roles in TV shows, and made money to support their family, they act as if they have no option but to keep quiet and do nothing as it will harm their family."


    "I really do not think they will not be able to go forward and have any career, unless they have those involved prosecuted.Mary''s brother is simply waiting for the go ahead to take what he has to his superiors, but feels that he is running out of time for them to be dealt with, as nothing stays in the one ce on the dark web for long."

 Chapter 409: The Walls are breached - Part 12

    <h4>409 The Walls are breached - Part 12</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna paused and thought deeply as to what she could do.Clearly these girls needed to have their story heard.She believed it, and she knew that there would likely be enough circumstantial evidence to back up their stories.And as she thought this would be deadly to Lu Corporation, the entertainment division being used by thepany CEO, and friends/acquaintances as a recruitment ce for pedophilia activities.


    "Mary and Sophie thewyer in me wants to tell you that the you need to talk to the police and have then dealt with by the courts.You need to stand up and say that it was uneptable, and I will not let another person be hurt as I have.That is the hardest decision to make, when someone you trust abuses that trust.My story I would have to say is well known, and it was only with the support of my husband that I actually felt I had the strength to say no more."


    "Let us be the strength for you to do this.Thinking about it, at the moment it would be challenging for me to apany you to the police station and I would not want my background with the Lu family to jeopodise you getting justice.Let me talk to Amanda Mei, who I trust.She is awyer herself.No I need you to promise me you will not way anything, she is better positioned to help you.A member of her family at sixteen was r*ped by on multiple asions at an event.She understands your situation better that I do, and can give you the help and support you need."


    "However, please do not feel that you have to do this.It has to be your choice, as the process that you will have to go through will be challenging.You will have to tell your story again and again, and if those involvedwant to contest the charges you will have to deal with them in court.Lawyers are the same the world around, they will challenge you on every point, try and rip your stories apart, while using you of being the persons who caused this.They will say that the men involved are the victims of your behaviour while making you out as the evil people here.That we cannot protect you from, but we can support you in the process."


    Mary and Sophie burst out in tears and Joan turned to her friends saying "Madam Hou is right, it has to be your choice.I have been telling your since you told me go to the police.Think about it being the younger sisters of some of our school ss mates.Would we want them to have to experience what you have been through.If their family found out about it, how could we look them in the face knowing that we could have tried to prevent it from happening again in the future."


    Mary and Sophie looked at each other again and slowly stopped crying.Anna turned to them "Do not feel you have to make a decision today.You can wait until you are ready to make a decision and we can help you."


    In a quiet voice, Mary looked at Sophie and said "No.I have made the decision to say something to someone.I cannot stop now, I need to go forward otherwise having been this brave to now will ount for nothing."She paused before continuing"Joan and Madam Hou are right Sophie.We have been willing to tell someone and we could not look at people we knew in the face if their younger family members were hurt, if we did not say anything."


    Sophie silently was still crying."But how can we tell our patents.They trusted that we would be safe, and this happened.They will me us, saying we pursued this career and it is all our fault.They are conservative, and you know how out town treats women who are hurt, they me them rather than the men who are responsible for it."


    "Sophie, we cannot worry about that.We will be able to say we took a stand, when we were safe and acted to try to prevent anyone else from being hurt.If our families disown us for that, then they cannot ept the truth, and they would never ept us in the future anyway."Quietly but determinedly came Mary."I cannot make your decision for you, but I know what is right and I am going to do that."

 Chapter 410: The Walls are breached - Part 13

    <h4>410 The Walls are breached - Part 13</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Sophie looked around and knew that she had support, but all she could say is "I do not know."


    Anna''s observations told her that further discussing the situation was not going to help."Sophie do not worry, just know that bothpanies, the joint venture and those of use around you will support your decision.Take the time that you need."


    Anna observed those talking to Amanda had left the room, leaving the five of them the only ones present, although their bodyguards would not be far away.At the moment the important thing was Mary and Sophie, nothing else.Amanda, walked over to them.


    "Girls, this my friend Amanda Mei, awyer who works with me at Hou Enterprises.She also is the wife CEO Yao, of XF International.I trust her so you can.Mary, given my cast, I will tell her what you have told me and she will go to the police station with you to protect you.Sophie, talk to her as I think she can help you."


    After getting herself onto her crutches Anna continued "I hate to leave you, but as you can imagine I get very tired as of this injury, and I am to a point I need to break.Please stay and talk to Amanda after I give her a rundown of what you have said so that you do not have to go through all that emotional roller-coaster again."


    Moving slightly away, Anna briefly told Amanda what the girls had said, before Amanda reassured her she would do what she could.


    Reaching where the bodyguards were, Anna asked them "Has my husband left or is he still in the building with CEO Yao?"


    After a few minutes one answered "Madam Hou, he is still in CEO Yao''s office.He was about to leave but hearing that you asked for him he wille down and meet him."


    As they moved into the foyer Hou Yi came towards her with a sweet looking smile on his face.Anna realised for him in that moment nothing other than her existed.He walked over and lent down giving her a brief kiss on the cheek "Sweetheart, shall we head back to Hou Enterprises?"


    "Actually, I need to speak to you and Yao Tan.Amanda is still in there, and I suspect for the next few days she is going to be tied up in dealing with what I have to tell you."


    Hou Yi noticed that Anna was extremely concerned so as they started to move into the foyer area, he pulled out his phone and called Yao Tan, who informed him that they both shoulde up.


    Five minutester Anna was seatedfortably in Yan Tan''s office, which despite being smaller that Hou Yi''s office had a simryout.


    Both looked concerned, and being impatient, Hou Yi could not help but to ask "What is is Anna?You have me worried."


    "Yi, it is nothing per se about me, but ¡­"


    Hou Yi was distracted at thinking there was a problem with Anna, but Yao Tan realised with those words, someone after they left spoke to her about something that concerns her greatly."Someone spoke to you about something?"


    "Correct.I was approached by three young girls, 17 years old.A Sophie and Mary, who had signed with Lu Corportion''s entertainment division and a Joan who signed with XF International.They all came from the same rural town, and apparently allpeted in a talentpetitionst year.Joan made thement at the time she thought that she had lost in signing with XF International, but now views she won,pared to her friends."


    Yao Tan, quickly started to put the pieces together as to the girls.He knew their names, and while it was not important that they used those English names, the three of then stood out in his mind.He had wanted to sign all three for the XF International Entertainment Division, as he believed they had talents in multiple areas, but two signed with Lu Corporation.


    Their careers, had moved highly quickly and he worried that they would not cope, unlike their friend who he signed who was not onlypleting her education and being assisted even now to start a university degree, but bing one of those exceptional musical theatre talents, who could be someone like a female Hugh Jackman, a showman, a great actor, and able to sell out a theatre for any production that they appeared in.


    "I am guessing something happened to them."

 Chapter 411: The Walls are Breached - Part 14

    <h4>411 The Walls are Breached - Part 14</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "Absolutely.To cut a long story short, they attended an industry meet and great a few weeks after they started with Lu Corporation.It was not as it seems, but for them effectively they were manipted by their appointed managers and caretakers into bing s*xual ytoys, one for CEO Lu and another for Rong Jingye."


    "They they ckmailed them with exposure of their activities in such a way it would trigger the morals uses in their contracts.For one of them it has been going for almost twelve months and one was forced to ''train'' a fifteen year old for that abuse while continuing to be abused.They were told nonpliance would see them ruined, their families and threatened with being taken to a brothel if they did notply with their demands."


    Anna''s words stunned both Hou Yi and Yao Tan into silence


    After a couple of minutes of silence, all Anna could say was "Yi? Yao Tan?"


    Their names shook the both of them out of their shock.Yao Tan, spoke first "I always knew that there were rumours about adult performers aligned with Lu Corporation trading s*xual favours for roles and positions within thepany.It is, I hate to say it a sleazy part of the industry, the casting couch as they call it in Western pance."


    "I refuse to allow it to happen with XF International, hence while the artists here tend to have long term careers, and be able to cope in the real world if they do not as we ensure that they have an education and skills to fall back on.Lu Corporationseem to have a high turnover of artists but it seems to churn them out, and drop them quickly.Most of the sessful artists in the country at some time have had some involvement with Lu Corporation.But 15, 16 and 17 year olds, that is ¡­"


    "Disgusting."


    "I do not know what the age of consent is considered here, but in Australia generally the rule is under 16, provided that there is not more than 2 years between the ages, then a sexual rtionship is OK; 16 & 17 year olds, 5 years is the age gap.There is of course exceptions for married couples validly married overseas, so do not think that there is trouble for James and Alecia.We would call them pedophiles.In prisons they are considered the worst of the worst.Those who abuse their power to target children repeatedly, like in this case or you recall the Catholic Cardinal that was convicted ¡­"


    "I do. A George Pell, I think?"Responded Yao Tan.


    "Correct.They are treated as scum by what isughingly called an Ordinary Decent Criminal, which could include murders, thieves, and the like.I have to admit I was stunned, but then given what I know about Lu Jinhu, there had to be somethinging from his father and attitude towards women."


    "So what is happening?"


    "Amanda is talking to them now.One of the girls has agreed to talk to the police but the other is reluctant.They understand given my injury and what happened to me thest time I was at a police station I am reluctant to go there."


    After a brief pause, Anna continued "Oh, by the way, one of their brothers works incyber crime unit in the capital and has located on the darkweb, the shared pedophile footage of their abuse.I would suspect that it is the tip of the iceberg as to the abuse footage shared, and I have the impression that what they are telling me is not a one off, it has been going on for years, but getting people to talk ¡­"


    "Will be the issue?"


    Hou Yi, in listening to what had happened, finally had to speak "I always thought something was not quite right.While our entertainment division focused mainly on musicians, the few people that signed from Lu Corporation''s entertainment division, were always scared, like something that was to be asked of them was not something that they wanted to do.But I never thought that it was this¡­"


    Something then dawned on Yao Tan "Damn it.What if Alecia had it all wrong.She remembered Lu Jinhu''s voice because he was talking to her on the balcony, and due to some reason he moved her to a quieter and it was solely his father and one of his perverted friends that were responsible for he acts on her?"

 Chapter 412: The Walls are Breached - Part 15

    <h4>412 The Walls are Breached - Part 15</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna, simply remained stunned.Could it be possible that Alecia had confused a few facts?She was never assaulted by Lu Jinhu, but his father and a friend.He just helped set up the situation?


    Something clicked for Hou Yi "It has to be possible.Remember over thest ten years or so, Lu Corporation have quickly secured favourable deals withpanies after the teenage daughters of the CEO''s or owners were assaulted.It is quite possible that there was a set up that made it seem like the daughters were to me, and that used to ckmail them.He could have been nning to do the same to you Tan and then against me as Alecia is my goddaughter."


    "That makes some sense, as the attack on Alecia was a couple of weeks after I told Lu Corporation that I had sold that recordingpany to you, as they wanted it.Their offer was never as good as Hou Enterprises offer, but they never epted that I rejected it for sound business reasons."


    "It is possible.Why would Alecia have been assaulted at a secure event that the country''s president was in attendance at.We all had to go through so much security to get in to the hotel, and therefore it could only have been someone at the event as no one could have snuck in to do so.CEO Lu disappeared for a portion of time about the time Alecia was attacked."


    They sat there in silence to think about their logic.Alecia was targeted by pedophiles for a business reason.


    Thoughts kept running through Yao Tan''s head.He had done everything he could to protect his little girl and sacrificed so much so she and his boys could have life.He knew he had disappointed his parents in getting his girlfriend pregnant when they were sixteen, and opted to raise them when she abandoned them.For the triplets he juggled caring for them, working to support them and his education for create a better future for them.


    He got his degree and as the CEO''s son and Chairman''s grandson he had some support to progress through the ranks in XF International, but neither of them would have let him be CEO if they did not believe he could seed for thepany.


    That b*stard was wanting to use his daughter as a pawn for business reasons.Would she have been further targeted, if he had not shielded her after the attack?Why did he not use the ckmail material to target XF International?Would he have gone after Hou Yi and Hou Enterprises as well?


    Hou Yi quietly said to Anna "Are you really sure about all of this?"


    "Yi I would not have said anything if I was not certain.He is a pedophile, who targets vulnerable teenage girls.If what I am being told can be proven, he and his friends, film and ckmail their victims into continuing and share the images, and it is all done through the front of Lu Corporation''s entertainment division.The only thing that puzzles me is why was Alecia not used the same way?"


    "Tan and I threw a ring around her to protect her, so he and his friends could not get to her."


    "Yi that does not make sense ¡­"Anna paused and thought through a couple of things."I think I have it Yi, Lu Jinhu was involved.He helped them get ess to Alecia, that is why she remembers his voice all along, and he filmed it. ¡­"


    "And kept the footage from his father.ckmail?Is that why he has no publicly disowned Lu Jinhu after what he did to you?"


    "Possibly.He wants that footage and Lu Jinhu is using it to draw him into everything that has happened."


    Before they could continue, Yao Tan received a call on his mobile, and he immediately ced it on speaker phone "Hi Amanda, Anna and Yi are here with me, and I have ced you on speaker phone."


    "Thank You Tan I was going to ask you to do the same.Anna, you were right.It needs to be reported to the police.I had to stop both girls from calling friends, as we do not need anything leaking to those involved until the police do their investigation, but they have agreed to report it to the police.My impression is that it is simply the tip of what happened.I will keep you advised as to what is happening."

 Chapter 413: The Walls are breached - Part 16

    <h4>413 The Walls are breached - Part 16</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    After the call ended, Hou Yi noticed Yao Tan was a mess.All he could think about what happened to Alecia.He was reluctant to leave him, particrly given Amanda was dealing with what had happened to the young artists.The problem was he needed to get back to Hou Enterprises.


    He turned to Anna, and whispered "Sweetheart, I have to leave, but I am worried about leaving Yao Tan alone."


    "Yi go.I will stay.Thest thing he needs to think about is what happened to Alecia.He is ming himself as he has reached the conclusion that business is the reason that Alecia was attacked.Whether or not that is the case, it is not his fault.Go.I will not leave him alone, and I will convince him to take me out for a meal which I will pay or it."


    Hou Yi gave Anna a brief kiss, and then said, "I will leave a couple of bodyguards here for your safety."


    Speaking to Yao Tan quietly Hou Yi said "Tan given it is your birthday I would have liked to take you our for a meal, but business calls.Anna is going to take you out, and she will pay.You need a little fun today, and she is going to make sure it happens."


    "Yi your wife is a menace...."


    "Tan, who said I am a menace.You should see my sisters-inw.Amanda and I are kittenspared to them."


    Hou Yi knew where Anna was going "You should have seen the two of themst Wednesday night.They were bragging how they led your wife astray when they all went out.And let me tell you everyone in the legal department started toin about her on Thursday.Hereback was me Anna''s sisters, not me."


    Yao Tanughed a little, which drew smiles from Anna and Hou Yi.


    With that Hou Yi left the office.Anna turned to Yao Tan and said, "So where are we going?"


    "You really think I am going to let you take you me out for lunch.My wife will kill me."


    "Tan, I will tell your wife you were too mean to ept my offer and she will believe me."


    "Fine." Said a frustrated Yao Tan."I have the perfect ce."


    Once Yao Tan agreed for Anna to take him out for lunch, Anna sent a test message to Amanda telling her what was happening.She received a brief reply back ''Arrived at the police station, girls are getting ready to talk to the police.Let you know what happens''


    As they arrived in the foyer area,ing storming into XF International was CEO Lu.The bodyguards Hou Yi left behind for Anna, immediately surrounded her, and Yao Tan''s bodyguards rushed in to protect their boss.


    CEO Lu was totally enraged."You b*stard.You have no right to do what you are doing.I have done nothing wrong and you are attaching mypany.Actually, it is that w*ore behind you and her husband who are targeting me simply because my son was stupid and manipting you."


    "CEO Lu, get out of mypany.You have no right toe in and abuse anyone in here.Anyway my decision is a business decision, nothing more nothing less.That will be the case for CEO Hou as well.Revenge is not a decision maker it is a sound analysis and determination of whether the opportunity appropriate.The fact that it is going into an area that yourpany has dominated, despite the existence of our own entertainment divisions, is not an attack.Grow up, and stop being like a little child."


    "Now you listen to me.You will immediately disband this joint venture of yours, those artists you stole from mypany will return to mypany, for forpensation you will give me 25 percent of the artists signed to your entertainment division.That is fairpensation, otherwise I will destroy yourpany and your family."


    "As I said, do not take a business decision as an attack on you.This has been something being considered for a long period of time, it just happened that the timing urred at the same time that a number ofpanies, including thispany decided to refuse to do business given your failure to condemn your son.Violence against women and girls cannot be tolerated in this society.Take a look at yourself first."


    CEO Lu walked over and pushed his way through Yao Tan''s bodyguards and came over and whispered in his ears "Do what I want, or I have something to disclose about that slut of a daughter you have."

 Chapter 414: The Walls are breached - Part 17

    <h4>414 The Walls are breached - Part 17</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "What do you mean?" came the quiet, but deadly response of Yao Tan.


    "I know what happened to your daughter six months ago, and I have the evidence of the slut that she is.If you do not want that to get out, you willply with what I want.And by the way that includes you getting her in my presence in twenty minutes."


    Anna had slowly moved her way towards the two men and heard what was said.


    Yao Tann responded trying to keep the worried undertones from his voice, "You do not have such evidence ¡­"


    "And by the way I will tell the police you im to have evidence of a crime and have suppressed it."


    "Stay out of this conversation you ¡­"


    "You know CEO Lu I though your son and daughter-inw were stupid and unable to help themselves with saying things.I thought you knew better but you have just proven that the apple does not fall far from the tree.Your son definitely inherited his stupidity from you."


    "Screw you b*tch.This is for my son."With that CEO Lu started to quickly move towards Anna, however both the bodyguards left by Hou Yi and Yao Tan''s stepped in, both to shield Anna, and restrain CEO Lu.


    Anna stared at CEO with a smirk, and then turned to Yao Tan "Tan, can you do me a favour.Call the police.CEO Lu here went to attack me iming that his actions were for his son.That is a breach of the order of protection I have."


    Yao Tan stood there in stunned silence.He always thought his wife was a master maniptor in getting people to admit things, but Anna was even better.Yes CEO Lu was already annoyed at the whole situation, but only a couple of phrases had him react.He knew he would hate to be on the other side of an argument with her as she wouldpletely twist everything.


    Yao Tan pulled out his phone and called the police station requesting an urgent attendance at XF International.He was assured that someone would be there within fifteen minutes.


    CEO Lu, meanwhile, while still being restrained was in the background was yelling abuse, and telling Anna that she would be dead soon, he would see to that.


    Anna, still resting on her crutches, turned and said "Fine, say all you like, but ¡­"


    "You w*ore, s*ut.You are just like that little b*tch of a daughter of his.You lead men on and then cry crimes when the situation does not go the way you like."


    Anna could see that thatment had Yao Tan ready to kill CEO Lu.Anna put her hand up and shook her head as to tell Yao Tan to back off.He seemed to quickly get the message from Anna, so she turned and looked directly at CEO Lu.


    "Opinions are not facts, CEO Lu.You need to check your facts.And by the way, I was not responsible for what has happened to your son and daughter-inw, it was their actions so look to them, not me.That is all I am going to say about me.As to CEO Yao daughter, actually let me re-phrase that, as to my sister-inw I dare you to make thatment to my brother about his wife.Out of the three of my husband, CEO Yao and my brother, I noticed on Saturday that you were more terrified of my brother than the other two."


    "What the ¡­"


    "Oh, you did not know," came Anna in a real sweet voice."That lovely girl, who was the victim of a crime is married to my brother.He will not ept anyone disrespecting his wife, but he knows not to cross the line.Anything you im to have, will not get very far.She was only sixteen when she was attacked and my brother knows what happened, and who cares about what has happened in the past of a married woman."


    "You are dead you ¡­"


    "Please, Please, Please, CEO Lu.I thought you might be a worthy opponent to verbally spar with, but you are proving me so wrong.You love to manipte from behind the scenes and use and spit out people you consider down the food chain to try and do your dirty work.You have no skills yourself.You tried and failed with my husband, and let me be realistic I am so much better the at this than he is."

 Chapter 415: The Walls are breached - Part 18

    <h4>415 The Walls are breached - Part 18</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "Your husband will give me what I want.I have so much material my son gave me I can use, and even though it might be faked, as that piece of trash there can tell you the technical staff in my entertainment division are brilliant and you will never prove what I use is faked.."


    "CEO Lu how low can you go.You have no ss, and ¡­"


    "You are the one without ss.That is how my son was so easily able to manipte you for our own goals.You deserve nothing and I will make sure that it happened."


    Yao Tan now was trying to keep a straight face.The CCTV and audio recording of this will not only satisfy the police but will amuse Hou Yi so much.


    "What is ss?It is about how you act, how you treat people and how you conduct yourself.It is not about a position within society."


    "It is all about a position in society."


    "Let me see?An alleged ckmailer, a bully, someone who will resort to violence to get their own way, has no respect for the thew and court orders despite being warned and someone who allegedly abuses women.I would say that is demonstrates no ss."


    "You have so urately described yourself.You bullied my daughter-inw almost causing a miscarriage.I just wish you had gotten everything you deserved."


    "Opinions are not facts Mr Lu.Let me see.You are being investigated for attempting to ckmail and assaulting my husband, were ready to hit me, failing to respect my court order of protection and been verbally abusive to me.All provable facts.What can you prove against me?Mmmm, let me see."


    "I was young and fell for a con artist who incidentally was your son, let him abuse me during and post our rtionship.I respected and was willing to honour themitment I had made to your son despite being in love with someone else and not him.I have a career earned by my own efforts, am willing to undertake charitable work without broadcasting it through pro-bono legal representation helping people who otherwise would not have it.I undertakemunity work and activities involving children.I can go on."


    "Yes, I argued with your daughter-inw, but that was when she provoked me but unlike her I was not physically abusive and working within thew."


    "That is a total lie.You are not honourable ¡­"


    "As I said, prove it.Your son can confirm that I was a girl guide leader in Australia, working with young girls.I have even earned my OBP Awardst year, and by the way your son attended the award ceremony at Government House, so there are photos of that.I can go on as to what I do.So tell me, what can you prove about yourself that says you have ss."


    "You piece of trash.ss is all about your position within society, and trash like you can never climb up.You will always stay where you belong, and at least my son knew right from wrong and treated you like the trash you are.He married a woman that is all ss.Your husband, let me be realistic is a trash collected given he married you."


    "Say what you like about me, you arrogant man, but leave my husband alone.He married me, the love of his life.At talk about ss, he was willing to sacrifice everything for respect for even your son despite him not deserving it. "


    "You b*tch.I will make you pay for disrespecting my son ¡­"


    "I already have paid for begin involved with your son.You can still see the cost that I am paying, and I will despite eventually recovering from my physical injuries and generally recovering from the psychological injuries that I have suffered as a result of it continue to pay in some respect for the rest of my life."


    Anna looked over at the door, and noticed police entering the foyer of XF International.One person was quite familiar, it was Officer Mu.How lucky she was that someone who knew about the whole situation hase.


    The police approached behind CEO Lu who was still restrained by bodyguards, Officer Mu spoke "CEO Lu, I am arresting you for the purposes of interviewing you regarding a potential breach of the order of protection protecting Madam Hou."With that there was silence throughout the foyer and the clicking of the handcuffs on CEO Lu''s wrists could be heard.


    Yao Tan turned to Officer Mu, and said "My security staff can make a copy of the foyer CCTV and audio recordings avable to you."

 Chapter 416: The Walls are breached - Part 19

    <h4>416 The Walls are breached - Part 19</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Anna and Yao Tan watched as the Officer Mu and another police officer escorted CEO Lu from the foyer of XF International.XF International''s security staff, after Yao Tan''s direction escorted the remaining police officer to their office to obtain the CCTV and audio of what happened in the foyer..


    Yao Tan looked at Anna, and asked "Do you still want to go for lunch?"


    "I said we would for your birthday, nowe on let us go."


    They slowly moved across the foyer and outside into a waiting car.After they settled in and the car was pulling away headed to the restaurant that Yao Tan directed them to head to, he turned to Anna "You are scary Anna.I thought my wife was good at twisting people''s words and confusing them, but there you had him so quickly."


    "Tan, I am a litigator.Amanda is more a corporatewyer.Yes, I have and can do corporatew, wills and estates, the majority of my time is always spent in litigation matters, both criminal and civil.I am use to thinking on my feet and use to listening to words and twisting them.Words are my forte and I can string people along with the best to get out what I need."


    "But also it means that I am a good listener.I have to listen to what is being said, decipher what I am told and ask questions to get out the information that I need.But that also means that there are times, like when I was talking to those girls earlier that I have to let them tell their story without interruption.That means for abuse victims like them that they be empowered."


    "I would not want to face you across the court room."


    Annaughed at this, and then silence descended across the car.


    Anna knew that despite CEO Lu starting out by trying to target Alecia, Yao Tan had remained reasonable calm.She sensed that he was about to erupt when Alecia was being targeted, but he had the sense when she started to twist CEO Lu around to stay silent.


    Ten minutester, the car pulled up outside a building, and Yao Tan climbed out, helping Anna out and onto her crutches.As he slowly moved away Anna observed that they were in a much less upmarket area of town than she had expected."Where are we going?"


    "I figured that you would want to take me to my favourite restaurant.When the triplets were young, this was the only area that I could afford to live, despite it being considered a bad area.despite having a job and my parents willingness asionally to care for the children, my decision to raise them meant I had to bnce out things.I needed somewhere inexpensive to live so that everything I earned was not taken in babysitting."


    "It also ensured that I minimised my travel as other affordable areas would have meant I would have traveled over a hour a day each way to work.That would not have helped the triplets.The owners took pity on me giving me a half price meal a month, plus babysat the triplets for me on asions to allow me to workte or study.They are still great friends, but refused my invitation toe to the party on Saturday as i is their busiest day.When you offered to take me out, I decided here was the best ce."


    A couple of minutester they reached a small shop front and entered.As soon as Yao Tan as seen, two older people came from what could only be considered to be the kitchen area, and them immediately came over giving him a hug."Mama, Papa, lovely to see you."


    "Happy Birthday.And this is?"


    "Mama, Papa, this is my friend Anna.She is the wife of my friend Hou Yi."


    "Wee,e and sit down.We will bring you your usual."


    "Make that for two, and some of that lovely iced tea as well."


    Within ten minutes they were sitting quietly eating a meal.As they were finishing, the owners thatreturned to the table, this time with a small cake and a wrapped gift."This is from us."


    "You should not."


    "We have not seen you and the children for a while, Tan."


    "Mama, Papa, you know that was a lie.My wife and I were here less than two weeks ago, and I usuallye here at least once a fortnight for lunch, so stop trying to manipte me.And you know what teenagers are like.Thest thing they want to do is what their parents want them to do."

 Chapter 417: The Walls are breached - Part 20

    <h4>417 The Walls are breached - Part 20</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "Well you know we love the children."


    "I know.You spoiled them when we lived here, and you still try to."


    "We love to do that.Now, are they going to have to do their usual school break requirement in working here for a couple of weeks?"


    "They boys will be.Alecia has a pass this year."


    "What is she doing?" came a worried response.


    "Mama Papa, do not worry.You would know if you hade to the two things I had invited you on Friday and Saturday."


    "We have a business, you know what that is like."


    "I know you do not have to work here.You have a great staff, and there is no need for you to work the hours you do.Alecia got married on Friday ¡­"


    "What you let our little girl marry.She is only seventeen."


    "You know she is exactly like me.She did a wonderful job in manipting me into agreeing to her getting married.And before you ask she is not pregnant."


    "Well howe we have not met him, and when will we?"


    Yao Tan, looked to Anna knowing that he was going to need some help in answering that question."Alecia married Anna''s younger brother James.They are in Australia for a few months while he finishes his university degree, and she will study there as well.They then areing back here to live."


    Anna continued "James'' course requires him toplete his practical cement requirements which should be done inte October or early November.Depending on when I finishes his formal graduation ceremony can be early December of sometime in February."


    "What is he studying?Can he provide for our little girl?He better be good enough for her Tan, or we will¡­"


    "Do not worry.Alecia inherited my business sense.You should remember the day I cam inining about the few million my parents gave the triplets.She has in less than twelve months tripled that, with my wife and I suspect Hou Yi helping her.That is much better than my investment results in the same time.I guess she will be in charge of their finances."


    "Answer our question.What is he studying?Is he good enough for her?" came an agitated question.


    "Alecia gave me two choices, agree to her marriage and have a rtionship with her and any future children, or prevent it until she turns eighteen and she would have nothing to do with anyone.She decided James was good enough for her and as I want a rtionship with her so I agreed to their marriage.James loves her and in the end that is what is important.He is studying ..."


    Anna finished off by saying "Nursing."


    "That is not good enough for our little girl.She should have married a doctor, businessman, someone worthy of her not a nothing nurse."


    This angered Anna, having a sister, a sister-inw and a brother who are all nurses.She had some idea what they put up with day on day in their chosen career path.Angrily she spoke "In Australia Nurses like my brother are highly qualified professionals who have at least a three-year University degree, work long hours, put up with a lot of abuse harassment and other stuff no one else will to provide medical care to people."


    "My sister, a highly qualified Emergency Department Nurse and sister-inw a midwife both have masters degrees.My sister-inw also has additional post-graduate qualifications and has been invited toplete a doctoral degree in nursing and has previously been the nurse in charge of a hospital.Before heading to university my brother worked for two years to financially support himself through his degree.You want to dismiss their skills, yet will likely praise me for being awyer..."


    Interrupting Yao Tan said, "Mama, Papa, Anna is right.Nurses put up with a lot.But it says he is a caring person doing something that inspires him."


    "Well, we still do not think he is good enough for our little girl" responded Mama.


    "Mama, all we will do is argue.In the end, what you and I think does not matter, it is what Alecia thinks.She believes James is good enough for her, and in the end that is the only opinion that matters."


    "Hmmp.Well I want to meet him as soon as possible, then I will make my judgement."


    "Mama, we will organise that when they return.Now, I am sorry to have to cut this short, but I need get back to work."


    Yao Tan turned to Anna, and quietly indicated that they have card facilities.Anna pulled out a card from her purse and paid for the meal.

 Chapter 418: The Walls are breached - Part 21

    <h4>418 The Walls are breached - Part 21</h4>


    Monday, continued ...


    As Yao Tan and Anna exited the restaurant, Yao Tan turned right rather than left which would have taken them back to where they had been dropped off.


    Moving slowly Yao Tan spoke "Anna, I just wanted to show you a couple of things before we leave the area, so you understand some things to tell James.When the triplets were born, calling this area a dump, would have been kind.It literally was the worst area in town.As I said earlier this was the only option where I could live, work and afford to care for the children without spending hours per day travelling and wasting money better spent on the triplets."


    Pointing to a building across the street, he continued, "I was able to convince my parents to loan me enough money, at amercial rate, to purchase a tiny one-bedroom apartment in that building.I was considering renting a two-bedroom apartment but its rental was more than what the loan repayment on the one-bedroom apartment was."


    "All it had was a small bedroom,rge enough for three cots and then a bunk-bed and single bed when they were old enough along with a cupboard for their clothes.The lounge was bid enough for a sofa bed, where I slept, and a chest of draws and small cupboard for my clothes.It had a tiny kitchen, bid enough to cook in, and a cupboard in it for a washing machine and dryer when I could afford to buy them.I could also fit a table and chairs for us and there was a small bathroom."


    "Any money after the loan repayment and living costs was also paid off the loan.When the triplets started school, which my parent''s paid for thankfully I started to use the equity I had to buy other apartments in the area, building up a property portfolio to support the triplets should something happen to me.We remained in the neighbourhood until they were ten, and by that time I owed the building.Over thest seven years I have purchased three other building, which all generate ie allowing me to repay my parents for the children''s education costs and their help."


    "Why are you telling me this?" quietly asked Anna.


    "Alecia took the move the hardest.Shop owners like Mama and Papa, and if I am realistic even criminals in the area as well as people in-between all fell in love with the triplets.Alecia became their little princess.Since we moved into the apartment I have made each of theme back and work in one of the shops for a couple of weeks, to learn the value of everything they have, but Alecia spends more than that here."


    "The people in the area will be here to protect the three of them.James needs to know that.By the way, the real reason I brought you here is that I wanted you toe to a meeting with some people who most would call less than savory.They, are as protective of me and the children as possible.They protected us, as they and others in the area realised quickly I was a young vulnerable single parent.A couple of them, while you and Amanda were talking to the artists messaged me.They said that they had information that I needed to know about.It made me wonder what they know."


    A few paces further along, from behind Anna heard a voice."Tan, we thought we told you toe alone."


    "Snake, I should tell you to slither away, but this is not anyone. You know Alecia married on Friday."As Yao Tan finished speaking a tattooed slim man, moved around in front of them.


    "So you told me Bug, but why in world did you let her marry anyone?"


    "Snake, she ckmailed me, so what could I do."


    "Some piece of ¡­"


    "Snake, you might want to stop.This is Alecia''s sister-inw, Anna."


    "Oops.Nice to meet you.Everyone calls me Snake."


    "Hi Snake."


    There was a few seconds pause, as if Snake was thinking or recalling something."Hang on, you married that CEO, what is his name ¡­"


    "Snake, you are thinking of my friend Hou Yi."


    "That is right that Toff that would oftene down here when you went back to school."


    "Snake, can we go somewhere to sit down?"


    "Come on, follow me."They started to walk down a narrow alley way between two buildings.The alleys twisted and turned to the point that Anna felt lost, and about ten minutester they reached a door, which Snake opened for them.

 Chapter 419: The Walls are breached - part 22

    <h4>419 The Walls are breached - part 22</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    As Anna was about to enter through the door she turned and noticed that Yao Tan was not worried.He seemed to know what was going on and signaled to Anna that it would be OK.He then entered after her.Anna realised in addition to Snake there were five other men in the building, all of a simr build with tattoos like Snake.A couple of chairs were brought out for Anna and Yao Tan to sit on.The room was dark, and full of shadows, that simply reminded Anna of a gang den often seen in movies.


    Once they were seated Anna observed that Yao Tan was rxed.He then spoke "OK Snake, why have you, Lizard, Shark, Croc, Tiger and Lion all called me here."


    "Who is that?" Spat out one.


    "Settle Tiger, this is Anna, Alecia''s sister-inw."


    "What, our princess married?"


    "Shark as I told Snake, she ckmailed me.Either I let her marry Anna''s brother or she would wait twelve months and have nothing to do with me.What do you think I did?"


    "Like an idiot you caved to your daughter''s ckmail.I thought we taught you better than that.At least she has learnt the lessons that we taught her."


    "Lizard so I have you to me for her being a brilliant ckmailer.I should have known who she learnt the skills from.You were always brilliant at it.Now,e on you idiots, you did not call me here to discuss the triplets.You were all present on Saturday for part of the day."


    Anna looked at Yao Tan, shocked at what he was saying.She did not recall seeing any of these men at the party on Saturday.


    "And let me be realistic, you want to y the evil gangsters, which by the way you never were.You were hoodlums when we were younger and you still have your ears to the ground here.But you are sessful property investors now, that the older families ensure are invited to events as the few of you nor married will be great husbands for their daughters."


    This brought outughter from the six men in front of them."And by the way I am not being distracted, I know the King is missing so where is he?"


    From the shadows came another voice "You remember what we taught you about safety, and knowing who should be there."


    "King, turn on the lights.I do not have the time to waste today, so can you stop messing around."


    With that the lights were turned up, and Anna was amazed.It was obvious that she was in an private lounge attached to an business area and other than Snake who was in the disreputable clothes that he met them in, the other six men were in business suits, all that looked simr to what Yao Tan was wearing.Three of the faces in the light now were quite familiar to Anna, she remembered meeting them on Saturday.Snake, stood up and exited through a door.


    "Come on guys, I know you love your games to mess with people.Other that Hou Yi, and by the way this is his wife, you scare the other businessmen who you do business with when you y them.Why are we here?"


    "Tan, we saw the press conference this morning about your new joint venture with Hou Enterprises.What prompted our interest was four of the women you announced as signing with the joint venture.You know of the warehouses in the dark area of the neighbourhood that are rumoured to be used for prostitution services¡­"


    "Yes, we have tried to get rid of them from the neighbourhood."


    "Yeah, two of the buildings are owned by Lu Corporation¡­"


    "I did not know that."


    "I thought you would be interested."


    "About eight weeks ago, we were able to finally get people inside both warehouses.At the time, none of us thought much about the reports ¡­"


    The Door that Snake had exited through reopened and in walked someone in dressed in a business suit."Snake, have you got that information."


    "Here are the copies King.I have the originals ready to send to the police on everyone''s say so."With that eight folders were handed out, with Snake keeping one, before he sat down on the folder.


    Snake then spoke "What was interesting, as I was one of the people we got into one of the warehouses.Three faces I immediately remembered, and hence we dragged this all out."


    "Come on, you need to tell us what is going on."

 Chapter 420: The Walls are breached - part 23

    <h4>420 The Walls are breached - part 23</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Snake continued "It was a six month process to get myself and five others inside the two warehouses.We at the moment I only have the photos and the statements from the men we got into the second warehouse to tell you about it, but I remember what greeted me.Both warehouses were clearly brothels, but not what you would expect."


    "On our entry the hostess handed us a "menu".It was divided into two sections.The first contained descriptions women avable to provide services, along with some codes.The Codes were in the second part of the menu which went into the services that could be provided in the venue and their costs."


    "What was shocking was the age of the women.While there was a few eighteen or over on the menu, I thing it was eight, most of the ''women'' were in fact sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds.One was even fourteen years of age.Those that you could see were terrified.It was obvious that none of them were their voluntarily, even those over eighteen."


    "At the end of the menu were the options for you to watch activities and even have things filmed for additional charges.That included men abusing the girls and the girls being forced to perform acts on each other at the direction of men in the room.One room even allowed men to have girls servicing them while watching their previous activities.It was stomach turning"


    "We arranged for a tour around the building to see the rooms and then remained in the general area looking at the girls.We detailed everything we observed in both warehouses and it is in the folders.asionally so as not to arouse suspicion one of us would order one of the girls over eighteen and simply sit in a room talking to them.If that was not possible we did that with a seventeen year old."


    "While in there we had recording equipment to record the conversations with the girls, not only for our protection but for their protection.The girls we spoke to were happy to be recorded when they realised that we wanted to help them.One of them, was one of the girls that you announced as having signed to the joint venture today."


    "What she told me was that about twelve months ago she hadpeted in a talentpetition and was signed to Lu Corporation''s Entertainment Division. with a number of others including another friend who was there.She told me there was about ten girls signed all around sixteen years of age.As some event she was taken to a private meeting with CEO Lu in which he forced her to service him s*xually."


    "From then, he ckmailed her into continuing to service him and his friends as he demanded.I met her when she had refused to service him and her punishment was to be sent to the brothel for two weeks doing whatever anyone demanded.Two days prior to talking to me, CEO Lu, that trashy friend of his Rong Jingye and four others who she could not remember came."


    "She was taken into a room and tied to a bed where apparently the group, led by CEO Lu for five or six hours continually r*ped.What she said, which has been transcribed, made me sick.ording to her story when they untied her they continued their torture for another three or so hours."


    "The next day the whole group returned and took her into the video room forcing her to watch some of their actions before a fourteen year old was forced into the room.They demanded that she s*xually abuse the fourteen-year-old which she refused, and was beaten.To stop the beating she gave into their demands."


    "Once the group was satisfied the young girl was shown out and forced to perform acts for about four hours before she was allowed to leave the room.When she spoke to me she was going to do whatever she had to to get our of Lu Corporation and away from the abuse.She had put up with CEO Lu, as doing what he wanted helped her career in the entertainment industry."


    "I gave her some extra money and told her is she got out to ask any shopkeeper and ask for the ace of spades and hearts which would direct her to us so we could help her.She said that it needed to be her decision and if we did anything she and the girls would deny anything illegal was happening in the building."


    "Most of the girls made it clear that the would not leave Lu Corporation''s entertainment division.Give this all we did was transcribe everything and keep it and the original recordings on file in case they were ever needed.For those we spoke to who have left Lu Corporation, we need them to know that if they decide to go to the police we have their statements that can be used to help them."


    "What galls me is that CEO Lu and his chronies are using Lu Corporation''s Entertainment Division as a means to secure young girls for their sexual pleasure and making money off other men.They are pedophiles .One thing I overheard at the second warehouse is apparently CEO Lu and Rong Jingye had inte December gotten a society girl who they thought they could use, but something prevented that from continuing."

 Chapter 421: The Walls are Breached - part 24

    <h4>421 The Walls are Breached - part 24</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "F*ck, you are certain on thatst point?" responded Yao Tan, highly surprised.


    "Bug that is the information we go, and she was not the only one you have apparently signed to your joint venture.CEO Lu apparently had her teach the new young girls how to do things the way he liked.She was very clear that he bragged about how just after Christmasst year he convinced his son to iste a sixteen-year-old society girl and to pass her off so he and Rong Jingye could assault her while he was to film their actions."


    "ording to what she said, not only had his son failed to hand over the film and CEO Lu has been trying to work out how to get that footage for six months as he has not been able to do what he wanted with that footage."


    Anna and Yao Tan looked at each other shocked at this information.Anna said "Do you realise what this means?"


    "That b*stard.We all want to lynch Lu inhu for what he did to you, but apparently what Alecia remembers is when he handed her over to that sick man."


    "What Alecia!" yelled the seven men in the room.


    King continued "Bug what are you not telling us?"


    "You remember that Charity function in December that I took the triplets to ¡­"


    "The one that the president was at?"


    "That one.Alecia disappeared for about forty minutes.I saw her go out on the balcony, and I know for certain Lu Jinhu spoke to her.What happened next is clouded.She thought Lu Jinhu took her into a dark area, without CCTV coverage at the hotel, and along with his father repeatedly assaulted her."


    "Alecia remembers the words to the effect about Dad and doing that, and he is positive that that voice was Lu Jinhu.She is almost certain that the other voice she heard that talked about joining in was CEO Lu.This tells me, she heard the voices, but she has it confused when Lu Jinhu said what he did.Now to know that there is footage of what happened ¡­"


    "Tan, remember that Lu Jinhu is under house arrest.He has to cooperate with the prison authorities and the police, or he will spend whatever is left on his house arrest in jail along, now with concealing evidence of a crime.He will have no choice but to hand that footage over," added Anna.


    King stood up from where he was and came towards Yao Tan "Bug, you b*stard, you should have told us everything you knew about the attack on Alecia.You risked our princess."


    Snake, however remembered the night, and that some of CEO Lu''s cronies, had kept Bug busy for over an hour, and as soon as he saw Alecia, and the state that she was in, he immediately got her out of there.They were the designated distractions and lets be realistic he knew Junior and Ton would have been ignoring her, as they always had to be the centre of attention.They seven of them had messed up as well.They knew she was there, and they failed their princess as well.


    Snake spoke "Calm down King.We were all there, and we all failed our princess.Those cronies Rong Jingye and that dropkick CEO Lu were, in reality distracting Bug.Lizard Tiger and Lion, were talking to the President, you were two enamored with your date for the night."


    "Shark and Croc were talking business with some other CEO''s and I was watching the crowd to see if there was something we needed to do.I saw our princess step out onto the Balcony and I know you did as well.Neither of us paid attention as to when she came back."


    "The next time I recall seeing Alecia was when Bug escorted her out of the room, looking shaken.We all know, he can not keep an eye on the triplets constantly.As soon as they were walking we were all having to keep then out of trouble, and Bug could only deal with one at a time.Why would things have changed?"


    Lizard, who had been quiet until now, spoke up "King, you know he is right.We all failed our princess.The question is what do we do now?"


    Anna, decided that she needed to speak "We need to take him down.That, and the only words I can use to describe him is b*stard, has ruined too many lives, and he thinks he can get away with it.No way, it has to stop here and now.And the perfect thing ¡­" by now Anna had a smirk on her face.

 Chapter 422: The Walls are Breached - Part 25

    <h4>422 The Walls are Breached - Part 25</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    King spat out "You do not need to say anything.You are tolerated as a guest here."


    "Screw you.Alecia is my sister-inw and she let alone other young girls have been harmed be CEO Lu.Plus do not get me started on what harm he has caused me."


    "What would a pretty little western, despite being able to speak ournguage, know," was Kings angry retort.


    Having just witnessed what Anna did to CEO Lu, he knew he needed to head off the meeting bing a total disaster setting him against his inws.


    "Settle down King.If you want to end up at the police station or looking like anplete utter idiot, do not cross verbal swords with Anna.In less than ten minutes in the foyer of XF International she twisted and manipted that trash we are talking about to the point he is at the police station being interviewed formitting crimes."


    "Anna also twisted the previous head of Hou Enterprises Legal Department to the point he was forced from the board and demoted, and then made him look like aplete idiot in front of the whole Hou Enterprises Legal Department, let alone twisting and manipting the police officer who assaulted her and put her into hospital in to revealing who put them up to doing what they did; and ording to Hou Yi¡­"


    "The Toff"


    "Fine, the Toff, twisted and manipted the trash''s son to the point he how faces contempt of court charges here and in Australia.That is only what I know about since she married the Toff.And this is despite spending a week and half in hospital and four days out of the country. You will loose my friend."


    "What makes you so sure I will loose crossing verbal swords."


    "King, as I told Tan"Anna noticed a few res around the room "Sorry, Bug I am a litigator."


    Noticing all the confused faces in the room, Anna continued "In Australia I work as awyer, mainly as a criminal defencewyer of civil litigator.Talking, listening, observing, and thinking on my feet, and I can twist to get what I needed are all part of my skills.Hopefully I will be awyer here soon.Now are you game or not?"


    King stared at Anna but Croc interrupted "Like what you see in all those American Movies?"


    "Simr.While the American and Australian legal systemse from the same English Tradition, their systems are different.As a short exnation a litigator is like that, but I am also responsible to preparing the case including gather the information and prepare necessary documents."


    King paused and realised if Anna was as good as bug says and if what she did for a career was simr to the American Movie Lawyers, then he would not win."Well tell me?"


    "That piece of trash deliberately sent his son to Australia who ended up targeting a young and vulnerable sixteen-year-old who he met at university.His son pushed his way into my when I was twenty after I graduated and for the next five years was verbally and physically abusive."


    "That idiot was part of the reason you and the Toff set up that charitable initiative that you did?"


    "You are quick King, he was.It is public knowledge what he did to me at the Key za Hotel, the abuse he gave me at that charitable dinner my husband and I left and then what happened at the theatre.But that as the tip of the iceberg.Lets just say, while he has not gotten everything he deserved, I have some measure of justice.I would not have changed a thing as having him in my life actually meant that I now have my husband."


    Anna paused, and decided to pick up where she was about to go when King interrupted her "That information needs to go to the police.I know from what you are saying there are a number of other vulnerable girls trapped, but I spotted at least one of the girls in the photos in the folder Snake gave me.Two girls are talking to the police as we speak."


    "They need to know what you know, as the more information they have the sooner they can charge him.Also, from what I have been told, apparently these perverted men have been uploading and sharing of information in the dark web.A portion of it has been traced and removed, but I suspect that this is only part of what is there.And who knows how long it has been going for?"

 Chapter 423: The Walls are Breached - Part 26

    <h4>423 The Walls are Breached - Part 26</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Snake before anyone could say anything further spoke "The interesting thing I found out when looking at the buildings was that they have been owned by Lu Corporation for over thirty years.We all know the rumours from when we were younger of brothels operating in the area, and it is possible that these are those brothels.Nothing is solid, but what we know seems to support that as being the conclusion."


    "You would remember Bug, when the triplets were about three or four that there was often elites here looking for prostitutes.None of us could find out where they went as at the time the rumours were they shifted.Maybe that is not the case, they have always been in the same location."


    Croc interrupted "King, we need to go to the police.The police, given our past have a history with some of us, but as we all know Snake has been known as a police informant for over eighteen years.You know he even turned me, Lizard, Tiger and Lion into the police when it was necessary to protect our operations and the business.They all think we do not know, but ¡­"


    "I know we all made a joint decision."


    "We can use me" spoke Lion "I can go with Snake and tell the police that I heard rumours of a pedophile ring using part of the neighbourhood for their trade.I can tell then Snake and I discussed what we could do and we decided that we would investigate what we heard beforeing to the police."


    "How we can exin noting to the police before now is that it only became clear after a meeting with you today bug, that we were able to connect the information we had.We then gathered what we had before going to the police.Importantly there is no lie in that statement."


    "How will you exin the girls you spoke to?" came Anna."Hang on, I know that one.I was in the meeting with all of you, again not a lie, and we connected two of the girls you spoke to the girls Amanda is at the police station with."


    "Bug, the Queen is involved as well.You ¡­"


    "Well you never asked what my wife was doing, so why should I volunteer that fact to you twits.Why in the world would I be having lunch with a friend on my birthday rather than my wife ¡­"


    "Because she works for the toff, and could not get the time off."


    "Are you that idiotic that you do not realise that he would have given her the time off today, Lion?"


    "True, the toff does value your friendship so he would have given her the time off.It would therefore have had to be important for him not to have given her the time off."


    "Come on you are getting distracted.As I was saying you connected the dots, and given at least one of the girls hade forward, you made the decision that the investigation team did not need to remain silent, about any of the stories."


    There was silence in the room for about a minute before Tiger spoke "Actually that will work.No lies, no maniption, the truth, and we can sell that.Most importantly despite where we have all gotten, the police know we have a soft spot for the neighbourhood, particrly given our original corporate headquarters was located here, and would act to protect it.The only thing, is why did we have a meeting?"


    "That one is easy Tiger, we can talk about it for two reasons.We saw the press conference, and while not wanting to get involved in the joint venture, suspected that you would be looking for sites in the country for the development of film infrastructure.We could say that we wanted to talk about that, and that we had nned to meet Bug for his birthday.While not publicly broadcast it is known when the triplets were young, Bug lived here, so the police will know that our paths have crossed time and time again."


    Before King could say anything, Lion turned to Snake "Come on, we need to get moving to the police station.You better grab that evidence and get whoever of the team that you can get here immediately to meet us there, in business attire, not their usual trash."


    Snake turned to King "And remember you need to arrange for that present for our princess and her prince, with, lets be realistic we need to call her the empress here."


    Snake and Lion walked out of the room, and Anna turned and looked at King before asking "What in the world is he talking about?"

 Chapter 424: The Walls are Breached - Part 27

    <h4>424 The Walls are Breached - Part 27</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    "Actually there are two things.Croc, can you get that envelop from Legal for us. It has the Bug and the Queen''s gift in it."As Croc left the room, King paused.


    Tiger continued "The first time we met the Queen, Bug here said that he would marry her.We told him it would not happen before the triplets turned eighteen.We had a bet six years ago that if Bug here married the Queen before the triplets eighteenth birthday we would give him two particr apartment buildings, one here in the neighbourhood with forty units and another nearby with twenty units.Bug put up two of his apartment buildings here in the neighbourhood."


    As Tiger finished Croc returned "Bug, here is the wedding gift that we promised."With that Croc handed to Tan an envelop.


    King turned to Anna and spoke."None of us have children, and while Croc, Snake, Tiger, Lion and Lizard are all married, none of them have children.Croc and Tiger''s wives have found out that they will be unlikely to have children but they are considering adoption.Shark, is engaged, and my wife died a couple of years ago.I suspect that I will not re-marry."


    "We have, since we met the triplets viewed the the princess and the two barons as our children.We promised them, and our wives agreed that we would give each of them a gift when they married, provided bug approved of their marriage.The barons will each receive three apartments in a centralplex that we own, one for them to live in and the other two that will remain under thepany management to provide them with an ie stream for their lives."


    "Unlike her brothers who only did the two weeks Bug insisted they spend back here, the Princess would not only spend more time in the neighbourhood helping people out buting and learning about property investment and development and investment generally from us.We knew a few months ago that she was learning and adapting investment skills quickly."


    "She told Shark, who heads up our general investments, about three months ago, in a week she turned a half a million US investment into almost a million.We figured then that her gift would be more that the barons, unless they showed us a reason to give them more.We are still waiting for them to prove that."


    Shark spoke "What we decided to give our princess, was four apartments plus one percent of thepany shares.The shares will belong to her alone, along with two of the apartments, but the other two apartments we want to put in her and her prince''s name.Empress, we need your brother''s name, so that we can do this."


    Anna looked around "Oh my goodness.My husband is giving them an apartment, Tan you have also indicated that you will buy them something in Australia, now you are giving her four apartments and a shares in yourpany."


    "Empress, the princess is like our daughter.It is from all of us, and those of us who are married our wives" responded King."We need to do that, as when Bug, the Princess and the Barons arrived here we all realised that we need to change our lives.Most of us, when we first met them were headed for prison.The day of their arrival in the neighbourhood made each of reassess ourselves.We could see how much Bug was out of ce here."


    "While initially we thought about manipting him Snake decided before we did anything that we had to find out his story.When we heard about why he was here we realised that we could not target him, and when we looked in the eyes of the princess and the barons that we needed to protect them."


    "It was that that made us change our lives and work to change the neighbourhood for the better.We used the power we had developed to control the area, make it safe, and the money we had was pooled and invested.That started ourpany."


    "We started investing in this neighbourhood, to the point we now own between a third and half the neighbourhood, as well as buildings throughout the city.Over time we moved in to property development, which now often urs with the toff."


    "We have developed our niche that suits us, and about four year ago, we moved from domestic property investment into international investments.Where we have gotten to, is all because of meeting Bug and the triplets, and therefore we have to give them something for what they have done for us.Do not stop us, giving our princess and her prince a gift."

 Chapter 425: The Walls are breached - Part 28

    <h4>425 The Walls are breached - Part 28</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile heading to the police station


    Amanda Mei was keeping busy trying to keep the girls who called themselves calm.It was easy for her to see that they were terrified with what was about to happen.Despite everything they all had been through and ordeal in thest twelve months.Amanda knew that she and Anna were asking them to relive what had happened again, with the potential for court proceedings at the end.


    However, strangely being together was also keeping each of them calm.They were the others supportwork, and did not care about the abuse, their ties before the abuse was what was important.


    Amanda, simply sat there quietly watching the three girls in the car, interacting with them when necessary.She wondered how she was going to handle this.Did she stay with the girl that was being interviewed and leave the other two together alone; let the police talk to one alone or try and talk the police into talking to the girls together, so that the had support?


    Thetter was what she believed was the best way to proceed.She remembered her University Degree and covering criminalw.That position was contrary to all investigation process.The question she had was how did the needs of the victim y into that?Who could help her to figure out how to proceed.


    She knew that Anna did not want to have to deal with the police, and given what happened to her that was understandable.Maybe Hou Yi could help her.


    She knew that unlike everyone other that Anna who worked in the legal department she was lucky she had the big boss mobile number.Other than Anna no one knew that she had that number, and it was only after she and Yao Tan married that she was even given the privilege.She sent Hou Yi a message


    ''Boss, I need some help by someone experienced with the criminalw, as to how to deal with the two girls being spoke to by the police.They are terrified, and thest thing that I want to do is have that added to.Anna would know what to do, but she is not here and she made it clear given the circumstances that she did not want to really be involved with anything at the police station.''


    While waiting for a response she kept an eye on the three girls.The closer they were getting to the police station the more each of them were trying to be invisible.The terror that they were feeling was increasing..


    "Girls.It is OK.We are going to do everything we can to make sure that you are safe.Remember you are brave.You want to say this stops with me."


    That sent a wave to tears down their eyes."Girls do not cry.Madam Hou, Anna told me that the hardest thing when confronting someone has hurt you is actually staying that I have had enough.I am going to say no more of this, and I am strong in saying that.She had to admit that her former partner had abused her throughout a five year rtionship, physically, emotionally and financially."


    "But do you know what Madam Hou has told me.That was the worst thing she had ever been through and ever hoped to go through, but it has lead her to her reality.She met her husband, and that is something that she would not change.Her abuser and his actions let her find the love of her live.Something good cane from something bad, sometimes it just takes time to see that happen."


    "But she is an adult" said Joan.


    "Joan, yes she is an adult but she was actually younger that you when she met her ex.Yes there was a few years from there before their rtionship but he started the maniption of her at that time.But she is right.It will make you.You will be stronger than you ever think, because you have taken that stand."


    "But if that is not enough to convince you, six months ago, at a charity function where the country''s president was even in attendance, my now step-daughter was manipted into going into a darker area, and she was forcibly taken away and repeatedly raped."


    "She has had the courage to speak the police and is willing to pursue having the persons who assaulted her criminally charged.In confronting that she has met the man she fell in love with, and has married.He does not me her for what happened.He sees it for what it is, a crime, and does not care.He is so proud of her for taking that stand and will be with her throughout the the process."

 Chapter 426: The Walls are breached - Part 29

    <h4>426 The Walls are breached - Part 29</h4>


    Monday, Continued ¡­


    Amanda continued talking to the three of them "Remember that there will be someone for you that will not give a care about what has happened to you.They will not treat you differently for something out of your control.They will see if for what it is, someone abusing you.There will be people around you that support you.You have us, and each other. We will help your family understand what happened.Do not me yourself."


    Sophie having grasped some of what Amanda was saying quietly said"Madam Yao, let me talk.


    I think I get where you areing from, but if we talk about it we will get what your are meaning.


    Even admitting what has happened has taken time, let alone this which now is moving more quickly than we would expect."


    Anna at that moment felt her phone vibrate and tuned out from the conversation that the girls discussions.Anna read the messagewhich was a response from Hou Yi ''Do not stress out.The firm that helped Anna and I will send three femalewyers to help you out. They will be at the police station in five or so minutes''


    Amanda sent a message ''Thanks Boss.Should be there in about ten minutes.''


    Amanda put away her mobile, and realised that the girls were simply crying.Dealing with Alecia, Junior and Ton for a few years, made her know how she needed to handle this.She needed to stop thinking about this situation as awyer, but as a mother.


    Amanda turned to them "Girls.I have three step-children your age.You can tell me to go jump.You do not have to do this if you do not want to.In the end I will support your decision, whatever it is.Just remember that all I want to do is what you want.Nothing else matters than you do."


    Mary with those few words understood that here was someone who understood them, and moved enough that she could have a hug from an adult that cared.All she could do was cry while Amanda hugged her, and simply reassured her that everything would be OK.


    The next thing that they knew, the car pulled up outside the the police station.Amanda turned to them and said "Girls, now we have arranged that there will be some femalewyers that can be in with you when the police talk to you about what happened.They will need to talk to you separately, and I figured that thest thing that you would want to do was to sit an wait while one of you were spoke to."


    "Rather than favouring one of you, I will be outside in the police station waiting but if any of you need extra support simply ask and I wille in to see you.Thewyers that areing all know that I am here for your support."


    Amanda paused, and turned and asked "Girls, are you ready?"


    Amanda looked at the three of them and they were all nodding.Amanda opened the door and stepped out, and as the girls climbed out the bodyguards that had followed them in the second vehicle formed a loose circle around the.


    Amanda could see that it was starting to make them nervous "Girls, do not worry about them.My husband is apany CEO and he is concerned about my safety so when I am not at work or with him, he has bodyguards that make sure that I am safe.That is all they are here for.Hey, think about it, they will also protect you from anything, most likely even me.And more importantly I know four of them have daughters so they will be highly protective of you, as they are of my step-daughter."


    Without realising it, Amanda had carefully walked the girls to the entryway of the police station.She turned to them "Now girls, what do you want to do?"


    The three of them all looked at each other, and realised since they had made the move into the entertainment industry just on twelve months earlier this was the first time they had a real choice to make for themselves, not career driven.Even when they joined the entertainment industry, their parents had pressured each of them to take the opportunity so they could help support their family.


    After nodding to each other together they said "We want to go through with this."

 Chapter 427: The Walls are breached - Part 30

    <h4>427 The Walls are breached - Part 30</h4>


    Monday Continued ¡­


    On entering the pol;ice station foyer three female in business suits were waiting.One approached Amanda saying "Madam Yao, CEO Hou arranged for us toe and meet you here.He said to call him and he would confirm information."


    Amanda pulled out her mobile and called Hou Yi who quickly confirmed this but advised her that they had to provide a code word.Amanda turned back to thewyer who spoke to her.


    "Madam Yao, we forgot we need to give you code words. Yellow Gold"


    "Green Chrome" can a second voice.


    "Polka Dots" was the third voice.


    Hou Yi on the other end of the phone heard the code words, and said to Amanda "That is correct, now ask them who sent them"


    "Ladies I was told to ask you who sent you?"


    "Alister Nang with bells on"


    Amanda could hear Hou Yiughing realising that she had gotten the answers that she as required."OK Boss you want to make me look like an idiot."


    "Amanda, if I did that your husband would kill me.I needed something lighthearted that would not easily be said, so we could be certain.Let me and your husband know how this goes."


    "Will do boss."With that she ended the call.Amanda walked over and took the time to introduce the girls, and they each worked out who would be with who.


    Amanda walked up to the counter, and spoke to the receptionist "I am Amanda Mei, awyer employer by Hou Enterprises and the wife of CEO Yao Tan of XF International.We are here as these girls have crimes to report to the police.Get someone out here now to deal with us."


    "Miss, you cannot throw things around, and make demands."


    Before Amanda could say anything, in walked Officer Mu."Madam Yao, what can we do for you?"


    "Officer Mu, I do not want to take up your time but we need to see some officers to report some crimes.We think it might be linked to what happened to Alecia."


    "OK Madam Yao, let me go find the officers involved in that."With that he went behind the counter and disappeared out of sight.Five minutester Officer Mu came back with three other police officers, and they introduced themselves.Amanda exined that she had agreed with the girls, given what they are going to reveal to be avable to any of them that needed support.It was arranged for Amanda to be taken into a waiting room, but before she could be shown where to go, she looked up and noticed two extremely familiar men walking into the door with five others behind them.


    As they spotted Amanda, they walked across to her and gave her a tight hug, before quietly saying "Queen, what are you doing here.Bug and Empress knew we wereing here and did not tell us we might find you here."Said Lion


    "Empress?" questioned Amanda.


    "Well what would you expect we would call the Toff''s wife."


    "OK I know who you mean.What in the world are you doing here?"


    "We met up with Bug and Empress after they apparently had lunch at Mama and Papa''s, and they told us some information.We had something to add to it, so we figured we needed toe, particrly when they indicated that it was about our princess" came Snake.


    "Well I am here, potentially about the same thing.What in the world have you been up to?"


    "The usual in the neighbourhood, trying to deal with some trash that we have been trying to get rid of for years.We finally were able to get inside and get information about a few things and Bug made ament when we were talking to him that made us realise that we needed to get here and get this information out."


    Before Amanda could say anything else, the receptionist noticed Lion and Snake, and stuttered out "Mr Gan and Mr Mo, I did not realise that you were here.What can we do for you?"


    "We were just speaking to Madam Yao here, and had previously spoken to her husband, who is a friend and realised some information we have was rtes to the reason that Madam Yao came here.Is there someone we, and our associates behind us, can talk to.We believe the information will be useful."


    "Mr Gan and Mr Mo, let me find someone for you."


    As the receptionist left, Amanda turned "Lion, Snake, what do you know?"


    "The less you know Queen, the better off it is for you.Bug and Empress know more than we want, but it was only talking with them that we put together what we all know." Same Lion


    Snake continued "And when you get home Queen, you better ask Bug to show you our wedding gift to you.It now appears that we also have to arrange a wedding present for our princess as well.You should have told us that she was marrying, and we would have been there."


    "The seven of you there, you would have traumatised everyone."


    "Well, we would have show him what would have happened if he hurts our princess."


    Before Amanda could respond three police officers came out, one escorted Amanda into a waiting room, and the other two escorted Lion, Snake and theirpanions through to be spoken to.

 Chapter 428: What in the World - Part 1

    <h4>428 What in the World - Part 1</h4>


    Thursday


    Amanda and Anna were sitting on the couch in Anna''s office , having a quiet morning tea, when there was a knock on the door before Jodie walked in "Hello Boss."


    "Jodie" squealed Anna."I though we said you were not starting until Monday?"


    "Boss I cannot leave you along for a few weeks.Look at everything that has happened?You need order brought to your life, and you now have me to do it."


    "Go and get yourself a coffee, ande back here.We need to talk."


    Jodie turned around and headed towards the break room that she had seen yesterday when she came in for her orientation and to sign all the necessary paperwork.


    Amanda turned to Anna "Have you heard from James and Alecia?"


    "James called mest night.With Rosemary and Susan''s help the two of them have organised a ce to buy.As it is vacant they were able to more straight in and as the owner owns the property outright Alecia has provided the money to allow them to settle the purchase next week.None of us were surprised that within five minutes of being there Alecia and my mother shed."


    "She told James he was ruining his life marrying Alecia, and she would never recognise the marriage.They left with Susan who was also there, and with Dad''s help James removed all his possessions.Alecia has already started at a private school, and James is back at university."


    "So she and her mother-inw shed.?"


    "Susan phoned us Tuesday night, after the huge sh.Alecia, was well behaved, polite and quiet until my mother started tosh out at me and Hou Yi."


    "She would not have taken that."


    "Absolutely.Apparently, she told my mother that she needed to learn respect for people and not be abusive towards them, and said something about it being unbing in a mother-inw, as well as a few other cutting things"


    "Ouch.She is like her father in that respect.Talk nicely about friends and family, and you will be treated with respect, talk trash and ¡­"


    "She will make you pay?"


    "True.Thank god they are only going to be there for a few months."


    "Tan is not coping?"


    "That is putting it mildly.He snaps at the boys so easily, and they are difficult to handle with how he is."


    Anna continued "James said it was interesting when he and Alecia went for her to enroll in school.She does not mind that they have put her into year 11.It took some convincing for them to contact the embassy, and the marriage and everything else was confirmed as tranted correctly to allow James toplete the enrollment and to be put down as her next of kin."


    "From what Alecia saidst night the girls in her ss were quite jealous of her cute ''boyfriend''.The private school they opted for covers all school years, and Hannah and Pippa also go there.Those two spoiled the drama for Alecia when they came running over to her calling out ''Aunty Alecia'', and embarrassing her in front of everyone."


    Before they could continue Jodie walked back in, and they stopped talking "Boss, do not tell me I am a conversation stopper?"


    Amanda startedughing and Anna, figured she needed to give Jodie some basic information "Well you know I told you about half the family were over in the school holidays, including James."


    "Yea, you were so happy to see them?"


    "Well James married Amanda step-daughter while he was here."


    "And knowing that witch of a mother of yours she hates it."


    "Putting it mildly."


    "Now Boss¡­"


    "Jodie in here it is Anna, you know I hate that."


    "Well everyone else refers to you as the Lady Boss, so I figured ¡­"


    "Jodie I need friends around me.That is you and Amanda, or as some of those out there will refer to her as the Lady Boss of XF International, so it might get confusing."


    "Come on Anna something is bothering you.I can already see from theputer you have a lot of dictation for me to deal with, and you only do that when that is the case.Spill."


    While they drank their drinks, Anna and Amanda took the time to tell Jodie what had happened and what they were dealing with.Anna knew the amount of experience that Jodie had in the legal industry, and despite all the stuff she had dealt with as a legal assistant, this even shocked her.How could someone do that to children.


    Just as they finished giving Jodie all the information, Amanda and Anna''s phones rang.They both answered their calls.

 Chapter 429: What in the World - Part 2

    <h4>429 What in the World - Part 2</h4>


    Thursday, continued...


    As Anna and Amanda finished their calls, they turned to each other and almost together said "That was my husband¡­" before they startedughing.


    A couple of minutester Jodie walked back in, and said "Boss, the big boss called and said that he needed you two up in his office and for you not to dy."


    "Thank you, Jodie," responded Anna."I have an amount of legal work for you to do for my, that needs to go onto the ANX systems.I have loaded it into the usual dictation programs, and you know the usual rules that apply ¡­"


    "If it does not make sense change it and alert you to it.Boss I know, you do not need to tell me.By the way how am I to get into those systems?"


    "See the openedptop box over there, that it your newptop.The ANX systems are installed on it, and your pass words have not changed.ANX know that you are here working personally for me, not them, but they have not cut off your ess to the systems, so all their usual rules apply.When you finish it alert me via email so I can check, and within the ANX systems check that there is nothing else that I need to do."


    "Once you finish the ANX work, the only rule is that yourptop has to be secured in the safe in your desk draw, and the code is in theptop bag.Then go around an introduce yourself to the people you can see.Once you are settled with that, we will get you into the Hou Enterprises systems on your desktop, and have you coordinating with Yi''s assistant to coordinate my social schedule and the charitable work."


    "Not a problem."


    Jodie left and headed to her desk, and when Anna and Amanda left to head to Yi''s office she locked the door behind her.


    On their arrival Assistant Wang greeted them saying "Madam Hou and Madam Yao.CEO Hou is on an urgent call.He asked could you head to the board room, as there are some other peopleing to the meeting.I will direct them there when they arrive.Do you need a drink or anything else?"


    Anna and Amanda shook there head and turned around to head back past the elevator bank and to the board room.As they reached the elevators two doors opened.From one out stepped Yao Tan, King, Lion and Snake and from the other out came Lizard, Shark, Croc and Tiger.Yao Tan, went and immediately pulled Amanda into his arms for a kiss.


    Anna let it go on for a few seconds and decided to y the Lady Boss of Hou Enterprises "CEO Yao, this is a business establishment and stop harassing the staff."


    With that a round ofughter came out from everyone.Anna noticed out of the corner of her eye Assistant Wang was headed towards everyone and in a hurried voice said "CEO Yao, CEO Na, gentlemen.CEO Hou is held up with an urgent telephone call, and he has suggested that this meeting will be morefortable in the boardroom.CEO Yao do you need me to show you all the way?"


    "Assistant Wang you forget how often I am here for board meetings.If I did not know the way it would be a problem."


    Assistant Wang turned around and headed back to his office and everyone headed to the boardroom, taking a seat waiting for Hou Yi to join there.King turned to Yao Tan "Bug, what is going on?You know we all hateing to meeting here in the business area ¡­"


    "King I know it.You always prefer using the original premises for the intimidation meetings, but sometimes you need to bend.At the moment neither Yi or myself have any real reason to spend any significant time there, and it would be too suspicions, but ¡­"


    Croc jumped in "A business meeting here at Hou Enterprises can be sold as a development project."


    "Whose side are you on Croc?"


    "Whoever it going to win the argument."


    Before anyone could reply the door opened, and in came Hou Yi shutting the door behind him and locking it.He leaned over and gave Anna a kiss, to the sound of whistles from some in the room.As Hou Yi pulled away, Yao Tan decided he needed some revenge "What did you just tell me about this being a work ce¡­"


    "Stuff if Tan we own thepany so we can do what we like," Anna retorted


    Before any distraction could ur, King loudly said "Why are we all here?"

 Chapter 430: What in the World - Part 3

    <h4>430 What in the World - Part 3</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    "Calm down, there is no need to get angry."


    "Stuff it, you know Toff we hateing into the business district, but as you told us the Queen and Empress would be here, we relented."


    "You know, you can be a real ¡­"


    "B*stard.Well you are only speaking the truth so do not use it as an insult.You do not know how to y dirty Toff.You need to recognise the only reason we do not do anything too much to hurt you, physically and your business is due to the Bug, Queen our princess and the barons.Bug and the princess would never forgive us."


    "You can try King you can try.Just because I seem mild mannered and can be human, you have never seem me unleash on you.I learned from ¡­


    Having heard this argument time and time again, Amanda knew that things would go down hill quickly so she yelled to interrupt them, saying "Just shut up you two.We know you hate each other."


    After taking a breath to calm herself in a quieter tone Amanda continued "King, you hate the Boss as you feel he simply has had everything handed to him, and Boss you have King and the others because you are concerned about how they got to where they are."


    "Queen, you are going very close to ¡­"


    "Shut it King, you are really starting to annoy me.We all know the reasons, and the two of you need to calm down.You tolerate each other in social settings but this has to stop."


    Amanda shot the two of them looks that made them know how annoyed she was with the two of them.King could not maintain eye contact and Hou Yi, despite being in Boss mode at least had the grace to blush after looking at Anna who he understood was getting annoyed with his almost childish behaviour.


    Yao Tan, decided he had to get this meeting on track, otherwise there could be aplete and utter disaster."Yi, what in the world is going on?"


    "I was contacted by Alister Nang first thing this morning about Monday.King you and your games in the neighbourhood has be a huge problem.I have no issue in that you want to clean it up for both the old and new residence alike, but you could have seriously jeopardised the police getting CEO Lu."


    Hou Yi paused for effect before continuing "From reading between the lines, and knowing that Snake is considered to be a police informant it may not have totally screwed the situation up, particrly getting him from hurting Alecia further.You need to damn well think before you act, as actions have consequences."


    "Do not test me ¡­"


    "Just damn well let me speak and then you can have a go at me.Given Snake''s involvement the police are proceeding on the basis that he heard a rumour, and went to try and get information before taking something spective to the police.They are forgiving him that he did nothing once he had the information, as the victims were children and they were terrified about what happened to them being disclosed."


    "As Snake is a board member of XF International they have seemed to ept that Tan told him about what the girls disclosed on Monday and with the other evidence and they had said something he felt that he coulde forward breaking the promise to the girls.It is simply damn luck that they are epting this.And damn you is that this is impacting on my actions to take down CEO Lu with Lu Corporation.Apparently someone has gotten the five percent of shares that I needed to be in the position to destroy him."


    With that Hou Yi turned and looked at King directly, and Anna realised who he was meaning "Your damn silence King means that now we are in a position that I cannot easily get rid of the b*stard from the board.Tan knew what I was doing and was helping.I am certain he told you.But you kept your damn mouth shut and swooped in Tuesday on those shares I needed."


    "He damn well hurt the princess and I need to ensure that he pays."


    "It is not always about you and you making people pay.Thank goodness your purchase of those damn shares has not gotten out but I need to get them.It gets me to the point that the Yang Family, excluding Yang Lin''s parents, who control 15 percent of Lu Corporation will back me to get rid of him.The only requirement was that Hou Corporation or myself personally had to own 40 percent of thepany."

 Chapter 431: What in the World - Part 4

    <h4>431 What in the World - Part 4</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    "You are a pain in the arse King with your actions.I have thirty-five percent and I was almost ready to close the deal for the remaining shares.Your actions scuttled that deal, and all you did was throw a few dors more per share at it.They knew I intended to buy the shares and that I had purchased the others I have.They also told me you knew what I was doing."


    "So, I can do what I want."


    Tiger who generally did not argue about things like this could see where Hou Yi wasing from.


    King this time had overstepped the mark, and someone, who he would listen to, needed to bring him into line "King, he is right.You can be aw unto yourself.I told you, when we spoke about this on Tuesday and the Toff''s name was mentioned that you need to talk to Bug before you made the deal.You told me p*ss off and mind my business.Sometimes, you frustrate even all of us.A simply call ¡­"


    "Tiger, you forget."


    "King all I have to do is tell my wife, your sister, and there will be¡­"


    King knew Tiger backed him into a corner and the looks on Croc, Lion and Lizard told him they were also annoyed with him.


    Lizard then spoke "King, damn it.You knew something was going on and you decided you had to step in.And I know there was funds go from the corporate ounts on Tuesday which I suspect was the purchase of those shares.Toff, what was the deal you had?"


    "King paid twenty percent more that I had offered for them"


    "Fine.King the rest of us are voting now that those shares will be sold to the Toff at the price that he had agreed.And the loss wille out of your share of the profits for the next year.You damn well have to understand that there are limits on what you can do.While you are the CEO, we each equally own thepany holding thirteen percent each, with the bnce held in trust, one percent each for the Princess and the barons with the remaining six percent in a trust Bug is the Trustee of for the neighbourhood''s benefit.We can vote you out as CEO."


    "Lizard, remember your ce."


    "King he is right, stop being aw unto yourself.We all agree" responded Croc, to nods from Snake, Lion, Tiger and Shark.


    "Fine" spat our King.


    Shark turned to Hou Yi "Toff, I will have the papers to you by the end of the day for the share transfer."


    "Thanks.Now, what the n is with owning the forty percent of shares, that with the support of the Yang''s will allow CEO Lu to be ousted from thepany with immediate effect.Lu Corporation''s charter requires that the CEO must at all times have the support of over 50 percent of the shares to remain in power."


    "Presently CEO Lu only controls fourty-three percent; fourty percent for the family and three percent he holds on trust for Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s child and Yan Lin''s parents control two percent also on trust for the child.As between Hou Enterprises, variouspanies and myself I control forty percent, now the Yang family will support me to toss CEO Lu from his position."


    "The question is who will be CEO.The Company charter has controls on that, indicating a permanent CEO has to be a member of the Lu family or rted to it.They have no Vice-CEO who can act on a temporary basis, so there is only Senior Management.Three members of the Yang Family connected to the Lu''s through marriage could step in."


    Hou Yi paused, and continued "My reading is that there is only one Lu family member even remotely able to act as CEO, who works in their entertainment division that with support who would be capable of acting as CEO.His branch of the family are detested by some members of the Yang Family, and all thje rest of the Lu Family.But we can count on the greed of the Lu Family, that they will want someone named Lu as CEO rather than someone connected to the family through marriage."


    "You intend use the greed of the Yangs to screw the Lu''s over and get rid of CEO Lu and then once he is gone use the greed of the Lu Family to screw the Yang''s over.Damn, you are ruthless. " Came Lizard.

 Chapter 432: What in the World - Part 5

    <h4>432 What in the World - Part 5</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi looked directly at Lizard, responding "Lizard the fun thing is everything is legal.CEO Lu or anyone else cannot do a thing about it.As the forty percent of shares are traded on the market, Llu Corporation''s charter is publicly avable, so why not review and use it."


    "Just as I would want" responded Anna.Looking at King she continued "King using thew against them to achieve a goal to destroy him is so more satisfying as they cannot run to the authorities screaming that what happened was illegal.They can do absolutely nothing."


    King realised Anna was right.He had calmed down a bit and knew that getting mad with the women in here was counter productive. "True Empress.Toff you should have said something."


    "King you refuse to talk to me, so how could I.I have to get messages through Tan or everyone else.Get over whatever you think I have done wrong or talk to me about it.Your behaviour annoys me, as in the end it only costs ourpanies and we end up arguing."


    Hou Yi paused to slightly calm down and then continued."If you spoke to me, I would have had no damn issue if you wanted to be the underlying owner of the shares, I would just be the public owner, and still have my deal with the Yang Family."


    King realised that he needed to get to what else he had nned "Toff, you have something else nned, once you get the infighting in rtion to who bes CEO."


    "True.That infighting will destabalising thepany.The other thing is the Lu family rely on the money from their 40% of thepany to support the CEO Lu, his family, the family of his two cousins and the and the one I mentioned that is the son of a cousin once removed."


    "The only person likely from the Lu Family to be CEO currently receives little money from those shares.While CEO Lu has his proclivities he generally works to earn the money he receives but the other families do not and they do not have the skills to do so.Once I achieve my goals I will keep some shares and sell the bnce on the open market.I can take the financial hit, but limiting their ie, that is a good thing as it will limit CEO Lu."


    "Damn Toff, that is a n that you should have discussed with us."


    "No damn way King.That is insider trading.It was agreed to sell the shares to me and my decision to dump is not insider trading as I had already decided to do so.I am not stupid King.I know the limits on what I can do without breaking thew.The problem is you do not realise where those limits are and step over.Do not think I do not know that everyone else at times has to cover your butt and protect yourpany, your family and Tan, Amanda and the triplets."


    Amanda observed King starting to get angry again so she turned to Hou Yi "Damn it Boss, you can sack me but I am going to have my say.Stop winding him up.We need to deal with what is happening currently and if necessary your wife, myself and possibly Alecia will get the two of you to sit in a room and talk through why you are p*ssed off with each other.It puts me, Tan, the Triplets and now your wife in the middle of this which we do not need.Now can you promise Anna and I that you will behave until these processes are all done through."


    Anna in observing Amanda realised she was annoyed and saw that Yao Tan was concerned about how his wife was.Anna decided to add her own voice and looked directly at Hou Yi "Yi she is right.Can you promise me, or ¡­"


    Knowing Anna''s situation Hou Yi realised that stressing her out was not a good thing "Absolutely Anna, you know I will."


    Anna turned to King "Now, what about you.You heard what Tan told you the other day, and I am guessing he showed you the footage, do you really want to take me on?"


    King knew that she was right, she would make mince meat of him if he crossed verbal swords with her "Fine Empress, I can promise you that I will settle down, until after this is all dealt with.We will then address this, OK."


    "Yi, now why in the world are we here?"

 Chapter 433: What in the world - Part 6

    <h4>433 What in the world - Part 6</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    "Sweetheart ¡­"


    "Yi do not sweetheart me, you have already distracted us too much."Anna looked over the table and say King with a smirk, so she made sure that she looked directly and said "And do not think that you are not to me.You have riled him up.Now Yi, spill."


    King quickly determined that he also was in Anna''s firing line.Based on a copy of the footage that Bug had shown him, there is absolutely no way that he wanted to be in her firing line.He would loose that argument quickly.


    "OK Anna, for you.My detailed discussions with Alister Nang earlier have to be looked at.Presently he has opted to coordinate the various criminal cases that are likely to flow and is working to convince the National Prosecutors Office to take on the case.From his view based on the current information he has it will be a highlyplex case particrly given the potential number of charges that he would likely to be charged with."


    "Anna, the easy charges are from when you twisted him at XF international.He cannot get out of it, given the footage and his admissions.The only thing that they have left on that investigation if to talk to Lu Jinhu, given CEO LU madements about being for him.The problem for the police in that matter is that they have been awaiting the prison authorities to authorise the police to speak to him.A formal interview is scheduled for the police station tomorrow."


    "What Alister views is that this will simply be a formality but they need to check every box, to determine that they have the charges right.While they have Lu Jinhu there, from what Alister says they intending to turn also to addressing the attack of Alecia.They need to make sense of her statement and the other statements about what was happened.The more they investigate, the more they are determining that Alecia in recalling the voices had some confusion as to the exact role of LU Jinhu in what happened.They are hopeful they will get to the truth."


    Hou Yi paused and looked around the table to see the reactions of everyone.It was obvious quickly that no one was impressed, but he knew that the matter was in the hands of the police.


    Hou Yi then continued "As to what CEO Lu has been responsible for with respect to the girls in his entertainment division, they have the statements from the two girls that Amanda went in with, and Snake the information that you provided.They have spent additional time talking to the girls over thest couple of days as to what happened to them."


    "Alister said that even with his involvement in the criminalw, what happened to these girls turns his stomach and he did not want to tell me too much as, and this is his words I do not need to have those images in my mind.From what he was willing to say, and that is only due to them singing with the new joint venture, we need to ensure that they have appropriate support around them."


    "Apparently they are a mess, and have for about twelve months been repeatedly sexually abused by multiple adults, that has caused significant psychological issues.I am using our charitable initiative''s contacts to get into ce counselors to support them, I suspect that keeping up with their training and slowly moving into what they want to do will give them a goal that will help them to work towards and make sure that their suffering was for nothing."


    "They have decided to be brave and with the police''s help made contact with artists from Lu Corporation''s entertainment division that they mentioned to confirm their stories.That will be a slow and time consuming process as the police do not want to go too quickly to alert CEO Lu as to what they are doing."


    Additionally they want to gather as much information as possible before they raid the brothels."Hou Yi paused and looked at this watch before continuing "The head of the investigation is about to call, and I told them that I would have with me Tan, Amanda, Anna, Lion and Snake for a teleconference, so the rest of you need to shut up while that happens.I am guessing in dying the raids, they are going to need assistance in monitoring the alleged brothels so that they do not up and move the them to an new site."


    With that Hou YI''s phone started to ring, so he answered it "Hou Yi speaking."

 Chapter 434: What in the World - Part 7

    <h4>434 What in the World - Part 7</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Silence descended in the room as Hou Yi spoke further "Thank You.I am in a room with CEO Yao, my wife, his wife and Mr Gan and Mr Mo.I will ce you on speaker phone."


    With that and a few secondster everyone heard "Thank You CEO Hou.CEO Yao, Madams Hou andYao, Mr Gan and Mr Mo, thank you for all meeting together.I decided that we needed to speak to you together so you all had the same information to minimise confusion, although Mr Mo, there is a matter that we need to separately speak to you."


    With that everyone in the room looked at Snake, knowing that the police were about to ask him to take on a role as police informant."What can I do for you?" he asked hesitantly.


    "We hate to do this Mr Mo, but the information that you, Mr Gan and your associates brought to is critical to being able to do anything.However, rumours are already spreading that we are investigating Lu Corporation''s Entertainment Division.The impact for us is that we cannot go as quick or as in depth into the investigation that we originally hoped and attempting to insert people into that scene will now raise questions.We have to be seen as not investigating as otherwise it will risk lives.However ¡­"


    "We already have an in and you are after us being involved and feeding information to you.Do you know the risks?We really did not know what we were getting into when we worked our way in.All we thought was there was something that needed some investigation as it threatened our business headquarters, given its location, and we simply filmed as a means to protect ourselves.This time we know what we are getting in to."


    "Mr Mo given that we suspect there are potentially thirty or forty girls in as current victims and untold numbers that are previous victims, it is a case that none of us locally or at the national level can afford to have messed up.It is not for our sake but their sake that we are asking.Given some of the information, we know how close you and Mr Gan are to CEO Yao and his family and that the attack six months ago on his daughter may also be connected to this¡­"


    Looking around the room Anna noticed that there were nine men, all ready to kill for this having been brought up.Amanda was also concerned, and Anna realised that she felt the same and that if James was here, he would feel the same as well.


    "So, unless we can be certain on everything, the potential is that the case against CEO Lu for that along with whatever else that he has done could fall over."


    Snake looked around, and saw a number of nodding heads and that everyone agreed with him being backed into a corner."Look, I am going to say this only for myself, and this is being done reluctantly however I need to ensure that you protect me if things go wrong with this whole idea both criminally and in the civil area, but I will do.I will put it to my associates, and I would suspect if they agree that they will want the same protections¡­."


    Lion then spoke "And my involvement is on the same basis.I agree that there are serious risks to us, our families, and our associates.We need to ensure that there is backup.More importantly we need you to devise a n that, if we say you need to act now your will.We can make our own decisions about out risks but you are asking us to make that same decisions for young, vulnerable girls.Making those decisions is thest thing you should ask us to do, but you have to agree to that and protect us as you are asking us to allow abuse of the victims to continue without acting."


    Anna could see how angry that Lion was, let alone anyone else in the room.


    "Mr Gan, we can work that out."


    Amanda then interrupted "It needs to be done immediately.You are asking our friends to take significant risks, and they have to be the ones to make the call that it has to end."


    Anna then interrupted "And while I do not know the intricacies of the Criminal Law here, would it not risk the evidence being thrown out?"

 Chapter 435: What in the World - Part 8

    <h4>435 What in the World - Part 8</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    After a couple of seconds of silence on the phone, the police continued "Madam Yao we are going to do that.And Madam Hou, we understand your concerns.After having discussed matters with senior police and prosecutors in the capital, it was decided that for the purposes of the investigation that Mr Gan, Mr Mo and their associates will be sworn in as temporary members of the police force.That should address any legal issues, and other that fact will only be known to yourselves, my team and the people we have spoken to."


    Continuing, but now in an exasperated tone "Look, I am guessing we are getting a bit sidetracked here, with respect to the investigation issue.In this case we are going to need the assistance, but we felt that you all needed an update as to the situation."


    "CEO Yao, in respect to your daughter," and with the mention of Alecia everyone in the room started to tense up "we have an interview scheduled with Lu Jinhu tomorrow.The DNA tests have been sent off both domestically and to respected internationalboratories for the purposes of double checking he sequencing, but we have no firm timeline on when all results will be back."


    "However, if what is suspected to be true, we eventually will be charging CEO Lu and Rong Jingye over the incident and Lu Jinhu with aiding and abetting it.On the surface, it appears that this is a discrete incident, but there appears from the statements we have so far to be links to the wider abuse of young girls and hints that there was an intention to use this to ckmail you CEO Yao ¡­"


    "And possibly me, as well given it is known that she is my goddaughter" responded Hou Yi.


    "That is a possibility, CEO Hou.Something that was said in our interviews with the young girls you brought in Madam Yao earlier in the week makes us wonder if that was in fact his intention.Looking back into business news archives, we noticed a pattern where there were rumours of attacks on daughters of variouspany CEO''s or senior executives, and then sudden deals with Lu Corporation."


    "Additionally, from their statements and the information Mr Gan and Mr Mo provided it supports the potential that CEO Lu, Rong Jingye and some of their friends and associates will be charged with


    multiple sexual offences against people under the age of 18 years.Presently the question is who and what the charges will be, and that depends on further statements and evidence that is gathered."


    "The more that can be gathered, the harder it will be to argue that the charges are made by spiteful jealous people out to smear their reputations.The one thing we are struggling with is who is involved in the actual scheme.More than likely CEO Lu is involved, but the question is how far into Lu Corporation this goes, and who else is involved"


    Fully knowing the answer Hou Yi asked, "So I am guessing that this cannot be spoken about?"


    "That is correct CEO Hou.The less that is in the public, the better.But CEO Lu will be charged today over the incident at XF international.The only question is whether Lu Jinhu will also have charges for this incident as well.Do you mind me asking why you have to know?"


    "Just something you might need to know, through various investmentpanies my wife and I now own the forty percent of Lu Corporation shares traded on the open market.We have a deal in the future if we wish to sell those shares to sell up to a quarter of those shares to Mr Gan and Mr Mo''spany.I started this prior to any of the incidents urring due to concerns that Lu Corporation assets were being used to target my wife."


    Taking a breath, Hou Yi then continued "The problem is that my wife and I will have obligations of owning that amount of shares of Lu Corporation, particrly when we use our votes to question who the CEO of Lu Corporation should be.Lu Corporation''s charter will automatically give my wife and I Board seats on their board, and as you would know thew will oblige both of us to tell Lu Corporation''s board and naturally Hou Enterprises board, who CEO Yao is a member of and Madam Yao often sits as his proxy.That risks the information getting out."


    There was dead silence on the other end of the phone, before there were unintelligible voices in the background, before here was said "That was something that we were unaware of.CEO Hou, we want to make the same offeras has been made to Mr Gan and Mr Mo ¡­"


    "You are giving it to all of us to protect ourselves and ourpanies?" came Anna.


    "Madam Hou we need to.I would expect that CEO Yao would have the same issue with XF International as with Hou Enterprises if we did not act and make you all temporary police officers to assist us with the investigation.As I understand you are all at Hou Enterprises, a Senior Officer will be there in around fifteen minutes, to swear you in for this purpose only.Mr Gan and Mr Mo, can you arrange for your associates to be there as well."


    Hou Yi continued, "I will let my assistant know to ensure that the officer is shown up immediately, and the meeting that we will be about to go into with Mr Gan, Mr Mo and their otherpany senior members can be interrupted."


    With that Hou Yi took the call off speaker phone and quickly ended the call while Anna, called Assistant Wang and let him know what was happening.

 Chapter 436: What in the World - Part 9

    <h4>436 What in the World - Part 9</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Once Anna and Hou Yi ended their calls, King could not help himself "What in the world?"


    Anna with her background could understand exactly what the police were doing.Effectively asking them to be informants, but making them temporary members of the police force to protect them legally.


    Anna turned to Snake "You better get whoever was involved in with your previous actions as the authorities will want them."


    Then turning to King, Anna said"The problem is they know that there is someone there that is feeding information out to CEO Lu and his cronies.For them the way then are going to operate is to make it seem like they are doing nothing about the crimes, except the two obvious ones involving Hou Yi and myself as the victims.Their intent, through doing this is to legally gather information in a manner that limits the prospects of CEO Lu and his cronies finding our."


    "The reasons for the protection is Lion, Snake and your associates will be entering into illegal brothels and paying, for all apparent purposes paying for services.For us, and Lion and Snake it also covers us in our directors duties.We know information that aspany directors we normally would be obliged to reveal and act on.Protecting the information about the investigation means we would normally breach that obligation so it is about covering us in that respect."


    "Why in the world are they taking it slow?Screw that, they need to pay."


    Amanda now was annoyed."Damn if Croc.They will be.Anna is right.It is obvious that hey have worries the information should they investigate in the normal channels would get out and that would prevent justice for Alecia let alone those girls his actions have significantly hurt.While some of us are known to hate him, nothing we do would be seen out of the norm, but we are protected, Hou Enterprises, XF International and yourpany as technically we should divulge it.The only problem is other that Lion and Snake the rest of you have to y dumb as you are not covered."


    "Who cares!"


    "Croc I damn well care.Do you want to see that b*stard get away with what he did to Alecia?"


    "No way."


    "You have your answer.That same question applies to each of you.All we have to do is be careful in what we do as I do not want him to get away with hurting my new daughter let alone other peoples daughters.We need to do what is necessary for justice," came out Amanda.


    Having observed the exchange King knew that the Queen and the Empress were right.IF they acted rashly CEO Lu would end us escaping justice.Quietly he said "Croc, she is right.We do not want to screw up justice for the princess.That we all want, particrly as she has only found the strength to confront what has urred.That has to be the priority and it has the benefit that ultimately it will clean up the neighbourhood."


    Lizard continued "The question is what can we do to make the b*stards pay for hurting the princess, legally?"


    Shark added "Well we can squeeze Lu Corporationsnd in the neighbourhood impacting the ability for those illegal activities from urring, as well as looking at other development opportunities, for example a couple of apartmentplex developments and in the warehouse district that project we were considering for a sound stage and editing facilities, that your joint venture could use ..."


    "Great idea Shark.If we pressure most of the facilities he uses he will consolidate activities into a couple of locations.Toff, Bug, if we did the sound stange and editing facility, would you be interested in using it?"


    "King, if this had been your idea, you know ¡­"


    "Yi screw the attitude.I am sick of it and it is stressing me out.Remember your promise ¡­."


    "OK Sweetheart."He leaned over and gave Anna a brief kiss.Stressing her out would not help her already risky pregnancy.


    "If the pricing ispetitive we will look at using the facility.We cannot say that we will, as both Hou Enterprises and XF International have various facilities around the country.But you can open it to other to use anyway."


    Before the bickering could continue, there came a knock on the board room door, and Assistant Wang came in.At a nod King, Lizard, Shark, Croc and Tiger all left the room, knowing what was about to happen for the others.As they exited the room, their associates that would help arrived to all be sworn in as temporary police officers.

 Chapter 437: Shock Horror, how manipulative is CEO Lu - Part 1

    <h4>437 Shock Horror, how maniptive is CEO Lu - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    Lu Jinhu arrived at the police station in thepany of prison authorities, angry his father''s actions had brought him here again.He was trying to get through his home detention sentence without incident so he could then work to undermine that b*tch, that did not breach the order of protection, and get back to where he needed to be.


    Part of that was being constructive with his time.As he was only three units short of his Masters of Business Administration, he figured he should finish it off online, which they agreed to.He would then have eight months to wait before returning to Lu Corporation, now with a MBA behind him.


    His father''s unchecked currently unchecked ego should, by the time his ban was up lead to the board and shareholders ejecting him as CEO, and with the MBA he would then be in prime position to take it over, given the charter requirements for a CEO, a Lu or a decedent of the founder.Presently there were only five people in with a shot of the position other than himself.


    Four, while having senior management positions were in roles that required no skill and effectively were all public rtions appointments who would go out to promote thepany while collecting obscene amounts of money.There was only that distant cousin who had a low level entry management job, no university education, and in reality no ns to do anything other that work his way up.Stupid.


    Unlike his father, who was being reckless he could admit he would screw up but would own his mistakes and deal with the consequences of his actions.He father looked for others to take the me, and ckmail was his stock in trade to have everyone do what he wanted.


    Two years ago he had realised that his childhood and teenage mistakes had no power to be used against him and started to stand up the old man.The problem was in that same visit he bumped into a single mother three years younger than him and he realised she was the one for him, not Anna.He had been able to keep her a secret from the old man until the Christmas prior when he found out about it and used her to ckmail him again because he was worried about her and her children''s safety.ssic actions by his father.


    The woman that everyone thought was his mother and he had thought until he was twenty was not.She was the woman his parents wanted him to marry, but she was infertile.They found a young woman, easily manipted impregnated her and married her.


    His real mother was illiterate and had been convinced that the documents she signed were to protect her and their child, but in fact it was an agreement that as soon as the child was born, they would immediately divorce, she would leave with a small amount of money and that his step-mother would be the registered as his mother.All because the damn Lu Corporation Charter required a legitimate child born of a marriage for a member of the LU family, for potential CEO and heirs.


    He only became aware of the situation when his real mother''s brother came looking for him almost two years ago.His mother had re-married and had other children, from the second marriage.The youngest child, a daughter was eight-years-old and had Leukemia.No one else in the family was a donor match, and that is when his mother told the family about him.


    She had been ashamed with what had happened, and refused to tell her family.She struggled and met a man who loved her for who she was, educated herself and raised a new family.It was only when their daughter received her diagnosis and no one else in the family was a match that she said anything.The old man denied it but digging with assistance found out what had happened.The story from the uncle was true.He got tested and was a match for his half sister.


    His father found out about that and the help that he was giving them, but given he was following ns to get Australian citizenship he did not worry.He continued to let the old man manipte him, as he allowed him to help his mother and her family, including that damn debacle with Du XuXu.


    He knew that should not have happened, but the old man threatened to have his mother thrown into jail for breaching the confidentiality of their so-called divorce settlement.There was no way that that was going to happen.

 Chapter 438: Shock Horror, how manipulative is CEO Lu - Part 2

    <h4>438 Shock Horror, how maniptive is CEO Lu - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jinhu then thought about the surrent situation with Yang Lin.Despite the pressure his grandfather when he was alive and father ced on hi, he wanted to marry her less than he ever wanted to marry Anna.But he had to give it to his father.


    Despite how careful he was with his true love not only did the old man find out about it, but he threatened to disclose it to Anna ruining the n to get Australian Citizenship but that unless he cooperated with what he wanted he would destroy her as well as his birth mother''s family.Threatening to have the authorities take away his true love''s children and make her homeless, had the old man ensured that he would cooperate with what he wanted to do to Alecia Yao.


    On the night talking to Alecia Yao he found a young vulnerable girl who despite having some backbone was a loner.She was pleasant to talk to and he really questioned what he had agreed to do so he tried convincing her to return inside as he had a suspicion of what the old man had nned for her.


    His attempt to do the right thing and help her made her feel as if he was a puppet of her father, out to control her like he was.That view made her draw into the shadows away from the light on the balconying from the room.Those same shadows with the drugged drink the old man gave her earlier in the night, made her easy prey for him to drag her into the shadows.


    He had told the old man at the outset that he would simply get her onto the balcony, but for some reason somethingpelled him to follow her.He then noticed the old man and the leech Rong Jingye had her by the arms and forced her into a dark area.When he got close he found a camera that the old man had set up to film them repeatedly assaulting her.


    He decided that, he was not going to stop what was happening but taking the camera and controlling the footage afterwards would ensure that he could protect himself in the future.At the end of their assault they tried to convince him hand it over, but with the noise they had to wait, and he used the time to switch out the memory card hiding the original and handing him a nk card, which for a long period of time the old man thought was corrupted, until he told him the truth.


    Then came Yang Lin.Master maniption.The old man the visit home when he told him the truth about the card, drugged him and got her and another woman into his bed.Yang Lin fell pregnant, but somehow the old man had set up a camera to take footage that only clearly showed him to hang over his head and control him.While the threesome was fun the threat was such that he needed to cooperate to a point but not handing over the card.Bugging Yang Lin''s phone gave him evidence that the situation had been set up by the old man to control him.


    He had already made a decision, when the child Yang Lin was carrying was about six months old he was going to divorce her.There was no way he wanted to remain married to her, and before they married she refused to read the pre-nuptial agreement that limited the money she got if they divorced plus ensured he would have primary care of any children.He knew if needed she would take more money to stay out of their lives as she was already showing her concern is simply money.


    Once he extracted himself from the mess, and yes it was of his own making, he would make it up to the love of his life, if she would forgive him, and his mother''s family.


    Today, he had no idea what he was walking into at the police station so figured that he had to protect himself and had all the evidence he had.He would have to admit his own issues and ept the punishment that this brought, if the game with the old man suited him.It just depended on the old man.


    The thing that made him fearful was yesterday, when the prison authorities allowed him and his step-mother toe and spend time with them and have a meal.The old man made it absolutely clear that he was to take as much responsibility for what is did on Monday, agreeing that he had pushed him to have a go at Anna when the circumstances allowed it.


    The damn idiot cannot help himself.He should have learnt by now that trying to cross swords with her and that husband of hers ends up in disaster.Yes the current situation with the Entertainment Division was partially his fault, but the old man had p*ssed Hou Yi off multiple times in thest eighteen months, so he is also to me.


    The old man even worked on Yang Lin.That was below the belt.He told her that she needed to get me to protect him, as without the money he was providing we would be without much.He had money and assets, given to him personally, but which he let the old man manage.Doing that was easier than arguments with him, but the arrangements were such he knew he could take back control at any time.He just let the old man pretend he was in control despite part of that being necessary for a divorce settlement with her.Plus he had assets in Australia, not only from that settlement with Anna, but that not even the old man knew about, let alone Anna.Only a few million, but still something.

 Chapter 439: Shock Horror, How Manipulative is CEO Lu - Part 3

    <h4>439 Shock Horror, How Maniptive is CEO Lu - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Yang Lin, from when his parents left kept arguing with him to the point he eventually gave in and told her he would protect the old man.That meant that the old man was worried, so he decided to have his insurance with him.


    When he entered the police station he was shown into an interview with two different police officers that on hisst visit.being here was monotonous.Other than two doctors visits he attended with Yang Lin, the only other time he left their home was toe here.


    Unlike him, Yang Lin had multiple "doctors" appointments only one of which she allowed him to attend.But their medical evidence was that given how stressed she was, she needed treatments to rx and minimize stress from impacting her pregnancy.She seemed to be out most days for those treatments.


    Quickly, Lu Jinhu after the usual pleasantries realised that it was not a normal interview.Damn the old man.Yes he reacted with that damn joint venture that came from Hou Enterprises and XF International as a means of getting to them and undermine Lu Corporation, but it was a predictable move from Hou Yi, that the old man should have known wasing.


    Hou Yi in the few years he had been at the helm of Hou Enterprises had already be well known for being ruthless in his actions particrly if he felt you had slighted him or his family in some way, they will react, but it always would be through legal means.He had been on the end of that with the press conference.


    Anna, that b*tch was like him.She used the court proceedings to set him up legally.He should have remembered her skill, but between Yang LIn and the old man he had gotten distracted.However, when ites to it he had some control, the old man seems to have none.


    After taking in what the police had to say, Lu Jinhu paused.It was crunch time.Did he y his card today, or wait to y it once he had figured out the next moves by Hou Yi?He wondered if those moves were rted to the third-hand rumours he had heard about the buying up of the forty percent of shares not in the Lu or Yang families control.


    Nothing he had heard let him know who was purchasing the shares, but he had his suspicions.At the moment the old man controlled through the Lu Families shares and those controlled by Yang Lin''s parents forty-fie percent.The Yang Group controlled fifteen percent, but like most of the Lu family they were self-centered and saw Yang Lin as a brat who they would have no issue in throwing her under a bus, despite her being the ultimate heiress of thepany, if it achieved their aims.


    Could Hou Yi be backing a move?Could he be looking to have the old man removed as the CEO and someone he felt would not harm them put in ce.After a few seconds he dismissed that, as it would be counter productive.That type of revenge would not work well.


    After tossing up the options he decided that this was not the time to y the card, but he could not save the old man, despite what eh wanted.


    "Sirs, the prison authorities allow my parents and my inws to visit us twice per week.I see my parents on Thursday and Sundays, and my inws on Wednesdays and Saturdays.After thest time I was here each visit I remind my father not use the photographs and films that he has, which like any child who was overseas I had sent him to share my life with him and my mother.I also make sure to reminded him to respect the order of protection."


    "All I can do is specte a little, based on the newspapers that I have been allowed to read.He reacted when he felt that the familypany was threatened.He and my mother could not have another child, so he sees Lu Corporation like his second child and reacted to protect it.I can understand that, but in feeling his second child was threatened he forgot the warnings I had given.


    No fault of my wife or me, but I think understandable in the circumstances."


    "My guess is he said what he did without really meaning it, trying to protect his second child.An over-reaction yes, but without being an expert I would say it also came from being over-stressed.I am only basing that on how I see my wife who is so over-stressed that her pregnancy is constantly at risk and everything is being done to minimise those risks.I did not ask him to seek revenge for me."


    "Can I ask that you go lightly on him, my wife and he get along well, and thest thing with any charges that you might be looking at is to cause added stress to her.It will risk her miscarrying."


    Lu Jinhu knew that he was backing them into a corner.The courts had epted Yang Lin had a high risk pregnancy and that stress increases the risks to it.Doing something that increased her stress levels would go against what the courts had actually recognised.This was the safest card to y today for everyone.Dismiss chargesing against him and Yang Lin, but minimising what the police would to to the old man.

 Chapter 440: Shock Horror How Manipulative is CEO Lu - Part 4

    <h4>440 Shock Horror How Maniptive is CEO Lu - Part 4</h4>


    Friday continued ¡­


    After listening to the police talk further Lu Jinhu knew he had dodged a bullet for a second time.However if his father did not stop his actions he would not be so lucky a third time.He had to have words with him on Sunday when he came for his visit.


    Lu Jinhu in thepany of the prison authorities left the police station and headed for the appointment Yan Lin had with her specialist about her pregnancy.The longer her actions were continuing the more positive he was that he would end the marriage as soon as he could.He had sworn that no child of his would be treated like he was, but the even worse situation was remaining in an unhappy marriage.


    He wanted the child, and was willing to care for it unlike his wife who had already made it clear that they needed a Nanny who would care for their child from birth.As usual, he realised during the appointment that the only reason that he was there was more because he needed to be out of he house, as it was already driving him crazy.


    Sunday


    CEO Lu arrived at Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s house, with his wife.Clearing the security to enter was a painful and humiliating experience, but he knew that his son and daughter-inw only had themselves to me.As they entered, his wife drifted off with Yang Lin, so he went in search of his son.


    He mmed open the study door, and on spotting his son yelled "What in the world!" before turning around and shutting the door behind him.


    "You were supposed to tell the police what happened on Monday was your fault, not mine, and take the consequences."


    "Damn it, father.Sit down and keep your voice down."Spat out Lu Jinhu, before taking a couple of deep breaths to calm himself down.


    "Dad, you are doing exactly what you curse me for doing, acting without thinking.You need to calm down as your actions will have consequences.There is a limit to what I can do.Last time it was telling the authorities that I forgot to remind you that you could not use the photos that you have to do anything.It was a damn lie, but it got you out of trouble and prevented me from ending up in jail.You damn well knew you should not do that, but they cannot prove it."


    "This time, I had to figure out how to work it for you.There was no way that I could take on responsibility for telling you to do what you did.We did not know when you were herest weekend which people from the entertainment division were going to this new, and what was then rumoured project.I damn well spun it on the basis that given you and mother dearest," with thest two wordsing out in a sneer "could not have other children so for the two of you thepany became your second child, and you looked after everyone in it as if they are family and felt distraught at that."


    "Do not speak about your mother like that."


    "Damn it old man, for you to keep face and to protect my real mother I have not revealed the truth.You got my real mother pregnant married her and on the day I was born not only had her sign your divorce papers, but sign me over to you and mother dearest, for a cash payment and threats to stay out of my life.Who in the world does that to a child?"


    "Do not speak to me like that.She was only a surrogate as your real mother could not carry a child.We acted to make sure you were legitimate and could inherit Lu Corporation."


    "At the moment I do not give a care about that.I almost feel like telling you where to put it, but that is a betrayal of your parents and the other family members, who despite your actions treated me like a real person.The problem is you are acting recklessly without thinking of the consequences."


    "Yes, I was stupid, in part egged on by you and Yang Lin.I am willing to admit what I did and take responsibility and I agreed in the end to the deal that the prosecutors put.You, however, are looking for someone to me for your own actions, even stupidity at time ¡­"


    "Do not call me stupid, brat."

 Chapter 441: Shock Horror how manipulative is CEO Lu - Part 5

    <h4>441 Shock Horror how maniptive is CEO Lu - Part 5</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jinhu wanted to scream and kill his father, but knew that doing that would achieve nothing.


    Taking a deep breath, "Listen to me father.You are acting stupidly at the moment and not thinking about the consequences of actions.I went overboard and acted stupidly at the theatre when that b*tch of an ex of mine interrupted what I was doing, but I epted responsibility for what I did."


    Seeing his father nodding, he continued "You are seeking someone to shoulder the responsibility for your actions to protect you.Yes, I am one person you can do that to as you can use my birth mother, my old girlfriend, Yang Lin, my unborn child, my activities with that b*tch now married to Hou Yi and my previous consensual sexual activity.You use whatever works for you at the time."


    "I try and ept responsibility as you demand, whether to protect myself of others depending on the card you use, as you know ultimately I care.But I am getting beyond that.More importantly the authorities will get sick of you ming me or other people and not believe you.It is the fairy tale of the boy who cried wolf, the more you do it the less people will believe you until no one believes you."


    "Son, you need to be responsible.We are in this mess because you screwed up."


    "I might have but I own my screw ups.You never do.I warned you about verbally sparring with that b*tch of an ex of mine as she can twist and manipte things with the best.Is she was not awyer she would be a perfect politician perfectly spinning things.You crossed verbal swords with her and as a litigator she has the skills to do this generally getting good oues.Anyone with half a brain would have realised the oue with my warnings to you, you would loose.."


    "We have to be strategic in what we are doing.I gave the police an exnation that protects you to the best of my ability.Your im would never have held up, because the contact between you and I would show I could not be behind it.That would totally screw you, and I could have done nothing to help you."


    Despite having let Lu Jinhu have his rant, CEO Lu was by its end totally insenced."You damn well should have taken responsibility."


    "Father, we will go around in circles.Stop, think about it."


    After a few minutes of silence, CEO Lu responded "Damn it, you were right."


    "So you understand what I have been telling you.You need to remain calm and focus on Lu Corporation.Those backstabbers we call family will start to use this type of action to topple you from your position and take control given thepany charter, using the open market shareholders and Yang Lin''s family to achieve that."


    "While we would normally be able to count on her family, the Yang family''s bottom line always is profit and money.Believing that I was elsewhere in the house, Yang Lin''s parents told her that she needs to consider remaining in our marriage once our child is born.They even suggested that she should ignore our pre-nuptial agreement taking our child with her and forcing me to pay her huge amounts of money.We both know she wanted to have an abortion and I bribed her to not only marry me but to keep the child.This is a consequence of your actions."


    Lu Jinhu observed that his father was getting very angry."Keep calm father.We both know that all she wants is money and a social position.If you do not push too far, I can insist on out pre-nuptial agreement with its pre-determined divorce settlement and custody arrangements for our child are followed.As she wants money, I can pay her to move from the fifty-fifty agreement, as the default is if that does not apply the children are with me."


    "Regarding thepany.We both know the charter terms.The forty percent ofpany shares the Lu Family own, is controlled by the CEO.We own three-quarters of those and the branch families own the bncing quarter.Those shares can only be sold within the family, and the ie is shared.But the more you push and behave as you are the more it will cause those branches to consider the charter and look to appoint another Lu Family member of descendant as CEO.You want to loose that position?Keep going as you have been."

 Chapter 442: Falling into the Trap - Part 1

    <h4>442 Falling into the Trap - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Looking at his father Lu Jinhu realised he had finally gotten through.Keeping going the way he was, he would loose his position as CEO of Lu Corporation, something that was tied to his identity, let alone significant influence in his grandchild''s life.


    Lu Jinhu, however paused.Despite having spent the time he had in Australia manipting that b*tch to secure his Australian even he had heard the vague rumours of his father''s actions regarding the young girls and women artists with their entertainment division.There was concerns for some shareholders and board members, but given no one could prove anything nothing was really done.


    The rumours had gotten stronger in the weeks leading up to his home detention, and he was not going to raise with the old man.He had seen two of the artists that had jumped to than new joint venture by those pains Hou Yi and Yao Tan, were ones that his father andRong Jingye had favoured over thest twelve months.That angered him.


    In a polite calm voice, given his father was finally listening Lu Jinhu said "Dad, have you finally now gotten your head around the problem.You need to remain calm, or the potential is a backfire on not only me and your daughter-inw ending up with us in jail, but on you and thepany."


    Having that brat of a son berate him, angered CEO Lu.He had no right to speak to him like that, and considered ying the ckmail cards he had to pull him into line.He immediately dismissed that as his son had presently called his bluff so at this moment it would be ineffective.


    However, Lu Jinhu was right.The b*tch of a wife of Hou Yi was a major problem.He just needed to figure out what to do.He had from the background seen in court how she had twisted his son in that video link with Australia, and from Australian contacts he found out that she was like that constantly.


    The strange thing was despite that, Lu jinhu outside the court arena had been able to perfectly manipte her.He could not understand why she had been vulnerable in that way and had not reacted against him.Crossing verbal swords, with her however had backfired particrly as of the backing she had.She was not as vulnerable has he had per previously.that needed to be dealt with.


    Hou Yi, however was a known quantity.He had presented in society a mild-mannered persona, but had demonstrated how aggressive, hard nosed and ruthless in business, often manipting situations from behind the scenes without effecting that societal persona.He had turned those skills in helping his wife.


    They needed to pay, but how to achieve that was for another day.He just needed to get his son under control before they finished their allowed visit and then he would be meeting Rong Jingye for a rxing night.


    Calmly, not betraying his real feelings, CEO Lu turned and said."Fine I get the message, but you damn well better make sure that you protect my back.Remember what I can do."


    "Father, just settle down.I ¡­"


    "Do not tell mewhat to do, you know I have the power here, unless you want things to happen to people you are for or things toe out."


    "Father, let me finish, otherwise someone would think you are paranoid.I need¡­"


    "No I am notparanoid."


    "You are doing it again.I need to finish.I will do what I can, but thest thing I need or want, is to end up in jail, so I have to protect myself.If I can think on my feet I will do what I can protect you, but you have to ept I cannot do everything, particrly as I am trapped here, other than the asional pre-approved appointment for more than three months more.Sometimes, I will spin, but there will be asions that I cannot, and you have to ept that."


    "No damn way.You will ¡­"


    "Just stop it.I know you are going to threaten me more, with the safety of people of disclosure of information, however think wider.There will be others, if you are determined to pass on the me that you can look to.Try and undermine other extended family members that will undermine them if there bes an issue.You keep undermining me, and when you cannot be CEO any more, your scheming will end by resulting in someone else being in control of hepany and holding the bnce of your life''s financial future in your hands.I will do what I can, and leave it at that."

 Chapter 443: Falling into the Trap - part 2

    <h4>443 Falling into the Trap - part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    "Fine" spat out CEO Lu.


    Before they could continue, they were called for the evening meal, which despite Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin being on home detention was a five course meal including soup, entr¨¦e, three meat dishes and three vegetable dishes, dessert and a cheese tter to share between the four of them.Two and a half hourster, The Senior Lu''s left.


    Turning to his wife on leaving CEO Lu said "That damn ungrateful brat.He cannot recognise what is needed to protect thepany, and what we went through.Threatening those wh*res presently achieves nothing as he does not care."


    "Even that wh*re of a birth mother of his, and her family?"


    "Absolutely.He told me I had to take responsibility."


    "Forget that, he is responsible for the current mess.I will bring him under control as Yang Lin is so easy to manipte into what we need her to do.I just need to throw a money towards her massages and other rxation treatments her specialists have rmended to reduce her stress to preserve her pregnancy.That will mean that even with the presence of the prison guards I can get close to her and get her to bring him under control."


    "She better, he is even threatening making sure that we are not involved with the child''s life."


    "That does it.That brat needs to pay.With what I will offer, I will get Yang Lin''s cooperation especially once her home detention period ceases."


    "Thank you."


    They drifted off into silence until arriving at their house.On entering Mrs Lu turned and said "Are we each going out again?"


    "Absolutely, you have no issues with me spending the night ¡­"


    "Where you usually go, to rx?"


    "Yes, I need to and am meeting Rong Jingye there.And you?"


    "The usual club."


    With that, the two of them headed to the garage area on the property to take two separate vehicles to their destinations, CEO Lu in a less obvious chauffeured vehicle, with a change to of clothes to allow him to head directly to Lu Corporaiton in the morning.


    On entering the vehicle, he pulled out this phone and dialed Rong Jingye.


    "Jingye, where are you?"


    "I arrived fifteen minutes ago, I thought you would have been here by now.?"


    "I had to deal with that brat of a child of mine, no damn respect for his mother and father."


    "They never do.Mine curse me all the time and the worst thing is I cannot hold money over them any more, as they have all jobs, that they im provides for them enough to live on.Unlike your son, they have done nothing that they have not admitted to publicly that I can hold over them.One of them even was lucky to escape prison time for admitting to having in their possession a small amount of drugs, and then helped bring down those involved in the trafficking."


    "True, but until tonight I thought I had mine under control.We need to stop thinking about the brats.They almost put a damper on tonight."


    "True, but this week has not been a good week.How in the world did those two slip in take those artists from Lu Corporation."


    "I have no damn idea, and the worst thing is despite the penalties in their contracts those two actually ended up paying me little.XF International, in particr are seeking enforce thepensation provisions in then contracts for those that we recruited over thest six months.In the end they offered a paltry 100,000pensation, when I should have received three hundred million."


    "Stop thinking about business, there is more pleasurable options open when you get here.I have already been looking at the menu here, as a recement for what we have lost.While they may need some training to be up to our standards there are some tasty options that are here."


    "Thank goodness you can take me back to what was important.After the week I have had any bit of stress release that I can have will be greatly appreciated.By the way where is your wife tonight?"


    "Same ce that your wife will be going, their club.It is good that we have understanding wives that allow us to have a night or two a week indulging in what we like, and they have their own little vices."


    "True."


    "Now my friend how long before you will be here?"


    "Say about twenty minutes."


    With that the call was ended, and CEO Lu was on the trip to one of the warehouses that had been converted for a much better purpose, an appropriately maned brothel.

 Chapter 444: Falling into the Trap - part 3

    <h4>444 Falling into the Trap - part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile outside the warehouses.


    Lion and Snake leading the two teams of men, were staking out two warehouses they knew were used as brothels, recording allings and goings.They had received hints earlier in the day that Rong Jingye was going outte tonight.They hoped he would show up at one brothel, and CEO Lu would join him.


    They had ced a couple of men inside the brothels for the purposes of gathering information inside and to start and ce their high-tech surveince devices.Being temporary police members for the purposes of this investigtion, gave them the ability to get away with what they were doing.Importantly, it also allowed them to keep an eye on CEO Lu, as if he was responsible for what happened to the princess then anything they could do ho help Hou Yi bring him down financially, they would do.


    When Snake noticed Rong Jingye enter the brothel he was at, he messaged Lion telling him to leave only one man outside the brothel he was at and get to his location.Neither of them wanted to miss CEO Lu and from what they knew it would be unusual that one one of them showed up at the same location.


    Five minutester Lion with two men arrived.As CEO Lu and Rong Jingye knew their faces, Snake and Lion were realistic they could not enter the brothel, so they sent three men inside, quickly ensuring they had all the equipment they required for surveince inside.The equipment was able to be turned off using remotes to ensure that security sweeps did not detect them, protecting them.It was a rush to move them in, as they needed them in ce before CEO Lu arrived otherwise they would have little chance to gather much evidence tonight.


    Within five minutes, Snake and Lion were overlooking the warehouse monitoring the equipment while their men were making their way to enter. Thank goodness they were known by sight at the door, as that made getting them in easy.While they were being checked by security the recording equipment was silent and when they entered it was quickly reactivated.Each man positioned themselves to ensure they had good views, and provide clear evidence of the menu for the night.


    Snake and Lion, where totally shocked when they viewed the nights menu.There were five fourteen-year-old girls plus fifteen, sixteen and seventeen year olds as listed as well.Those sick b*stards using children like this.Themunication between them was silent, but a sign of how much they had been through together when younger which allowed them to be able to judge what the other was thinking within reason.


    Before either of them could open their mouth a car pulled up outside, and quickly someone got out, and carried a couple of things with them.The location was too dark enough to enable them to categorically be certain that it was CEO Lu, but they were hopeful.The fact that security simply waved this person through seemed to support this conclusion.Within a minute of him entering the footage broadcast to their location showed it was CEO Lu who had entered the building.


    As they had confirmation of their main target for the night at their location, Lion contacted the other team and let them know that they could wrap up at their location when they liked.The footage he had seen earlier from inside indicated that there was nosign of any underage girls there nor anyone who would make a good target.It simply seemed to be tonight a venue used to take what money they could from the the public.


    Watching the footage from inside the warehouse they were observing was getting interesting.


    The two men who had gotten in earlier in the night returned to their location.They has quietly spoken to two seventeen-year-olds, who provided information that implicated some senior business mangers in using underage girls forced into prostitution.


    One spoke about how she signed a contract being an artist with Lu Corporation, and she had been forced into prostitution after failing to develop as they required.Her contract required that if she failed to make the grade, a debt of all the money Lu Corporation had expended in her training had to be repaid.


    When Lu Corporation terminated her contract she had two options.Repay the money immediately, or they would refer her somewhere else that could help her earn the money to repay the debt.Her family were a poor farming family, and there was no way that she had the money to pay it.SHe had to take he second option, but she had no idea what she was agreeing to.


    It was only when she went to where she had been referred and signed the debt arrangement that she was told what she would be doing for a business which she understood had ties to CEO Lu.She was informed that she would be a s*x worked, and for each service performed there was a set amount paid towards her debt and the interest earned.It would cover the interest and little else.She confessed that she was aware that the debt agreement was legitimate and going to the police would see that they would still try to reinforce debt payment.

 Chapter 445: Falling into the trap - Part 4

    <h4>445 Falling into the trap - Part 4</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Snake and Lion knew from here on it it would be interesting to see what evidence they were able to gather.From their men''s surveince equipment they observed CEO Lu head to where Rong Jingye was sitting in the VIP area with a girl on hisp wearing next to nothing.At Rong Jingye''s signal she stood up and obtained two menus for that evenings avable services and the second sheet which they had determined earlier was a list of the girls avaliable, before handing it to them.


    They then observed the woman who appeared in charge of the brothel that nigh more over to them.One man was nearby moved somewhat closer to the VIP area to allow them to hear what was being said, but it was difficult at times as he was ensuring that he was not obvious that he was listening.


    Once settled in position the snippets of conversation he was hearing was broadcast.They heard both of them select two fourteen-year-old girls and opted for adjoining rooms for the night.When the two girls selected were brought out and handed over to CEO Lu and Rong Jingye.They had almost nothing on, and the footage from all their men inside could see the terror on their faces the moment they were pulled away by CEO Lu and Rong Jingye.


    Given the presence of CEO Lu, the men inside knew that unless they selected from the menu they had no hope in getting close to the soundproof rooms where CEO Lu and Rong Jingye had gone with their victims.The men who went in just before CEO Lu arrived ''selected'' seventeen and eighteen -year-olds from the menu to talk to, and the bnce opted to leave the brothel.


    it took about ten minutes for the men who left, to return to their surveince location.On the way back they had quietly indicated that the girls they had ''selected'' earlier in the night and simply talked to were quite happy see them again.One on their arrival turned and said to Snake and Lion "Sirs we have to do something, those two girls are about to get hurt.You both saw what they ''ordered'' based on the menu."


    Snake spoke "We know.The problem is that we are now not just working to rid the neighbourhood of this.The police are involved and we are here to help them prove the case.We need to interview girls, get their stories and hopefully convince a few toe forward.We have the evidence to protect us, we just have to get these girls to say what they want, until you can smuggle and ce cameras within each room.That will catch them in the actions."


    Lion continued "We will make a report tomorrow to the police once we go through the footage and transcripts will follow.Let us not loose sight of the goal, destroying those who dared to hurt the princess.That we cannot do without your help.Now¡­"


    The second man spoke, "Bosses, you need to go home, as you will need to deal with the finalisation of the report of the police given what we have gathered thest few days, plus ¡­"


    "We know there is that business meeting tomorrow as well.Damn.Try and all get out of hear early and report to headquarters," said Snake.


    Lion then continued "Actually, no, I will remain here and both of you need to get out of the area.As soon as the other site is over someone wille and take over.Thest think we need is suspicions raised if you are seen in the area.We will n this better next time.Now the lot of you scram."


    Snake and their two operatives left and Lion''s chilling voice.Once they were away from Lion, Snake was asked "What in the world was that about boss?"


    "Damn it you two.You know how hard he takes what happened to the princess given what happened to his little sister, and you want to question him, now leave well enough alone at the moment."


    "Yes Boss," came a sheepish reply.


    "Now go, and meet me at the office at 8am and get the message to everyone else.We will start detailing information for the police and working on the transcripts.We will have to do that, as we will not be able to bring any of the secretaries in on this.And the worst thing, is that we are busy with legitimate business."

 Chapter 446: Progress - Part 1

    <h4>446 Progress - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday


    Hou Yi awoke and found Anna trying to move quickly on her crutches into the bathroom.Jumping up, he moved and scooped Anna into his arms quickly carrying her into the bathroom before settling her on a low chair he had arranged in the bathroom for her to sit on while she threw up.As soon as he had ced her there Annamenced throwing up.


    Hou Yi felt helpless, but all he could do was keep her hair from her face and have a ss of water for her to gargle and clean out her throat once she had finished throwing up.He moved to ce the ss of water in easy reach while keeping her hair out of her face.


    Ten minutester, Anna was over her throwing up and as Hou Yi handed her the ss of water she joked "I know why they call it morning sickness.At least I am lucky and it only hits me first thing in the morning."


    "Sweetheart, I hate to see this happening."


    Anan reached up and gently touched his arm and he looked directly at her "Darling with fingers crossed in less than eight months, we will have an addition to our family.Who would have thought two months ago we would have been in this position.You hoping I would see the light, and meet you again and me stuck with that idiot who made my life a misery.Life has had its change and we have each other."


    "Anna ¡­"


    "Now, forget about trying to be sweet and help me up from here.While I appreciate this, given the past, it is so damn ufortable."


    Hou Yi bent down and scooped Anna into his arms carrying her to the couch, gently cing her on it before handing her some dry crackers and the ginger tea that the doctors ad rmended for her when morning sickness hit.


    Hou Yi knew that if he had a coffee in the next hour or so, its smell would make Anna vomit again.


    He opted for a cold fruit juice from the bar fridge and headed back towards the couch.Seeing Anna trying to move, Hou Yi sat down beside her with his juice, and she leaned on him gettingfortable.After a few quiet minutes together Hou Yi quietly said "What time is your appointment today at the hospital?"


    "9:30am.A quick checkup and they are going to do an Xray of the leg to determine when they believe the case cane off.I hope that that is soon, preferably next week.When that decision is made, the appointments will be scheduled for its removal, a physiotherapy appointment made and the first real ultrasound of the pregnancy.I figured that I woulde in to the office in the afternoon, to quickly review the work Jodie was dealing and there is a meeting at 3pm for starting the nning of the fundraising event."


    Anna twisted slightly and looked at Hou Yi "Something is bothering you, what is it?"


    "CEO Lu is trying to buy on market the shares that I have brought.The brokers have contacted the shellpanies I have used for the deal and offered twenty percent over what I paid for the shares.


    The only good thing is he has not figured out what shares I have all the shares that have been traded on the market."


    "Sweetheart if you get the good news today with the cast I intend to exercise the rights that thepany charter for people owning fifteen percent or more of thepany.I want you with me, when I get rid of his from thepany, but I need to know when you will be able to generally move without the crutches as thest thing we need to risk is further injury."


    "Can you note with me?"


    "Sorry I have a day full of meetings, and the worst thing is that I have to leave and head to Japan for two days tonight.I hate the idea of leaving you but Uncle Feng is on his long awaited for leave, and it needs someone senior in thepany to be there.Two senior managers that I would trust at this time to act on their own are dealing with pre-nned matters."


    "There was two other senior managers that could have gone.I had to sent one to the UK to deal withplications for our European Headquarters from Brexit.The recement I had scheduled calledst night about 11pm.His wife had had their baby at seven months and both are currently on the critical list.He can address matters here while I am away if needed, but in the circumstances there was no way I could sent him."


    "At present, the other senior managers, are people while highlypetent are not use to going business with the Japanese.I am taking a couple of promising prospect with me to get them up to speed but ..."


    "Yi, you do not need to exin things to me.What about the board meeting on Friday?"


    "I need you to attend.Father wille in and chair the meeting as the charter in the absence of the chairman allows a previous chairman to step in and act as chairman.You will have my Proxy, and Yao Tan will be there and Uncle Feng has given his proxy to Yao Tan as well.He is unable to given me the proxy to me, or anyone in the family."


    Hou Yi, carefully moved and picked Anna up taking her with him into the bathroom so both of them could get ready for the day.

 Chapter 447: Progress - Part 2

    <h4>447 Progress - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Just after 11am, Hou Enterprises.


    Anna made her way across the foyer of Hou Enterprises in thepany of three bodyguards, and took an elevator up to the top Level.One bodyguard was being nice and carrying herptop and hand bag for her.As the Elevator arrived on the top Level, Hou Yi was standing there with a four other executives.


    Given the arrival of the bossdy none of them were surprised that the boss was sidetracked, and they quietly entered the elevator figuring that they would await the boss in the foyer before going to their off site meeting.


    Hou Yi leaned in and gave Anna a brief kiss."Sweetheart ¡­"


    "All good news.They decided the case cane off on Friday, morning, and I have a physio appointment then.They will then for a few weeks wearing a ''moon boot'', but I will not be able to walk with the aid of crutches until next week."


    "Such good news, and the other appointment?"


    "9:30am next Wednesday.I have scheduled physio appointments for the next couple of weeks at 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Perfect timing as that will take me just before Pippa and Hannah''s dance school has their trip to Hong Kong."


    Hou Yi looked around and realised that the executives that had been with him, had left "I guess I better leave as I have to briefly attend a off-site meeting with them."


    "Are you back before you go?"


    "Fingers crossed, and I wille and see you before I head to Japan."With that Hou Yi leaned down and gave Anna another kiss, and they both went into the elevator, which stopped on Anna''s Level.Hou Yi escorted his wife to her office in front of the legal department.Before turning to leave he lent down and gave her another kiss before reluctantly pulling back and heading to his meeting.


    After Hou Yi left, Jodie entered the room "Check up or something more?Will I be a godmother soon?"


    "Jodie" squealed Anna.It was a checkup and as you can see, no cast, just a moon boot."


    "Damn it, quick recovery.Now, boss I have done all the typing and uploaded it into the systems for your review.There is a meeting room on the ground floor booked for the charity initiative nning meetingter."


    "Thanks.I better review all that work before the meeting, where I will ask everyone to speak English so you can be involved.Now before you distract me too much how are thenguage lessons going?"


    "Good.John is doing better than me as on the building site he is at most workers speak English, but they constantly force him not to speak English.He has thenguage base though, as he learnt Japanese and French at primary and high school, I learnt nonguages.We both attend formal sses three times per week so that helps as does the ten people in the department who use our lunch break to help me, on the basis I buy them lunch."


    "That is good.Remember to practice with me as well."


    "OK Boss, now do you need me to organise you lunch?"


    "Speak to the catering staff and arrange for them to bring something to me.It they want to argue tell them the Lady Boss said to do it.Plus tell them daily to bring lunch for you and whoever is helping you on the day.Just make sure whatever they bring for me has no garlic or a rich sauce."


    Jodie went out to do what was directed and Anna settled in firstly to read the emails and then to start her review of the work Jodie had typed.When Jodie popped her head back in to confirm the lunch order Anna indicated that she had forwarded a number of emails that she needed responses drafted to.


    Even despite the interruption of lunch being brought in and picking at if for a period of time, before Anna knew it Jodie interrupted her and told her it was 1:45 pm and time to get ready to head to the meeting, which was arranged in a meeting room on the ground floor.


    As the nning meeting was breaking up just after 3pm Anna received a call from Hou Yi, asking where she was.He quickly arrived and quietly asked Jodie to pack up Anna''sptop and bring it and her handbag back down.Once Jodie was out of the room, Hou Yi lifted Anna to sit on the meeting room table and moved between her legs before kissing Anna passionately.


    Without realising Anna quickly untied Hou Yi''s tie, opened the shirt buttons and pushed his jacket onto the floor.Meanwhile Hou Yi, desperate to ce his hands on his wife, had pushed the skirt up as high as he could, and had the buttons undone on her shirt, and moving to unsp her bra, before they were interrupted by a knock on the door, and then they heard Jodies voice calling out"Anna I have yourptop and handbag."


    Hou Yi noticed how quickly Anna blushed, can called out "Give us a minute and we will be there."


    With that they righted themselves as best as they could, and as they came out of the room.On exit it took the bodyguards and Jodie only a few seconds to determine what had been going on in the meeting room.Jodie handed over Anna''s belongings, and said quietly "See you tomorrow boss.I will type up those notes and get through things in the system."


    Anna apanied Hou Yi to the Airport for his flight so that they could have as much time as possible together, and headed home after the ne left.

 Chapter 448: Lazy weekend - Part 1

    <h4>448 Lazy weekend - Part 1</h4>


    Saturday


    Waking up to Anna in his arms, it dawned on Hou Yi this was the first time since they had admitted their true feelings they were in the same bed without Anna having a cast on.Yes she still had the moon boot, but she was on the road to recovery.


    The only downside, was they had still not been given permission to resume s*xual rtions, which he so wanted.He did recognise that they had been so lucky, that everything that happened just after she conceived had not caused issues to date with the baby, and that she had remained pregnant.


    Noticing the time was 8am, was surprising, as he had not returned from the Japan business trip until 2am, Hou Yi carefully moved trying not to disturb Anna.He moved around the bed to Anna''s side, and while knowing he had a fifty-fifty change to wake Anna, he could not help but to give her a brief kiss.


    That kiss immediately woke Anna, who saw her husband leaning over her with a sweet smile on his lips.Before she could say anything, she started to feel that she would vomit again.Damn morning sickness.


    Seeing the change in Anna from a sweet smile when she awoke to the look he had seen on previous mornings, rather than waiting for her to get up and struggle into the bathroom, Hou Yi swept Anna into his arms and quickly carried her into the bathroom before settling her at the toilet to allow her to vomit.


    While she was still throwing up Hou Yi readied a ss of water for her to rinse her mouth out when she finished, and keeping her hair from her face.About ten minutester at Anna''s signal, Hou Yi handed her a ss of water to rinse her mouth out.


    When she was finished Hou Yi lifted her up, and asked "Do you want to go back to bed, have a shower or a bath?"


    Anna turned and shyly asked "A bath together and then return to bed?Only if you have nothing to do?"


    "Sweetheart while I have some work to do, I can do it from the study.Presently though you are the most important thing."


    Given Anna''s desire for a bath, Hou Yi filled the bath with enough water before helping Anna settle into it before slipping in behind her.When he was settled Anna lent back resting on her husband''s chest.This felt so peaceful, but Hou Yi soon lost the struggle not to kiss her and started to kiss her neck.


    Anna tilted her head to the left allowing Hou Yi easier ess to her neck and he started to caress her body, while Anna used her hands caressing his legs and the areas of Hou Yi''s body she could reach.Within minutes Anna could feel how aroused Hou Yi was as a result of this, and she wanted to turn and straddle him.Given the warnings she knew she could not ce pressure on her leg to properly turn.She twisted and asked quietly "Yi, could you please help me turn to face you?"


    Hou Yi carefully assisted Anna to turn, so she was facing him.She lent over and started to kiss him, with the kisses bing quickly passionate.Very quickly they both started to use their hands along with their mouths to start to pleasure each other ¡­


    Thirty minutes Hou Yi added hot water to re-warm the bath, while they simply sat there resting as despite not being able to take it to the ultimate conclusion they both wanted they just could not move.


    Before they knew anything, they heard a gasp at the ensuite doorway, and then three voices together saying "Apologies Young Master, Young Madam.We will leave your breakfast in the lounge area and leave you be."


    Hou Yi noticed Anna blush, and twist and bury her face in his chest.It was only when the heard the door shut that they knew that they were alone in the suite.Anna lifted her head andmented "That was embarrassing."


    "Apologies sweetheart I forgot I told Butler Ge when I arrived home at 2am, if we had note down by 9am, to bring breakfast up to us."


    "Well you better help me out then and feed me," gentlyughed Anna.


    Hou Yi, then gently moved Anna so he could climb out, and he quickly dried himself before lifting Anna out.While she was drying herself, he put on a fresh pair of Boxers, and grabbed her a fresh nightdress, and then helped her put back on the moon boot, before carrying her out and settling in the lounge area to have their light breakfast, before returning back to bed.

 Chapter 449: Lazy Weekend - Part 2

    <h4>449 Lazy Weekend - Part 2</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Just after 12:30pm on exiting their suite Hou Yi swept Anna into his arms to carry her down the stairs while calling out for someone to bring Anna''s crutches down.Without pause, he walked through the lounge to the outdoor pool, and sat her down in the small dining area.


    Once they were settled, cold drinks were immediately brought out to them, and Hou Yi gave orders for their light lunch.Once the staff left, Hou Yi quietly asked "How are Jodie and John settling in?"


    "From what Jodie says, John is loving the job and quickly learning thenguage, as unlike her he studiednguages at high school.From what I understand the senior people in site listened to him about his Australian experiences and are already adopting some workce safety practices, which has made him popr with other staff members."


    "Jodie, of course is loving the work even though her hours are less than what she had in Australia.She is having difficulties in learning thenguage, but between sses and help people within the legal department are giving her she feels she will learn and adapt."


    "You know about the confrontation at the board meeting yesterday?"


    "I spoke to Dad, and had expected it wasing.Thepany charter, unless they are family members automatically appoints the Vice-CEO and heads of the finance and legal departments, with the bnce of six staff members being appointed by staff vote.A temporary department head cannot automatically be appointed, but as we know he is too much in the pocket of the previous departmental head."


    "Given the previous departmental head viewed that Hou Family members should not have a role at all in thepany, Dad and I have kept him in his position to monitor him.He thought he had the opportunity to throw the family off the board, strip me of the CEO position, and alter thepany charter to make all Hou Family shares worthless, no member of the Hou family eligible to work for thepany, and issuing new shares that they would control the majority of."


    "You are kidding me?"


    "Absolutely not.Dad found out about the n six years ago when a senior member of the legal department with a conscious told him about it.We just waited for them to be ready to move, hence we kept them in their positions.We were ready when they went and started to overy their hands to remove Uncle Ji, Yao Tan and you as board members.Now we just have to deal with them, while ensuring they remain with thepany so we can control them."


    "Anna, Uncle Ji told me before heading off on his leave that he wants to retire.I know him well enough when we announce your pregnancy he will extend that for some time, but the question will be how long.He is assessing internal candidates for his position and with the three newly create Deputy Vice-CEO positions they will lessen the burdens on me."


    "In the end if we have no satisfactory internal candidate we will then have to look to recruit.My other challenge will be with the board is Yao Tan has indicated that in the future he will resign as the independent board member due to the joint venture.He wants to do that in the next few weeks, but suggested that as an interim measure we appoint Amanda''s father for a term of two years to find someone appropriate to take the position long-term."


    Hou Yi could see the worried look on Anna''s face "Anna, sweetheart, do not worry about things.You know I n, and can outmaneuver people easily.Being ruthless in business is not always about being aggressive.I think and act strategically and can achieve my goals easily, plus I have contingencies in ce if something changes from what I have nned."


    Looking directly at Anna, Hou Yi paused before continuing "Now sweetheart we are getting off track why I brought you out here.Yesterday your doctor and physio contacted me and told me that your rehabilitation will be improved if you spend time if not daily every second day in a pool."


    Pointing to the rooms to the side of the pool Hou Yi continued "Thereare some swimsuits in the change room over there, and after lunch, we can rx for a while.I will then help you into the pool, and if you are not needing me I can work on myptop to finish the few things I need to do."


    Hou Yi left Anna sitting there for a few minutes while he returned inside,ing back with hisptop and Anna''s tablet.Following him out the door was the staff with their lunch, which they eat leisurely, before they changed into swimwear and waited sufficient time after lunch before Hou Yi helped Anna into the pool.Before getting into the pool, while in the pool and afterwards, Anna observed Hou Yi working diligently on his Laptop.


    When he finally finished, he closed theptop, lent over and kissed her, and said "Today has been the way to spend azy Saturday."

 Chapter 450: The first Image

    <h4>450 The first Image</h4>


    Wednesday


    Arriving at the hospital physiotherapy department before 9am , Anna was ushered into a room for an immediate twenty minute rehabilitation session.The physiotherapist was already so happy with Anna''s progress is just a few days.She was already starting to gain some strength back in her leg, which in part was due to the luck that the break was a clean one that started to heal quickly.


    Onpleting this appointment, they headed to the physician''s office, where they were sent for multiple xrays and scans, before the appointment with both the physician and the obstetrician.The physician, in reviewing the x-rays, scans and blood test results was quite happy with her progress, particrly in light of the brief report from the physiotherapist.


    The Physician before leaving the room, said "CEO and Madam Hou, I will leave you in the hands of Madam Hou''s obstetrician, but given the information I have been through with you, we will do one more follow-up set of scans and tests in three or four weeks time, as your recovery from your physical injuries is good."


    "Actually could you make it four weeks?"


    "Four weeks time then.Assuming everything is OK at that time, we will then only need to do one more follow up set of test three month after that."


    Once everyone else exited the room the obstetrician turned to them and said "I had to push them to extend the time for the scans and x-rays.The more that they do, the higher the risks to your baby are, and this is a risky enough pregnancy given the injuries that you suffered Madam Hou.Now, we will move to another room where we have an ultrasound machine for the first pictures of your baby.We cannot tell you the sex, but we can see if there is anything to be concerned about from the assault."


    With that Hou Yi helped Anna on to the crutches, and they followed the obstetrician down a corridor and into another room.Hou Yi helped Anna onto the bed and having apanied her sister and sisters-inw to a number of these scans, knew what she needed to do and lifted her top, and lowered her pants to allow the ultrasound to easily be done.


    The obstetrician turned ready to say something, but before he could say anything Anna said "I can see you look.No this is my first pregnancy, but I have an older sister and sisters-inw who I have apanied to a number of ultrasounds during their pregnancies, so I know what you would want."


    This drew a chuckle from the obstetrician, who then proceeded with the ultrasound.Very soon Anna and Hou Yi heard a thumping in the room while being focused on the screen.Hou Yi turned to the obstetrician, who immediately realised what the question was going to be "The heartbeat of your baby ¡­ no let me rephrase that it looks like babies.It appears CEO and Madam Hou that you are having twins."


    After focusing on the ultrasound carefully for a few more minutes, the obstetrician picked up a couple of tissues and wiped the ultrasound gel from Anna''s stomach, before tossing them into a rubbish bin.


    "CEO and Madam Hou, from the ultrasound you have appear to have one healthy twin who appears not to have suffered ill effects from the assault on you, but I am not certain on the other one at this time as they were more hidden from view.I want to see you in two weeks for a review, and possibly an ultrasound.But we will definitely be doing an ultrasound in four weeks, and hopefully we will have a response on whether the second baby has suffered as a result of the assault.We may be able to determine the sex of the babies at that time, but there are no promises on that."


    "While I hate to do frequent ultrasounds, given the assault about the time of your conception Madam Hou, we need to be careful and do more frequent scans and observations.As to travel, you can fly both nationally and internationally as long as you break flights of more than four hours into legs.Generally, I would say no international travel once you hit six months, but we will reassess this in the future."


    "Now, I know that we frightened you when we first determined that you were pregnant about having no sexual intercourse."With that the obstetrician looked at both Anna and Hou Yi who could not look him in the eye."We had to be careful given the potential risks to the pregnancy from the assault."


    "However we will be rescinding this position, provided you are both careful.Nothing to adventurous or risky in your sexual activity will be OK, nor should you over indulge.I understand that you are still newlyweds, but you have two babies to think about.Now, if you have questions, please feel free to contact me at any time and I will answer them."Both Hou Yi and Anna started to redden at thatment.


    "Sir, my wife is every morning suffering with morning sickness."


    "Morning sickness is normal, but we need to be careful that it is not too severe or impacting you.Before you leave, Madam Hou, I will have pathology take some blood tests to see if there is anything to worry about, and the day before your next appointment you need toe and have some more done.But if it is getting worse, pleasee immediately to the Emergency Department and we will look further at the matter."


    With that he reached down and picked up some photos handing them to Anna "And here are the first photos of your babies.If you can wait in reception I will give you the blood test forms, and otherwise I will see you in a fortnight."

 Chapter 451: Planning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 1

    <h4>451 nning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    CEO Lu, was in his office at Lu Corporation fuming with the advice that the head of the legal department had just given him.How in the world could someone get a hold of half of the on-market shares in Lu Corporation in such a short time.


    The current shareholder register indicated apany called WFT International which from his inquiries no on had heard of within three weeks had purchased those shares.Another two unknownpanies had purchased between them another five percent.From what he could determine that was all of the small shareholdings in LU Corporation.Worryingly the holders of the remaining shares traded on market were not returning his calls.Something was happening, but he had no idea


    As WFT held twenty percent thepany, thepany charter gave it the ability to demand a emergency shareholder meeting, where every shareholder of two or more percent had the right to attend.They had done that.This meant it would be a meeting involving him, representing the forty-three percent controlled by the Lu family, the two percent directly controlled by Yang Lin''s parents, the fifteen percent controlled by the Yang Group, the new shareholders that controlled twenty-five percent, that left fifteen percent that he had no idea what was happening.


    He had informed the head of the legal department to send out the requisite notices under thepany charter, but asked him to remain in his office for a few minutes.The meeting had to be held within one week of the demand, and given it was received yesterday, that meant the meeting had to be held by Wednesday.Who had the money or the guts to try and pull something against him?


    That meant he had to call the prison authorities to get in to see that brat of his today.The will of his grandparents said the shares remained under his control until Lu Jinhu married and had a child, but he had a say in what he did with the shares voting rights.Once Yang Lin gave birth those shares fully became his, but with the requirement that the shares could not go out of the control of the family.


    He made a call to the prison authorities to exin the situation, but given he had been in the previous day they were refusing to allow him to return before Sunday.This angered him significantly, however, taking what Lu Jinhu had said onst Sunday, and took a couple of deep breaths.


    He then said "Look, how about I have you speak to the head of Lu Corporation''s legal department.They can exin thepany charter, the shareholder rights, and the will my grandparents.That will, while giving me as CEO the power to vote the shares, requires me to consult with him before I do so.This is not a breach of his sentence, as he is not a director or has anything to do with the running of thepany, he has rights as a shareholder."


    "I need to exin to him the situation and give him some time before Sunday night, so he can tell me what he wants to do.The other thing is that I need to have the ability to call him on Wednesday when we have the meeting if something newes up that I cannot anticipate to allow him to have his say.I will now hand you to the head of my legal department."


    With that CEO Lu handed over his phone to the head of the legal department, who started in his presence to exin the Charter of Lu Corporation and his grandparent''s will.


    Twenty minutester the head of the legal department finally finished the call with the prison authorities, and turned to CEO Lu "Sir, finally I had the prison authorities see sense, however there are some conditions, there has to be someone from the prison authorities and myself there with you and you can only be there long enough to speak to your son to get his instructions in rtion to what to do.You can see him at 2pm this afternoon.As to next Wednesday, they will allow you a call, however the only way that they will facilitate it is if you call them and they will patch the call through and be listening on the other end."


    As soon as the words came out CEO Lu was fuming.That made it hard to discuss the situation, but he took a couple of deep breaths and spoke "Well if that is what I have to do, I guess I have no choice.However, can you get the requisite notices out to the relevant shareholders for the meeting on Wednesday."

 Chapter 452: Planning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 2

    <h4>452 nning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Just after 11am, Hou Yi received a message from the contacts for WTF International and the other entities he used to purchased the shares in Lu Corporation.CEO Lu has still without a clue to the various entities he had used, which ultimately he and Anna control, to purchase Lu Corporation Shares, particrly as investigations as to the ultimate ownership would take time, and that was something CEO LU did not have.


    As Anna came into the office after her physio appointment, he messaged her toe up to his office at lunch time, both for a meal and so they could discuss things.


    He then picked up phone and telephoned Tan, asking him to arrange a meeting with Lion and Snake, given how the group meetingst Thursday ended.King was still p*ssed off with him, about the others demanding he transfer the shares to Hou Yi.However, with the requesting from Tan, it would likely happen, whereas if he made the request it would be denied.


    Ten minutester, he received a message from Tan ''Meeting approved, but Anna, Amanda and I have to be there 3pm this afternoon.Can you let Amanda know.''


    Hou Yi messaged back, ''Will do, meet at Mama and Papa?''


    The prompt response was ''Perfect.I assume Amanda wille with you.See you then.''


    Given the message from Tan, Hou Yi looked up the internal telephone directory and found Amanda''s number to call her.After three rings, she answered "Amanda Mei speaking"


    "Hello Madam Yao, your husband told me to tell you ¡­"


    Amanda, really wanting to retaliate against Hou Yi, but given the head of the Legal Department was in her office, telling her off, that was hard to do.


    "Is it OK to call you back Sir, I am in a meeting with the head of my department."


    "Fine Amanda, but before you hang up on yourputer, disconnect from your current intr server, search for CEO Intr, and enter the password all in lower case and as one word anna hou one temporary password, this give me ess to the camera in your room, I need to see what is going on."


    While Hou Yi was speaking, Amanda was doing what she was asked on herputer, and replied "Yes Sir, I will do that.Can I call you back say in fifteen or twenty minutes."


    "As soon as he leaves I will call you back."


    Amanda ended the call, and turned back to the head of the department, who was fuming about being interrupted.He knew he needed to get rid of this woman as soon as possible from the department.She would be a thorn in their side in their ns for Hou Enterprises in the future.


    "Miss Mei,tely your attitude in this department has been atrocious.You have had periods of absences that have nor been approved within the department, and we are sick of it.You might have a rtionship with a board member, but that does not excuse you from going outside the relevant chain for approval of leave.Over thest six weeks, there has been at least twelve asions where you have not been here, when you should have."


    "Sir, not to be too blunt, my recent absences are fully exinable, and all but one has been approved by the CEO.Three absences were visiting Madam Hou in hospital, two absences have been tied up with my acting as proxy for my husband atpany board meetings, five absences have been tied up with the new joint venture between Hou Enterprises and XF International, and one absence when my step-daughter married CEO Hou''s brother-inw.The only one that the CEO had not directly approved was a personal leave request that I had filed with human resources with appropriate supporting documentation."


    "You know the rules that my predecessor put in ce and they have not been rescinded.All leave request have to be approved internally.If you can not follow the rules and have any other absences without approval you will immediately be out of a job with Hou Enterprises."


    "Sir, as I said all but one of my absences have been approved by the CEO and if he cannot approve leave, you need to take this up with him.Thepany rules simply require that unless you are ill, and are applying for sick leave, someone at deputy head of department level or senior to that has has to approve the leave.The CEO meets that requirement."


    "I do not give a care.This department has rules, and you are required to follow them or it is grounds for termination."

 Chapter 453: Planning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 3

    <h4>453 nning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Amanda continued, fully knowing Hou Yi was watching what was happening "Sir, I haveplied with thepany rules, and¡­"


    "I do not give a care.You have toply with the departmental rules and you failed to."


    "Sir, we seem to be going in circles.The CEO approved all but one of my absences so please take the matter up with him."


    "The CEO has no say in this department, and he will not be CEO much longer.The procedure is all leave has to be approved within the department, and you have notplied with this.You are terminated from Hou Enterprises with immediate effect."


    Anna herself heard the conversation through her shared wall and moved into Amanda''s office as quickly as she could.On entering she heard Amanda being immediately terminated."Director, you cannot do that."


    Without turning the immediate response was "Well you are fired with immediate effect as well."


    "Director you cannot do that at all."


    "Get the f*ck out immediately from this building, I told you you are fired.If you are not gone within thirty seconds I will have security throw you out."


    While Anna was nning her next move, Hou Yi sent Amanda a message saying ''keep him there I will be down quickly.''


    In a real smug voice Anna said "Director, do you want to retract that statement."


    "No I do not.You have fifteen seconds to leave."


    "Director tell me that to my face."


    As he was about to turn around two things happened at once, the elevator doors opened and Hou Yi walked out and the Director called out "Security, throw this woman out."


    When the director turned around a look of fear passed over his face, firstly from spotting Anna and then Hou Yi.While waiting for Hou Yi to arrive beside her Anna said "Director, there is no way that you can fire me, and more importantly you cannot fire people withoutplying withpany policy.Madam Yaoplied withpany policy and had her leave approved by my husband, the CEO so ¡­"


    Hou Yi then entered the office and said "Director, we will be having a talk aboutpany policy more deeply next week.But you will not being firing Madam Yao, not because she is the wife of a director of thispany but because you have notplied at all withpany policy.Leave can be approved by the deputy Director or Director of their department or seniorpany management.Yes, preference is for within the department, but that is not required.I can approve leave of anyone in thispany, and you cannot take that away from me."


    The director whispered menacingly "We will see."


    "Director, it is not we will see.Madam Yao, in each and every absence I authorised was doing something for thispany.By spending time with my wife while she was in hospital she allowed me toe into the office; twice she was in the building but acting as a proxy at board meetings, one of which your predecessor was at and the other you were at,and the other five while undertaking otherpany rted business.All legitimate."


    Hou Yi turned around and immediately walked out into the main area of the office and partially climbed the stairs.He immediately called out for all departmental staff to immediatelye together for a departmental meeting.This request spread like wildfire throughout the department.


    Five minutester, Hou Yi stood with arge assembled group from within the legal department."I have to apologise for interrupting your work, but I will be quick with this.It hase to my attention today, that there is a policy within this department that requires all leave including sick leave to be approved by either the director or deputy director of the legal department."


    "Company policy is that leave has to be approved either within the department by the Deputy Director or the Director of the department that you work in, it can be approved by seniorpany management as well.Company preference is for the approval within the department but it is not mandatory."


    "Can anyone tell me, within thest few months has there been anyone fired for notplying with the policy as set down by the current or previous departmental directors?Do not feel that you have to say something now, but you can inform either my assistant, or if you are morefortable my wife.Now head back to your work."


    As Hou Yi went to leave, the current and former directors were shooting evil looks to Hou Yi.He decided that enough was enough, and approached them "Gentleman, we will have this discussion in my wife''s office."

 Chapter 454: Planning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 4

    <h4>454 nning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Less than five minutester after both the current and former legal department directors had entered Anna''s office, they found themselves confronted by Anna, Amanda and Hou Yi.Hou Yi said "Gentleman take a seat."


    The current director said, "CEO Hou, this is a departmental matter."


    "No gentleman, it is not.You cannot maniptepany policy in an attempt to dismiss Madam Yao."


    "How do you know!" came the current director.


    "Do not treat me like I am an idiot," responded Hou Yi in a quiet but deadly sounding voice."Gentleman I am not stupid.CCTV cameras are throughout the building and what happened to Madam Yao was immediately drawn to my attention."


    "I will exin this once and once only, as you should knowpany policy inside out.Policy requires prescribed senior management to approve leave.The preference is that this is within a department but any prescribed senior manager can, but their leave has to be approved by myself, the Vice-CEO, Deputy Vice-CEO''s, heads of the US and European divisions and a few other specified people.I can approve anyone''s leave."


    "Understand this, just because someone outside the department approves leave, provided all other steps are followed you have no right to object and deem it as unapproved leave.You better hope that I only find out that you have targeted Madam Yao and my wife.If I find out that you targeted people who are fearful to stand up to you there will be hell to pay, as staff are not to be held hostage to your whims"


    "Now you both will be, required before the close of business Monday to sign a code of conduct specific to both of you with respect to approving leave.You breach that code and you will face disciplinary action.And before you ask, I will be having others who can approve leave do so, but as there are no issues with them approving leave they will have a month to sign it."


    Anna could hear the longer Hou Yi was addressing these two, the angrier he was bing.


    "CEO Hou, but that interferes with our ability to manage the department," came a whinging reply.


    "Go ahead.If you want to argue, I will remove your ability to approve any leave, and hand it over to the Human Resources Department and other senior members of staff."


    "We need to control leave to manage the department CEO Hou," came the instant response from the current departmental head.


    Hou Yi, by now was ready to fire the two of them, but with these two letting them loose will only damage thepany.He spat out, "Get it through your heads.You are not the sole approves of leave within thepany for this department.One more word and you will loose all ability to approve leave for anyone within thepany.Get out of here before ¡­"


    Finally, they both realised how annoyed Hou Yi was with them, and that their jobs may be in jeopardy.They immediately fled from the room.After they left Hou Yi went and shut the door, and turned around to Anna and Amandaughing.Amanda got out between theughter "Boss, damn it you are scary."


    "True Yi, those two scurried out of here like the rats they are."


    Hou Yi joined in theughter."You two are aedy act."Once he settled down "Amanda, I have already approved leave for you this afternoon, we have a meeting to go to meeting at Mama''s and Papa''s."


    "King demanding that you go down to his turf for the meeting?"


    "You know him too well.Your husband set up the meeting and we have to meet him there at 3pm.We will be leaving about 2pm.Anna and I are having lunch together, but we will call you as we leave my office."


    "Fine boss.See you then."


    With that Amanda got up and left Anna''s office.Anna turned to Hou Yi and said "Damn it Yi, you are scary when you want to be."


    He came over and gave Anna a kiss, "Sweetheart if I was nice all the time they would not fear meas their boss."


    "True.Now scram, I have a few things to do before Ie up in a hour or so for lunch."


    "Make it as soon as you can, I know what we could do."


    "Yi, we did thatst night and this morning."


    "Sweetheart, we had no opportunities for six weeks, and you know you want as much as I to take whatever opportunities we have, as we will get to the point in the future that we will ¡­"


    "Yi, you have your mind in a dirty ce.We are in an office building."


    "But you know I have a small suite attached to my office."


    "Scram, let me do my work, and we wille and enjoy a leisurely lunch.We can leave that for tonight."


    "Damn it Anna, I have to go away over the weekend for meetings in Seoul."


    "Well I cane along, given it is not a long flight, and will be there for you ¡­"


    "Promises, Promises."Hou Yi gave Anna a brief kiss, and continued "See you soon."

 Chapter 455: Planning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 5

    <h4>455 nning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 5</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    After their leisurely and satisfying lunch Hou Yi and Anna arrived in the legal department.While Anna gathered her possessions Hou Yi knocked on Amanda''s door, altering her to the fact that they were ready to leave.as Anna left her office, he took form her her handbag andptop.The three of them walked to the elevator and out to the waiting car.


    Before settling into the waiting car, Hou Yi turned to the two bodyguards standing outside and exined that they would remain at Mama''s and Papa''s restaurant while they went off for a meeting.It was obvious to both Anna and Amanda that they were angry, but at the same moment they were realistic in that they could not argue with CEO Hou.All they could do is to the best of their ability ensure that they were kept safe.


    Arriving at Mama and Papa''s at 2:30pm they were greeted by Mama and Papa, who came running towards them.Amanda quickly indicated that they needed a cool drink and were awaiting Yao Tan to join them.


    Twenty-five minutester as they were all finishing their drinks Yao Tan arrived and Anna, Amanda and Hou Yi all stood up to leave.Yao Tan quietly told Mama and Papa that he would visit them another day as they all had somewhere to be.The four of them slowly walked down the street, and paused outside the building that Yao Tan and the children first lived in.


    Two minutester they all heard "Bug, Queen, Empress and Toff, good to see you."


    "Snake, as always" came Tan.


    "Come on, we need to get this meeting on the go."


    With that they all followed Snake through the alleys to the back door.As they entered the room, Anna realised that unlike the previous meeting everyone was waiting, and the room was better lit."


    "Pleasure King" said Hou Yi.


    "Well what in the world do you want Toff."


    "Stow it King.We have gotten the board meeting at Lu Corporation Wednesday.We need to know what you guys have found out and whether or not we can use it at the meeting to push further."


    Snake interrupted."King, damn it.I am sick and tired of this attitude.You lost out on thatnd deal four years ago to Hou Corporation, despite you thinking that you had it signed sealed and delivered.Ever since you have had it out for the Toff.We all know the deal you offered was a poor deal, and Hou Corporation simply trumped it.We all told you that at the time, but you rejected our advice.Grow up or we will consider using the power of the rest of us and remove you as CEO as we cannot deal with this petty behaviour any more."


    Anna and Amanda looked at each other realising that such a simple issue was behind the attitude that King disyed.Amanda, decided enough was enough as it was straining all the rtionships in the room.


    Amanda quietly and determinedly said "Damn it King, you want to mess us friendships simply for a business deal that did not go your way.That would have been about the time you lost your wife but if I remember her well enough she would tell you what I am about to tell you.Grow up.Yes you missed out on a business dealt but it is not worth ruining friendships in the end.More importantly she would be ming herself for this situation.Now ¡­"


    Anna could see Amanda''s words were starting to get through to King, so she decided to pipe in."King, just think about what she is saying.While I never met your wife from what I picked up about her she was a wonderful woman who would not want you bearing grudges and ruining friendships over a business deal that did not go the way you hoped."


    He paused and took a look at Anna and Amanda and knew that they were not only p*ssed off about his attitude but were right.His wife would have viewed the whole situation as they had said, the loosing of a business deal is not worth messing with friendships that will be there forever.He told himself, there was no way that he would tell the toff that he reached the same conclusion.Why give him that pleasure at that exact moment.


    "Queen, Empress, I will think about what you have said, but we have more important reasons I think for being here?"


    "True" came Yao Tan.


    Lion the spoke "We are feeding the police daily reports for the girls that we are speaking to in the brothels.Everyone that we have spoke to so far had in their past or currently had a contract with Lu Corporation''s entertainment division.Those that previously had contracts apparently run up debts as they failed in the entertainment division, and their contracts required the repayment of the costs plus penalties.When they could not pay all the sum demanded within the time frame, they were offered an opportunity to repay the amount.None of them knew what they were agreeing to until they arrived at the brothel."

 Chapter 456: Planning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 6

    <h4>456 nning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 6</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Lion continued to say what they knew "From what we have determined based on the prices on the service menu, that those in control provide to the brothel customers, the girls in there each minimal amounts off their debts, most only earning one percent if they are lucky of the price off their multi million dor debt.Most girls for a menu item worth twenty thousand are lucky to earn two hundred off the debt."


    "They only seem, after they are charged for incidentals seem to earn enough to service the interest on the debt and a little bit off the debt.It is designed to trap the girls in the brothel, servicing high value clientele.From the girls we have spoken to, in the brothel the rumour is when they cannot service the high value clientele they are then moved to a lower ss of brothel where they can be required to service three, four or more clients in the day, for two or three years when their debts suddenly disappear and they are let go.From what they have heard the activities are more risky there and include bondage, S&M and unprotected activities just to name a few."


    "As they are not allowed out of the control of the brothel managers,ining to the police while they are trapped is impossible, as they would be afforded legal protections.Comining once they are released will have them criminally charged for the activities they were forced into and those who use them are unlikely to be charged."


    Lion paused to look at the faces around him.Anna, Amanda, Hou Yi and Yao Tan all had levels of shock on their face.


    He took a deep breath and continued "The problem is that despite the girls being willing to talk to our men none of them are willing to go to the police.We had a meeting with our contact yesterday, and their position is that there is little that can be done on that side at this time.We need to gather more statements from the victims, try and convince some of them toe forward and obtain actual footage of underage girls being involved in s*xual activities for them to undertake a raid."


    "Getting camera''s in and having them broadcast is difficult, as we have to sneak things in in pieces to be put into ce, while doing it so we will not be detected and that they will not be located.This will take time, so we have to continue to work at it.While doing that we will continue to obtain statements, and either getting an audio recording or filming it."


    "From what we know though most of the activity in the brothels we know about urs on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, so that also challenges us to gather evidence.One thing, which the police do not consider important at this time, but it is interesting is on Sunday Rong Jingye and CEO Lu both attended one of the warehouse brothels, where we already had men inside."


    "They both selected from the menu fourteen year old girls and ordered a full service.From that night''s menu the full service included them servicing the men for the whole night, oral and vaginal s*x, threesomes or foursomes, bathroom activities, use of s*x toys, and the ability to for the other to watch.They requested adjoining rooms.The two girls were terrified when they were lead away."


    "Last night one of the men visited the brothel on the off chance for a ''service'', and was able to select one of the girls.He sat talking to her for about three hours, and what she was saying even turned my stomach.The police have not heard that yet."


    Hou Yi, having taken in everything that was said realised that none of it was useful for the board meeting.Using that information would jeopodise the police investigation.However as he pondered it could be used to quietly back CEO Lu into a corner if it was needed.


    However, Hou Yi said "Gentleman, I believe that you will all have the same view that I have.Anna and I cannot use that within the board meaning."


    Lizard however spoke "But you could use it quietly, if needed, to back CEO Lu into corner.He needs to go down, and you could use the I heard a rumour that you are using under-age prostitutes statement to him and see how he reacts.We all know he will not be able to control himself, particrly as he will not be expecting you to be there, and that might help to cause a reaction in the other board members to ensure that he is forced out."


    Croc spoke "True.Toff but before we even started our deeper investigation there were already rumours about Lu Corporation warehouses in this area and other areas being used for other illegal activities.That is something that does not jeopardise the police investigation, and we are still looking into that but have nothing that we can pass on or that will be effective for you to use."


    Snake continued "One thing the police will be doing is raiding a warehouse Lu Corporation own in the port district that they have the evidence to prove is used as a gambling club on Tuesday nights.


    The police indicated that they need to know when the board meeting is so that they can act to protect you by releasing the raid information once the board meeting hasmenced."


    "Given your connections with Officer Mu, they will have him contact you to make arrangements to talk to you before the board meeting to provide a briefing on what can be used at the board meeting.They know we will speak about things, but it was made clear that they want you only to use what they authorise you to use as well as reporting to them after the board meeting."


    Anna simply sat there and took in what was said knowing that they would be treading a fine line.Their protection was that they were temporary police officers for the investigation and had rock solid indemnities against any prosecution for acting contrary to the obligations they otherwise would owe.


    Pondering what was said, Hou Yi responded "Thanks.Once we have forced the change in the CEO and board, we will sell most of the shares we purchased.King what amount of Lu COrporaiton shares do you want to buy from us?"


    "Ten percent.That will enable us to influence the board and keep that b*stard away from getting control back of Lu Corporation."


    "Fine.I will sell them at the price I paid for them.We both know the true long-term value of the shares.We are going to keep five percent, and the bnce I will return to the market in a measured way.If I lose money, who cares given what it will have achieved."


    Yao Tan spoke "Yi, I will buy five percent at the same price you sell to King.That means between us we will control twenty percent of Lu Corporation shares.Given their charter between us we can force a board meeting if we do not like what is happening and it will guarantee we can control at least one board position."


    Shark then spoke "Well given we have that over, how about those of us with wives collect them, and all meet for dinner at Mama''s and Papa''s."


    Tiger joined in "King, you cannot get out of it."


    Yi looked at his watch and said "It will have to be early.Anna is apanying me while I go to Seoul for business meetings this weekend.We have a departure slot of 10:30pm, but we need to go home first and can spend a little time."


    Amanda then said "And we will go home and get Junior and Ton was well."


    Tiger finalised "Lets say 5:30pm for dinner.I''ll let Mama and Papa know, and they can have dinner ready for us."


    Following Snake Hou Yi, Anna, YAo Tan and Amanda returned to where they had left the bodyguards.

 Chapter 457: Planning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 7

    <h4>457 nning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - part 7</h4>


    Sunday.


    After finally getting through screening from the prison authorities to visit Lu Jinhu, CEO Lu was highly frustrated and ready to take it our on anyone.As soon as he entered the front door he yelled out "Son."


    Lu Jinhu was aware from his inws that his father had a reason for his impatience, the uing board meeting requested by new shareholders that have the minimum required shares to force the meeting.He knew that he needed to keep the situation calm, as in the mood he was in his father would snap."Father,e into my study.We can talk there?"


    On entering the study, Lu Jinhu shut the door before turning to his father and asked "What have you found out?"


    "Very little and that worries me.There is so much secrecy behind thepanies particrly WTF International that has purchased twenty percent of the shares.Companies that possibly are rted to it have purchased at least another ten percent.The shareholders of thepanies are hidden.The appear to have been established overnight."


    "Could it be one or more of those idiots in the family trying to position themselves and take over?"


    "Son they are too dumb and impatient to attempt this.They are open and honest with their greed and ambitions despite not being from the main branch of the family.The want control of thepany and money as they cannot control their spending.Where would they have the money to do this on market."


    "Father, WTF in western countries can be used as an abbreviation for Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, a phic way to way the letters as well as What the F*ck.Are you certain it is not the family?It would be way to stick it to you."


    "Absolutely sure.If I am realistic we know they are not subtle and if it means What the F*ck it is two subtle for them.I have to keep digging.But what I know there ispany behindpany with thepanies, and time constraints give the meeting on Wednesday and that some of thepanies are in other countries it may be impossible to figure out who is behind it before then."


    "Someone is going to great lengths to hide the ownership."


    "I just have to hope that you can figure it out before Wednesday morning."


    Lu Jinhu paused and thought before continuing."Yesterday when I spoke to my father-inw, he had no idea what was going on, and surprised about the board meeting.He will be useless for you, as he was asking me even general questions about the situation."


    "He has also spoken to members of his extended family to see what they know, and they are quiet.We know theplicated situation with Yang Group.His cousin it the CEO and controls the family shares in Lu Corporation, other than the two percent that grandfather left for him to control until Yang Lin''s fist child is born."


    "Apparently his cousin was evasive in talking to him about the situation, but my father-inw seems to view that he will speak to you before the board meeting.Whether that is the case or not who knows with that lot.I do not believe it.I finally pieced together the situation with the family just before we were sentenced to home detention."


    "It all goes back to Yang Lin''s great grandfather''s will, and the trusts established with respect to the shares and control of Yang Group.He wanted to control everyone from the grave for as long as he could.Nominally my father-inw owns sixty percent of the family shares and his three cousins control the remaining forty percent."


    "They own those shares until they turn 65, die or their oldest child marries and has two children and then the shares nominal control shifts to the child.But that means for my father-inw and Yang Lin they cannot have anything to do with thepany, not even a board position.The others, can not only work for thepany but have a position on the board and the majority of their decision controls the votes of all family shares."


    "Their remuneration and the share profits actually mean they receive more money from thepany annual that Yang Lin and her parentsbined.Yang Lin''s pregnancy, this is apparently twins, but I have not had this confirmed by the Doctor means her family have be aggressive in pushing for the terms of the will and share control to be re-visited, despite none of them having children and two not even married."


    "However, they seem to like me, despite Yang LIn, and my reading of them is they know Lu Corporation is a sound investment so they will not jeopardise that."

 Chapter 458: Planning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 8

    <h4>458 nning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 8</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    CEO Lu, having listened to his son, taking in his honest assessment and information, which even he had to admit to himself was unusual.


    "The Yang Family situation is significantly different.The family only control thirty percent of allpany shares, but unlike us family members can purchase up to five percent of market traded shares, and can get board approval to purchase more on market shares."


    "However the one good thing about their charter is that is requirespanies that are not market traded to reveal the ultimate owners of their shares so no one can hide what was being done.From what I understand Yang Lin''s grandfather, while knowing he needed the money was wary of the share market, hence the provision, and they justified it on the basis that family member restrictions on purchasing on-market shares."


    "It was a pity our ancestors when they founded Lu Corporation were not as savvy with a requirement as that would mean that we would know who purchased the shares.It is tote for this meeting, but with Faily agreement and the Yang''s we should be able to reach and agreement to amend thepany charter for that purpose."


    Lu Jinhu, was surprised that his father was as calm as he was, maybe he had listened after thest so called discussion that they had.Thank goodness, as his hot-headiness would potentially harm Lu Corporation.Taking a breach, hoping that his father would remain calm as they continued their discussions.The fact that he could not attend would mean that his father would have to face the meeting alone with a more than likely hostile extended family around him, waiting to swoop in and try and get the CEO position or change in share controls.


    "Father, that actually makes sense, but we will need to make the change at the Annual Meeting which is not for seven months.We can take our time and get the drafting right.But, that is a distraction at this point in time.Ultimately you simply have to vote to protect yourself and thepany, particrly as I am not going to be there to be your second set of eyes and ears in the meeting."


    "But, remember the charter my in fact help us if someone is an idiot and challenges your position as CEO.It says that all Lu Family males over twenty-one have the right to apply for the position of CEO if it is dered vacant.While I think the male requirement needs to be changed, which can be done, it is the exemption for the appointment that helps us."


    Lu Jinhu paused and saw the confusion on his father''s face, he knew that he needed to exin further.


    "Father, the exemption in the charter is that people serving a term of imprisonment for more than three years are ineligible to apply.Given my director ban is less than that, if forced you can argue and CEO appointment has to be temporary, as I will want to apply, and am eligible once the court imposed ban ends."


    "That would allow you to argue that you remain in ce until my ban ends, and then the spill happens, and if you lose as I will have finished my Masters of Business Administration and likely be most of the way through my Doctoral thesis we can argue I am highly qualified despite not having had recent business experience, if you cannot be re-elected."


    "I forgot that.But who in the family would be stupid to challenge me?"


    "No one.Their bottom line is always money, and you make thepany as CEO significant money.The Yang Family will protect their investment and vote with us rather than an outsider meaning we will have a majority to protect you."


    Lu Jinhu and CEO Lu, sat quietly having a cool drink that Lu Jinhu poured for each of them


    Lu Jinhu, once they finished asked "Father, what are you up to dealing with Hou Yi?"


    "That b*stard.The present issue is stemming the losses his actions have caused.Three major film and two television projects that were ready for signature have jumped to that venture; two groups and twenty other individual artists have also left.The joint venture is paying thepensation money, like it does not matter."


    "Son, he is ripping the heart out of our entertainment division.I had to have supplementary contract offered to all artists, increasing their payments by five to ten percent, but that has gotten me more significant penalty uses, but not everyone has signed them.Those who have will find it impossible to leave Lu Corporation, but to be realistic they are lower levels of talent."


    "The cost of this is impacting the overseas expansions through dragging money domestically, particrly impacting those in construction.The problem is many of those projects involve as minor or indirect investorspanies who that b*stard is working ton manipte into cklisting us."


    "The other hit, and this one I am not sure where it hase from is the apartment development project we have in City A.The Local Government had signed a memorandum of understanding with formal contracts to be signed butst week they pulled out and signed a deal with Seven Shades.Those seven men, particrly the directors Gan and Mo, and their CEO scare even me.I would love to be able to prove that that b*stard Hou Yi was behind that happening.I just have to juggle those blips at the moment, to minimise the ongoing risks."

 Chapter 459: Planning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 9

    <h4>459 nning for the Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 9</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jinhu wondered, and said out loud, "Father he would not be so brazen to do anything other than he has already done.We all know that business here, despite us being inpetition with each other ends up being coborative approach to achieve goals and maximize profits.We know those refusing to do business with Lu Corporation will turn around and they will do business with us in the future.We just have to deal with it until them."


    "Damn it, you are making sense."


    "Father, while what has happened since my permanent return from Australia may support the idea I am stupid, but we know that is a lie.I graduated with a honours degree from and university medal for given my marks, and as I said earlier I am almost finished my MBA and am about to start my doctoral degree.I just bided time, as we knew we needed someone gullible, and I was not going to enlighten that b*tch of an ex of mine."


    After taking another sip of his drink, Lu Jinhu continued "Now, we need to stop dwelling on what we can only specte about, and figure out what you can do.As I have said, and I will reinforce this father, you need to have everything in order for the meeting to protect yourself.You know you have forty-five percent of the votes absolutely guaranteed between our shares and that Yang Lin''s parents.The only votes that you need to guarantee are are the Yang Group votes.That means talking and wooing them.Then no one can do anything against you and thepany."


    "That then is the next few days means what I have to focus on.Now we should go and join the women for tea."


    Four hourster¡­


    After leaving Lu Jinhu''s in a chauffeured car, both upants in the back, sent text messages.Mrs Lu, quickly received a text in return reading ''Let us leave the club for tonight.Tuesday night should be a better night given the show.''


    CEO Lu, then received a reply ''Absolutely, Friday night was not enough.Meet you there in a hour.''


    Having looked over her husband''s shoulder Mrs Lu turned and said "Have fun tonight, I will see you tomorrow."


    When they arrived home, CEO Lu quickly gathered his bag and the clothes for the morning intending to spend the night enjoying his entertainment, before heading to the office.It would be a perfect stress release for the week ahead.


    Overlooking the warehouse, fifty minutester, Snake and Lion werefortable that they had the correct brothel staked out tonight as to where CEO Lu would go.But, even if they were wrong, they had already swamped the smaller brothel with camera and recording equipment that ensured that they could easily gather evidence from inside.


    It was much harder in the warehouse brothel, not only due to the number of rooms, but due to the fact that some were rooms we considered VIP rooms and as yet they had not gotten ess to the rooms.All they kept doing was putting two men in on a rotating schedule in every couple of days to talk to the girls and get their stories.They were slowly building up the evidence as to what was going on inside the brothel.


    Very soon they knew that they were lucky.At almost the same time two cars pulled up, climbing out of one was Rony Jingye and out of the other came CEO Lu.Thank goodness they already had two men inside, so they could get some idea what they were doing inside.Both quickly entered and the cameras that they already had in ce were able to track them to they entered the VIP area and were handed the evenings menus.


    Given the cash that one of their men inside had been been sshing they had also been seated in the VIP area, and gotten a closer listen to them.They ordered the same service as they had the previous Sunday, with the same two girls.One of their men inside having already spoken to one girl, and ced another camera, left, and the one in the VIP area, selected a service with a girl, and went with her to a room where they spoke for over an hour, while she let out part of her story.

 Chapter 460: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 1

    <h4>460 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday.


    When he woke up early, to his wife in his arms, Hou Yi knew that they did not have to go into the office, but head straight to Lu Corporation, arriving at 11am.Thewyers would be there by 10am, toplete the registration of the remaining shares not already in the various entities'' names to them.The shareholders of the shares had agreed to cooperate in allowing those transfers to happen this morning maintaining some secrecy in what was happening.


    The process to change the ownership of the shares on the share registry would take around thirty to forty-five minutes to resolve.That was perfect as CEO Lu and others could not find out much about thepanies purchasing those shares, which had less shielding than thepanies that he had used overtly to purchase those Lu Corporation knew about.He knew his and Anna''s arrival would start the fun, and hopefully that would let slip information that would be useful to the investigation as CEO Lu would be thrown over their presence.


    Given that they had some time, Hou Yi bent over and awoke his darling with kisses.It was a constant amazing feeling for him to awake with Anna in his arms and to know that she felt the same way about him as he did about her.


    On being woken by Hou Yi''s kisses, Anna was determined that he was not going to escape as easy as he had thest few days.Yes, they had made love, but he was restrained in his passion, and today Anna wanted him to lose control.She ced her hands in his chest and quickly started to caress Hou Yi all the time moving them slowly down his body, towards his p*nis while his kisses were bing more passionate.As she reached her goal with her hands, Hou Yi, pushed the bed covers down and then bent and took her left breast in his mouth sucking on it while using his hands to shape and tease the other.


    Hou Yi tensed the moment Anna, started to rub her hands up and down his p*nis as he knew in just the few minutes that they had been pleasuring each other he knew that he was close to the edge.He removed his mouth from Anna''s breast and took his hands down to remove Anna''s hands from his p*nis as there was no way that he wanted to do anything other thane inside Anna and if she continued this would be over too soon.


    As he took her hands, Hou Yi said in a passionate voice "Sweetheart, this will end too quickly if you keep going."


    Anna, looking directly into his eyes said "I do not care, I just need you, and I need you now."


    With that Anna, pulled her hands from Hou Yi''s. pushed the covers down and gently pushed him down onto the bed, before straddling him.She then lent down and gave him a passionate kiss, before moving her body to the point that she brushed his p*nis drawing a deep moan of pleasure from him.


    As she removed her mouth from his she said with a smile on her face, "Are you sure you want to slow down?" Anna then brushed herself again against his p*nis pulling another moan from Hou YI.


    "Sweetheart, stop teasing me.I need you so much."


    Anna smirked, knowing how easy it was arousing her husband to the point that he did not care.She positioned herself and quickly came down on his p*nis.The second she did this, Anna feltplete, but with Hou Yi''s help she started moving, but they were so far gone that it took less than a minute for them both to reach their peak, and they came together.


    Anna, as she started toe down from the peak of her pleasure, copsed onto Hou Yi''s chest, where all he could do was gather her into his arms, and start gently kissing her.


    Eventually they both were able to move and headed into the bathroom, to get ready for the day, indulging themselves by sharing the shower, and helping each other get ready for the day.Hou Yi, before allowing her to leave the room, went into the safe where all of Anna''s other jewellery was, and selected her Pandora bracelet for their rtionship out.He knew that no one other that CEO Lu would recognise the significance of this bracelet.That meant that it was a perfect way have another dig at him and his son.

 Chapter 461: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 2

    <h4>461 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued


    After finishing getting ready, Hou YI and Anna had a quick breakfast in the small casual dining room before heading to the hospital for Anna''s physio appointment.While Anna was working with the physiotherapist Hou Yi spent the time on his phone talking to Assistant Wang who was also on another line to thewyers seeing to the transfer of the shares and that everything else was in ce for the meeting.


    As they were finishing the calls, Assistant Wang reminded Hou Yi that in all the paperwork he had there was a proxy form for Anna to sign regarding the shares held by WTF International.Last night, he and Anna had discussed about when this would be signed, and they both decided that the best time was during the board meeting in front of everyone there.


    While Hou Yi knew he would prefer to do this without Anna there, as she said in their discussions the night before she needed to be there at the meeting.Lu Jinhu using the backing of his father and the familypany had targeted her and it made him feel safe in doing so.Seeing that backing start to crumble would, as she said, be pleasing to observe.


    While waiting, for Anna to finish, Hou YI received a message from Officer Mu, about a press conference that was going to be held by the police at 11am.He exined at 3am that morning the police had conducted a raid on a warehouse in the warehouse district where CEO Lu''s Wife, Rong Jingye and his wife, and Madam Yang among others were all arrested.It was set up as a private club, where there were over twenty male artists and fifteen female artists, all well over the age of eighteen, that they had determined were signed to Lu Corporation''s entertainment division.


    As he said theirck of clothing, in the main area of the club, made it obvious as to some of the activities that were happening in the so-called club, and some of the artists arrested admitted what they had been doing.Further, when Madam Lu and Madam Rong were found they were engaged in s*xual intercourse with males in the same room with Rong Jingye watching the activity.Madam Yang was found in another room, being pleasured by a female and male.


    In the discussions, Officer Mu advised that they had determined that the warehouse was owned by Lu Corporation.Lu Corporation''s name was also on authorisation for the venue to be used as a private club as well as the liquor licensing authorisation that enabled them to serve alcohol until midnight.Hou Yi knew that this was something that they would be able to use in the board meeting.


    As he ended the call with Officer Mu, Anna was walking towards him with the crutches in her hands, but still obviously limping."There are letting you ¡­?"


    "Yi, for part of the day, with the hope that by Monday I should be able to stop using them.If that happened within a week of that I will be out of the Moon Boot but will for a few weeks have to wear shoes that have support for the ankle to prevent further injury. "


    Hou Yi noticing the time, asked Anna, about going to a caf¨¦ close to Lu Corporation for morning tea before heading to Lu Corporation for the Board Meeting ensuring that they arrived right on 11am.


    When they entered the caf¨¦ Hou Yi decided to use he asked for a quiet space, where no one could easily get close to them, or listen to their conversation.After cing their order and it being delivered, they started to drink.Anna then turned to Hou Yi and asked "What is it?"


    "While you were in the appointment Officer Mu called and confirmed the oue of the raid, he told us about Monday."


    Anna, could see that Hou Yi wanted to tell her something so asked, "What was the result?"


    Hou Yi, knew that this was the ammunition that could be used."It was a sess.Even better for us to use today, Madam Lu and Madam Rong were located in a room with two males engaged in s*xual intercourse with Rong Jingye watching them.Also, Madam Yang was found in another room with a female and male pleasuring her."


    "Can these people get any worse?"


    "Well we know what CEO Lu is like, and what would you expect from the people around him.Is there not an English saying, ''birds of a feather flock together''?"


    "There is, my love.And you are right to use it in this context, they are the same and have gravitated together."


    "Stop side-tracking me.While we knew it was a legally established club under the clear control of Lu Corporation, over thirty artists from LU Corporation''s entertainment division were there and even before the rooms with those engaged in s*xual activities was located, their state of dress made it obvious that s*xual activities urred in the venue.All artists there were over eighteen, which is at least one good thing."


    "From what Officer Mu said, the artists talking have indicated that they had lean times with Lu Corporation''s entertainment division and were offered the opportunity to entertain guests at the club.They were to perform and talk to the guests but whatever else happened was up to them, but the money was good from the s*xual activities that most ended up engaging in this and it ended up resurrecting most careers in a few months."


    "Interesting, I assume we will use it?"


    "We will Anna.It demonstrates under CEO LU''s leadership Lu Corporation assets being used illegally.The presence of his wife means he cannot deny any knowledge of the club."


    Hou Yi looked at his watch and noticed it was 10:40am, "We need to finish up and head in."

 Chapter 462: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 3

    <h4>462 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Two minutes before 11am, the car carrying Anna and Hou Yi pulled up outside Lu Corporation and they promptly exited the car with bodyguards surrounding them, one carrying a briefcase the Hou Yi.As they reached the door three Lu Corporation security guards blocked their entry, with one stating "CEO Hou you need to leave as you have no right or reason to be here."


    At the nod of Hou Yi, the bodyguard carrying the briefcase pulled out a folderbelled entry, and opened it before handing three pieces of paper from the folder to the security guards.As soon as they started to read the pages, Anna observed the change in the look on their face.She knew that these documents, without seeing them, guaranteed their entry.


    Hou Yi spoke "Gentlemen, we have every right to enter, now you can escort us to the boardroom there the board meeting, as we have every right to attend."


    The security guard who spoke had seen the same papers earlier on with CEO Yang, so knew they were legitimate, and they could not prevent them from entering the building and being escorted to the meeting room.


    Handing the documents back, he knew that there was no option but to escort them to the meeting, but at the same time he was worried.He had heard about thest two confrontations CEO Lu had with these two, which worked out poorly for him and their presence would mean that fireworks would happen in the board meeting.They turned and escorted Hou Yi and Anna towards the second top floor where therge meeting room was and the board meeting was urring.As they arrived Hou Yi noticed that it as 11:10am.


    Meanwhile, right on 11am, CEO Lu opened the board meeting and those present in the meeting were recorded as being at the meeting.In addition to himself there was Yang Lin''s father, CEO Yang his cousin and head of the Yang Group, various Lu Family members, and officials from Lu Corporation being the Chief Financial Officer, the share registry manager, the Head of the Legal Department and two secretaries to record the minutes.


    Once those present were confirmed, it turned to the Share Registry Manager to confirm the ownership of various parcels.He was worried as CEO Lu had refused to speak to him prior to the meeting, which would have allowed him to confirm the most recent change in ownership.He observed that CEO Lu was looking around and concerned that the owners of the twenty-five percent he knew the change in ownership of was not present nor those who he expected to be there owning the fifteen percent that had changed hands just before the meeting.


    Taking a deep breath, he started to speak."CEO Lu, I had tried to speak to you before the meeting, but at 10am this morning I received paperwork from the four shareholders who owned fifteen percent of the shares that transferred them to new owners.Other than a five percent off-market deal which was initially to the Seven Shades Group, which was sold to apany called KI, the bnce were all on market transfers."


    "Those from on market sales were two and a half percent to each twopanies Hi Lo and InTurn, both of which had previously brought five percent and the bnce was to KI, bringing KI''s stake to ten percent, and Hi Lo and InTurn to each of five percent.Those stakes give thosepanies along with WFT International rights to be represented at the meetings, but all I have been advised that their representatives will attend the meeting with the paperwork to confirm their appointment."


    CEO Lu, somewhat worried said "You have no idea who in the world is their representative?"


    "Sir, as I said all we have been told is their representatives will be at the meeting, and provide the evidence.I believe, but this is only my guess, is that it will be the owner or directors of thepanies attending.But there was indications that they might be slightlyte to the meeting."


    "Gentleman," started CEO Lu, "given that these are new shareholders," and turned to the secretaries "Please make sure that this is recorded properly in the minutes, we will give them until 11.15am to arrive otherwise we will end this meeting, which has been called for no reason."


    With that everyone in the meeting room heard a noise and saw the door open, and in walk Hou Yi and Anna followed by one of the bodyguards who was carrying the brief case.


    As soon as CEO Lu saw them walk in, he yelled "What in the F*ck are you doing here, you have no right or reason to be here, let along that w*ore who is standing beside you."


    Anna, tensed but immediately spoke "Always a pleasure to see someone who has no manners and abuses women.It is no wonder where your son learnt his manners from, given you disy none."


    "You b*tch, shut the f*ck up."


    "Temper, temper.I am happy to y the same game as we yed thest time we met, and I will guarantee the same oue if you want to y."Hou Yi stood beside his wife working hard not to burst outughing at the exchange.Anna was definitely in a fiery mood and it would be great to watch if is happened.


    "Just go away and leave business to the real men, which does not include that idiot of a husband, who does not treat you like a real man."


    "No, he treats me like a human and the love of his life, something I do not think you have the grasp on,"


    Hou Yi ced a hand on Anna''s arm to signal to her to settle down they had something bigger to deal with.

 Chapter 463: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 4

    <h4>463 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    CEO Lu already incensed at their presence retorted "More fool him.Now the two of you get the hell out of mypany?"


    Despite Hou Yi''s warning, Anna decided to continue the verbal sparing to drag him down."Yourpany, I thought it was the shareholderspany.I did not know you owned all the shares.So then everyone present here is here by mistake then."


    Hou Yi observed CEO Yang, and members of the Lu Family who were present in the room.While they were furious that Anna was baiting CEO Lu, but at the same time were worried about him wanting to push them out of thepany.Their bodynguage however told him that they wanted to see where this ended up.


    "You b*tch, it damn well is mypany, it has my name on it."


    "It also has the name of the gentleman over there," pointing in the direction of the Lu family members in the room."From what I understand ¡­"


    "You understand nothing, you w*ore.How could you understand business, with the little knowledge you have."The angry and aggressive undertone in his voice was obvious to anyone in the room.


    "I just happen to work for one of the leading corporatew firms in Australia, which you well and truly know.I guess it must run in the family¡­"


    "Do not say anything about my family, you have no right."


    "I absolutely have a right, given what your son has done, and as I was saying it runs in the family."


    "Shut up" screamed CEO Lu


    "Idiocy, your son is an idiot and I see he got it from you."


    Hou Yi was observing his wife and could not believe how calm and serene she was, even when she was insulting CEO Lu.He had obviously lost the argument before she started.He was so proud of how she was winning the argument without resulting to insults, raised voices or usingnguage.


    He looked at the others in the room.Yang Lin''s father did not give a care, but that was fine as they already viewed her as scum of the earth that had dared to stand up to their princess.The CEO Yang was sitting there stunned, at how quickly Anna had gotten him to the point he was angry, aggressive and abusive towards a woman in a board meeting being recorded.He nodded at Hou Yi, which hou Yi took as a signal that whatever they did he would support them.


    The Lu family members could not believe the actions of their CEO and head of the main branch of the family.Yes, he was a good businessman, but at the same time his ws were being pulled into the view of everyone one the room.


    "My son and I are not f*cking idiots, you are the idiot for falling for his scheme."


    "I might have been, but at least I have an excuse.e started his maniption of me as a 16-year-old, when he was, what 19, 20?But I eventually saw through him, what is your excuse, senility?Stupidity? Or just in arrogance?"


    "What" screamed CEO Lu.I am not stupid, you little girl, I am a well-respected businessman, unlike that husband of yours there."


    Anna immediately felt Hou Yi start to react beside her.She gently shook her head and ced her hand on his arm."Well respected businessman, I doubt that.Howe so manypanies are dropping Lu Corporation domestically.If you were that well respected ¡­"


    "Screw you."


    "Well I guess I missed out something, you are vulgar too.But," with a smile on her face and looking directly at Hou Yi "We all know what you mean, and that is my husband''s job alone, so dream all you like I would not touch you for all the gold in the world."


    With that to hammer home her words, Anna turned to Hou Yi who was directly looking at her, and leaned over, cing her hands on his face and starting a passionate kiss with him there and then in front of everyone.Reluctantly a minute of soter, Anna gently pulled back, and Hou Yi grabbed her hand and gave it a kiss before she turned to directly look at CEO Lu again.


    He was obviously angry about the disy of passion between Anna and Hou Yi in front of everyone."You two are degenerates."


    "Well, we are still in the honeymoon phase of our marriage, and given what your son," with that Anna pointed to CEO Lu "and their daughter" pointing to Mr and Mrs Yang "Have put me through over thest two months, what did you expect."

 Chapter 464: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 5

    <h4>464 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi could not help himself at that point and chuckled quietly which seemed to inme CEO Lu even more.


    CEO Lu, spat out "I told him he needed to take care of you, and now I have to clean up his mess, I just wish my first attempt had been more sessful, then we would not be here."


    "You do not have the brains to pull anything off CEO Lu.I would say despite being your son, Lu Jinhu would have more sess that you ever could.We all know how sessful he was ..." thest words out of Anna''s mouth had a touch of cynicism to them.


    Thinking that he now had the upper hand, CEO Lu retorted "My son is perfect and he duped you little girl.Why do you not go back to ying with dolls and take that piece of trash beside you who ys at being a man so the real men can get down to business."


    "As I said I have an excuse for my action.You have no excuses and as how much you are wound up in your own little world seeing yourself as this perfect person that no one can measure up to, you have no idea what other people can achieve.Who would want to measure up to you?"


    CEO Lu, thinking that he had won, "Everyone would, as everyone knows I am the best businessman around, and everyone wants to be like me."


    "Sounds like the ego hasnded, and he has no idea about what he looks like."


    "It is not ego little girl, is is confidence knowing that I will win."


    "Win, Mr Lu ¡­"Anna quietly said dragging out the Mr.Anna knew from his reaction she had now hit home and could press him as much as she liked before they dropped the bombshell about the raid that none of those present in the room had an idea about.Observing those in the room, other that Mr Yang, they were bing more engrossed by what was happening wondering who would win the battle.The interesting one was a man who Anna could see had some simrities to Mr Yang who seemed to indicate by his bodynguage he knew Anna would win the argument.


    "Get it right little girl, I am the CEO of thispany and entitled to respect.Now get the f*ck out of mypany.We are in the middle of a meeting, and you are not only holding that up, your attitude will prevent the people we are waiting for froming in."


    "As I was about to say, before you so rudely interrupted me Mr Lu ¡­"


    CEO Lu now screamed "It is CEO Lu you w*ore.Now get the f*ck our of here."


    "Fine, CEO Lu it is not ego you have, you are arrogant, stupid, and I guess I better add narcissistic to my view of your character.Who would want to be like you, a man that cannot see past his nose into the wider world, and has no idea what is going on beforeing to a meeting like this."


    "I know exactly what is happening.Just go."


    "Maybe I will, Maybe I will not."Now pausing for dramatic effect "By the way, I expected to see you with the support of your wife, given until your son and daughter-inw in five months have their child, you still control together part of this child''s inheritance.Oh and by the way where is Mrs Yang, she and Mr Yang control another parcel on the same basis?"


    Hou Yi knew before too long Anna was about to drop one bombshell, that he suspected no one in this room had an idea about.The others in the room looked around, wondering how this woman, a foreigner knew about the terms of the elder Lu''s will and those parcel ofpany shares.The members of the Lu family also then wondered did she know about how the family shares were owned and managed?


    "They do not need to be here?"


    "Well has Mrs Lu given you her proxy for today''s meeting and Mrs Yang given her proxy to her husband as well?"


    "Why in the hell do you care, you have no right to be here now get out"


    "Who are you to demand that?"


    "CEO andrgest shareholder."


    "CEO is right for the moment, butrgest shareholder is wrong.You, due to your position control the voting rights of forty percent of thepany shares, but you personally only own eighteen percent of the shares.You cannot sell them to anyone other than family and by the terms of the will on your death whatever shares you own be your sons.The gentleman over there" pointing in the direction of the other Lu family members, own between their four families twenty-two percent.They do not control the voting rights, that is the CEO''s prerogative, and they cannot sell the shares other than to a family member.On their death, you or your descendants can purchase the shares at market value from them but if you refuse they can leave the shares to their children."

 Chapter 465: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 6

    <h4>465 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 6</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Somewhat in shock CEO Lu spat out "How in the world ¡­?"


    "You forget CEO Lu I am awyer.A Will is a Will wherever it is written, and your father hadnd in Australia, which meant that his will had to be proven there as well.I simply made a request through the right channels and was able to obtain a copy of all the documents which included the original will and the trantion."


    "Who cares what you have done and think.I still own thergest parcel of shares in thepany.So it is irrelevant."


    "No it is not irrelevant.Plus I believe the keeper of yourpany''s share registry can confirm that you do not own thergest parcel of shares in thepany..."


    The gentleman who had been telling the people assembled of the change of share ownership could only say, in a very quiet voice "She is right CEO Lu."


    "I do not give a care if she is right.They time allowance we gave for the new owners of the shares to be present at this meeting has passed so I am ending the meeting."


    "You cannot," came the firm strong response from Anna.She knew that CEO Lu was almost to the breaking point, and she so wanted him to snap in front of everyone as that would kill his ability to be CEO of Lu Corporation in the future.


    "Do not tell me what I can do little girl, I am CEO of thispany and chairman of the meeting.While these shareholders exercised legitimate rights under thepany charter and despite me being generous and allowing them additional time to arrive, they are not here.I will therefore be ending the meeting."By the time he finished speaking CEO Lu had aplete smug look on his face, utterly believing he had won.


    Anna, despite feeling Hou Yi put some pressure on her arm as a means to tell her to stop ying games to let them get down to business decided that she had to have one more dig at CEO Lu.She knew he deserved it.


    "What, you do not want to continue to y this game.I never thought you retreated from anything," Anna said in a sweet voice.She then continued "Oh, and by the way thank you for admitting your role in what happened seven weeks ago.I will be telling the national prosecutors office so that can request a copy of the minutes from this meeting with your admission."


    CEO Lu had aplete stunned look on his face realising that he had said something in the heat of the argument with this little witch which he had hoped she had ignored but had not.


    Anna, finally taking the quiet message Hou Yi was sending now wanted to move this to the next stage to allow Hou Yi to take over."However as to you ending this meeting, could I suggest that you do a roll call of the shareholders with a sufficientlyrge enough parcel of shares to vote, or those who control the voting rights of the shares?If I have no right to be here after that I will quite happily leave."


    "Fine" CEO Lu spat out, signalling to the controller of the share registry to start reading out the names.


    "CEO Lu, on behalf of the Lu Family, forty percent"


    "Present"


    "CEO Lu, on behalf of himself and Madam Lu, as trustees of three percent"


    "Present"


    "Mr Yang, on behalf of himself and Madam Yang, as trustees of three percent"


    "Present"


    "CEO Yang, of the Yang Group on behalf of the Yang family, fifteen percent."


    "WFT International?"


    With that, knowing she was nominally the CEO of the shellpany Anna spoke "Present, I am the CEO."


    "WHAT!" screamed CEO Lu, "There is no damn way."


    "Would you like the documents to show this CEO Lu?"


    "You could not prove anything."


    Hou Yi now moved into action "CEO Lu, CEO Yang, Mr Yang.Please take these folders."With that he pulled six folders out of the briefcase the bodyguard had ced beside him, handing one each to them, along with one to thepanywyer and the share registry manager.The sixth copy he sat in front of Anna, which had clipped to it the nomination form"They confirm the CEO of each of the four shareholders you were waiting for, and their ultimate share ownership.My wife is CEO of WFT International, and I am the CEO of the remaining threepanies.The share, as you can see are ultimately owned by my wife and I jointly."


    "What the ¡­?How ¡­?"

 Chapter 466: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 7

    <h4>466 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 7</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Sitting quietly and watching everything happen was CEO Yang.While he had proposed the deal with Hou Yi if he acquired the on-market traded forty percent of thepany shares he was shocked that he had been able to achieve this in such a short time.Thank goodness he could live up to the deal that he struck.


    CEO Yang knew business well enough.Yes CEO Lu waspetent and had over the years ensured that Lu Corporation had made a good profit which benefited the Yang Group, but the recent behaviour of CEO Lu and his son was damaging the business and profit that in the end would ce the Yang Group''s investment at risk.


    Hou Yi, decided to say with a smile, "If CEO Lu does not know how we obtained the shares, maybe CEO Lu needs to go back to school to learn about how the share-market works, before we continue this discussion."


    With that some of the members of the Lu family could help themselves and had to have augh, which resulted in them receiving daggers from CEO Lu.


    "You arrogant toad, do not presume to tell me what to do.You are nothing."


    "Just because you hate my mother because she escaped your abuse, and my father because he helped her, you forget I am CEO of Hou Enterprises.Hou Enterprises is one of the top threepanies in this country, and if I am being generous one of the top two hundredpanies in the world.Lu Corporation does notpare.And by the way, you have a pleasant way of talking to yourrgest shareholders."


    "Screw you Hou Yi."


    "Temper, Temper.And to paraphrase my wife from earlier, only she has the right.I pity your wife for having to touch you, but then do you pay for it ¡­?"


    Anna at this was struggling to keep fromughing.They well and truly knew he was, if not paying for it ckmailing and forcing young girls into s*xual activities and servitude.


    "Get out of here.Do not nder my wife?"


    "You did not answer my wife question before, where are she and Madam Yang?"


    "They do not need to be here, we have standing proxies."


    "Well, firstly we need to see them."Hou Yi was fully aware that this would be standing practice but wanted to drag the matter out for as long as he could before dropping the other bombshell that they had to y and to then force CEO Lu out of his position,


    With than, the share registry manager handed Hou Yi copies of two proxy forms, one apparently signed by Madam Lu and the other by Madam Yang.The signatories of the witnesses to the Proxy forms were not names he knew.


    "While I do not know the names of the witnesses or Madam Lu and Madam Yang''s signatures I will take them at face value at the present, but I would appreciate if in the future I could speak to these people."


    Anna then spoke "By the way, as I am not as current on business matters here, today for WFT International I am appointing my husband Hou Yi to be my proxy for any voting that has to ur.I will sign the proxy form, a nk copy of which is in each folder"with that Anna picked up a pen and signed the proxy form with her signature being witnessed by the share registry managed, and Hou Yi signing the acknowledgement of appointment as proxy.


    "But I am not leaving the meeting as I am interested in what will be said, and may wish to discuss matters with my proxy."


    CEO Lu, knew at this point that there was only seventeen percent of thepany not under either his or Hou Yi''s direct control.While he could count on Yang Lin''s father, the wildcard was not CEO Yang.The did not like his oldest cousin, who got the majority of the family shares due to the terms of family wills, he was the only one who had a child.He hoped that he would not sell him out.He was worried as now he could not guarantee the oue of the meeting.


    CEO Lu realising that he had to get the meeting happening "Well CEO Hou and Madam Hou, through your variouspanies, you called this meeting as allowed under the charter.Rather than wasting everyone''s time here, you need to tell us why you called the meeting."


    "Thank you for allowing us to get to the point of this meeting.Originally we had called this meeting to ensure that Lu Corporation would be enforcing the requirements of the criminal court orders made in respect to Lu Jinhu?"


    "Why in the f*ck waste our time on that point.He has stepped down from thepany and cannot be involved in any significant way until his ban has ended.We have a copy of that order and are not stupid to vite thew in any way."


    "Are you certain about not viting thew?"


    Anna realised that now Hou Yi was baiting CEO Lu.This was going to be fun to watch, because she knew unlike herself, there was no way that her husband would drag this out.He needed to get back to Hou Enterprises for a afternoon and early evening full of meetings, including a dinner meeting that she was attending.


    "Absolutely, Lu Corporation is a good corporate citizen and we would not do that."

 Chapter 467: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 8

    <h4>467 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 8</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "Well, why did I hear on my way over here a police press conference announcing a warehouse owned by Lu Corporation was raided ¡­" Hou Yi and Anna both immediately noticed that CEO Lu''s face had gonepletely white "and inside arrested was Madam Lu, Madam Yang and Madam Rong."


    Pausing for dramatic effect knowing that it would be announced while the board meeting was happening, Hou Yi continued "Madam Lu and Madam Rong were found engaged in group s*xual activities with two male artists from Lu Corporation''s entertainment division, and Madam Yang was found with a male and female artist engaged in s*xual activity.There was also to an illegal gambling establishment and club running."


    "I ¡­I¡­I have no idea what you are talking about."Stuttered CEO Lu.


    "Might I suggest before we continue that the CEO Lu and Mr Yang attempt to contact their wives, as from what I understand they are under arrest for their activities."


    "Do not tell me what to do, you ¡­you ¡­"


    "CEO Lu, calm down, I am only reporting what I heard on the radio as being broadcast from a police press conference.All I am suggesting is ¡­"Hou Yi paused without saying anything else leaving it us to CEO Lu to determine what he was saying.Within ten seconds he had pulled his phone and moved away from the table and started to make a phone call.


    Hou Yi and Anna looked at each other and Hou Yi then leaned over and whispered into his wife''s ear, "It is so good that he is so predictable, particrly after we had riled him up."He then paused and leaned in slightly closer and continued, while grabbing one hand under the table and caressing the palm with his fingers "I love you so much."


    Anna could not say anything.All she could do is blush and she looked down at the table, not only avoiding the eyes of everyone else around, but avoiding looking at Hou Yi in the eyes.She was concerned if she did that they would do something totally inappropriate for a shareholders meeting.


    While their previous actions could have been seen as inappropriate, it was nned to deal with CEO Lu.This however would be totally unnned and uncontrolled.


    Anna, picked up her mobile phone and located a couple of news websites that had information about the raid.They quickly confirmed the names of those in society that had been detained, given the use of the euphemism ''helping police with their inquiries''.None of them had been released.That was perfect as neither CEO Lu or Mr Yang who had also moved away from the table to attempt to call his wife as we, would reach their wives.


    Being a temporary police officer for the purpose of the current investigation was helpful as they had information that could be used to twist situations and drag out other information for Anna it still went against her training.As someone who defended criminals she knew the trust that the ced in theirwyers.She was also aware of the scandals ofwyers being used as police informants, but the difference for her was, and it addressed her ethical concerns, is that she was an actual police officer not an informant.Anna however realised that she was having fun with the situation and more woulde.


    Before Anna could think about anything else CEO Lu and Mr Yang both returned to the table, and it was obvious from the look on their face that neither of them were able to reach their wives.


    As Hou Yi went to open his mouth, they got help in an unexpected direction, from CEO Yang "Cousin, CEO Lu were either of you able to reach your wives?"


    Mr Yang was shaking his head, while CEO Lu spat out "No, but usually she is off at a spa appointment at this time of day, so I am not bothered."


    At that exact moment, Anna was showing Hou Yi what was on the various news websites, and they both knew that it was perfect to now go in with that they were able to say and dig for further responses.

 Chapter 468: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 9

    <h4>468 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 9</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Having taken the hint from Anna, Hou Yi now decided to drive home what they knew."Well, I would disagree CEO Lu.My wife and I have not only checked the official police website but three separate news websites.All have confirmed the same information."


    After a short pause for dramatic effect Hou Yi Continued "Around 3am this morning a warehouse owned by Lu Corporaiton in the warehouse district was raided.As we all know warehouses there, if they are leased to someone other else, the owner must file with the government paperwork to confirm its leasing.No paperwork exists that confirms that the warehouse was leased to anyone.That means what was found in the warehouse links directly to Lu Corporation, or if you knew nothing about it means that you are ipetent to this extent."


    Anna observed that at thatment CEO Lu was incensed, but he was holding back in speaking as he knew he needed to hear what was being said before retorting against Hou Yi.


    Continuing Hou Yiid out more of what they knew."Inside they found a club, which the licenses to operate until 11pm or 12am, depending on the day are in the name of Lu Corporation.However it was more than a private club.Firstly it was serving alcohol outside its license, but they also found an illegal gambling establishment and a series of private rooms that were obviously used for s*xual activities."


    "Inside one room they found Madam Lu and Madam Rong with two men engaged in s*xual activity with Rong Jingye observing his wife and Madam Lu''s activities, while being pleasured by two females.In another room Madam Yang was found being pleasured by a male and female.There was others in other rooms engaged in various activities with a number of people that we all know from society events.All those involved, not being members of society have apparently admitted to being artists from Lu Corporation''s entertainment division."


    "Even in the public areas, those involved in serving the guests of the club were dressed in clothing that left little to the imagination indicated they were members of thispanies entertainment division."


    Hou Yi noticed that CEO Lu was stunned with what he hadid out.Now was the time to hammer things home."This is totally uneptable, and given my wife and I are thergest single shareholder we want answers.From the photographs and other information on-line this is a long term established venue used for prostitution, illegal gambling and has allowed breaches of liquor licensingws, let alone what else we presently do not know about, with Entertainment Division artists being front and centre of the activities."


    Now in an angry voice, like any disgruntled shareholder would use Hou Yi spat out "This has happened on your watch as CEO of Lu Corporation.You cannot escape saying you had no knowledge of it as your wife, your son''s mother-inw and your best friend and his wife were all found in the premises when it was raided."Taking a breath to apparently calm down he then continued "The question is how will we salvage thepany from this disaster."


    Anna, carefully turned in her seat to capture on the hidden camera in her broach the reaction of each person present.There were two different reactions.CEO Lu, Yang Lin''s father and two members of the Lu Family had a worried look on their face, as if they had been caught.However the rest of those present were in total shock.Thewyer in Anna, immediately realised that those worried about the situation, knew about the venue and what had happened inside.That was something that might be useful.


    "Thepany has done nothing wrong" immediately responded CEO Lu.


    "Well thepany will have to prove it.I have just spent a fortune investing in thispany, and if the share value drops because of an avoidable problem, the whole Lu family will go down."Hou Yi indicated that in a quiet but deadly voice.Anna saw that the members of the Lu family were terrified about what would happen, even those that she believed knew something about what had been going on.


    "It is none of your business what thepany does," spat out CEO Lu.


    Anna decided it was her time again to speak."CEO Lu, As the owner of the single biggest shareholder I will hold you and your family personally responsible if this backfires on thepany.I will look at legal action to recover losses as the evidence shows thepany knew or should have known what was happening in the warehouse."


    Pausing as she now wanted to drop another bombshell "Plus you forget, Lu Corporation operate in Australia, and this absolutely means that there I will win a case for loss of value due to this for all of Lu Corporation in Australia.And I will pursue penalties against you and the other Lu family members for not acting given I have made it clear that you need to."


    "You will have no hope little girl."


    "Stop acting like a child CEO Lu with the attitude and tones.My Australian Employers are one of the top Corporation Legal Firms in Australia, and if I say I will win a case there I will.And by the way that means I would also win cases in the US and Ennd where you have significant investments, so do you want to try me?"

 Chapter 469: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 10

    <h4>469 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 10</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    CEO Yang having observed all events to date, knew who would win the game that Hou Yi and Anna started.CEO Lu was deluding himself is he would win.He decided that he needed to bring things to a head soon, as he had a lot to get through that was noplicated by the actions of that idiot of a cousin of his wife that would taint thepany.


    He was struggling to even think about how the Yang Group would address her being caught in an illegal brothel engaged in illegal s*xual activities.At least with Yang Lin they were able to publicly deal with the situation, through focusing on her being pregnant, stressed out and feeling threatened causing her reaction and then Lu Jinhu''s additional reactions.They had no real excuse that they could focus on this time.


    In an assertive voice, he said "Enough.We have an issue to address here, and despite me hating to say this we need to vote on how we will address it.I propose a motion be put to the meeting and voted on.CEO Lu, what should be the motion?"


    "There does not need to be a motion.I am the CEO and there is nothing that needs to be addressed."


    Hou Yi knew that now CEO Lu was irrational.He was in denial that there was an issue, and this was the in he needed.CEO Yang had to him confirmed that he would abide by the deal he previously proposed.For all the animosity between the Lu and Yang families on one hand and the Hou and Feng families on the other, the one thing Hou Yi knew for certain is when he had business dealings with the Yang Group he could trust CEO Yang''s word.


    "CEO Lu, I agree with CEO Yang.My proposal is that the meeting require the CEO of Lu Corporation by the end of the day to produce a report that confirms whether or not the warehouse raised by the police was leased, produce the original of that lease for forensic analysis, and investigate the involvement of members of Lu Corporation''s Entertainment division."


    CEO Yang, "Actually I agree with CEO Hou.We need that report done.Lu Corporation needs to be protected.However the report should provide a detailed timeline for the detailed investigation ofthe involvement of the Entertainment Division and when all the evidence gathered will be made avable to the police.An initial quick investigation as to generalpany involvement is needed but a honest more detailed investigation is needed to prevent any allegations of a cover-up and longer term harm to Lu Corporation."


    CEO Lu, was ready to blow his top, CEO Yang was siding with that b*stard Hou Yi.Where was his loyalty supporting the enemy."No damn way.CEO Yang how could you support that trash when you and the Yang family have supported the Lu family."


    "This is not about loyalty, it is Lu Corporation and protecting it.Yang Group is an investor and unlike CEO and Madam Hou who have invested throughpanies not connected to Hou Enterprises we have to ensure our investments are protected."


    Seeing where his cousin was going, Mr Yang, realised that he needed, at least on this point agree with the position.If Lu Corporation did not address it, it would hurt Yang Group and then hurt him."I hate to also agree, to some point.Lu Corporation needs to investigate what happened.It is the owner of the warehouse and distancing thepany, despite my wife, your wife" pointing at CEO Lu "and Rong Jingye and his wife were all found there, it is necessary.It can be said that what was happening was personal, not rted to thepany."


    CEO Lu realised that everyone was against him on this point.He spat out "Fine, I will get started on an investigation but it will be in depth and appropriate.It will take the time that it takes and I am not rushing an investigation to satisfy the shareholders.I know what is necessary and what is the best for thepany."


    Anna elbowed Hou Yi, and he knew that now was the time to go in for a kill."That is totally uneptable.You have had fifty-seven percent of the voting power of thepany tell you something that needed to be dealt with quickly, and you want to drag it on."


    "I am CEO of thepany and I know what thepany needs."


    "Well about that ¡­"

 Chapter 470: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 11

    <h4>470 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 11</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi paused for dramatic effect "Tell me why you should remain as CEO?"


    "I am head of the main branch of the Lu family and therefore should be the CEO of thepany."


    Anna, leaned over and whispered, "Can I have the final folder please."


    Hou Yi reached in to the briefcase and pulled out the final folder handing it to Anna.She opened it up "CEO Lu do you not know the terms of the appointment of the CEO of thepany at present."


    "You have no ability to say anything here.You handed over your proxy, now shut up."


    Hou Yi said "Actually CEO Lu, as this is a legal matter and my wife is qualified to speak on this."


    "Forget it."


    Calmly Anna said "I do not give damn, this is what I am going to say what I need to say.CEO Lu, you are only CEO because you were appointed by your grandfather before he died.His will makes it clear that the CEO can be changed, if the majority of the shareholders by a motion require it.It also sets out, for at least the next thirty of so years how the CEO is to be appointed."


    "Any male adult member of the Lu family can be considered provided that they are not serving a term of more than three years imprisonment or a ban of that length from being involved with thepany.Given your son''s ban that means that any appointment, if the majority of shareholders demand your removal is only temporary until your son serves his ban, and then the question of the permanent CEO can be decided."


    Taking a breath, Anna then continued still as calm as possible."No position is certain, and you cannot guarantee that the majority of shareholders will not act.The consequences of the decision would be, you cease to control all but the three percent of the shares you hold until your grandchild is born, and the new CEO whether permanent or temporary controls the voting rights of thepany."


    "Here is a copy of the will I mentioned previously with this in it as probated in Victoria, along with the trantion.While the trantion provides the details of what is to happen, I would say that it is not a totally urate trantion, the level of uracy is sufficient for the Registrar of Probate in Victoria where a reseal was granted."Starting to hand out copies Anna said "I am sorry I do not have enough copies though."


    CEO Lu was in stunned silence, these two had done all their work, and had his position teetering on a fine edge.


    For the members of the Lu family who were reading the will, they all were stunned.The b*stard had been able to keep all the terms of the will secret, insisting that the Will provided that he had to be CEO or they would lose their shares to him.They were all ready to lynch him.


    Meanwhile CEO Yang, was surprised at the conditions of the will.While he was willing to cooperate, with Hou Yi the situation was different now.He thought the shares would all go to CEO Lu, but now it would be a battle as to who became temporary CEO, as in the end, Lu Jinhu would end up in that position.


    From what he remembered, despite ying dumb, and his recent actions he was the brightest of the rest of the family and would want to seed.The others, were only out for money.Mmmm, what to do.He however knew that he would not go back on the word he had given Hou Yi, as that would impact his business reputation.


    Following on from his wife Hou Yi, now went in for the kill "I amgoing to move a shareholders motion that the current CEO of Lu Corporation be removed from his position, and that an externally appointedmittee interview all male members of the Lu Family for appointment as the temporary CEO until such time as Mr Lu Jinhu serves his court imposed ban.At that time, the same externally appointedmittee re-interview all eligible members of the Lu Corporation for the appointment of the permanent new CEO."


    CEO Yang then spoke "I support that motion.CEO Lu, your attitude today gives me no confidence that this crisis will be handled properly, and in the end, protecting Lu Corporation has to be prioritised over your ego."

 Chapter 471: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 12

    <h4>471 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 12</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi looking directly at CEO Lu continued, "That is fifty-five percent of the shares voting for your removal. CEO Lu, you are removed as CEO of Lu Corporation. The only thing, and I hope everyone else agrees is until the temporary CEO is appointed by the External Committee, you will remain the public face of thepany." This drew nods from around the table.


    "I will fight you all the way."


    Firmly, enjoying this Hou Yi retorted "Try it. The majority of shareholders have spoken, and I would guess the majority of your family members over there" and he was pointing to the Lu Family Members present "would also agree. Gentleman I want no involvement in the process, nor will Hou Enterprises be involved. I would suggest that CEO Yang, given the family connections be in charge of the externalmittee now and when Lu Jinhu''s ban ends for the permanent CEO."


    "Forget It" screamed CEO Lu.


    "Mr Lu, rather than arguing, most of those eligible for the CEO appointment are in this room, Let us have their opinion on the process, and then if they majority agree it is done."


    Very quickly from the members of the Lu family in the room there was a unanimous Yes.


    Hou Yi paused and then continued "So the majority have spoken to agree on your removal, and the process to appoint apetent CEO for Lu Corporation. Mr Lu Jingho our are removed as CEO, but will remain as acting CEO until a new CEO is appointed. As per the rules you are able to be considered to be the new CEO of Lu Corporation."


    CEO Yang having enjoyed the show, as much as Hou Yi wanted to head back to his ownpany responded "Madam Hou, Gentlemen, at present I do not think we can take matters further. I will contact the Legal Department and all eligible Lu Family members in the next few days to finalise the process for the appointment of the interim CEO."


    With that he stood up and started to leave, Anna and Hou Yi followed, leaving a screaming former CEO Lu Jingho, a shell shocked Mr Yang, and a group of scheming members of the Lu Family behind.


    As they reached the Foyer, CEO Yang turned to Hou Yi, and said "I really did not believe that you could do it."


    "Set me a challenge, and I will achieve it." Hou Yi paused before continuing "Thank you for keeping your word."


    "I almost did not. For all of his idiocy Lu JIngho has been apetent CEO of Lu Corporation. For some reason, which I do not understand, he has a blind spot when ites to Hou Enterprises, you and your parents. From what my father and elders say, he likes your grandparents and your Aunt ¡­"


    "Cutting a long story short from what I have been told my maternal grandmother was a housekeeper for the Lu family. One day my father when to talk to the Elder Lu, who was then CEO about business at his home and witnessed my mother being assaulted by Lu Jingho. As my parents tell is it was love at first sight and my father helped my mother escape from the household and then brought my grandmother to live with them when the Lu family terminated her employment. The deal that my father went to negotiate never happened and ever since then ¡­"


    "He has not liked your father, and hence you." CEO Yang paused, and then continued "Being realistic from all I know of the Lu Family other than him only two family members arepetent enough to be its CEO."


    "Lu Jinhu?" asked Anna.


    "Correct Madam Hou. For everything he has done towards you and his apparentziness in Australia from all reports each and every other decision made was sharp, insightful and appropriate. He was always informed and participated appropriately in board meetings."


    "There is a distant family member who works as a lower-mid level employee within the entertainment division. His name escapes me at the moment. He used an assumed name to attend university where he was a top student, and has worked his way up in thepany. I believe Hou Enterprises and Yang group among others tried to recruit him straight from university."


    "There is no way that we can keep Lu Jingho as CEO but that only leaves one option until Lu Jinhu''s ban ends and that might be a risk."

 Chapter 472: Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 13

    <h4>472 Lu Corporation Board Meeting - Part 13</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Looking directly at CEO Yang, Hou Yi responded "I do not give a care. I believe that you have already guessed part of the reason behind my actions." Hou Yi observed that CEO Yang was nodding. "Leaving that to one side all I want for the Interim and then final CEO appointment is a process followed, and that Lu Corporation resources are not used to tagert my wife or myself, which they have been."


    "Presently there are two criminal investigations over Lu Jingho''s actions towards us in thest couple of weeks. His targeting of me definitely involvedpany resources, and I believe that he may have also usedpany resources in targeting my wife. Additionally I believe another investigation is pendinging from the overnight raid. All I can ask is that you are honest and do your best during the process CEO Yang."


    "CEO Hou, please be honest with me. Are you keeping your shares in the long term?"


    "We will keep some, and sell others. Presently we have an offer from XF International for five percent of the shares and Seven Shades for another five percent. We have not worked out what we will keep long-term but some will flow back into the open market."


    "CEO Hou, Yang Group would be interested in purchasing five percent of the shares. Ultimately our business is inter-meshed with Lu Corporation financially and given our structure Yang Lin will eventually be thergest family shareholder. I need to be proactive and protect Yang Group including our Lu Corporation investment. Our fifteen percent cannot, given how we received it be easily sold, but having a further investment we can sell will do that."


    "CEO Yang, I will consider that, and if I take up your offer I will let you know."


    "Fine. Just remember that today our mutual interests met and I acting with you protected Yang Group. But as you know we willpete where we do, and I will act, legally, to ensure Yang Group seeds."


    "I would never take it any other way. I know that you will not resort to underhanded means to achieve your goal."


    Before Hou Yi and Anna could leave, CEO Yang came over and gently kissed Anna on the left cheek. "I will say CEO Hou you are one lucky man to have met this woman. If I was a few years younger I would have done everything to pursue her and win her for myself."


    Hou Yi tensed slightly "CEO Yang, you would never have had a chance. Now if you can excuse us ¡­"


    With that they made their way out of the building an waited of the car toe and pick them up. After the bodyguards were certain they were not being followed they drove to the police station for formal reports about the shareholders meeting to be made and the audio and video footage provided to them.


    Hou Yi, exited the room first and while waiting for Anna sat and spoke to the lead investigator who informed him not only about where they were with investigating the oue of the raid but the investigations of Lu Jingho''s actions towards him and Anna.


    Meanwhile back at Lu Corporation, Lu Jingho was sitting it what could possibly be his former office, trying to plot how to salvage the situation. Those two deliberately set out to bait him, and knew about the raid on the Club. How in the f*ck did the police find out about that.


    While the gambling and alcohol issues could be easily dealt with by ims it was a private club and it was an oversight, the back rooms being used as they were, in particr by his wife, his son''s mother-inw, his best friend and his wife, that was more difficult.


    Given the location of the club, Lu Jingho always knew he had to have preliminary ns to deal with issues if there was a problem. Reaching into his desk''s secret draw he withdrew a folder with his preliminary ns, and essed a word processing program to prepare thepany response as he was aware that he could not trust anyone within thepany to do this.


    He called our to his assistant to bring him the files rting to the warehouse and the artists he knew were working there, to start to prepare what he needed to salvage something about the situation, and hopefully beat of the internal challengers for his position.


    Dealing with that b*stard Hou Yi though for creating this situation would have to wait until he protected his position.

 Chapter 473: Two Weeks GONE

    <h4>473 Two Weeks GONE</h4>


    Wednesday (One weekter)


    Hou Yi awoke to Anna''s gentle kisses and reached to hold her head in ce for a longer more passionate kiss.


    As they broke away from each other He gently said, "What a way to start the day."


    "A perfect way Yi."


    "Now sweetheart, you have your appointments at the hospital, what are you nning to do afterwards?"


    "I figured I need toe into the office . I was going to rest, but given I will be in Hong Kong next week ¡­"


    "How in the world did you get roped into that trip?"


    "Susan and Wayne could not go with the girls.?So they did not miss out I promise to apany them on the dance school trip.?I have worked out with the tourpany given I am now here I will simply meet them at the airport and joining them from there.?One of the other parents has agreed to be responsible for the girls once they are air-side at Melbourne until they arrive."


    "Forget that.?I had spoken to Susan and will send out a bodyguard to apany them on the flight.?I am also working on upgrading them to business ss for them to be better protected.?Now about you..."


    "Yi, I promise you I will take it easy ¡­"


    "Sweetheart, I know you are not stupid, but still get the OK today. Assistant Wang has the itinerary?"


    "He does. Why?"


    "I will book a room for you at the Marriot next to Ocean Park and the Hong Kong Disnend Hotel that you can rest in during the day if you need it. There will be bodyguards with the girls, so you do not have to worry."


    "Yi, you spoil me ¡­"


    "Always, as you deserve it. In all seriousness, I am d that you are doing something as I have to head to Japan Friday night, for Saturday meetings, and then to Paris for meetings all week with respect the European Health Care division. If I can be back to collect you in Hong Kong, I will let you know, but promise me, any issue you will call me no matter that the time of day or night."


    "I promise, but Yi why ¡­"


    "Am I jetting all over the ce. Well Madam Hou," by this time he had a very seductive look on his face "someone if forgetting in about a month we are to Australia for our formal wedding and I need to have at least a few days free or my bride will kill me."


    Before Anna could reply Hou Yi took her head in his hands and kissed her until she was breathless.


    Just before 9am, Hou Yi and Anna pulled up outside the hospital''s VIP entrance and went inside for her physio appointment. While sitting in the waiting room, Hou Yi spent time talking to with Assistant Wang regarding all the arrangements for his uing trip. While he hated to go away for this long from Anna, he hoped with this trip he could put in ce most of the arrangements to minimise the need for trips to Europe in the next eighteen months.


    If he could do that, it would mean that he only had to make those arrangements with the Americas and African divisions.?He was not so worried about trips within Asia as most of them could be handled in a day or two.?He would manage, even if it meant that he could only have a few hours with his family toe back between those trips.?Australia, however would be a difference situation.?Those trips could always bebined with visits to Anna''s family, which she would love.


    Right on 9:30am Anna left the physiotherapist office, carrying the moon boot but with a cane, saying "Freedom"


    Hou Yi could not help but tough at the joy in her voice. He knew, particrly in thest week Anna had found the Moon Boot increasingly restrictive, so she was d for it to be gone. Taking the moon boot from her hand, he asked "No more?"


    "Actually no, I have to wear it out and about in Hong Kong just as a precaution, but otherwise just my cane." Anna paused, and continued "We need to get a hurry on, we have ¡­"


    "Your second appointment with the obstetrician."


    Before Anna realised, they were in the obstruction''s office, and were immediately shown into his office, being greeted by the obstruction "CEO and Madam Hou, a pleasure to see you again. We will be quick today.?I have already reviewed your blood tests from Monday and they are fine Madam Hou.?We just need to perform another ultrasound to check if there are any visible issues from the assault. If everything looks OK we will not need to see you for another three weeks. If you can follow me."


    Fifteen minutester, after having had the ultrasound, Hou Yi clutching their second ultrasound photo, both as happy as anything, in their own little world, with everything seeming to be OK with the babies.

 Chapter 474: A Surprise - Part 1

    <h4>474 A Surprise - Part 1</h4>


    Saturday


    Anna was woken by her mobile phone ringing, and as she answered it saying only half awake "Hello?"


    "Sweetheart ¡­"


    Hearing Hou Yi''s voice was enough to immediately wake Anna right up.?At that moment she realised how different it had been.?Despite everything that had happened since they married,st night was the first night, other than when she was in hospital that they had not slept in the same bed.?Even then, he was in the room with her.


    Anna realised that despite how their marriage started, everything that they had been through until now and how long they waited until they had confessed to each other how they felt, there had been that simple constant.?It was calming and more importantly had ensured that she had always felt safe particrly given how Lu Jinhu had made her feel.?She needed her husband near her.


    "Yi,st night ¡­"


    "...was so hard to sleep. I know it is the first night that we have not been together, whether in the same bed or the same room since we married."?Hou Yi sighed as he finished.?He hardly sleptst night missing Anna being with him.


    "And we have a week ahead. Make a promise to me Yi, that if you have to go away for business, I am going with you, even when our child or future children are born, we travel with you."


    As Anna finished speaking in a tone that left Hou Yi in no doubt that she wanted him to relent and ensure that she went with him.?He was determined that he would not just give in.?His priority always would be Anna and their children''s safety and he would do what he could to ensure that it was not jeopardised.?Quietly, but firmly he responded?"That sounds absolutely perfect my love.?But you know I will never do anything that risk you or our children safety, so only if I know it is safe for you."


    "Yi," Anna responded in a whiny voice.


    "Anna that will not change my mind.?I could never forgive myself if something happened to you and our children."?Hou Yi paused knowing that he had to end the call as his temporary assistant for this trip was letting him know he needed to leave to head to this meeting.?"Sweetheart, I am sorry, but I need to cut the call short so I can get to my first meeting for the day, and I will not have a chance to call you untilter.?Promise me that once you reach your hotel in Hong Kong you will all me."


    "I will ..."


    "Now stay safe and enjoy yourself."


    "Yi, you are sending six bodyguards with me, so you know I will be safe."


    "I know, but you know I will worry.?Remember that I love you."


    "Love you Yi¡­" Before Anna could say anything, she heard a voice in the background reminding Yi that the meeting was about to start.


    "Sorry, Sweetheart I want to talk longer, but my first meeting got moved ¡­"


    "Go, we will talk soon, and remember I love and will miss you." With that Anna ended the call knowing how easy it would be to drag the call out longer and longer.?How much she wished that she could spend more time on the phone with him.


    As the she hung up, Anna realised that she had missed a real opportunity.?It was something she had never though about doing before, but having phone s*x with Yi, given how much she was already missing him would have been worthwhile.?Maybe that was something this week that she could tempt him with.?The possibilities ¡­

 Chapter 475: A Surprise - Part 2

    <h4>475 A Surprise - Part 2</h4>


    Saturday, continued...


    Anna having already cleared customs and her bodyguards were awaiting in the arrivals hall of Hong Kong International Airport for Hannah and Pippa to arrive with their dance school.?She was excited to see them again and even having to y parent for a week.


    With that though all Anna could do was touch her stomach gently realising that in around seven months she and Yi would be weing the first members of their expanding family.?If someone had told her six months ago that she would be looking forward to the birth of twins with her husband, she would haveughed at them and telling them they were crazy.?Her career was, then the most important thing to her.


    How dramatically things had changed because of Lu Jinhu dumping her at the altar.?While she felt hurt when that happened, it was pure luck and a chance meeting that she had what she had.?She loved her husband and the depth of the feelings she had for Hou Yi was something that she thought only happened in the romances novels she had read.?From her rtionship with Hou Yi she knew the truth, the depth of feelings could happen, and it had happened to her.


    Before she could get further lost in her thoughts and how much she missed having her beloved with her she was tapped on the shoulder by one of the bodyguards, "Madam Hou, the guard with Miss Pippa and Miss Hannah, has called and let us know that the dance school should only be a few minutes before they are here.?He also said that there was a surprise with them for you as well."


    "Did they tell you what the surprise was?"


    "Madam all that was said is that you would know the surprise when you see it."


    Watching the door that she was told the group woulde out from, she started to see arge group of that were obviously Australians exit.?It only took about ten people toe out before Anna saw Pippa and Hannah running towards her with the bodyguard who apanied them trailing behind.?One of the guards who apanied Anna, grabbed the luggage trolley and the girls were yelling "Aunty Anna, Aunty Anna."


    Anna seeing how quickly they were running towards her quickly figured out that they would throw themselves into her arms, she crouched down with her arms wide open which both Hannah and Pippa ran into for a hug.


    As she pulled back, Pippa said "Aunty Anna you would not believe what happened.?Aunty Alecia ¡­"


    For some reason with the mention of Alecia''s name Anna looked up and saw Alecia exiting the same door that Hannah and Pippa had pushing a trolley herself.?So this was the surprise, and damn Hou Yi knew about it, hence why he wanted her to call him.?As the bodyguards surrounding Anna, Hannah and Pippa realised that the personing towards them was Alecia, they made space for her to go to Anna.


    As Anna gave Alecia a brief hug, all she could say is "Why are you ¡­"


    "...here? The first weekend in Australia, I apanied the girls to their practice for the tour.?Watching them, I was able to pick up several mistakes they made and was helping them correct their steps.?Once the teachers realised what I was doing, they asked about my dance background.?As I told them I had taken lessons until the start of Decemberst year, and they were happy for some help.?A couple of weeks ago one of the older girls fell and broke her arm and they needed a recement.?So, can you guess who volunteered me?


    "My bratty little brother?"


    "No, my loving husband.?He suggested that I should help and along with the girls pleading, it was enough to convince me.?It has been fun for a couple of weeks dancing again.?More importantly as he must do one more week of night duty, which worried both of us with me being alone, meing away means he can do this without either of us being concerned. "


    "When we were on the flight over one of the teachers told me that they were grateful that I agreed to participate as the girls may not have been able to dance in the Disnend Parade as of ack of numbers.?Before you say anything, the bodyguards who apanied us are the ones Dad sent out with me.?They were due to swap over next week, to the new guards wille here and return to Australia with us."


    "You should have let me know you wereing."


    "Well, Uncle Yi did ¡­"


    Having her guess confirmed Anna responded "I will kill him."

 Chapter 476: Help Please

    <h4>476 Help Please</h4>


    Monday Afternoon


    While wandering around Stanley Markets, with Pippa Hannah and Alecia who were putting their bargaining skills to the test Anna''s mobile rang.?She immediately noticed who was calling.


    "You know that I am about to kill you darling husband for keeping that secret. You have avoided my calls for two days, only texting me."


    "Sorry sweetheart, I was sworn to secrecy about that secret, and ¡­"


    "Do not use an excuse about having no voice, or you were busy, that does not cut it with me."


    "All I can do is apologise. The meetings rante in Japan and we had to hurry straight to the airport for the flight to France or we would have missed our slot.?I spent the whole trip there on the phone and as soon as we reached cruising height, I literally fell asleep for the whole flight.?The staff had to wake me up fornding in Paris.?I spent the rest of the day in meetings there and again copsed into bed and have been in meetings until now.?This is literally the first chance I have had to call."


    "It better be or¡­"


    "I will be dead when you catch up with me.?Threaten me all you like, but I know you love me and would never harm me."


    "True, but you will regret it,"ughed Anna


    They chatted for a few minutes, before Hou Yi decided that he needed ot ask the favour he needed from Anna and Alecia. "Sorry sweetheart, I have to turn to business for a few minutes. Tan and I need your help tonight. For the joint venture we have been negotiating about a project with filmpany based in Hong Kong."


    "The deal is done but before the negotiators sign the deal, they want to meet with people from Hou Enterprises and XF International. They suggested Tan and me.?As you know I am in Europe and apparently Tan has to head to the US on Saturday for meetings in California and on the East Coast. He will not be back until the end of next week. They threatened that if it did not happen this week, they would sign a deal with Lu Corporation."


    "So, you suggested another board member of Hou Enterprises, and someone from the Yao family, which they agreed to," asked Anna.


    "Yeah. I figured that the dinner would be best tonight, and you can cut it short given that Alecia has will be dancing at Disnend tomorrow you can make sure that it is not a long night."


    "Do you know who it will be with?"


    "I will send you those detailster, but I was able to convince then toe to you.?They understand what happened to you and that you have the care of your young nieces this week.?Assistant Wang has already booked dinner at the hotel, and there will be appropriate clothes avable for you and Alecia when you return to the hotel."


    "You are expecting a lot. You have made sure that what is being served will be suitable for ¡­"


    "A pregnantdy to eat. I had to tell Assistant Wang, as he has finalised the details, but he will not let on."


    "He better not or my family will kill you." Anna paused, and quietly indicated to Alecia, that Yi needed to talk to her "Well you better ask Alecia about the favour, before I say yes."


    Anna handed her phone to Alecia, and after a few minutes she heard Alecia say, "Fine Uncle Yi, but you owe me." Anna noticed the smirk on Alecia''s face as she handed Anna her phone back. Anna realised by that look Alecia would make Hou Yi pay for her assistance today.


    "Sweetheart, she agreed, so you are ok then?"


    "Yi, you have to ask, I am assuming that this deal is big."


    "Let me just say, that Lu Corporation''s entertainment division have been counting on this deal for months.?I had been negotiating for months under the nose of Lu Corporation to pull of the deal for our Entertainment Division but reached an in principal agreement with them just before you were assaulted.?Once the joint venture was announced they said that they wanted the deal to be with it rather than just Hou Enterprises."


    "From what I have gathered they had simply been looking for an excuse to get out of the negotiations with Lu Corporation, andbined with the assault on you and what happened with Madam Lu and her friend has been enough for them to be ready to sign and publicly announce it.?But you know how business deals generally are finalised here."


    "A deal has to be sealed with a dinner for the senior people. Got it my love."


    Hou Yi, paused for a minute. "I have to apologise sweetheart I have another meeting to get to. I will call you, say about 10:30pm your time. I love you."


    Before Anna could respond, the call ended.


    After the finalisation of their tour with the dance school, they returned to the hotel, where Anna and Alecia found in their rooms, dresses suitable for their dinner, and clothes for Hannah and Pippa, who were also invited given the attendance of the CEO''s children who were a simr age.


    When they headed downstairs Hannah and Pippa''s friend and some of the parents were stunned at the sight that they saw, particrly as Hou Yi had sent for Anna, a stunning diamond pendant to wear with her clothes.?Hannah and Pippa decided to be little princesses and all they could do was wave at their friends.


    The dinner, however, went quiet smoothly, for which Anna was surprised.?Alecia charmed everyone present, and Anna realised by the end of the night that she would quiet easily take over from her father eventually as CEO of XF International.

 Chapter 477: A happy reunion - Part 1

    <h4>477 A happy reunion - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    In the aftermath of Anna and Alecia''s dinner meeting on Monday, the dancers within the dance school were offered the opportunity to film a cameo scene in a film, performing one of their dances.?This was aplete and utter surprise for everyone, the teachers and tour guides and?the talk of everyone while eating breakfast was how exciting this was, and that they could not wait to receive a copy of the film with them in it.


    Anna heard a series of gasps and wondered what was going on behind her.?She turned and saw her husband walking into the restaurant.?Damn it, that?man was a sneak.?When they had spoken yesterday morning, he told her that he would be finished his trip to allow him toe and meet her Saturday morning.


    Before she could stand and head towards her husband, who she had missed so much since he left on his business trip, Pippa and Hannah who had been sitting with friends had spotted Hou Yi and immediately ran to him yelling "Uncle Yi."?The bodyguards near him realising who the girls were and as Hou Yi crouched down for the girls they stepped aside to allow them to run into his open arms for a hug.


    Once the girls were ready to return to their friends Hou Yi let them go and moved over to Anna and bent down giving her a brief kiss before taking a seat beside her.


    Anna turned in her seat and looked Hou Yi and quietly said "You, you ¡­"


    "You love me?"


    "Yi, you told me you would be here tomorrow. You sneak, that is twice in a week."


    "Well I pushed and got through the meetingsst night and decided that I could not bare to be away from you for another day." With that Hou Yi gave her another gentle kiss. As he pulled away, he knew that Anna would not be angry with him for too long.


    However, before he could say anything, Alecia tapped him on the shoulder, and said "Uncle Yi, you know I am ¡­"


    "Annoyed with me?" Hou Yi immediately responded. He had noticed that she was sitting with five other girls that looked about her age. "It appears that you have made some friends."


    "Good change of conversation, Uncle Yi.?Despite having only met them a few weeks ago, they treat me as one of them.?That is so much better than most of the girls at school who, when James picked me up the first time from school, tried to hit on me."


    Anna and Hou Yi looked at each other and realised that Alecia had in a few weeks started to pick up ng and could not helpughing a little.


    Alecia after realising what they wereughing at, continued "When I told them to go away a couple of them smugly said ''we are pretty, and he will take us over you.''?I just happened to be cing my rings back on my finger as the school would not allow me to wear them during the day, so I took my hand and waved it in their faces."


    "James spotted what I did along with their reaction but told me afterwards that he had hears what they said so he came over and gave me a kiss in front of them.?As you can imagine that was not liked by those who tried to hit on him, and they started to cause trouble at school for me.?Even one of their parents went to the police about James who quickly set them straight."


    "The worst thing is, and in some respect, it does not bother me is it has split the year.?Those girls and their friends on one side and everyone else on the other.?As a few that are not with those girls told me, it had beening as they always thought they were superior and were entitled to everything that they wanted.?I figured that I could not let it bother me, but realise that I will have few friends from there, but the girls here with the dance school will be true friends, because they ept me as I am, and have no issue with James and I."


    Looking directly at Hou Yi, Alecia finished talking saying "Now, you master maniptor, you have something nned?"


    "True, Alecia.?Are you OK to look after Hannah and Pippa tonight with the help of a couple of bodyguards when you go for your end of tour dinner? I want to take Anna out for dinner tonight."


    "For her, yes. She has not been well this whole trip, vomiting on and off."

 Chapter 478: A Happy Reunion - Part 2

    <h4>478 A Happy Reunion - Part 2</h4>


    @@


    Friday continued ¡­


    Anna heard thatment and knew Hou Yi was not only worried about her morning sickness, but that Alecia might work out what is going on.


    Anna spoke "As you remember Yi, the doctors told me I would on and off as a result of the assault have bouts of vomiting for a few months.?I just have to wait for a few months for it to stop.."


    Hou Yi was surprised that Anna hade up with an exnation as to why, and it sounded on the surface believable, and simply nodded.


    Soon afterwards everyone was reminded that the dancers need to get ready for their unexpected performance, and everyone else to go with them.


    Just after 12:30pm the filming of the dancer''s performance had beenpleted with each of them being given a small gift from the director.?He was impressed that they not only had performed so well but did so without much preparation telling them they were true performers.?He then showed them an area to head to where they could have [emailprotected]</a>@

 Chapter 479: See you soon - Part 1

    <h4>479 See you soon - Part 1</h4>


    @@


    Saturday


    Waking up Anna found herself in Hou Yi''s arms, she realised that yesterday had not been a dream.?Her husband had arrived earlier than he had informed her giving her a pleasant surprise, along with Alecia Hannah and Pippa.?He then indulged them for the day, before spoiling her with a romantic dinner beforeing back here to simply indulge themselves.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    Slightly moving however caused a wave of morning sickness to hit Anna, so she pushed away Hou Yi''s arms and moved as quickly as she could into the bathroom.?Anna as she sat by the toilet vomiting realised that unlike a lot of women, she was lucky.?She would only get hit every few days with morning sickness.


    When she finished throwing up, unknowing that Hou Yi was standing in the bathroom door Anna ced her hands on her stomach and quietly saying "Little ones, you are enjoying torturing your mummy already.?I hope this does not continue, but I know when you both join us you will have your daddy wrapped [emailprotected]</a>@

 Chapter 480: See you soon - Part 2

    <h4>480 See you soon - Part 2</h4>


    @@


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Watching the two of them Anna had realised that Sally was still the ringleader, dragging Georgina into a confrontation.?She has seen it all week, Sally bullying and pushing Georgina and Georgina giving in.?Anna Discretely signalled the two closest bodyguards who immediately came over closer to the table ready to act if necessary.


    "Sally, just go away, or these two gentlemen will make you. I told you Tuesday to leave me alone, and it appears you still do not have the message."


    "You witch," Sally screamed.


    "Sally there are children around, including your twin daughters, Georgina''s daughter and my nieces among others.?Do not cause a scene, please leave me alone."?With that one of the bodyguards had simply pulled the chair away from the table and leant over and quietly whispered in her ear. Sally looked in shock at Anna and Hou Yi and immediately left.


    "Georgina ¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "Look Anna, I have been trying to get in contact thest two [emailprotected]</a>@

 Chapter 481: See you soon - Part 3

    <h4>481 See you soon - Part 3</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi leaned over and whispered something in Anna''s ear and she nodded.


    Turning to Georgina Anna said "Georgina, how would you like to be a live-in caretaker/cleaner. Yi and I and in the process of purchasing a property near Warrnambool that Adam and Ben will run a farming business on.?We will have a house on the property, that we are likely to use for a few weeks a year but would like a full-time cleaner/caretaker.?Assuming you pass the background check Yi will insist on the job is yours and it will shield you from them, and you will have our support in court proceedings."


    "Can I think about it?"


    "Absolutely. I will give you my contact information before we all leave."?Anna paused for a second and observed that Sally was shooting daggers at them.?"Now, I have a mind to mess with Sally for the day. Yi and I were nning to take Alecia, Hannah and Pippa shopping.?How would you like to ditch Sally and apany us for the day?"


    "But she will cause problems."


    "Do not worry, I can handle her."


    Their conversation was interrupted when Georgina''s daughter came over with Hannah and Pippa, who had moved away earlier.?Anna looked at Sally and knew that she had been speaking to her to cause problems.


    When she arrived at the table she said "Aunty Georgie, Mummy" Anna saw the heartbreak on Georgina''s face "said that you are being mean to her by excluding her and my sisters.?She told me to tell you that you are to take them shopping today paying for everything and to remind you that if you do not, she will tell Daddy who will make sure I live with them permanently."


    "Baby girl, Mummy is talking to her school friend who is also the Aunt of your friend Pippa.?She and her husband invited you and I to join them going shopping today with Pippa, Hannah and your new friend Alecia. I had said yes as I thought Mummy Sally would like to spend some time with your sisters alone."


    "That sounds fun. I have to tell Mummy, Aunty Georgie."


    As Georgina''s daughter went away, Anna simply turned "He has your daughter call you Aunty Georgie, and her Mummy."


    "It is his way of isting me while making her part of their family unit. He knows if he gets full custody of her, he will be able to go back to court and get what I have left of my grandparent''s inheritance, plus have me pay him child support. I cannot risk that."


    At that moment, Anna saw the bodyguards moving, and Sally charging across the dining room, screaming "Georgina Couch how damn you make ns without my approval. That is it, we will have custody of April there."


    Anna stood up standing between Sally and Georgina.?"Sally, I invited Georgina and April to go shopping with Pippa, Hannah, Alecia and my husband and I.?We do not have the room for you and your daughters.?Calm down and do not talk about adult things in front of children.?But I will warn you if you want to y the game of threatening to take full custody of April, I will help Georgina.?I do not like bullies behaving like you.?I will be blunt, if you want to y, I know enough to bury you and that husband of yours, so try me."


    "You b*tch, I should have dealt with you at high School, so you know your ce." With that she swung her hand and pped Anna on the face.


    With that hotel management in the dining room came running to them, and quietly asked Hou Yi whether he wanted to have the police called.?Anna heard this and nodded.?Within a couple of minutes three hotel security guards entered the dining room and escorted a screaming Sally away from the area.


    Georgina turned "I forgot how scary you can be when you want to. No wonder you became awyer when with a few words you can cause a reaction."


    "Georgina you better call your ex and tell him that his wife has been arrested for assault.?Tell him that her daughters, which if I am right are his children will be looked after until the fight home.?I suspect that she will be quickly charged and not allowed to leave the county until the courts deal with her.?Let him know the conste is being contacted to assist her, and I will call them to let them know of her arrest."


    A little over an hourter, after having spoken to the police the group headed to a couple of nearby shopping malls for a few hours retail therapy, before heading back to the hotel to get ready for their departure.


    Sally, arrived back, having been quite lucky striking a police officer who issued her a fine with an attached ban preventing her from returning to Hong Kong for a number of years.?Sally paid the fine so she could leave quickly.?When she saw Anna and Georgina, she was giving them looks that were like she wanted to kill them.?Anna simply turned her back and ignored her, there was no way that she was going to let Sally bully her.


    At the airport, Hou Yi approached the ticket counter with the tour guides, and arranged for Pippa, Hannah, Alecia, Georgina and April''s tickets to be upgraded to business ss, exining he would be paying, and that given what happened at the hotel that would be appropriate.


    As everyone was getting ready to board, Anna and Hou Yi, hugged Pippa, Hannah and Alecia remining that they would see them soon in Australia, before heading towards their private ne to return to Country X.?As she got further away from Pippa, Hannah and Alecia, Anna could not help but say to Hou Yi, "I cannot wait to see them soon."

 Chapter 482: Marking Time - Part 1

    <h4>482 Marking Time - Part 1</h4>


    Thursday


    With Jodie''s help, Anna was working intently in her Hou Enterprises office on the talk she had agreed to give to at the local university to Law students when they were disturbed by Anna''s mobile ringing.


    As she picked it up, she noticed it was Hou Yi calling "Darling, what is it?"


    "Can youe up to my office?"


    "Why are you being secretive? Why did you not message me or call on the internal phone system?"


    "It is about that special project."


    "What special Proje ¡­" Anna then realised exactly what he was meaning. "I am assuming the same ce? What time?"


    "Yes and in ten minutes. I knew that you were busy, so I left letting you know until thest minute. Everyone else knows and should be here soon."


    "See you then."


    After she ended the call, Anna turned to Jodie "Could you please finish editing this for me and cote the resources we discussed for me to make avable to the students.?I need to head to Yi''s office and will be gone for a while."


    "Boss, you have to ask. Now go, or your husband will kill me."?The smirk on Jodie''s face made Anna realise that Jodie expected that she was going to Yi''s office for a s*xual encounter.?How Anna wished that was the case, rather than being about bringing down Lu Jingho.


    As Anna walked out of her office, Amanda exited her office as well and the two of them quickly headed to the meeting room on the CEO''s floor. Walking into the board room they found, Yao Tan, Lion, Snake and the additional men involved with the investigation. Hou Yi with three police officers including Officer Mu followed them in.


    The more Senior of them spoke "I hate to have disrupted everyone''s day, but matters are moving quickly and we owe you an update.?You all know about the raid in the warehouse district on a warehouse owned by Lu Corporation.?That had been on our radar for months before what you are involved in was brought to our attention.


    "We had information about illegal gambling and liquor consumption outside the terms of the license they had for a private dinner club.?You also know about the information released publicly about he s*xual activities we found going on in the private rooms.?The activities Madam Lu, Madam Yang, Madam Rong and Rong Jingye were engaged in in various rooms were imed to be consensual."


    "However, in thest two days those artists servicing them finally admitted they were ckmailed into performing s*xual activities there for relief on the debt that the owe Lu Corporation and their entertainment division.?There were others involved in activities in other rooms that we did not release publicly as it does not suit the investigation that you are involved in."


    "From those who admitted the truth, we have started to develop a clear picture of the connections."?With that a chart was spread out on the table for everyone to look at.?"This is what we have been able to piece together from that investigation and the information that you have provided us.?It is only the tip of the iceberg, and we suspect that it will still be added to."


    "As to this illegal brothel, there are no underage artists, but we have determined that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights the rooms are constantly in use by artists publicly dumped by Lu Corporation''s entertainment division as a means to service the debt that they apparently owe thepany."


    "At this club, they start working in the public areas where they earn some money to service their debt but are approached to take a different role that will allow them to pay the debt off quicker through providing private host services to guests at the club.?Those who essed the services were in the know and had paidrge amounts of money simply for the purposes of having ess.?Services were additional, and both male and female artists provided them to male or female club members."


    "They quickly determined that the private services were about providing s*xual services in the rooms, and once they crossed that line, the fact that they had already done it was used to ckmail them into continuing on the path they forced them into."


    "However'' for these artists there looks like there is some positivity to their actions.?When they lose appeal in the club their entertainment career gets a boost, but they are then ckmailed to keep quiet about the club or evidence would be released about them being?s*x workers, which wouldpletely destroy their careers."


    "After the raid, those present have made the decision they do not care about their careers, hence their cooperation with us.?We need that kept quiet presently, as we are using their information to contact others that have been trapped in the same situation.?Those still in the entertainment industry want to keep their careers, so we are cooperating in that at present.


    "Interestingly some started as victims at the illegal underage brothels.?That has given us more information.?Most importantly what we have found out Lu Jingho established the club twenty years ago with the assistance of his father.?Lu Corporation gave a leave to privatepany and on the surface, we could not see a connection.?But when we started in depth investigations, we found out the truth about the club''s establishment."


    "Everything on the surface looked good.?A private club properly licensed to provide meals and sell alcohol to its members with private rooms that those who had over indulged could sleep the effects of the night off.?It was those licenses that allowed them to slip under the radar for so many years.?The thing that brought it to our attention was the illegal gambling activities which we only confirmed three days before we executed the raid."

 Chapter 483: Marking Time - Part 2

    <h4>483 Marking Time - Part 2</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    "Additionally, we have the information that CEO and Madam Hou provided us with from the Lu Corporation Board meeting.?We have started investigating the board members not surprised about what was exposed as being found during the raid.?They have, through the same means that has been flowing most of the money from the club, been providing them with money as well.?It also seems that those exact same channels are flowing them some money from the underage brothels as well."


    "With the footage, audio and statement Mr Gan and Mr Mo and your associates there have obtained with the additional information Madam Yao through your discussions with the young recruits to the joint venture CEO''s Hou and Yao have established with yourpanies we are going to conduct raids on the two identified sites on the weekend.?We do not want to conduct the raids unless?Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye are present inside one of them when we take it down."


    "We do not want either of them to try and me others for what is found.?As Rong Jingye is already trying to save himself over the raid on the club, he will easily turn and give us the evidence to bring down those at the centre of the scheme. At this point we suspect he is somewhere towards the centre, as is Lu Jingho and a couple of his cousins who are in the Lu Corporation Entertainment division."


    "What is it you need from us?"


    "Thinking about things, we need to address matters in different ways.?Mr Gan and Mr Mo, we need you and your team to remaining doing what you have been doing thest few weeks, and as soon as you have confirmation over the weekend which of the two sites that Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye are in, and that they are engaging in activities, let us know, as that will trigger the raids. We will use you to assist us in conducting the raids."


    "CEO and Madam Hou, CEO and Madam Yao what we have figured out is we need you to act to ensure sufficient pressure is ced on Lu Corporation''s entertainment division.?That will add stress to Mr Lu.?We also know there is a Charity Dinner and Auction on Saturday night.?Our thought, if you are willing to cooperate is to publicly push the Lu''s, Rong''s and Yang''s to the side.?You could approach the hosts based on the disclosures rting to the club to do that."


    "We have been speaking to a psychologist who believes, in particrly what CEO and Madam Hou have been doing over thest few months has been pushing Lu Jingho to extremes.?The view is that if you push him on there he will be driven, with Rong Jingye to visit the underage brothel either Saturday or Sunday night."


    The officer looked around the room at everyone, and then continued.?"WE have also been speaking to the National Prosecutors Office, and in addition to the charges that have beenid against Lu Jingho for his actions towards both CEO and Madam Hou, there is evidence for a number of charges rting to his activities with underage girls.?The numbers of those charges will ultimately depend on what we find out from the discussions with victims after the raid."


    "Additionally, the DNA testing results havee back, and we have clear DNA profiles as to the attack on your daughter CEO Yao.?Using a sample from Lu Jinhu we have been able to prove that he was not responsible for the physical attack, but a close family member was.?That clearly supports the veracity of footage that he provided indicating that his father and Rong Jingye were responsible for the attack."


    "We have finally negotiated another interview with Lu Jinhu with the prison authorities for tomorrow, and hopefully that will provide us with additional information.?Once he has been to speak to us, the prison authorities, until after we raid the venues, will ban everyone from either entering or leaving the property.?That will include staff, and other than allowing the staff to telephone their families to advise what is happening allmunications will be cut off."


    "This is about preventing leaks about the raid, and the charges that also will being Lu Corporation''s way.?CEO Hou, as you and Madam Hou have shares in Lu Corporation, we also have confirmation from the stock exchange and other relevant authorities, given your role in the investigation, if you sell any shares you will not be subject to charges for doing so given the information you have."


    "The one thing we would suggest that needs to happen is security around your daughter CEO Yao, and each of you CEO Hou, Madam Hou, CEO Yao and Madam Yao needs to be increased until the criminalw process is done. There are indications from the raid on the club that criminal gangs are also involved, but that is still not confirmed. Thest thing anyone needs is you targeted."


    "Now, does anyone have any questions?"


    Around the room, people started looking at each other, simply shaking their heads. With that the police took their leave and exited the room.

 Chapter 484: Marking Time - Part 3

    <h4>484 Marking Time - Part 3</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Snake after a few minutes of silence turned saying "Damn, I did not think it would happen so quickly."


    Anna responded "But it could not happen to anyone so deserving. The question is will Lu Jinhu gave on his father?"


    Lion responded "From what I have heard, he is well and truly sick of his father and his attitude of ming him for everything.?Apparently while he is serving his home detention, he is working hard toplete the remaining three units for his Masters of Business Administration from Monash University."


    Hearing that Anna who had just taken a sip of water spat it out and responded with a surprised "What!"


    "You did not know??I was surprised when I first heard it, but I have verified it.?He had, over thest few years quietlypleted a Masters by research and most of his MBA.?He has had his thesis approved for a doctoral degree by research and wants to finalise his MBA as well."


    "Damn him. That I had no idea, the ¡­"


    Hou Yi immediately noticed that Anna was getting more and more angry, and quietly whispered "Sweetheart you know you need to keep calm."


    Anna took a few deep breaths, while Lion continued "He has been taking the home detention seriously, but Yang Lin, has had her period of home detention extended by three weeks.?She has used the excuse of appointments to be out four of five days per week.?Apparently with the help of a specialist she had been iming due to the stress and concerns with her pregnancy, massages to help manage her stress three times per week are needed, as well as allowing her to have one beauty treatment per week, plus seeking him."


    Amanda, could not believe what she was hearing "That is so tant in getting around it."


    "Well apparently, and this is what King found out, the specialists opinion which was backed up by a psychologist was that even the home detention has been causing her significant stress.?They have been advocating for a bncing act of her restrictions due to her criminal actions and the risks to her pregnancy."


    "The prison authorities had independent assessments as to her pregnancy risks and psychological state undertaken, and while they confirmed the risks the conclusion was the de-stressing treatments would have the same effect conducted in their home as in outside facilities. Once she was safe, outside her first trimester they stood their ground and told the specialist and the psychologist that needing those things was well and good, but a massage therapist would have toe on for her to have her massages as well as the beauty therapist for her treatment."


    Pausing, Anna struggled to prevent herself both fromughing on one hand and exploding in anger on the other.?"I suppose being caught out could not happen to anyone nicer," came a sarcastic response.


    "True" immediately responded Amanda.


    Snake looked down at his watch and signalled to Lion that they needed to leave. As they were leaving, he turned and said "Let us know if you need help on the weekend. Once the raid is over with, we can arrange for extra guards if you need it."


    Hou Yi and Yao Tan simply nodded as they all left the room.


    As the door shut, Amanda looked at Hou Yi and Anna, and noticed, something that she had not really paid attention to in the office. Anna was always either drinking water, fruit juice or herbal teas.


    As Anna went to stand up and leave, Amanda spoke "Do not think you can easily get away you two.?Something is going on. Plus, Alecia told me you had a couple of bouts of vomitingst week and steered away from certain types of food.?Do I have to ask her and James when we speak to them next or will you two talk."


    Anna and Hou Yi looked at each other. However, before either of them could say something, something clicked for Yao Tan. What Alecia told them, the water when everyone else had coffee or tea, Hou Yi''s over protectiveness of Anna.?That could only mean one thing, it was the same when his then girlfriend fell pregnant with the triplets. "Damn it you two. You are taking risks with Anna being pregnant."


    Anna with a deadpan look on her face immediately responded, "I will not confirm or deny that."


    Yao Tan however turned to Hou Yi, and could immediately read in his face, that he had guessed right. "Anna, you might be able to hide it, but your husband haspletely given it away. And I guess that you have not told the police or anyone about it. How far along are you?"


    Hou Yi leaned over to Anna and whispered, "I think we will have to tell the truth." He then gave her a brief kiss.


    Anna turned and quietly said "Ok". With that Hou Yi picked up her hand and gave her palm a kiss.


    Anna turned and said "Well outside medical staff and Yi''s parents you are the first to know. And if you damn well tell anyone before we tell the rest of our families, we will kill you. If they find out you knew before you, they will kill us once the baby is born. And before you push too far, I am about ten weeks pregnant."


    "You got pregnant about the time younded in hospital?"


    "Yes. And as a result, it is an even highly riskier pregnancy other than normal."


    After that piece of news, they simply sat talking for a period of time before Yao Tan had to leave to return the XF International.

 Chapter 485: Stirring up trouble - Part 1

    <h4>485 Stirring up trouble - Part 1</h4>


    Saturday


    Having spent the morning and early afternoon in the office dealing with various matters, Hou Yi arrived back at their apartment just after 3pm.?How he that today business had dragged him away from spending time with his wife.?Simply thinking about her reminded him how she woke him with her kisses before they had spent a wonderful hour in bed before he had to drag himself away.


    Even tonight they were going to be surrounded by people at the charity dinner and auction.?At least there was a purpose for that interruption to their time together.?He also had his fingers crossed that their actions would push Lu Jingho to extremes, and he would be arrested.?That was something to hold on to. As he headed towards his study to ce his briefcase there, he heard a ssh from the pool.


    Hou Yi, immediately knew where Anna was so he dropped his briefcase in the study before locking the door behind him.?As Anna had not seen him, he slipped into a poolside change room, changing before diving to join her in the pool.


    Anna had known when Hou Yi arrived poolside, and only when he was near did she turn and throw herself into his arms pulling his head down for a passionate kiss. As Anna pulled away all she could say was "Darling, when did you get home?"


    "A few minutes ago."


    "Well you better let me continue with the rehabilitation exercises or we will get nowhere tonight."?With that Anna gently pushed him away "So go swim someps before we have to think about getting ready for tonight."


    Twenty minutester havingpleted her exercises Anna gently stopped Hou Yi, who stood up.?After leaning over for a kiss, she rxed into his body before asking "Yi, can we just rx here for a while?"


    What Hou Yi wanted to do was pick up where they had left off this morning, but he knew that they both needed to rx before what would be a busy night at the charity dinner and auction.?However, if Anna wanted to rx in the pool together, he would be happy with that, but he would make up for itter.?They both had to be ready to push Lu Jingho sufficiently that he would head to one of his illegal under-age brothels.


    However, he knew that he ultimately could not resist a request like this from his wife, so he did the only thing he could do "Yes sweetheart but remember the Hair stylist will be here at 5pm to do your hair for tonight.?We could however retire to our room before she arrives."


    "Spoilsport.?You need to get your mind simply away from bed," giggled Anna. However, she knew how important tonight was to finally bring down Lu Corporation and the money behind that b*stard that had made her life a misery for years.


    Right on 5pm a hair stylist was shown into one of the spare bedrooms?and waited for a few minutes before Anna, wrapped in a dressing gown cane wandered in, carrying her dress for the night. The dress was something that she had never seen before and it made her immediately re-think the hairstyle that she was going to do. It called for a simple style, decorated with something. That worried her as she had nothing to do that with.


    However, before she could voice anything there was a knock on the door before it opened. Anna immediately realised who it was, even before she heard "Sweetheart."


    "Yi, you are going to make us runte tonight if you interrupt me getting ready."


    "I actually had a thought that the hair stylist might need a few things, so I brought a couple of options to match the dress."


    Anna knew that Hou Yi was trying to be sweet and wondered what he had. As he came in Anna noticed in one hand were some flowers and in the other was a in bag. That interested her more than the flowers. Once he sat the flowers on the bed, and gave her a brief kiss, he started to pull out three cases from the bag.


    One contained a length of, what appeared to be Tahitian pearls interspaced with diamonds that could be woven into her hair, another contained a strand of white pearls, again interspaced with some diamonds, and the third was the most intriguing. At first nce it appeared to be a simple hair clip, but it was then when you noticed it was a miniature of the flower pattern that appeared on the dress coloured with gemstones including Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds.

 Chapter 486: Stiring up trouble - Part 2

    <h4>486 Stiring up trouble - Part 2</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Seeing the options, the hair stylist selected the hair clip.?Its design matched the simplicity in the dress and did not, despite the gems in it look gaudy.


    Hou Yi, however reached into the bag, and pulled out one more box, handing it to Anna.?She immediately recognised it as a Pandora Bead Box.?Minimal valuepared to all the other jewellery but for Anna it was more valuable than the other three piecesbined.?When she opened the box, she recognised the charm called "My Beautiful Wife."


    "I could not resist this for you."


    "tter. Will you ¡­"


    "Get what I want.?I will put it on your bracelet, if that is alright with you."


    Anna realised how much he was spoiling her with that one simply gift.?To most in the level of society that they interacted with, that one simply item worth what most would consider petty cash was a piece of trash.?For Anna though, she knew it was a sign that her husband knew her the best.?Despite the other items he had just given her, he knew that money was not was important, it was their rtionship and celebrating that constantly.


    Hou Yi turned and left the room, having picked up Anna''s dress.?The stylist however was stunned. Here was a woman who had just been given jewellery worth millions and millions and she was more excited about a mass-produced item for the lower and middle sses, worth almost nothing. Who could understand people like this?


    However, rather than saying anything, she quickly started to style Anna''s hair, in a simple French twist, carefully securing it in ce before sliding the hair clip into ce. As she stepped away, the sight of what had to be a custom piece against Anna''s hair blew her away. She really wondered if it would work with the dress, but the course was set.


    When she was done, she said "Madam Hou, I have finished. I will wait downstairs in case I need to fix anything before you leave."


    Anna carefully stood up, and turned before saying "Thank you," before heading back to their suite to finish her makeup and dressing.


    As she entered their suite she noticed Hou Yi heading into the ensuite so she headed into the walk-in robe where there was a mirror that she could do her makeup at. As soon as she finished her makeup, she put on the underwear and stockings she was wearing with the dress and moved her shoes and the wrap into the foyer. At that moment Hou Yi walked out of the ensuite dressed in his Tuxedo, holding his jacket and tie in his hands.


    He sat them down with Anna''s items, and hurried her back into the robe, to help her put on her dress. Before they left the room, Hou YI pulled out three pieces of jewellery for Anna, the earrings and pendant that matched her Wedding rings, and her pandora bracelet, helping her put each on, before handing Anna her wrap and helping her put her shoes on before picking up his Jacket and tie.


    As they walked down the stairs, the hair stylist took a quick look and realised that the style was perfect for the dress, and that she needed to do nothing.


    One hourter, after leaving their apartment, they reached the hotel where the dinner and auction were being held. As Hou Yi helped Anna out of the car, she quickly became stunned at the constant shing form Camera shes looking to capture her and Hou Yi together. Who would have thought something as simple as their arrival would have created such amotion?


    As they wandered into the pre-dinner drinks area, Hou Yi quietly asked the wait staff for two non-alcoholic drinks for them, which swiftly arrived. The soon spotted Yao Tan and Amanda who were standing close to where Lu Jingho, his wife, the Yangs and Rong Jingye and his wife were.


    Anna and Hou Yi, made their way over to Yao Tan and Amanda, talking to the people who stopped them along the way. Just as they were passing Lu Jingho, they overheard thement "Well look at the trashy w*ore, no sense that she should not show her face here given everything she has done."


    Anna and Hou Yi looked at each other realising that just their simple appearance was already messing with them. Anna then noticed the look in Hou Yi''s eyes that indicated that he was quite willing to let his wife cross her verbal swords with Lu Jingho and those around him.


    Anna slowly turned around and said "W*ore. You must have me confused with someone else." She then stared at those who had been caught up with the police raid.


    Anna noticed the silence that had ovee the room. It appeared that everyone wanted to see what happened. She knew that she was happy oblige, and that they would struggle to do anything to her.


    "Well we are looking at her."


    "CEO Lu, I should have expected the insults from you. If you would like to y the game, I am happy to oblige but you should realise by now you will not win against me."

 Chapter 487: Stirring up trouble - Part 3

    <h4>487 Stirring up trouble - Part 3</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Observing Lu Jingho Anna knew that she had already stirred him to react.?This was going to be fun, and all he could do was lose.?Let the games begin.


    Lu Jinhgo spat out a response "No one cares about trash like you, so why do you not go and leave the good people alone."


    Calmly Anna responded, with a real sarcastic tone "Like you and those around you ¡­"


    "Absolutely, it sounds like you know your ce, it just is not here."


    "Good people, Ha! Let me think ¡­"


    "So, you can put together the few brain cells you have."


    "Insults will get you nowhere. Mmmm¡­"


    "Go away before I call security."


    "Well try, but before you want to insult me further look at yourself and the people you have around you?"


    Anna noticed thatment hit the mark. Lu Jingho''s demeaner changed, He was not angry and about to explode. Perfect Anna thought.


    Hou Yi, also noticed the change in demeaner and realised that he needed to be on alert to protect Anna and their children from any harm. The venue provided all the security, and no one was allowed to bring in their personal bodyguards. He took half a pace closer to his wife.


    "They are quality, just like I am, and you are not."


    "Quality, have you gotten your brain scrambled. They are ¡­"


    "Do not speak about them," yelled Lu Jinghio.


    "I am going to. Let me see..."?Anna paused for dramatic effect before continuing "You have your wife and Madam Rong who were caught in an illegal gambling establishment with two male artists from Lu Corporation''s entertainment division, engaged in s*xual activities while being watched by Madam Rong''s husband Rong Jingye and Madam Yang who was in another room being pleasured by a female and male artist being pleasured in another room."


    With a smirk Anna continued "Actually I have it wrong, it was not an illegal gambling establishment it was an illicit brothel masquerading as an illegal gambling establishment in a building owned by Lu Corporation where, what was it, That is right about thirty Lu Corporation Entertainment division''s artists were found. And you, the CEO with no idea what was happening. That I would not believe."


    Hou Yi, stood there, trying not to grin. His wife in a few sentences had everything right and was enough to make everyone there who despite knowing the news when it was announced had not really thought about it. She implied either he was an ipetent CEO who did not know what was happening with hispany or he was involved in what was happening at the warehouse.


    "B*tch ¡­"


    "Insults CEO Lu, insults. What was wrong in what I said? Did I get any facts wrong about the raid or those around your involvement or is my opinion based on what I know a wrong conclusion?"


    "How dare to talk about us like that," screamed Lu Jingho.


    Perfect, Anna realised he was now not in control. "Facts and my opinion? Tell me what is wrong."


    "Your opinion does not matter, and your facts are totally wrong."


    "What was wrong. I can, on my mobile pull up the reports of the police press conference to determine what I had wrong. If I recall something wrongly, I will apologise for that." Anna was smirking internally; she knew that she had it right.


    "They are all liars, and you bribed them," spat out Lu Jingho. Those around him realised how bad this could end up for him, particrly his wife and Rong Jingye and they attempted to drag him away, but he kept breaking away from them.


    Hou Yi simply stood there amazed at Lu Jingho''s stupidity but noticed that Yao Tan and Amanda hade close to provide back up if needed. Standing behind Amanda was here parents, so Hou Yi slightly rxed, knowing that now the situation would not get too far out of control.


    "Lovely allegation of make CEO Mr Lu, when you know what your son and daughter-inw were charged with." Anna knew that she had taken herself right up to the line, given the restraints imposed on they by the courts, but not crossed the line.


    "Well b*tch you provoked them by your presence, and you did not think I would do everything to make sure that you were destroyed. It was a pity he did not make sure that you were injured better."


    Even at that point Anna did not know what to say for a couple of seconds. Did he just say that??However, thement started discussions throughout everyone gathered there.


    Anna, recovering from her immediate sense of shock, "Well, I can see where manners and respect for thewe from in your family. Definitely not from your wife, who I would expect is awaiting criminal charges, nor from you who not only insults a woman, but now brags about having her assaulted. If that is what you think represents society ¡­"


    With that Anna turned around, took Hou Yi''s arms and walked away from them. When they were to a safe distance, Hou Yi bent over and gave his wife a brief kiss, before whispering in her ear "Savage darling. Damn I forget how good you are at this. I would not want to cross verbal swords against you."


    "I suspect that we will argue about, ¡­" with that Anna took her hand and gently ced it on her stomach.

 Chapter 488: Stiring Up Trouble - Part 4

    <h4>488 Stiring Up Trouble - Part 4</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Having moved away to a quieter area, other people started toe up to Anna and Hou Yi to talk to them about various matters. Before either of them knew it, everyone was being called inside the banquet hall for their dinner and the auction afterwards.


    Hou Yi had spoken to the organisers before the function and despite their reluctance agreed, the made sure the main Lu Corporation Table one table away from the main Hou Enterprises Table. He knew how to continue to stir up Lu Jingho, with bidding on various items he already knew that he had expressed an interest in.


    Before either Anna or Hou Yi knew, the entrees were being brought out. Anna took one look at her ce, and Hou Yi''s te, and realised that they needed to swap them over given her te had items she knew she could not eat.


    As the staff came to clear their entr¨¦e tes, Hou Yi quietly stopped one and asked what the remaining courses were before quietly asking them to make sure certain dishes were given to Anna, as the others likely contained food that she was not able to eat.


    Just over an hourter, thest tables were having their dessert dishes cleared and the MC of the auction has stepped up to the microphone and started his pre-set speech for the auction. Hou Yi, when he heard part of the money raised would be going to their charitable initiative, turned to his wife and said, "What did you do?"


    "Yi, nothing. I just politely asked would they be willing to add it as one of the charitable partners for the auction ¡­"


    Given Anna was not able topletely look him in the eye, he knew that something was not totally right. Leaning over and giving her a brief kiss, Hou Yi pulled back and said "Sweetheart, I know you did something, spill or ¡­?"


    "Or what?"


    In very quiet tones Hou Yi whispered so only Anna could hear "You will miss out on what I think you will want tonight."


    Anna knew she was blushing and that her darling was not going to y fair, so she knew the game was over before she really started. "It was only a couple of little things. Your mother helped me purchase a jade bracelet and pink diamond earrings to donate for the auction. Given the mess that Lu Corporation have been brought into I was able to sweettalk the organisers in that our charitable initiative would be a better partner, than that started by Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin."


    Anna then leaned over and quietly whispered "It will totally annoy CEO Lu, because he was for days promoting how much this would benefit their initiative, therefore achieving the other goal we have." She leaned her head to Hou Yi who gave her a kiss, before they were interrupted by the MC, repeatedly calling Anna toe up to the microphone.


    As Anna was making her way up, Hou Yi could see that Lu Jingho was barely containing his rage. He thought that he was going to control tonight with speaking about the initiative created by Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, given their current periods of home detention. So, no one had let him know that it was not going to be a charity partner tonight.


    It seemed like his wife was in fact learning from him about the importance of, at times, keeping information close to her chest, and not even letting him know. How annoying that was.?However, as he watched Anna speak about the importance of supporting domestic violence victims and working to eradicate it in the future, he could see her passion for the cause.


    While articting her own story, she was careful not to cross the line imposed by the court orders through only talking about what was in the public sphere, she added to it through exining the observations she made working with victims of such violence. It was obvious that she had most of the room in her hands within a couple of minutes of starting to speak, which for a group that attended these events to be seen rather than to care about the cause was an amazing task.


    Even though she exceeded the allotted five minutes, no one seemed to feel right in interrupting her passionate exnation. When she left the stage, Anna observed?Lu Jingho knew that much of what she was saying was aimed at him and he was struggling not to respond. The other speakers spoken about the other charities being supported, before the MC, got down to the main event for the night, the goods auction.


    Hou Yi, having nced at the list of donated items, had noticed a couple of pieces of jewellery he intended to bid on as they were pieces that would be perfect for Anna. He was also d that his chair was such that he could see Lu Jinhgo to bid on the items he wanted to secure.


    Two hourster, as they were leaving the venue with the items that Hou Yi had secured, observed an angry Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye storming away from the venue as he not only had lost the prestige of being a charity partner for the dinner but lost out on securing every item he had wanted from the night.?Anna whispered to Hou Yi after they climbed into their car to head back to their apartment, "He is definitely angry?"


    Hou Yi responded "He is, and Tan has called Snake and Lion to let them know to expect some people to be at the venues tonight."

 Chapter 489: The Raid - Part 1

    <h4>489 The Raid - Part 1</h4>


    Late Saturday ¨C Early Sunday


    Heading back to their Vi, all Lu Jingho could do was rage about the events that happened tonight at the dinner, beginning with that witch Anna Jones?through to the humiliation of the charitable initiative they were championing being dropped from those benefiting in the auction.?Then the final straw was being outbid on every item he wanted during the charity auction.?He could not believe the that.


    Quietly his wife said, "Go out and rx tonight, as if you stay home it will make you feel more frustrated."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    Lu Jingho knew that she was right.?Staying at home would interfere make the visit tomorrow with his son and daughter-inw even more painful than it was.?He could not believe the prison authorities pping another three weeks on Yang Lin.?She did not deserve that.?What was worse she had given him a few promises that he was looking forward to her delivering on.?Well that would have to simply wait a few weeks until she could move freely.


    On reaching their Vi, Lu Jingho changed while his wife arranged for a more discrete car to take him to the warehouse for his rxation.


    While he was changing, he called Rong Jingye and asked him abouting.?He promised to call him back and confirm.?As he headed down to wait for the call Madam Lu realised that her husband was highly angry.?Thest thing she wanted him to do was take his temper out on her.?She paused and thought about the options open to her, running and risking him bing abusive if he did not end up going out, or giving him something that would take the edge of his stress.


    After a few seconds, she decided that thetter was her best option and walked into the lounge where her husband was sitting and quietly asked "Is Rong Jingye going to meet you?"


    "Why does it matter to you?" Lu Jingho spat out.


    That gave his wife the answer she needed.?HIs pleasure tonight with the prostitutes at the brothel was not certain.?Pausing inside the room a few paces from him, she asked "Would you like a blow job while you are waiting for an answer??I know that ..."


    Lu Jingho was surprised.?Despite their s*xual adventures over the years, he could count on the one hand the times that she offered to perform oral s*x on him.?He knew that she was always the best in doing this, and he turned undoing his pants saying, "Go ahead it will be a pleasure for me."


    Taking the hint, she moved across the room and dropped on her knees in front of him, quickly freeing his p*nis from his pants and starting to use both her hands and mouth to begin pleasuring him.?As she started, she began to question her own motives, but very quickly she realised that doing this was fun.?Her problem was that presently she could not engage in her own s*xual desires outside the home as the police were still watching her given her presence when they conducted the raid on the club.


    After a few minutes, Lu Jingho though his moans of pleasure he said, "I am about toe" and immediately ejacted in her mouth.?At the same time that she was swallowing, she continued to use her mouth to keep himing for minutes.


    Eventually, Lu Jinhgo pulled his p*nis out of her mouth and said "That was good.?I know your activities are restricted but how about I arrange for a few friends toe, and ..."


    Lu Jingho was interrupted by his phone ringing, and he quickly said, "See you there."


    Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye arrived at one of the illegal brothels just on 1am.?Snake and Lion could not believe that they had predicted the correct brothel that they would attend, and were ready, waiting to make the call advising the police.?They knew that the needed to wait until they had entered the brothel, selected from the menu and taken young girls into one of the rooms.

 Chapter 490: The Raid - Part 2

    <h4>490 The Raid - Part 2</h4>


    Late Saturday ¨C Early Sunday


    When they spoke to the police Friday afternoon, it was made clear to them and their associates that they wanted to catch them both, but in particr Lu Jingho in the act with an underage girl.?These discussions made them both angry.?The police were condoning further potential abuse of girls, simply for the benefit of their investigations.


    They had made the decision with their associates as soon as one of those inside confirmed either Lu Jingho or Rong Jingye had entered a room with a girl, the police would be called.?That lessened the risks to the girls that they intended to victimise tonight.?They wanted to ensure that the risks were limited to the young girls.


    Without a care a smug Lu Jingho strolled into the warehouse with Rong Jingye beside them.?They were paying little attention to what was going on around them.?To Snake and Lion, thisck of care would be their downfall.


    Once they were inside Snake and Lion turned to focus on the audio and video footageing from the carefully ced devices inside the warehouse. It had been hard work from their associates over thest couple of weeks to sneak in, ce and maintain the recording devices that had provided significant evidence in the investigation.?They had simply been lucky that none of them had been located.


    As they entered Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye were quickly escorted to the VIP Area where one of their associates was sitting browsing the Menu that had been provided.?The money that they had been using to get this to happen, was significant but for Snake and Lion, which everyone else agreed with the money was worth it if they brought to justice Lu Jingho for what he had done to their princess.


    As Lu Jinhgo and Rong Jingye settled into chairs in the VIP area, their man walked over to they, introduced himself to them. While initially it was obvious that they wanted to avoid speaking to him their man carefully steered the conversation to the ''menu'' items for the night, asking for their opinion on what was on offer.


    That discussion prompted Lu Jinhgo and Rong Jingye to quickly select that they wanted for the night. Lu Jingho selected a 16-year-old girl for the bnce of the night, and Rong Jingye two girls, one 16 and another 17. While their man was still, to all appearances tossing up his ''selection'' for the night both Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye spoke as they were leaving with their selection offering him toe and watch them, and possibly join in their fun.


    As soon as they moved into the room area and along the corridor to the rooms, another associate left the girl he had been talking to and walked along the corridor watching both Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye enter rooms.?As soon as this was passed on, Snake and Lion gave the signal to the police whomenced their raid on both illegal brothels, approaching both from the security blind spots, preventing any alerting to those inside until the police were right on top of them.


    Snake passed on the details of the rooms that both Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye had entered to the police at thest minute, to enable them both to be caught in action with their young victims by the police.?Snake quietly said to Lion after passing on the information he just hoped neither of them tonight had hurt a girl.


    When the police breached the main warehouse, four quickly made their way towards the soundproof rooms where they knew Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye were.?They wanted to secure those two quickly and protect their victims for the night.?The other police officers fanned out through both the main brothel that was being raided and the second brothel.?They knew that they needed to find as many victims as quickly as possible and stop any people within the brothel from leaving.


    To the great surprise of the police there was no reaction by anyone until after they had breached both venues, which prevented anyone from escaping.


    The two officers who entered the room where Lu Jingho has his victim, found him partially undressed with his young victim stripped and being beaten with a whip.?Rong Jingye unlike his friend was undressed and in the process of tying up one girl while the other was running her hands over him.


    In some of the other rooms in both venues'' men were located from various levels of society abusing in various ways numerous young girls. Every adult inside both venues were arrested, and the girls obviously forced into the work in the venues were taken away, but in a much morefortable way, so that they could be spoken to and their stories obtained.


    Lion and Snake, with their men packed away their observation points and provided thest of the surveince footage they had to the police, with promises that they would alle to the police stations to provide their statementster in the day.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.

 Chapter 491: After the Raid - Part 1

    <h4>491 After the Raid - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Twenty minutes after being taken away from the Warehouse, Lu Jinhgo was dragged in handcuffs into the police station and straight into an interview room, while two officers stood there watching him.?They simply left him there with his own thoughts.


    Lu Jingho sat there wondering how things had gone so wrong in thest couple of weeks. The club raided on the pretext of illegal gambling and his wife and others close to him being found in the private rooms. The boardroom humiliation, what happened at the charity dinner, and now this.?What in the world had he done to deserve this. Was it that idiot son and him insisting on him marrying Yang Lin.


    No, it was all because of that witch that Hou Yi married. She should have been thrown into jail for everything she has done since she got into the country. All his problems started there, and he was going to have to do something to address that problem. He wondered which of the various underground contacts he had that he could use to get rid of the problem.


    With her gone, normality would be restored. He would get back his position and more importantly he would be able to get Lu Corporation back to where it deserved to be, on top of business in the country.


    In his thinking he knew that he needed to have legal representation. He would have to admit to being there for s*xual acts, but he would need to get it through to the police that he did not know the real age of the girls not that he was in control of what was happening in the venue.?Thest thing he needed was for them to establish the connection with him.


    Before he could think about whichwyer to call, the interview room door opened, and in came another police officer "Mr Lu, we forgot to ask you when you were brought in, whichwyer do you want us to call toe and advise you?"


    He had no idea.?He knew how Alister Nang had destroyed his son and daughter-inw and figured that this was who he needed.?The police in his presence used a telephone and called Alister Nang.?As soon as he heard was calling, he told them he could not assist and suggested that he contact the firm that had represented his son and daughter-inw.


    The police, after Alister passed on his contact detail made contact with that firm, who advised the police that they would send someone to represent Lu Jingho to the police station.?Some forty-five minutester awyer arrived at the police station but it was a further ten minutes before he was shown into the interview room where Lu Jingho was waiting for him.


    In the almost one hour before hiswyer arrived Lu Jingho began getting more and more worried about what was to happen. All the police officers in the room did was simply watch him. They refused to interact with him, nor would they tell him what was going on. The silence, particrly in light of the fact that his fun had been interrupted before he could be satisfied was driving him insane and stressing him out more and more.


    He knew that he needed some interaction of some means to help him manage the stress that he was feeling. While waiting he tried to get them to react and make him feel morefortable. However, they simply stood there and did not react.


    When the door opened and hiswyer was shown in, the two police officers simply walked out to allow him to speak to hiswyer.


    Once the door was shut, "Mr Lu, I have been able to have a quick discussion with the police to try and determine what is happening here. The police are being tight lipped as to the extent of charges that they are looking toy against you, let alone anyone else found in the premises."


    "I do not care about anyone else" Lu Jinhgo snapped "You need to get me out of here quickly. I am not a criminal and do not deserve to be here."


    "Mr Lu, you need to calm down. The worst thing ¡­"


    "Do not tell me to calm down. I do not deserve to be treated like they have treated me."


    "Mr Lu, I am going to say this once. And if your son and daughter-inw took this piece of advice, they would not have had as much trouble as they have. Just shut up, say nothing and make the police and prosecution prove their case. If you open your mouth, it will make their job easier."


    Before either of them could respond further, the interview room opened ¡­

 Chapter 492: After the Raid - part 2

    <h4>492 After the Raid - part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Two police officers walked into the room, which stopped Lu Jingho responding to hiswyer.


    "Gentleman, I am Officer Ho, and this is my colleague Officer Kang. We have been assigned this interview. Please give us a minute." With that the two of them set to cing discs and USB keys into the recording machine, before pressing buttons.


    "Gentleman, I am Officer Ho, and I am with my colleague Officer Kang. We are here to interview Mr Lu Jingho in rtion to a number of offences. Before starting this recording, the only thing that we did on entering the interview room was to previously introduce ourselves."


    "Mr Lu, we do have to apologise for keeping you waiting, however as we believed that it was appropriate for you to arrange legal representation and for it to arrive. Mr Lu, given the time that it has taken if you require a break to use the facilities please let us know at any time.?If you want to speak further with yourwyer, we will terminate the recording until you have had this opportunity."


    Both police officers looked at each other.?They were aware of what happened to Madam Hou that everyone questioning any suspect was being carefully watched to prevent a repeat. They decided to be seen to smother him with kindness to prevent any allegations of mistreatment.


    Officer Kang stood up responding to a knock on the door and was handed six bottles of water. He took those to the desk and while offering one to Lu Jingho said "Mr Lu, would you like some water to drink." The rest of the bottles were ced on the desk and given the shake of Lu Jingho''s head he ced the offered bottle with the other bottles on the desk. "If you change your mind, please feel free to take one."


    Officer Ho started "Mr Lu. As you know, you were arrested earlier tonight during a police raid on a warehouse which we believed housed an illegal brothel. At that time, you were located in a room with a young girl who states that she was 16 years of age. Do you have anything to say?"


    "The location is simply a club that I attend asionally.?It has private rooms that members that can use for whatever reasons.?You have to request the rooms in advance, although depending on how they rank you on membership depends on where you sit for the priorities"


    "Yes, I was found in a room with a young woman, who mutually agreed to be in the room and to have s*xual encounter. She had convinced me that she was 18 years old and what we were about to do was legal. There was nothing that made me consider that she was under-age and what she agreed to was illegal.?I had no basis to suspect that she was not eighteen, and she consented to our private s*xual activities."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "Mr Lu, that is impossible to believe as the young girl states she is an artist signed to Lu Corporation''s Entertainment Division."


    "Officer Ho, from my recollections there are over ten thousand employees of Lu Corporation.?Do you expect me, as CEO, to have personal knowledge of each and every employee, where they are employed and their personal details? I struggle to remember the bates of birth and ages of my extended family, so how can you expect me to know things about every employee."


    "Mr Lu, so let me get this clear, you are denying any knowledge of the venue operating as an illegal brothel. You state that it is a private members club, and that you as a member made arrangements to use one of the rooms in the club, for what you admit was a sexual encounter with who you say is an 18-year-old girl."


    "That is correct. What benefit would I have to lie about anything? My profile in themunity would ensure that any lies I make can easily be disproved."


    "Thank you, Mr Lu. By the way do you know who owns the club, and can you rify its name."


    "We simply call it the Club, and as to who owns it, I have no idea."


    "Are you meaning no ideal of who owns the club of the building?"


    "Both. I have absolutely no idea who owns the club, or the building."


    Officer Kang hen spoke "Mr Lu, you mentioned that you were the CEO of Lu Corporation. Do you have knowledge of the real estate that Lu Corporation owns?"


    Lu Jingho, despite hiswyer trying to stop him from answering "I do. I would not be a good CEO if I did not know what property that thepany owned."

 Chapter 493: After the Raid - Part 3

    <h4>493 After the Raid - Part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Continuing Officer Ho, asked?"Did you know that Lu Corporation owned the warehouse that another club, where your wife and family friends including Rong Jingye, who was also found at your club tonight were located?"


    As soon as he heard the question Lu Jingho had to stop himself from reacting.?He knew that he needed to y dumb despite knowing exactly about the warehouse that they were referring to. Pausing without being obvious he briefly thought about his response.


    "Officers, I only found out about it after the raid that you are referring to urred.?We own a multitude of warehouses not only in the city but throughout the country.?We do not consider any one individual; warehouse as a significant piece of property.?They are used as storage facilities and if surplus to our needs leased out."


    "I found out that it was leased to a privatepany for fifty years, and apparently they converted it to the venue.?I had no knowledge, nor did I have any knowledge of the presence of Lu Corporation Artists there.?We simply tell artists, regardless of their age, that have little or no work organised by us they can, until a new jobes up through us to take casual work but they have to remember their contracts require them to pay us amission on ie that they earn from that work."


    Hearing his client, thewyer was getting concerned.?Lu Jingho was potentially digging him into a hole.?He ced his hand on Lu Jingho''s arm to draw his attention, but it was simply knocked away by Lu Jingho.


    The immediate thought was the arrogance of this family in thinking that they can y games with the police and win. Lu Jinhu while stupid was willing to take hints for at least a few minutes. Lu Jingho however does not even seem to want to take the hints to even to take a break before digging himself into a hole.


    "That is contradictory. Either you know what property yourpany owns or not?"


    Lu Jingho now thought that he had the police cornered. "Could you tell me everything your owned, down to the most insignificant small items?"


    "Mr Lu, while that is an irrelevant question, I will indulge you to give you an answer. While I could not name every item specifically that I own, I know generally what I own. Are you trying topare what a person owns to what a corporation owns?"


    "You do not get it, if you cannot recall each and every item that you specifically own, how do you expect me, the CEO of apany to have an idea of each and every item that thepany I am CEO of owns." Lu Jinhgo response waspletely smug, totally of the belief that he the police where he wanted them.


    Beside him, it was significantly difficult for hiswyer not to react. He was able to see exactly what was happening, but Lu Jingho was so confident in his own skills that he was able to y a game with them.


    Officer Ho and Officer Kang in observing Lu Jingho and then turned to each other. The both realised that they had him where they wanted.?Madam Hou had carefully informed them there was two strategies to Deal with Lu Jingho.?Get him so would up he disregarded everything or let him feel he controlled the situation before going in to close the trap.


    "Mr Lu, so you are telling me you cannot be expected to know everything that Lu Corporation owns?"


    "Absolutely. I can, as you said it only have general knowledge of groups of assets but not the specifics."


    "So, what about business that Lu Corporation conducts?"


    "As the CEO I am in control of the business direction both domestically and internationally. I set policy and make key decisions. Management within divisions have to ensure that I am responsible for key important decisions, but they control the divisions."


    "Could you give me an example please Mr Lu because I am not exactly sure what you mean?"


    "For example, I would make a decision about property purchase strategy, but rely on management to implement a strategy, or when I am called to judge talentpetitions and see talented people I will pass their details onto the entertainment division but then leave it to them to work out to only the contract to the management."


    "So, you keep a watching brief on things, but not over manage anything?"


    "You have it right. There is no way that I could micromanage everything that happens in Lu Corporation, as that would be exhausting."


    "I am still not sure what you are meaning Mr Lu." Responded Officer Kang, keeping a straight face while not giving the game away.


    "Let me put it another way. In the hotels that Lu Corporation owns there is a manager who is responsible for the hotel. He directs staff generally, for example that rooms that have been vacated need to be carefully cleaned before the next person uses the room. He does not tell the cleaning staff who is to clean the room and what they are to do."


    "Management responsible for the cleaning of rooms dictate the processes and the room cleaners implement it based on what they find. The hotel manager is my role. I give general directions and then rely on those in lower levels to implement it. Like the hotel manager, when I see something that could hurt or improve thepany, I advise of this and then expect those in lower levels to implement it."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.

 Chapter 494: After the Raid - Part 4

    <h4>494 After the Raid - Part 4</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Officer Kang, now feeling confident that they had gotten Lu Jingho overconfident responded "OK, now I understand."


    He paused and said to it could be heard "We need to quickly speak about a matter. Two officers will step inside for everyone''s protection. But we will stop the recording now."?With that Officer Kang lent over and pressed pause on the recording machines and both he and Officer Ho exited while two new officers stepped inside the room.


    Once outside they turned to each other before Officer Kang said, "He is so full of himself and believes he is in total control but has not recognised that he is walking to out trap through telling us about Lu Corporation''s business."


    "True, as CEO and Madam Hou told us, he likes to be in control and when you take it from him, he will overreact and give us the information that we want, as he cannot help himself." Came Officer Ho. "The question is, is hiswyer smart enough to figure out what we are doing?"


    "While not the best criminalwyer, he is one of the better criminalwyers in the country. He has wanted to try and stop Mr Lu a couple of times, but he has realised that his client will not take him interrupting what he wants to do."


    "Well how long will we let him go before we get him to where we want?"


    "We need to get him to admit about connections between business he personally owns and Lu Corporation? The question is how long, and it will also be how long before we know that he believes that he is in total control of the interview. That is more the point we need to then press."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "True. We will simply need to let it go until that point, provided we have the other information we need."


    With that the two of them returned into the interview room, and saw that Lu Jingho was being spoken to by hiswyer.


    When the police officers stepped out, Lu Jingho signalled to the police who stepped in that he wanted to speak to hiswyer. As soon as they stepped out, he turned and quietly said "Those idiots are so stupid."


    "Mr Lu, do not underestimate the police, your son made that mistake ¡­"


    "I am not stupid like my son. I am in total control of what is happening in here. I do not need you to tell me anything. You are simply here to do a job. To prevent them from doing anything illegal or hurting me. Nothing more and nothing else, as I do not what happened to that w*ore that married that idiot Hou Yi to happen to me."


    Lu Jingo paused for a few seconds, and then continued "I know thew, they have to be able to connect me to what happened. As you heard me tell them, I believed she was over 18 years of age. All I must do is show that the belief was reasonable. The worst that they can get me for is if my reasonable belief was wrong, is a minor charge about what I was nning to do. There is nothing else that they will be able to pin on me."


    "Mr Lu, please, you need to be careful."


    "Those two police officers are dumb. They think they are going to trap me, and they have no hope to do so."


    After a deep breath to calm himself, thewyer spoke "Mr Lu, please do not interrupt me, but I need to say this and advise you. Whether or not you want to take that advice is up to you."


    "I told you what your job is."


    "Mr Lu, just listen to me. You need to be careful in what you say. The police will be looking for you to make statements that they will use against you in criminal proceedings. You need to think smart, given that you have decided to speak. Keep your answers short, direct and do not give any more information. To put it in perspective, your son ¡­"


    "That idiot."


    "Sir let me finish. You son did not heed that advice. He could not help himself and gave more information than necessary and it got him into the trouble that he ended in. You need to be careful, otherwise there will be little that I can do, if there are charges."


    "I get it, but they have nothing, and even if they did, they are too dumb to be able to prove it. More importantly simply sit there and do nothing unless they are about to act illegally. Got it?"

 Chapter 495: After the Raid - Part 5

    <h4>495 After the Raid - Part 5</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    After hearing Lu Jingho, hiswyer realised that they would go in circles and he would not ept the advice provided.?He figured that what he had to do was simple to try and protect him as much as he could when he started to say the wrong thing.?"Mr Lu, I understand your instructions but realise that I have been attempting to advise you about risks."


    As they both looked up, and Officer Kang walked into the room, and asked "Are you ready to continue?"


    Lu Jingho spat "Yes, let us get this over with."


    With that Officers Kang and Ho came in and the recording devices were re-started.


    Officer Kang asked "Gentleman we can confirm that we have restarted the recording equipment. However, before we continue further in the interview, we need to confirm that you have had sufficient time to speak?"


    Lu Jingho spoke "Absolutely. I want to get this over so that I can return home."


    Officer Kang looked at his partner, but before either of them could say anything, they then heard "I can confirm that I have had enough time to speak to my client, and have provided him with advice about the interview, and have my instructions."


    Officer Ho nodded to Officer Kang and realised that they had been given a very clear message. Lu Jingho had been provided with advice and was likely to ignore it, but being a truewyer wanted it recorded somewhere that he was potentially acting contrary to advice and therefore if Lu Jingho tried toin about the oue there was not an issue.


    After a brief pause Officer Ho, spoke "Now Mr Lu, while I understand that you only own a level of the shares in Lu Corporation due to family arrangements you control forty percent of the voting power."


    "That is correct"


    "As a shareholder, do you take notice of what the business is doing?"


    "As much as my role as the CEO allows."


    "What about otherpanies you have investments in?"


    "Again, as much as my role as CEO of Lu Corporation allows."


    "Now, Mr Lu do you have investments yourself personally inpanies, rather than through Lu Corporation?"


    "I do and they benefit my family only.?I have a management team who are responsible for their management and they run various business rted to amodation and entertainment.?They activities do not conflict with Lu Corporation and when they interact with Lu Corporation they do so atmercial rates."


    "Mr Lu do you have any idea about specifics of thosepanies'' activities?"


    "Absolutely not. As I told you I heave the running of thosepanies in the hands of the managementpany, as I do not have the time to deal with them."


    "Mr Lu, are you absolutely certain about that answer?"


    Angry about how dumb these police officers were and how much they were wasting his time he had to respond, with a real angry frustrated tone "Are you dumb and hard of hearing or simply stupid and do not understand the answer that I have given. I have no idea what thesepanies do and allow the managementpany to control them. Seeming you how you have absolutely no idea about why I am here I am going to leave. You can prove nothing."


    Officer Kang now knew that that they had reached the baiting point Anna had told them he would get to eventually, and now they really could start the questioning. He stood up, and said "Please excuse me for a minute, I forgot to bring something in. I just need to get it."


    As he moved and exited the interview room, he could hear Lu Jingho say, "How dumb can you get, you are idiots and are stalling for time as you have nothing on me."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    Moving quickly, he picked up the folder that was prepared with the various document that they were going to need. As Officer Kang knew now the fun and games as about to start, and he as certain on how to push buttons.


    He moved back quickly towards the interview room and re-entered the room. "Officer Kang, you are totally wasting my time, and you should have had this material particrly when you were out not long ago. I am leaving." Lu Jingho stood up


    Officer Ho simply sat back, realising what was about to happen. Officer Kang came out in a very firm and determined voice "Mr Lu, sit down. We are nowhere near finished with you."

 Chapter 496: After the Raid - Part 6

    <h4>496 After the Raid - Part 6</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jingho looked at the police officer as if he was speaking nonsense. "I have cooperated and now I am leaving."


    In an even firmer voice, Officer Kang responded "Mr Lu, this is the only time that I am giving you a second warning. Sit down, we are nowhere near finished. And let me tell you I have very little patience for a liar like you who cannot keep anything straight."


    "Who are you calling a liar."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "Mr Lu sit down. You can do it voluntarily or, we will make you sit down and add to the charges you will face that of hindering a police investigation."


    "You have no thing on me, so forget about me cooperating."


    Turning to Lu Jingho''swyer Officer Kang said "Given your client is not listening to me, he will be forced to sit down.?We will handcuff him until we finish this interview but will allow you one opportunity to have him cooperate."


    Standing up, hiswyer moved over to Lu Jingho and whispered into his ear. As they both sat down Lu Jingho spat out "I am doing this under protest. You are wasting my time and I have nothing to answer, but thest thing that I need is attacked by police like I know that you have done in the past."


    "Speaking of that Mr Lu, the first thing that we need to discuss is the incident that urred here a couple of months ago, where Madam Hou was injured. While your son and daughter-inw were partially involved in causing that incident, we?have information that you provided false information to the investigating officers, that helped set that chain of events in motion."


    "What the ¡­"


    "Mr Lu what to you have to say about that allegation?"


    "It is a lie."


    "Mr Lu we have statements from the police officers involved that clearly indicate part of the information that was provided to them came from you, and that triggered the assault on Madam Hou."


    "It is a lie."


    "Mr Lu do you think that we would be making this statement if we did not ¡­"


    Starting to yell, Lu Jingho responded "That is a lie. I do not know what that b*tch told you, but she is lying, simply because she wants to cause trouble, like she did for my son."


    "Mr Lu, calm down and listen to me."


    Screaming Lu Jingho said "Do not tell me what to do, you have no right to do that."


    "Mr Lu, please calm down." Said Officer Kang again, knowing that Lu Jingho was already starting to get incensed.


    This time mming his fist on the table, Lu Jingho responded, very angrily "I told you do not tell me what to do."


    "Mr Lu we are to interview you about criminal matters. If you cannot remain calm, we will have no option but to terminate the interview ¡­"


    "Well do that. You have no right to detain me, and I am leaving as I havemitted no crime. This is police harassment," yelled Lu Jingho, again smashing his fist on the table.


    "Mr Lu, I will say this now and there will be no more opportunities afforded to you. If you do not calm down and cooperate, we will detain you in the cells until you are calm enough to be interviewed."


    "No damn way, that is a threat, and I do not take threats lightly."


    Seeing how close this interview was into descending into a farce, Lu Jingho''swyer, leaned over and whispered into his ear. Once he pulled away, Lu Jingho picked up one of the bottles of water he had knocked over opened it an took a drink.


    "Well gentleman, what do you want to put to me."


    "Mr Lu, we have already put to you the allegation. But seeming how you have not been listening to us, I will repeat what I previously put to you. We have evidence that clearly indicates that part of the false statements that ended up resulting in Madam Hou being assaulted."


    "That is s lie, I had nothing to do, and everyone is lying."


    "Mr Lu, do you not think that we would have evidence to support this im before putting it to you?"


    "You want to trap me; everyone is lying and I am innocent."


    "We have statements from the police involved, phone records, and a statement from Madam Hou ¡­"


    "Well there is your answer, all she wants to do is cause trouble. That is all she has done for thest three months for my family and I."

 Chapter 497: After the Raid - Part 7

    <h4>497 After the Raid - Part 7</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Officer Kang having hit a sensitive point decided to press his advantage "Mr Lu we have been generous to you and yourwyer. We have statements from both police officers, CCTV footage and Madam Hou''s statement that confirms your admissions as to being involved in that matter, telephone logs and even a statement from a Lu Corporation employee that confirms that you made a telephone call."


    "It is a lie. I had nothing to do with that incident."


    Officer Kang, decided to push, and drive him a little crazier, "Mr Lu, you are lying. You admitted to Madam Hou that you made statements that ended up in her assault."


    "It is a lie; she was the cause of her own assault."


    "Mr Lu, even your son admits you were involved. He ¡­"


    "He is an idiot and would not know the truth even if it was right in front of him. He is just like a little childshing out at its parents because he did not get his own way."


    "So, there is no doubt despite your denials Mr Lu you will face charges from the assault on Madam Hou."


    "How in the world can you charge me based on lies." Screamed Lu Jingho.


    "Mr Lu just because someone''s version of events differs from yours it does not make it a lie." Officer Kang realised that they would not get the results they needed, so changed tack on questioning.?"Mr Lu can you tell us whether you were present at the event at the Key za Hoteltest year where the president was in attendance?"


    "Absolutely. It was horrendous to get into the hotel, given the levels of security screening to protect the president."


    "When you got through the screening what did you do?"


    "Headed into the reception room on the ground floor and remained there for the event, until I left the hotel. I think that I left around midnight with my wife and we returned home."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "Mr Lu, I am putting it to you that you are lying."


    "My wife and son will confirm that I never left the room as they were there all night."


    "Mr Lu, your son cannot confirm that. We have clear evidence that he spent at least some of the night on the terrace outside the reception room talking to Miss Yao. She, her father Yao Tan, and at least six other witnesses all put him out there. Those same witnesses all know that you disappeared from people sight for at least thirty minutes."


    "My wife and son, who I was in the sight of all night will confirm I did not leave the reception.?Your witnesses are lying," spat out Lu Jingho.


    "Mr Lu, we have footage, which shows you leaving the reception venue at approximately 9:30pm and heading onto the terrace area outside the reception room before you head into the Key za Hotel Gardens. Following you into the gardens was your friend Rong Jingye following your son and Miss Yao."


    "What in the f*ck are you about to use me of."


    "Mr Lu, we have evidence to support the fact that you sexually assaulted, if not raped the sixteen-year-old Miss Yao."


    "F*ck you, who is telling you those lies. I do not have s*x with children."


    "Mr Lu, that is aplete and utter lie. We have sufficient evidence to charge you with having s*xual intercourse with five seventeen-year-old girls, eight sixteen, four fifteen?and two fourteen -year-old girls. ¡­"


    "A damn lie, I do not have s*x with children, and any s*xual encounter I have is always be consent." Screamed Lu Jingho


    "Mr Lu, we have confirmed their ages ¡­"


    "That is a lie. I do not s*x with children. To the best of my ability, I conform their age as I am not stupid. It is all lies" screamed Lu Jingho.


    Grabbing a photograph from the folder, along with a copy of a Lu Corporation Entertainment division contract, a birth certificate, a still image and half a dozen photographs from the folder. Officer Ho handed one photograph over which was a headshot. Officer Kang continued "Mr Lu, do you know this person?"


    "What the ¡­ Why are you handing me a photograph? What f*cking trick is this." spat out Lu Jingho.


    "Do you know this person?"


    "Why would I know a child. I do not know this person?"


    "Are you certain of that Mr Lu?"


    "Are you so stupid that you have to repeat questions that I have already answered. No, I do not know her?"


    Office Hoid out the next five photographs, and Officer Kang said, "Do you wish correct that answer?"


    "I may have met her, but I do not know her," he spat.


    "Mr Lu, that is still a lie. Here is her contract of employment with Lu Corporation''s entertainment division and her birth certificate. You signed the contract personally and agreed to be her guardian for her parents who along with her signed the contract six months ago. You clearly understood at that time she was only fourteen years old, but she has now turned fifteen."


    "I often to that to reassure parents but leave the care to managers. But I do not know here that a few meetings in passing."


    "Are you really certain on that answer?"


    "You are a idiot, I have only met her in passing, I do not know her."


    "Mr Lu that is aplete and utter lie," said Officer Kang. Meanwhile Officer Muid out the surveince stills and pulled from the folder a tablet and started to y the surveince footage of him having s*x in the club with her. As the footage started to y, Lu Jingho''s face started to drop realising that there was clear evidence catching him having s*x with a fifteen-year-old.

 Chapter 498: After the Raid - Part 8

    <h4>498 After the Raid - Part 8</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Hou YI''s mobile started ringing, around 7:30am waking both Anna and Hou Yi, who were wrapped in each other''s arms.?Hou Yi moved and reached to his bedside table, but the phone stopped ringing before he could pick it up.?Whe it was in his hands Anna, took it from Hou Yi but before she could turn it off so that they could spend a few hours in bed indulging themselves it started ringing again so she answered it without paying attention and said "Yes."


    "Anna, hand the phone to your husband" cane Yao Tan''s voice on the other end of the phone.


    Anna was p*ssed off with Tan, how dare he call them at such an early hour on a Sunday.?There was no way that she was going to let him off lightly and simply hand the phone over.?"Tan it is 7:30am in the morning and we are in bed.?What do you think we could have been doing??Plus, I suspect your wife would prefer to be doing something simr rather than you being on the phone to us.?Do you want her to think you are having an affair with me?


    Hou Yi, hearing his startedughing.?Anna was having fun dealing with Tan and he could see the smirk on her face.?Thank goodness she had put the phone on speaker, so he added "Or do you want her to think you are having an affair with me?"


    "Oh my God, you two are wicked.?Do not think about hanging up on me Anna, or I will get Amanda on to you."


    "Fine, however, you better be quick as I am going to hang up on you."


    Anna holding the phone, with a satisfied smile on her face settled into Hou Yi''s embrace.?He knew that she had fun messing with Tan, and he felt that it was right particrly as he had disturbed them so early on a Sunday.


    "Tell us what you want Tan?" came Hou Yi.


    "Fine.?The police called me about five minutes ago. They have charged Lu Jingho after his interview with three dozen counts of having s*xual intercourse with a minor, the rape of Alecia, running illegal brothels, breaches ofpanies legition, the various incidents involving both of you, and Hou enterprises, and human very charges."


    "Presently they haveid ny charges but anticipatewing several hundred more in the next couple of days, once they speak to all the girls that were inside the illegal brothels that they raided overnight.?I told them, when they asked me to call Alecia to advise her of what was happening that I would tell you, but they also want to be present at the press conference they are holding at 11am."


    Yan Tan paused before continuing "I cannot call Alecia but was just wondering if you two could call her and James and let them know what is going on. Yi, also the police also want you to speak to CEO Yang and any member of Lu Corporation''s board you trust letting them know what is about to happen."


    Hou Yi said "So you want to wimp out."


    "Yi, do not annoy me today. I have been keeping Ton and Junior out of this, but with Amanda''s help we have to tell them everything before the press conference."?After a pause, Tan continued "The police let me know something we did not know.?The woman we have considered Lu Jinhu''s mother is his step-mother."


    "What!" spat out Anna.


    "Short version is that she cannot have children, so Lu Jinhgo married a poor woman to have a legitimate child and on the day Lu Jinhu was born he divorced her and married his current wife securingplete custody of Lu Jinhu.?He only found out when his birth mother made contact so see is he was a bone marrow match to a child from her second marriage four years ago."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "Lu Jingho found out about that contact and has been using threats against her and Lu Jinhu''s younger half-siblings to ckmail him.?Lu Jingho threatened his birth mother to have Lu Jinhu iste Alecia and record what happened.?Apparently he was going to use the footage to ckmail both you and I, Yi."


    "F*ck."


    Hou Yi noticed Anna waspletely in shock at that. Despite her background, she could not believe someone was so vicious even towards his own child and former wife. After a couple of breaths, Anna realised that she needed to speak. "Tan, not an issue. When to the police need us there?"


    "11am, we will meet you there. Lion and Snake will also be present, but their associates will not."


    Hou Yi spoke "Fine Tan, see you then." Hou Yi ended the call.


    All Anna could do as shake, so Hou Yi took her in his arms, and simply hugged her until she settled. When she did, Hou Yi asked the one simple question "Are you OK, sweetheart?"


    Anna looked directly at Hou Yi, and spoke "Yi, what does that mean for everything he did to me? Was it at that b*stard''s direction or was it himshing out at me simply because I was an easy target. What did I deserve to have it happen to me?" Why Me?" before bursting into tears.


    Hou Yi knew that he had no answer, other than "Sweetheart you did not deserve anything, do not me yourself." He simply kept Anna in his arms, trying tofort her as well as he could. Damn, she had made so much progress in thest couple of months confronting what had happened and all it took was this to destroy almost everything. Thank God Phillipa wasing back for a visit this week, so she could help Anna.

 Chapter 499: After the Raid - Part 9

    <h4>499 After the Raid - Part 9</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    After hearing what was said, it took Anna over fifteen minutes, wrapped in Hou Yi''s arms to get to the point Hou Yi feltfortable to ask "Sweetheart, are you OK to call Alecia and James?"


    Despite Anna having settled, Hou Yi when he looked in her eyes could see how much she was hurting, but with those few words he could see that she was trying her best to put her hurt aside to start to deal with the reality of the next few hours.?Anna took a few deep breaths, still trying hard not to cry and nodded at Hou Yi, who dialled James'' mobile. It immediately went to message bank, so he left a brief message for James to call him if he had not reached him and Alecia.


    Then, he tried Alecia''s number and it started ringing, and after three rings, Alecia picked up "Uncle Yi, what are you calling for?"


    "Alecia, where are you and who is with you?"


    "Uncle Yi did Dad put you up to call and check up on me?"


    "Alecia, answer the question?" Hou Yi spoke in a firm voice.


    "Uncle Yi there is no need to be like that.?You are only about thirteen years older than me, so ¡­"


    "Alecia stop being smart," snapped Hou Yi.


    Alecia on the other end of the phone realised that Hou Yi was getting angry with her, so she stopped trying to be witty.?"I am with most of the family for lunch. Susan and James are on a day shift at the hospital, and he ising to pick me up when he finishes in a couple of hours."


    "Alecia can you get Rosemary and go into a quiet room.?I also need you to promise me that you will have James call me, but if he cannot reach me call Anna." responded Hou Yi firmly.


    "Uncle Yi you are scaring me¡­"


    "Alecia, promise me or I will have your father call you.?You will not like it if he calls."


    "Fine Uncle Yi."


    In the background Hou Yi and Anna, given the phone was on speaker could hear Alecia in speaking Rosemary.?A few minutester they heard a door shutting before Alecia spoke again.?"Uncle Yi, I have you on speaker and I am with Rosemary. We have gone into one of the children''s bedroom and shut the door."


    "Thank you, Alecia.?Does Rosemary know what happenedst year?"


    "No, only James knows."


    "OK.?That makes this somewhat challenging, but ¡­"


    Anna could see that Hou Yi was struggling to be able to talk about what happened without saying anything Alecia might not want said.?Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    Anna spoke "Alecia sweetheart, we have information that the person who you believed was mainly responsible for what happened in fact is not. He was manipted into being involved and those responsible was his father and his father''s best friend.?They filmed what they did, and it was intended to be used to ckmail your father and Yi for business means."


    "What we know is the person who recorded what happened kept the one copy in existence.?He has handed it over to the police on the promise for them to support a lesser sentence and that it is kept as secret as possible to protect you.?The police hereter today are about to announce the person responsible is being charged."


    Both Anna and Hou Yi, as Anna wasying out the initial information that Alecia was crying on the other end of the phone and that Rosemary was trying tofort her.?Anna wished that James was there but given he was on a cement shift at the hospital there was little that could be done.


    A few seconds after Anna finished speaking both Anna and Hou Yi could tell that Alecia''s phone was taken off speaker and Rosemary asked "What in the world was all that about. She is a wreck."


    "Rosemary you need to get James for her as soon as you can," said Hou Yi.?He was concerned for his goddaughter''s wellbeing and James was the only person who could help her.


    "Yi, Anna, his cement shift does not finish for about three hours, there is nothing I can do."


    Hou Yi could see Anna was struggling to deal with this as well so he said ""Rosemary, eight months ago Alecia was attacked and raped by two people.?The person who we thought was the key person in the attack was not.?It hase out that he had been ckmailed into isting her so his own father and a friend of his father''s could drag her into a dark area where they repeatedly raped her."


    Hou Yi paused for a second to consider what he needed to say next, then continued.?"They filmed the attack with the main perpetrator intending to use it to ckmail both Alecia''s father and I for business reasons.?The police are going to hold a press conference here in a few hours as the main attacker has been charged not only with Alecia''s attack but s*xual abusing several young girls among other charges.?Alecia has just been hit with a reality that she did not expect though."


    Rosemary was stunned on the other end of the phone and angrily said "Damn it, why were we not told. Yi, you thought we would kill you with respect to Anna and not telling us what as going on, now you have it again."


    "Rosemary calm down.?Alecia and James made their choice, but she will need her husband to help her cope presently.?I just need to exin everything to him so he can be there for her."


    After discussing the matter for about five more minutes, Rosemary had promised to have James call Anna as soon as possible, and that she would make sure that Alecia was OK until she was with James.

 Chapter 500: After the Raid - Part 10

    <h4>500 After the Raid - Part 10</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    After letting Anna have another cry in his arms Hou Yi gently moved her off him so he could head into the bathroom running Anna a bath beforeing back and carrying her into the bathroom.?Before leaving he said "Have a soak in the bath. I will start making those calls beforeing and joining you."


    Looking directly at Hou Yi, Anna said "Yi..." in a voice that was so tempting for Hou Yi to simply remain in the bathroom.?At the same time, she slowly slipped off the nightdress that she had put on at some time during the night to tempt him further to stay.


    Swallowing, realising how difficult it was to leave Hou Yi turned and moved towards the door, before turning back and saying, "Sweetheart I need to make these calls, but I will return as quickly as possible."


    As Hou Yi was leaving the bathroom Anna said quietly "You better be back quickly Yi ..."


    When he was back in the bedroom, Hou Yi grabbed his phone and firstly called CEO Yang, but only reached his message bank so he left a message.?He then scrolled through the phone to try and find a number to call any Lu Family member.?However, the phone rang before he could make this call, his phone rang and Hou Yi noticed it was CEO Yang returning his call.


    "CEO Hou, why in the world are you calling me at such an early time on a Sunday."


    "I have to apologise for disturbing you so early, but I have information you need to be aware of, along with Lu Corporation''s board members.?I realised that I have no number of any other Lu Corporation Board Member than yourself to call."


    "Do not mess around.?I have better things to do at 8am on a Sunday than to trade barbs with you on the phone."


    "I am not trying to mess with you.?I was trying to find contact details for members of the Lu Family and the Lu Corporation Board, rather than having to disturb you but as I said I have no number to call for anyone else."


    "Stop messing around and tell me why you called."


    Hou Yi was getting annoyed at CEO Yang.?All he wanted to do was be difficult, rather than offering him a number that he could call.?Fine, he would pass on the total mess to him to deal with, as in reality thest thing that he wanted to do was deal with a member of the Lu Family.?"You have to confirm to me that you will pass on to the Lu Corporation Board and Family what I am about to tell you."


    Angrily CEO Yang spat out "Fine.?Just tell me."


    "The only reason I have this information is my wife and I have also been victims of Lu Jingho''s behaviour and the police believed we needed to know.?He is being charged over the recent incidents involving my wife and I as well as multiple counts of s*xual offences involving children.?Apparently, he has used Lu Corporation Assets in these activities.?I suspect the full picture of what Lu Corporation''s exposure is wille out at the press conference or soon after it."


    Shocked, CEO Yang responded, "You have to be kidding me."


    "I wish I was."


    After a few seconds of silence, came the response "You are truly serious?"


    "I am. Can you please inform the Lu Family and the Lu Corporation Board members, as I suspect there will be serious impacts on thepany my wife and I are shareholders of."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "Do you know the time of the press conference?"


    "The police have asked us to attend the police Station before the conference at 11am, so I would guess at 11:30am or noon. Look I do not have time to spend on the phone ¡­"


    "I get it you needed to pass the information on."


    "Just please assure me that the information is not made public until after the police have their press conference."


    "Not a problem."


    With that Hou Yi ended the call, and dropped his mobile before returning to the bathroom, and joining Anna in the bath for a rxing time together.

 Chapter 501: After the Raid - Part 11

    <h4>501 After the Raid - Part 11</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Just before 11am, Anna and Hou Yi walked hand in hand into the police station trying not to bete.?They were quickly shown into a room where Yao Tan, Amanda, Snake and Lion were waiting.?Along with them was the head of the police investigators and the press officer.


    As soon as the door was shut the head of the investigation team spoke, "Thank you CEO and Madam Yao, CEO and Madam Hou, Mr Gan and Mr Mo for being here.?Since the raidst night, we have been discussing what we will be advising the public about the investigation.?The decision was that we will provide information that you had some involvement in the investigation without providing specifics as presently only sanitised information has been provided to Mr Lu and his legal representatives."


    "So far, we have only finalised several victim interviews, toy ny different charges.?Those include the charges involving Miss Alecia and CEO and Madam Hou.?However, within the next few days as more interviews are finalised there will be at least another three or four hundred charges toe, if not more."


    "The National Prosecutors Office have already decided that they will oversee the criminal case not only given therge number of potential victims but the abuse of Lu Corporation assets that have been uncovered.?They have indicated that they will work withwyers to have a few victims represented by a singlewyer, rather than every victim, for the purpose of streamlining the matter.?Theirment already made is that they expect that the summary in this matter will amount to hundreds of pages."


    "The National Prosecutors Office wanted to bring him before the court straight away but have advised that they need at least a week to get the first batch of charges sorted, and to see if other victims of his wille forward.?Mr Lu will be released on strict conditions pending that date.?We do not like this, but the reality is trying to get matters right for all victims means that there has to be a bnce, particrly as we want to avoid any allegations that the process is being used to supress him."


    After a period of discussions, they headed to the location where the press conference was happening, and the situation wasid out.


    The press conferencemenced right on 12pm and forty-five minutester, Anna started to feel exhausted, and started to look around discretely for something to sit on.?Not being able to observe something easily, she quietly moved to the side and asked a police officer standing to the side for a chair to sit on.


    Having observed his wife do this, when she was sitting on the chair that the police officer provided her, Hou Yi leant down and whispered,?"Do you need to go?"


    Anna looked directly at Hou Yi and shook her head.?She was aware of the importance of staying while the police press conference finished as the image otherwise not only would have hurt the case against Lu Jingho but started questions being asked about whether she was pregnant.?That was something they did not want to disclose until after their wedding ceremony in Australia.


    Five minutes after Anna sat down the police finished their initial remarks to the press.?Those members of the press present had seen Anna sit down, and started to throw questions towards her, rather than the police or anyone else present.?Anna took a couple of deep breaths, knowing that she was on the borderline of breaking down in tears again before she stood up and walked to the lectern with Hou Yi beside her.?She quietly indicated to the police media liaison officer that she would speak to the press.


    After a gentle squeeze of her hand by Hou Yi Anna took a couple of deep breaths and started to speak, "Ladies and Gentlemen, to put it politely what has happened in thest twenty-four hours has been a dramatic shock to me. While I knew that my ex-partner was involved on the attack on me, I have now found out his father was also involved.?As you can imagine that has made me have to relive those events which were highly traumatic.?This is in addition to his subsequent to ckmail and assault my husband and then to abuse me in front of CEO Yao."


    Carefully watching Anna, Hou Yi knew that she was struggling and me carefully wrapped his arm around her waist, not only to reassure her but send a message to everyone present, his wife was the most important person to him and he did not care who knows it.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.

 Chapter 502: After the Raid - Part 12

    <h4>502 After the Raid - Part 12</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Anna took a few breaths before continuing.?"The incident involving what urred in front of CEO Yao urred on the day that the joint venture wasunched by CEO Yao and my Husband for theirpanies entertainment division.?While there three young girls approached with a heart wrenching story."


    "While I was, due to my physical injuries and the psychological impact of what had happened to me the previous time I was in the police station, unable and unwilling toe with them to the police Madam Yao did.?The actions of those three brave girls triggered the investigation that has led to here."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "This morning when I was informed of the allegations of extent of his actions, I was shocked.?Then, added to all this my husband and I are told that Lu Jingho is allegedly responsible for the attack that urred on Alecia Yao, CEO Yao''s daughter, my husband''s god-daughter and my sister-inw."?Thement about a sister-inw drew gasps from members of the press.?None of them knew that Alecia had married James, but that had to be let out.


    "My husband and I had to break the news to my sister-inw as to who appears to be responsible for her attack.?With everything that has happened in thest few months do you not think I want justice to be served and to hear you all questioning my integrity.?Who is paying you?"


    Totally exhausted emotionally with this, Anna turned and ced her head on Hou YI''s chest.?She was fed up with the press, as every time they treated her as the person always at fault, not human.?She felt that they were always in the Lu Family''s pocket and another means to attack her.


    Anna heard a press member shout, "Madam Hou, you are saying this as if it is a fact?"?Hou Yi tensed, but Anna turned back as she knew that Hou Yi would not stay calm.


    "I am not that stupid. If you were paying attention, I made it clear that it was alleged not a proven fact.?Stop trying to put words in my mouth, as it makes you sound like you represent Lu Corporation rather than being a journalist, who if I understand your profession correctly is meant to investigate, question ande to an independent conclusion when presenting facts."?Anna started to shake and sway slightly in his arms, so Hou Yi knew that he needed to get her out of here as quickly as possible, and to the hospital for treatment.


    Before he could start to say anything, Anna started to copse in his arms, so Hou Yi immediately swept her up into his arms, and with the help of the police and their bodyguards made their way out of the room, into a waiting car, and with a police escort were quickly driven to the hospital.


    On the way to the hospital Hou Yi called Anna''s obstetrician and let him know what was happening and that they were on their way to the hospital. As the car arrived outside the emergency department, medical staffe racing out, to ce Anna onto a trolley and quickly wheeled her into the emergency department.


    A few minutester Anna''s obstetrician arrived and took control of her assessments. While he wanted Hou Yi out of the room, Anna would not let go of his hand, so she simply worked around him. After the initial observations were made and taking of blood, a portable ultrasound machine was brought into the room.


    Very quickly they could hear the heartbeat from the foetus, which immediately started to calm Anna down, and the heartrate monitor on her started to show that she was calming down.


    When he finished the ultrasound, the Obstetrician turned to Anna and Hou Yi "CEO and Madam Hou, everything from the Ultrasound appears to be fine with the babies, so that is one thing. We will need to wait for the blood tests toe back but let me ask you two things Madam Hou. Are you stressed out and have you eaten today?"


    Hou Yi, looked at Anna, and quietly said "Stressed out, absolutely. We have just been present at the police station regarding certain offences involved CEO Lu from Lu Corporation where we have been victims of.?It has caused her to spend part of the morning crying in my arms when we were informed.?Plus, she only ate a little when we had breakfast."


    The obstetrician stood there and shook his head. "OK, what I am going to do, as I want to monitor you for a few hours is I will have you admitted back to the VIP ward, simply as it will be the best calming ce for you, and make a decision about whether to discharge you. CEO Hou, if you can follow me, we will start the admission processes."


    Once outside the room, the obstetrician said "She is way to stressed. Unless I see her much calmer in the next few hours, we will be keeping her in for a few days and she will need to be on bed rest for a couple of weeks."


    "Can she fly? We are meant to have our formal wedding ceremony in Australia, next weekend?" came a concerned Hou Yi


    "If her blood pressure drops and she is calmer, yes. Not a direct flight but broken into two of three stops with a couple of hours between each leg. I will work out the legs with your pilot. I will also need to talk to your sister-inw, who can help keep an eye on her while you are there."


    "Thank you."

 Chapter 503: Emergency

    <h4>503 Emergency</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    As he finished the discussions with Anna''s obstetrician and her admission paperwork, Hou Yi''s phone rang.?He was on the caller ID it was James.


    "Hello James"


    "Yi, why did you and my sister, by the way who is not answering her phone, upset my wife," came the angry response over the phone. "Put my sister on the phone."


    "James, calm down. You will have to deal with me, Anna is being re-admitted to the hospital."


    "What the ¡­" was the stunned response.


    "James will you let me talk. I am in the hospital awaiting her transfer to the ward.?She is way overstressed and copsed, but hopefully Anna will be released in less than twenty-four hours.?As to Alecia, in cutting a long story short her statement to the police sparked a series of investigations."


    "DNA evidence was some help, which I have just found out came from Lu Jinhu who was ckmailed into taking her outside and putting her into the hands of his father who was responsible for the attach on Alecia.?That ckmail came about as the woman we all think of as Lu Jinhu''s mother is in fact his step-mother and a few years ago his birth mother came back into his life."


    "Every time his father wanted something, he would threaten Lu Jinhu with the safety of his birth mother and her second family so he would give in to protect them particrly his youngest half-sibling who has been battling childhood cancer.?Lu Jinhu for once stood up to his father and refused to hand over footage of the attack on Alecia to his father who had intended to use it to ckmail your father-inw and me for business purposes."


    "I suspect that is not the first time he had done this.?Lu Jinhu, when the police interviewed him decided not to go down with his father and handed over the footage and agreed to cooperate with the police and prosecution.?If, and if he is charged, they will be much lesser charges given his cooperation."


    "However, the one-off attack on Alecia is the least of his crimes.?Lu Jinhu''s father can only be described as a paedophile who targets teenagers between 14 and 19 years of age, often employed by hispany''s entertainment division."


    "Anna knows some of this but given how much she has been targeted I have tried to shield her from some of it.?However today, when she found out most of this she has started to copse mentally.?Added to that we were at the police press conference to inform of the charges when she copsed, so I brought her here.?While the babies are OK, the obstetrician is admitting her for observation to ensure that her vital signs are better."


    "Damn it, Yi, you knew something was happening, and youid it on Alecia without talking to me first. I would have asked to be avable for her rather than stuck on a cement shift.?Some brother-inw you are and I though as Alecia''s godfather you would have protected her."


    "What we knew before today had nothing to do with Alecia''s case. That information has onlye to light in thest forty-eight hours and the police did not tell me.?From what I can gather did not even tell Tan until this morning. Tan decided that the news would be bettering from us, as he had to deal with Junior and Ton, and telling them what happened."


    "Do you have any idea what is happening with court? Damn it, I need to have Anna exin to me the court process, she understands that stuff."


    "James unlike most criminal cases here where the victims prosecute it with their own personalwyers, given the number of victims and the fact that there are likely a number of more charges toe, the national prosecutors service will deal the matter. Basically, they will offer him two choices, agree to a written summary of all the charges, and a penalty which will be much less than if he requires the charges to be proven and ends up getting convicted."


    "We have no idea what he will do, and whether or not Alecia will be required to give evidence against him. If he stays true to form, he will contest and the court will have to make decisions how to proceed given the number of charges he will have. They will break them into batches based on how the evidence attaches to them."


    "The matters involving Alecia, Anna and myself are separate and independent from most of the charges themselves, and I would guess they will run those matters first, before the others which are interlinked. We just have to wait and see what happens."


    "So, she is going to have to give evidence?" asked James.?He had seen how devastated his wife was when he arrived home, and the thought of her having to give evidence about her attack was something he did not want to contemte.


    "If he contests, yes. And here there are no restrictions on questions about a victims s*xual activity when the charges involve s*x offences, and that will mean that he can delve into Alecia and your marriage and your own s*xual history as you are her husband. That you must be prepared for that, as will Alecia."


    "Keep stressing me out."


    "Do not worry, until we know what is happening. I can promise I will keep you up to date with that."


    "Yi, changing the subject, when my darling sister is settled, can you have her call me please?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "If you promise not to add to her stress."


    "Will do."


    After some more small talk, Hou Yi ended the call and went up to the VIP floor and was shown into Anna''s room. Hou Yi made his way over to the bed, and Anna quickly settled into his arms and drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 504: Utter Disaster

    <h4>504 Utter Disaster</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Having received Hou Yi''s telephone call which gave him vague information CEO Yang knew that when it came to serious business matters, he would not mess him around.?He therefore started to contact the various members of Lu Corporation''s board advising them of the vague information?he had been provided about the charge''s Lu Jingho was facing and the potential implication of Lu Corporation.


    While being stunned at the information, knowing it came from Hou Yi, who when it came to business matters had the reputation of not passing on false information, they agreed that an urgent board meeting was required.?They agreed to meet at 11am at the Yang Group, rather than Lu Corporation for preliminary discussions and to watch the press conference before finalising their response on behalf of Lu Corporation. As he made each of them realise using Yang Group for the meeting would lessen the potential for harassment if the information that came out was bad for thepany.


    Members of the Lu Corporation board started arriving at Yang Group headquarters at 10:45am, and were all shown up to the board room, where brunch was awaiting them. Right on 11am, the final members of the Lu family arrived, disgusted at the fact that they Sunday had been disturbed.


    CEO Yang, once everyone was in spoke "Gentleman, in the absence of the chairman, given I had called this urgent meeting of the board of Lu Corporation to order. My personal sectorial staff will record the minutes of this meeting, and that along with the audio recordings will be provided to each of you and directly to the Lu Corporation staff."


    "While every one of us have reason to distrust CEO Hou of Hou Corporation, we have to take his information as the truth, particrly as we know his reputation in business not to pass on false information.?There has been an announcement that a police press conference will be held,mencing at noon regarding a raid on illegal brothels conducted in Lu Corporation owned warehouses.?Personally, from sources at the police station I have only been able to verify the fact that Lu Jingho is being charged with approximately ny offences and that there are indications that thepany will be implicated in his offending."


    "How in the world could thepany be involved?" came one voice.


    "Gentleman, your guess is as good as mine. The problem is that he is likely to havemitted the offences while the CEO of Lu Corporation. The problem is that even without involvements his role as CEO will draw thepany into matter.?That is even though we are in the process of appointing an interim CEO in ordance with thepany charter.?Plus, I understand that CEO and Madam Hou sold thirty of the forty percent ofpany shares they owned on Friday, ten percent in private sales and the bnce on the open market."


    "Damn, they had advanced warning of this."


    "I would be surprised if they did, and to be realistic they got the shares they did simply as they wanted to deal with Lu Jinhgo. Let us not specte about that. We have to work out what we are doing."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    The board members for Lu Corporation continued to debate who knew what, until their attention was drawn to the television and the police press conference.


    Forty-five minutester, after the police had finishedying out information as to the charges that Lu Jingho was facing, there was stunned silence in the room. One of the Yang Group secretaries, when the press started asking questions, turned the television off and asking each of the board members what they wanted to drink for the purposes of breaking the silence in the room.


    Once they had drinks, CEO Yang spoke up "Gentleman, that was almost the worst thing for Lu Corporation. The question bes what we do??My personal view is that we have to distance thepany from Lu Jingho and immediately investigate his activities and even the privatepanies that he was left by his father and grandfather left him and how they are connected to Lu Corporation and the activities that he is being charged with. We have to get on the front foot with this, otherwise thepany will never recover from this."


    After a fifteen-minute debate, the conclusion reached was that they would adjourn back to Lu Corporation and start pulling in resources to start their investigations to protect thepany.?Further there would be a press conference arranged to announce Lu Jingho had been removed from his role as CEO previously in ordance with thepany charter but as at the time no shares were being actively traded it had not been announced.


    The pre-text of the saleste on Friday which were confirmed just on the close of business could be used as the pre-text for the statement only being made now, given previously all shareholders knew the fact. There also would have to be statements made that Lu Corporation would cooperate with the police as any actions that implicated thepany were done without the knowledge of anyone but the CEO.


    Eventually the press conference was able to be held at 4:30pm, which ensured that it was in time for the evening news, and no Lu Family Members felt guilty of throwing Lu Jinhgo to the wolves as in the end for them the protection of Lu Corporation and the money it provided them was more important that family protection.

 Chapter 505: Betrayer

    <h4>505 Betrayer</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    After having been released from the police station Lu Jingho returned home to his shocked wife.


    "How in the world did you get caught?" screamed Madam Lu.


    "I have no idea.?Someone had targeted the warehouses. While I would suspect Hou Yi and Yao Tan, what seemed toe out was it was not them. They had footage and recordings from inside, and the staff are not that dumb to have let those two in or someone connected to them."


    "Damn it, what does it mean?"


    "I am not stupid; you know the system as much as I do. I can offer a civil settlement with an agreement that they will not have criminal charges pursued against me. Most of them are still underage and from rural areas. I can offer to their parent''spensation amounts, and that should make most of the charges go away. The only ones that are not easy to get rid of will be those involved Hou Yi, that wife of his and Yao Tan''s daughter. But thewyers can deal with most of that."


    "Most ¡­"


    "That ungrateful brat of ours has to be dealt with. He gave over my ckmail footage to the police.?He betrayed us."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "You are kidding me."


    "No. Obviously he acted to save himself, rather than protecting the family. We must act against that woman who spawned him and her family. The problem is I would suspect he told the police of the threats we have used to control him over thest few years that they will protect them."


    With that Madam Lu looked at her watch, before turning to her husband "Well we need to get going for our afternoon with the ungrateful brat and our darling daughter-inw."


    "That brat will be taught a lesson."


    With that Lu Jingho went and changed before they headed over to the Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s vi for their allotted time.


    As soon as they were in, Lu Jingho grabbed and dragged Lu Jinhu into the study, before starting to unleash on his son, screaming "What in the f*ck were you thinking helping the police."


    "Damn it father, calm down."


    "No, I will not," screamed Lu Jingho


    "Sit down and we will talk."


    "You know the rules, you ensure that you protect me, and I will not use the dirty information I have on you, and that witch that gave birth to you, and that w*ore that you apparently love would be safe."


    "I am not stupid. I told the police about everything you have on me, my birth mother, everything.?They know about your threats. Damn it, based on what I have seen, you are going to go down regardless of what I did. You will not be able to buy your way out of all the charges, as it will take too much money.?If I know anything about you, while part of your money is tied up with Lu Corporation, the bncees from all the dirty little enterprises that I have always told you I want nothing to do with. They will not be able to run and you will be cut off from the Lu Corporation money tap." Was the determined reply form Lu Jinhu


    Still screaming came Lu JIngho''s response "That does not matter you brat ¡­"


    "Stow it father. Lu Corporation must be the primary goal. My ban from being apany director is only temporary, and any recement for you as the CEO is only temporary owing to the terms of the charter and the relevant family wills. The problem is if you take me down with you, we both will receive bans outside the time limit allowing those parasites of rtives to be the permanent CEO, cutting off the permanent easy flow of money to us. Think about it."


    "Screw that, you know the rules, protect me ¡­"


    "If you are not going to listen to me, you can go jump. I really do not give a care. And let me be realistic, if the situation is reversed you would drop me in it. You taught me well father," thest word was spat out by Lu Jinhu. "And I learnt the lesson well. Plus I know, that why I am a screw up, my willingness to admit my failings and take responsibility will end up with me bing CEO, but I will not be so stupid to mix things like you have been and be to close to it."


    Before either of them could continue their argument, Yang Lin interrupted them calling them in for their meal, but the bnce of the night was icy between them.

 Chapter 506: Press Condemnation - Part 1

    <h4>506 Press Condemnation - Part 1</h4>


    Monday


    Anna awoke in the hospital bed wrapped in Hou YI''s arms, as she attempted to ease herself to head to the bathroom, she woke Hou Yi up.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    He leant over and gave Anna a kiss on the lips but before she let it get too passionate, she pulled back and quietly said "Darling, remember where we are.?Plus I need to use the bathroom."


    Hou Yi, allowed Anna to move out of his arms and head to the bathroom. As Anna was entering the bathroom there was a knock on the door, and in came one of the nursing staff, followed by a bodyguard who was bringing in bags and newspapers. Indicating his wife was in the bathroom the nurse, he turned to the bodyguard, taking the bags and the newspapers. He sat the bags down and headed to the couch and sat the newspapers out on the table.


    The front-page headlines were telling, even at first nce. However, before he could start reading, he heard noise behind him, and the nurse had settled Anna back on the bed, and was taking her observations.


    Once the nurse finished, she quietly said "Madam Hou, that is starting to look better. Your obstetrician will be in just before 9am, so we will arrange for breakfast to be brought in for the two of you."


    Hou Yi sat on the bed with his wife, gently taking her in his arms, before she spoke "Thank you."


    Once the nurse left, Hou Yi quietly asked "How do you feel. Tell me the truth please, as you scared me yesterday."


    "Yi so much better than yesterday. I still feel tired but having that video-conference with Phillipast night has made things easier." With that Anna twisted and gave Hou Yi a brief kiss.


    "Promise me that you are not going to let things get to you like they did. You heard Pip, if you cannot contact the counsellor that she arranged, call her and speak to her."


    "Yi, I did not want to ¡­"


    In a firm but not harsh voice "Sweetheart, as she told you, you will have setbacks. You know that is reality as well from your work. Most importantly you know I am here; I love you and will do anything to help you. But I am not a mind reader. I can observe things, but I cannot always tell when you need help."


    "I know Yi¡­"


    There was a knock on the door and breakfast was brought in and sat down at the table near the couch.


    As they moved over to eat breakfast, Anna located the television remote, and turned it on before searching for a news channel. The lead story for her was not surprising, the excesses of Lu Jingho. While factual, they soon moved into a panel discussion about the story.


    Hou Yi was watching Anna carefully, seeing how she reacted. As Hou YI had paused eating Anna turned to him, before saying "Yi, calm down I am OK. I just want to see what they have to say, and I am going to read the papers after that."


    Anna turned her attention back to the television and started listening to the panel discussion about the allegations against Lu Jingho. Anna was engrossed in what they were saying, which was universally condemning him, but at the same time the journalists were careful to phrase theirments on the basis of "if the allegations can be proven".


    Anna found it highly interesting as a means of seeing the difference between the legal system here and in Australia. Criminals were afforded more protection by thew, but at the same time, the whole basis for the legal system was different.


    Hou Yi rather than solely focusing on the television, started reading the newspapers.?The stories under the headlines matched the articles.?Like the debate on the television he could see that the written press were as condemning of Lu JIngho as they were. Hou Yi in considering everything realised that he had no idea of the extent of Lu Jingho''s behaviour.?ckmailing his son, abusing children, threatening his ex-wife, misusingpany resources, trying to ckmail him, harassing Anna.?What else was toe out? Hopefully he will agree to plead to the charges to save people having to give evidence.


    Onement made in the television debate made Hou Yi stop. "The only thing that might save him and the Lu Corporation will depend on how many of the alleged victims can bepensated for the acts against them, and the charges not pursued?"

 Chapter 507: Press Condemnation - Part 2

    <h4>507 Press Condemnation - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Hearing thatment, Anna turned to Hou Yi and asked "How likely is that?"


    "Sweetheart as you know, if you paypensation, your victims can agree to lesser charges being pursued or allints being withdrawn.?The issue will be how much money he has ess to and how many victims he can contact.?The main targets will be those victims with connections to Lu Corporation''s entertainment division.?Lu Corporation will want to prevent them being dragged in too much hence they will be willing to pay.?The other thing is I would suspect most of the victims are from poorer rural backgrounds and therefore the amount is much less than for city raised girls or those from better off backgrounds."


    "You know he will not be able to buy everyone off. Those who are with the joint venture are protected, and there is no way that he could buy us, or Alecia, off. And given that it seems that Lu Jinhu has sold him out as well, there will be some charges that he cannot escape. He will not be able to escape the charges where there is the footage of his activities, as they will not rely on the victims."


    "That is one thing about the criminal legal system here that is taking me time to get my head around. The Victims control the process. In Australia the authorities control the process once the victim makes their statement. But it seems to work. Matters get dealt with, those without the resources are not left behind, and unlike Australia matters do not seem to drag out," replied Anna.


    Hou Yi looked at his wife.?"Anna the system is designed to reach a justice solution that each party can live with and the government epts as being reasonable. It leaves it to the parties, but that ends up seeing two levels of justice, those with money canpensate for charges not proceeding and those without end up with punishment imposed by the state."


    "I just hope he does not do it to many."


    "Well ording to CEO Yang, when he called mete yesterday, due to our shareholding in Lu Corporation, it has acted to ensure that he has no ess to the corporate ounts.?They will withhold money he is owed for work and from distributions until the end of the court process to pay hiswyer and aid in paying victims if they need to be involved. They decided that they will make ex-gratia payments to victims of his actions that have at any time been employed by Lu Corporation."


    "Apparently, ording to CEO Yang, this is not about admitting that Lu Corporation was involved or is guilty but since he acted in such a manner while CEO of thepany. They will ask those that take the payments to agree not to pursue thepany unless there is clear evidence thepany other than Lu Jingho directly facilitated the actions against them. They seem very confident that it was only his involvement."


    "Yi, he would not have had the guts to do all of this without Lu Corporation behind him."


    "Anna, true, but the board suspect that he was illegally using resources or assigning them to privatepanies that were responsible for the activities.?They cannot prove it presently."


    "Now,e on, stop getting distracted. You need to eat your breakfast before the obstetrician arrives."


    Hou Yi, as he had finished his breakfast slipped into the bathroom, and quickly showered and changed for the day. He was d that he had gotten a hold of Assistant Wangst night and advised that he would not be in until at least 10:30am. Once the assessments were done, he could then work out what was going to happen for the day.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    When he came out, he looked at the time, and hurried Anna into the bathroom to allow her change before the obstetrician arrived.


    Right on 9am, Anna''s obstetrician walked in, and found Anna in Hou Yi''s arms on the couch. Seeing the nursing staff outside the room, he quickly shut the door leaving everyone else outside the room.


    Once he sat on a chair facing the couch, "Madam Hou, I have checked the observations and so far, everything looks good. You even look better than you did when you arrived yesterday. Plus, I have spoken to Dr Chen, after she spoke to you. From her perspective she indicated that you seemed much better than you were when she started to talk to you."


    "Given that the abuse that you suffered in your previous rtionship, and what came out yesterday with respect to Mr Lu, we know the reason for your copse, stress.?I view was that keeping you here will be counter-productive, and Dr Chen agreed with that. However, given you CEO Hou, seem to be her stability at this time Dr Chen has rmended for the next few days until she arrives back in country to do a full and proper assessment as to where you are at Madam Hou, that you need to be close to CEO Hou at all times, but not working."


    "If you can do that, I am happy for you, after another ultrasound, and series of blood tests for you to go, ande back for a review on Thursday, with Dr Chen and myself.?I will then give the OK for you to travel next week to Australia for your wedding."


    Anna looked at Hou Yi who whispered, "That is OK with me, no work, and you can rest in the suite attached to my office."


    Anna quickly confirmed her agreement, and before long a nurse was taking further blood, and the mobile ultrasound machine was brought in for the scan.


    Forty-five minutester Hou Yi and Anna left the hospital and headed for Hou Enterprises.

 Chapter 508: R U OK? - Part 1

    <h4>508 R U OK? - Part 1</h4>


    Thursday


    Anna was grateful that Hou Yi was leaving her to go to the appointment today with Phillipa, as over thest few days he had been smothering her with kindness. Being in the office and not able to work, had also been driving her insane.


    Anna knew that he was doing this to ensure that she and their baby remained safe. She rememberedst night not long after Phillipa had arrived she asked Hou Yi the question, who was more important, Anna or the babies. Hou YI''s response stunned Anna.


    "Anna you have to ask, while our children if we are lucky and they are born alive will be loved, you are the most important thing. I would choose you every time. We can have other children in the future, and if we are not lucky enough to be able to have a biological child ourselves in the future there are options, we can engage a surrogate, or adopt. But you know I love you, and without you live would be a poor imitation of what we can have together."


    Even now thinking about it, made her must pause and consider her future. There were all these possibilities for her, regardless of what happens. Yes, Yi''s fortune makes that easier to do, but given the culture focused on children from a rtionship being the absolute priority it totally shocked her. Maybe, regardless of what happens with the pregnancy, and in the future, they could consider adoption of a child or two.


    Anna, when she left the suite and started to head downstairs, was interrupted by Phillipaing down after her, calling up "Hold up Anna."


    Anna paused and the two of them walked down towards the small dining room, which Hou Yi was exiting. He paused and gave Anna a brief kiss before racing out the door to head into the office.


    As they sat down, staff quickly asked what they wanted, and drinks were brought in for them, and Phillipa turned and started to speak.


    "Why in the world did you not tell me you are pregnant? Damn it Anna, you have serious psychological issues, and you are adding this to the mix."


    "Phillipa, it was not nned, and we were simply lucky that I did not miscarry because of the assault and we would not known. Just because it is not nned does not mean that it is not something we want."?Anna carefully ced her hand on her stomach, as if she was shielding her baby.


    Anna''s action did not go unnoticed to Phillipa.?Damn it, Anna and Yi were totally ignorant about how much a pregnancy could impact on her at this time, and the risks post-delivery of serious mental health issues.?But that was something she could not drop on them at this time,


    "Anna, the two of you are so much trouble. Compared to where you were when I wasst here, there has been a dramatic shift, but as Sunday proved, you are still fragile. You are going to have to be careful as your pregnancy goes forward, regr appointments with your psychologist, and lots of support, other than Yi around you."


    "Well, I have you."


    "Actually possibly no. My maternal grandfather has only been given months to live, Cancer. My parents realise that this is likely thest trip that they can easily make back, and they will have to decide what they are going to do"


    "I suspect that my darling mother is going to pass on to me the management of the estate, and possibly will be talking to the government and the Queen about passing on the title to me. She never wanted it, and there is no way that I want dump all the responsibilities on my younger sisters. But that pressures me onto marrying myself."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    After a brief pause "Damn it, Anna, you are distracting me. I will be a video conference away, but you will need support. The real prospect is that you can suffer Post-Natal depression. Now,e on, let us eat up so we can get to this appointment."


    "And guess what, you areing shopping with me and I am going for a second tost fitting for my wedding dress."


    With that, breakfast was brought in and they two of them quickly finished it off before finishing getting ready before heading to the hospital for Anna''s review appointment.

 Chapter 509: R U OK? - Part 2

    <h4>509 R U OK? - Part 2</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    When they arrived at the hospital Anna and Phillipa were quickly shown into Anna''s obstetrician''s office, where Anna quickly felt ignored by the two professionals talking about her mental health and its impacts on her pregnancy.


    It was not until they were around ten minutes into their conversation that the realised Anna was not involved at all. Phillipa turned, and said "Anna, are you actually going to join us in this conversation?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "Phillipa the two of you seemed to be enjoying the conversation without my input, so why should I interrupt you?"


    "Damn it, Anna, this is serious. Do I need to call Yi?"


    One look at Phillipa made Anna realise she was deadly serious, and she knew Hou Yi would go into a highly protective mode, stopping her from doing anything. That would drive her crazy, as she knew she needed to keep busy.


    "Phillipa, please do not call Yi."


    "Well get involved in the conversation.


    With a pause to see that Anna was paying attention Phillipa continued "As I was saying, in some respects you are lucky because of your professional background.?Once you admitted what was happening you were able to process the situation quickly, reaching the point that women who have been victims of abuse like you years to reach. However, youck some of the resilience those women have as you have not had their struggles."


    "We saw the consequences Saturday when you had an emotional and physical crash.?Your pregnancy, despite what you and Yi might think, makes you more vulnerable than most. In a perfect would you and Yi would have waited a couple of years before you fell pregnant to give you some time to stabilise where you are. That, however, is not the situation that you are in"


    "Anna, talking and observing you reinforces to me your fragility. We cannot iste you from upsets, and setbacks.?That means we need the support systems in ce for you.?Those systems include dealing with your past and the current risks.?You and Yi are centre of that system, but you have to be aware that you are at more risk of developing mental health issues post childbirth."


    "Madam Hou, the psychologists and psychiatrists I have spoken to for advice had the same concerns and rmendations as Dr Chen."


    "Damn it, I need support, not being told the potential issues I could face. You are sucking all the pleasure out of being pregnant for me."


    "Madam Hou, we have to be careful.?We already knew that there was the potential that you could develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder given what happened here and in your past rtionship.?Then there was copse on Sunday from stress. The pregnancy was already high risk because of the assault on you, not we add another risk factor to it for you."


    "You know I want to leave here¡­"


    With that Phillipa pulled out her mobile and immediately dialled Hou Yi and ced it on speaker. As soon as Hou Yi answered, Anna heard "Pip, what can I do for you."


    "Yi, you know I hate that name, but your wife does not want to cooperate here¡­"


    "Anna!" came the sharp response over the phone. "Do I need toe over¡­"


    Anna realised that Hou YI was angry, and meekly responded "Yi, I promise I will. Stay at the office."


    Phillipa took the phone of speaker and had a brief discussion with Hou Y before ending the call, all the time Anna was shooting her daggers.


    As soon as the call was ended, Anna responded "That was mean, mydy. If that is what you do to your friends, what do you do the staff, an god forbid us when you inherit your grandfather''s title, you will be insufferable."


    "Anna, Anna, you know you will not win on this. Your husband, by best friend will not let you do anything that risks you. Now cooperate with us, or I will have him ban you from Hou Enterprises from now until at least twelve months after you give birth. And your inws will support me in doing that!"


    Anna knew that she would not win the discussion so decided to participate in the discussion to enable a n to be put into ce, but more importantly ensure that she would not spend the next twelve to eighteen months at home, going crazy because she was not busy.


    As they were leaving the hospital, heading to meet Du AnLing and Leng Xi for shopping, Phillip turned to Anna and said "I am sorry that I pushed Anna, but I am worried. Please take it is me being concerned. Please let me know if you are OK?"

 Chapter 510: Getting ready for our wedding - Part 1

    <h4>510 Getting ready for our wedding - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    Anna was woken up by Hou Yi, gently shaking her and saying "Anna, you need to wake up."


    All she could respond was "Yi, you meany. I was trying to get some additional sleep."


    "Sweetheart, we have a few things to do this morning before I head into the office and you head off to the universityw school."


    "I am going back to sleep."


    With that Hou Yi decided he had to be mean and he pulled back the covers, to Anna screaming "Hou Yi, I will get you." Picking up a pillow she threw it at Hou Yi, that started the two of themughing.


    Twenty-five minutester Anna as she entered the small dining room where Hou Yi was, his mobile rang.?Answering it Hou Yi immediately ced it on speaker saying, "Hello Rosemary."


    "Yi, I do not want to talk to you ¡­"


    "Rosemary, shut it. I am here."


    "Hi Anna.?I just wanted to touch base given that your wedding ceremony is next Saturday."


    "So ¡­"


    "I have been working with Yi''s assistant to finalise the wedding. We have book out whatever hotel rooms that we can for your guests and those who have bodyguards to have rooms.?The reception venue is sorted.?The photographer wants me to ask whether you want to head somewhere on the Great Ocean Road for some wedding photos??Additionally, some of the family have asked can we have a television at the reception venue for them to watch the football on?"


    "Rosemary, pre-wedding photos only on the Ocean Road, weather permitting as had been arranged.?We will stay in Warrnambool for the wedding photos.?As to the other, I can guess who is behind the request, and unless it is done, they will kill me.?Organise it and if there are issues please let Assistant Wang know and he will provide whatever money for it."


    "Finally, I am being pressured to organise a hens party. The problem ¡­"


    "Rosemary, just organise something simple, a dinner out or see it the High Tea ce in Port Fairy would open specially for us and sent the bills to Assistant Wang for payment."


    Hou Yi added "Rosemary, you know I told you to arrange what is necessary and have the bills sent to Assistant Wang to be paid."


    "Yi, this does not both you. James is arranging your so-called bachelor party, I just want Anna to have a say in what we are doing."


    Anna realised that things were getting ready to spiral out of control. "Rosemary, you know that I trust you to finalise the arrangements that were previously agreed. Look, we have a lot on our te, and you know the issue that I have ¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "Pregnant so no alcohol."


    "True. And let me be realistic I do not what to try to arrange things from here."


    "OK. When do you n to arrive?"


    Hou Yi spoke "We are leaving Tuesday afternoon, and medically we have been told that we have to break the flights every four hours, so we will arrive in Melbourne Thursday morning and will drive down to Warrnambool. The guests from here know that there is amodation booked for them in Warrnambool, but that it will not be the top level that they are used to. You have all their details?"


    "Yes. ording to Assistant Wang they have cars booked in Melbourne, and is they are staying outside Thursday until Monday, they will need to pick up additional car costs.?For thoseing in on private jets arrangements are made for when they are going through immigration.?There are two guests who have private nes small enough that could fly into Warrnambool and they will clear immigration in Darwin while cars will at the airport for them."


    "Thanks Rosemary. We have to get going as today is busy for us, but we will talk over the weekend" said Anna.


    "And let us know if you have problems." added Hou Yi.


    "Not a problem. See you when you get here."


    With that Hou Yi ended the call, and turned to Anna "Sweetheart, what do we have here to do?"


    "I have my final fitting today at the tailors for my address, and we have to pick up everything. Then I need to get bridesmaid gifts from Fengs for everyone, and then the usual bits and pieces. You need to organise gifts for the groomsmen, and other than that, everything else is organised in Australia."


    "While I need to be in the office today, how about we head to Fengs straight away and organise those gifts, and then to M Mall where we can pick up anything else before I head to the office and you head to the University?"


    "Sounds like a n."

 Chapter 511: Getting ready for our wedding - Part 2

    <h4>511 Getting ready for our wedding - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued...


    Once the staff at Fengs started to show Anna options for jewellery for everyone she realised that she was getting overwhelmed with the choices.?Earrings, nes, bracelets all just seemed to blend into each other, both in terms of their style and in terms of what was in them.?Hou Yi simply sat beside Anna, watching her look at the options for the gifts for the women.


    It took Assistant Manager Wong twenty minutes to have the courage to interrupt Anna, who he could see was more and more confused, but watched by an indulgent Hou YI, who had arranged with a watch for the male adult members of the wedding party.?He had, as he knew the boys were cricket mad arranged for a corporate box for them for a game over the summer at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.


    "Madam Hou, I remember the pendant that CEO Hou selected for you when you came in and purchased your wedding bands. We have several ordinary diamond pendants, smaller of course, but otherwise identical. How about that for all the females?"


    Anna looked at Hou Yi who while nodding said "Anna that seems a good idea. Simple, and for your family not too much in their face. And they are set in ¡­?"


    "CEO Hou, we have them set in both tinum and gold, and all we need to do is ce them on chains.?As I understand that Madam Hou is looking for them as gifts for your wedding party, how about those for the adults are set in tinum and for the girls in gold?"


    Hou Yi nodded and said, "If that is what my wife wants, it sounds appropriate."


    Anna, nodded before saying "Yi, given Georgina has agreed to be our housekeeper on the farm, and you know how much I hate her ex and his new wife, could we buy a small wee gift for Georgina and Alice, particrly as she has offered to keep my mother under control during the wedding."


    "Whatever you want to buy is fine by me. That reminds me, the guards keeping an eye on your family and the property have indicated that Georgina''s ex and his second wife are causing difficulties.?They?suspect that they will cause a scene next weekend, and have not only alerted the police given what happened in Honk Kong but arranged for additional security for the ceremony and generally around us."


    Anna leaned over and gave Hou Yi a brief kiss.?She knew it had taken a lot for Georgina not only to apologise for her previous behaviour but to go against Sally and her ex given the constant threats to seek custody of Alice.


    "At least Georgina has learnt her lesson and wanted to apologise for her behaviour. I can forgive her because ording to James what she told me in Hong Kong is true. She had been trying to contact me through her sister Fiona who is studying with James. Sally however was always the worst influence on behaviour around her. Her parents owned a sessful small business and though that made her superior to everyone. I just hope she does not try and ruin the day."


    "Anna, I will not let that happen.?This is our wedding ceremony and I will do everything to ensure that it is perfect for you."


    Soon afterwards Anna finished selecting the items that they needed, and it was arranged for everything to be delivered to their apartment.?Quietly Hou Yi made sure that Assistant Manager Wong added the special piece he had ordered for Anna to be sent with the other items.?He knew that she hated shy jewellery, but he hoped this would not happen with this piece, it had been designed to fit Anna''s simple tastes.


    ***Author Note (and does not add to stones) I have to apologise for the short chapter, but I had to find a convenient ce to break this part of the story into chapters.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.

 Chapter 512: Getting Ready for our Wedding - Part 3

    <h4>512 Getting Ready for our Wedding - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    When they arrived at M Mall, much to the bodyguards shock they entered through the normal rather than the VIP entrance.?Quietly the bodyguards between them talked about how much the influence of Anna since she married Hou Yi had changed the family towards being as normal as possible rather that isting themselves, but how much that created challenges for them in protecting each member of the family.


    Anna and Hou Yi walked determinately towards the tailor''s store, drawing attention from the few early morning shoppers in the Mall.?Despite the stares, no one seemed to work out that it was the CEO of Hou Enterprises and his wife, walking through the mall like a normal couple, despite being surrounded by bodyguards.


    On arriving at the Tailors, Anna was hurried into a change room, and helped into her dress for any final adjustments.?As Anna expected, despite her changing body from her pregnancy, the dress was perfect, along with the underwear they arranged and the shoes.


    As Anna was being helped out of the dress, she was advised that there would be additional underwear options, includingpression underwear, suitable for pregnant women like her to use with the dress.?Anna could not believe how thoughtful the tailors were trying to cover every eventuality.?How lucky was she to find this shop??Sometimes fate just happened, like the day that she crashed into Hou Yi.


    When they brought out a couple of other dresses for Anna to try on, she looked at them, and was advised that Hou Yi had made the arrangements so that she did not feel that she had to remain in her heavy wedding dress all day.


    After changing, Anna headed out, and Hou YI had pulled out his credit card and finished paying for items. Anna looked at him and said, "Something is going on."


    "Nothing sweetheart," responded Hou Yi guiltily.?Anna knew he was hiding something but had no idea what.?She had to figure it out before it drove her crazy.


    "Yi you known the doctors have told you not to stress me out and keeping secrets will do that."


    "Anna, I am allowed one or two little secrets, but I can promise that you will enjoy this when it is revealed.?Now stop trying to distract me, I need to finish paying for everything."


    Hou Yi gave her a brief kiss, and then continued "If I have not already told you, you found a perfect store here.?Ever since I have started wearing the suits from here, the questions I have had as to where I have purchased them from.?I am so reluctant to tell anyone as it means giving up the secret that is this store."


    Once Hou Yi finished the transaction, they exited the tailors store, when Hou Yi started to take Anna into a few different stores to finalise purchases arranged by Assistant Wang.?On exiting one store they were interrupted by his mobile ringing.


    After finishing the call with Assistant Wang, Hou Yi realised that he needed to hurry back to the office.?Not wanting to force Anna toe back with him, he leant over and gave Anna a kiss saying, "Come to the office when you are finished."


    Anna looked at her watch and realised that it was almost time for her to head to the University to give her guest lecture.?She said "Yi, I actually need to head to the university, as I have that guest lecture to give."


    Hou Yi, looked at Anna and realised she was nervous.?Taking her hand in his, he gave it a squeeze, before saying "Anna, you know you can do this.?You know what you are going to say, you are prepared, and more importantly the university would not have asked you toe and speak if they did not believe that you could do it."


    Seeing Anna was still doubting herself.?"Anna, the university are selective in who they ask as guest lecturers.?Despite having taken Hou Enterprises further, I have not been asked toe in and speak to business students.?I should be annoyed that they ask Yao Tan toe in once a year to speak, but then I remember why they get him in.?They have a program to support students who have children, so hees in and talks to them about creating the bnce and achieving their education goals."


    Giving Anna another a brief kiss, he said "Now go my love.?You will seed.?But hurry back, you know I will miss you until I see you."


    Seeing the smile which reflected Hou Yi''s confidence in Anna''s ability to seed, she knew that she would be able to do this, without a problem.?She gave Hou Yi a quick hug and whispered, "You do not know how much I needed to know that you believe in me."


    "I always will my love, now go."


    With that the two of them headed out.?Hou Yi made sure that Anna was safe in the car and on her way to the university, before turning to the bodyguards, and saying "Let me head back in for this meeting with the mall management, but arrange for a car to be avable at the end of it."

 Chapter 513: Guest Lecturer - Part 1

    <h4>513 Guest Lecturer - Part 1</h4>


    Friday, continued


    Thirty-five minutes after leaving M Mall, the Anna arrived at the University Gates where she was not only met by Jodie but by some university officials and was quickly escorted to the Law school and into a lecture theatre.


    As Jodie was helping her get set up, she turned and said "Boss, this reminds me of the drafting sses you would give at ANX, and some of them there have still not learnt how to draft."


    Laughing Anna responded "Jodie ¡­"


    "Well boss that is part of what you and the big boss are paying me for, keeping you totally grounded.?And you know it is true, there are somewyers at ANX that still have not learnt to draft well and you must fix it.?I am better than a few of them."


    Laughing Anna said "Jodie, calm down."


    "That is the boss I know, light-hearted and ready for fun."


    A few minutester, they finally finished setting up with the help of university staff.?While sitting waiting for the student to arrive, Anna turned to Jodie, "In all seriousness Jodie, how are you enjoying being here?"


    "Boss, we were both worried about making the move, however we are both enjoying ourselves, and the money cannot be passed up.?Mercenary, I know, but it must be said.?It has been sink or swim with respect to learning thenguage and with the sses and help at work, I am learning more and more, but my smart husband given his previousnguage skills has adapted more quickly."


    "Plus, the workload is a real bonus.?There is a level of work with ANX, which I can do in my sleep, and then the work from your charitable initiative and that Madam Yao gives me is not too heavy.?The only thing that I must asionally is fight with senior supervisors attempting to dump work on me.?Theye and state that I am a secretary within the department and therefore they can dictate what I have to do."


    "When that happens, boss and neither you or Madam Yao are avable is simply call Assistant Wang. He puts a quick stop to it all or puts them onto the big boss who sets them straight.??John has already moved his way up to a shift supervisor.?Thepany he is working for recognises his skills.?More importantly, through insisting on implementing of certain work practices not only has he helped them see an improvement in productivity and safety on the worksites he has helped them reduce costs."


    "Now Boss, something is going on, and I want the truth."


    "All will be revealed in the next couple of weeks. Now you are ready toe back on Tuesday for the wedding ceremony?"


    "John is going to miss me but there is no way I could miss this. Now, stop distracting me boss, are you ready for this?"


    "As best I can be."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    Within the next few minutes students started to drift into the lecture room, before the staff member introduced Anna.


    "At the outset, I have to thank the University for inviting me toe an give this lecture. I remember my university days, and rather than having you take notes, and hear but not understand what I am going to talk about, I will have for uploading into your system detailed notes and assisting documents for you. Additionally, with me today is my assistant Jodie. Her email address is in the materials and if you have questions, she will be your initial contact point. She was my assistant in Australia for three years and has relocated here to continue to work as my assistant."


    "In talking to your teachers, part of this course is about gaining an understanding of different legal systems in different countries. Let me tell you from experience that it can be a shock in trying to understand it. You learn the system in the country where you study and be so use to it, when confronted with a different system, it throws you.?All you want to do is be critical of the system as it is not what you are used to and operate in."


    "Legal systems have their differences, but at their core, there are two main distinct traditions which be influenced by country factors. One is that based on a situation where the judge is heavily involved in trying to get to the truth of a matter, and the other where the judge is very much a bystander listening to the information provided bywyers involved in the case before deciding what is the truth."

 Chapter 514: Guest Lecturer - Part 2

    <h4>514 Guest Lecturer - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continuedFind authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    "In Australia we call the former the continental or European system, and thetter is the system we use called themonw, where what has happened in the same circumstances in the past dictates what happens in your case, it is called precedent. But there is more and more a blending of these styles in various jurisdictions."


    "From my own experience my first exposure to the criminalw system here made me realise how foreign it seemed. In Australia the investigating authorities bring charges the government prosecutes them presenting the case for why a person should be found guilty to the standard of proof called beyond reasonable doubt. However, as many of you know I was involved in an incident where I was the victim of a crime, and due to my husband''s family wealth, we were those who prosecuted the charges."


    "In Australia a portion of all the legal work I do is being a defencewyer.?My job is not to prove that my client is innocent but demonstrate that the prosecution cannot prove their case to the relevant standard. That can be difficult at times, either because I do not believe my client or they have done something that impacts what I can to within the court system, given the obligations I have to it."


    "Your university approached me to give a talk to you due to an exnation I gave to the press about supressing information in a court case.?In Australia this is called a suppression order and can be used in various circumstances." Jodie, with Anna''s signal started to pass out handouts to everyone present.


    "I have handed out some scenarios that we will use to help you discuss this idea, considering different legal systems perspectives on the topic.?I have more detailed notes that will be uploaded into your systems for you.?Now please read the first scenario and think about this question, which we will discuss.?Should the information be in the news, when you are going to ask twelve members of the pubic to answer the question whether the personmitted the crime or not."


    After a few minutes had passed, Anna spoke "Ideas anyone?"


    There was one intrepid person who put their hand up "Madam Hou, why would it make a difference? The person has been charged with the crimes, and therefore it should not matter. People can be told to ignore it."


    "Does anyone else have an opinion?"


    There was dead silence in the room. "While a good idea, let me ask you this question, if you were told that X had been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 10 year old child in 2000, and you were being asked to make a decision whether or not X had sexually assaulted a 7 year old in 1979 could you ignore knowing the 2000 conviction in deciding on the 1979 matter?"


    "In systems like Australia, where there is the dependence on a jury the system presumes that in knowing the 2000 conviction will lean you towards convicting in the 1979 matter. The system would information about the 2000 conviction to be hidden until the 1979 matter is dealt with. It helps preserve what is called the presumption of innocence."


    "A good example, and you will be able to find a lot about this on the inte is searching for Cardinal George Pell, and his convictions for historical sexual offences against children.?In Australia, technically information about the first trial was supressed while the second case was before the courts not to influence the potential jury that would hear the second case, despite a search on the inte being able to show the conviction.?The court took the view knowing about the second case would influence the jury like the example."


    "Now, taking that on board look at the second scenario and consider the same situation, but this time it looks at a victim ¡­"


    For the next hour and a half, Anna took the ss through some examples, while exining different aspects about the Australian legal system to the ss. Jodie asionally interrupted to add pieces of relevant information that she had.


    At the end, one ss member stood up, and thanked Anna and Jodie foring.


    After the students left the lecture theatre, Anna turned to Jodie and said "That actually was fun.?I was so nervous beforeing..."


    "Well boss we had discussed this, you did not need to be nervous as you know your stuff.?Nowe on, the big boss told me I need to get you back to the office when you finished so we need to get going."


    Anna nodded and the two of them headed out to the car waiting for Anna before heading back to Hou Enterprises.

 Chapter 515: Total Mayhem - Part 1

    <h4>515 Total Mayhem - Part 1</h4>


    Tuesday


    While Anna and Hou Yi were having breakfast before finalising things they needed to before their trip to Australia, their pleasant morning was interrupted by the ringing of Hou YI''s mobile. As he picked it up, he noticed the call was form Assistant Wang. Thest thing he needed today was a crisis as he already had a heavy workload before their departure to Australia.


    Sharply he answered "Yes."


    Having realised how had his boss had been working to have these few days to travel to Australia, Assistant Wang felt guilty for disturbing him.?"Apologise sir but the police called here as some of the new charged beingid against Lu Jingho involve crimes against Hou Enterprises as the victim."


    That made Hou Yi pause and said, "Hang on." With that he ced the mobile on speaker and sat it on the table. "My wife is with me, so I have ced you speaker. What is the news?"


    "Sir, the advice from the police is in addition to the charges you already knew about there have been added four charges rting to attempted ckmail of Hou Enterprises.?Additionally, the number of s*xual assault and rape of a minor charges now adds up to over three hundred, and there are around two hundred and fifty charges of forced s*xual servitude, and some three hundred corporate charges.?More charges are still anticipated."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please clickfor visiting.


    Hou Yi was simply stunned listening to what was being advised. While he had some suspicion that he would likely face a couple of hundred charges, this was getting into the thousands. No way that he would be able topensate the victims with respect to all those charges.


    Thewyer in Anna, however immediately reacted "What else did they say?"


    "Madam Hou, the information we have is limited, but Mr Nang has called asking to speak to you and CEO Hou. I suggested given you departure today, that it would be best to talk to you. I have been able to reach your brother in Australia, and he and Miss Alecia are awaiting your call. Mr Nang should be at your apartment in the next fifteen or so minutes."


    There was a pause "CEO Hou I need to remind you, there is the teleconference with the European and American branches schedule in an hour. While ¡­"


    "I know they were being argumentative about the scheduling of the meeting, they all agreed to be in at the odd hours considering that I am leaving for. Fine, I will be five minutes and heading into the office."


    Hou Yi ended the call, and Anna turned and looked at him as he said "Damn executives. They act as if they are doing a favour to me, instead of conferencing with the CEO. Yes, I trust them to run what they are appointed to run, but in the end I am the one responsible ¡­"


    "Yi calm down." Anna leant over and gave him a brief kiss "Tell them if they want to be too problematic, that I will kill them, even threaten them with your pregnant wife, if needed."


    Hou YI, looked at Anna''s face and realised that she was trying to get him to lighten up, but at the same time he wondered. "Are you serious?"


    "Yi, use it. I am betting most of the male executives have wives who were pregnant at some stage and the women possibly may have been pregnant, so threatening them with your angry pregnant wife, if they pull games today¡­"


    Hou Yi thenughed, realising that Anna was giving him the total mess them up move today, and permission to start broadcasting her pregnancy, even though she was 12 weeks. He paused and then asked, "And you are happy for them to know before your parents?"


    "Yi, my mother will not care, and Dad will be OK about not knowing until I see him face to face. Now go, because I do not want to dy anything."


    "Anna, depending on what you find out from Alister Nang, if you need another director from Hou Enterprises, Dad will be free and can help, or even Tan if he has to be there for Alecia, can sign on behalf of Hou Enterprises. Just let me know if you need me."


    "I will. Everything is otherwise in hand for the departure tonight."


    Hou Yi observed that Anna, despite her pleasant tone was masking her impatience. She could not wait for this formal wedding ceremony in Australia.

 Chapter 516: Total Mayhem - Part 2

    <h4>516 Total Mayhem - Part 2</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    As Hou Yi stood up he lent over and gave Anna a brief kiss, before walking out the door. As he reached the elevator a request came through from security about allowing Alister Nang up, which was promptly approved.


    Hou Yi waited until he arrived, and briefly spoke to Alister. The information immediately made him worry about a local stock market crash due to Lu Corporation''s listing particrly as they had re-sold some shares back into the market, when the information became public.


    As soon as Hou Yi entered the elevator he stated calling senior executives at thepany to immediately act to protect Hou Enterprises position, without saying too much. Damn, this was thest thing he needed today but dealing criminals for the authorities cannot wait. At least he had thefort in knowing that he helped y a part in Lu Jingho''s downfall, he just did not expect it to be as spectacr as it has be, let alone the impact on Lu Corporation that it would have.


    Back in the apartment, Alister Nang was shown into the dining room where Anna was finishing off her breakfast.?"Madam Hou, I have already spoken to CEO Yao this morning. He suggested that your and CEO''s interests in the criminal matters align with his and his daughter''s if it was OK, he asked if I could represent them and XF International for the purposes of the proceedings?"


    "Alister rather than talking here, let us head into the lounge room. Let me know your opinion on doing that. Is there anything that ethically would indicate that you should not?"


    "Madam Hou, in most cases ethically we would have to limit the number of parties we represent in proceedings such as this, but with the number of victims including those whose cases the police have not finished investigations toy charges, that would not be possible.?Variouswyers in my firm have been requested to represent some seventy victims. Three other firms have been asked to represent another over one hundred and fifty victims between them. Other smaller firms will pick up the bnce of the victims. Assuming the court approves of it I have no concerns."


    "That if fine with me. Now what is going on?"


    "Mr Lu Jingho was arrested about 8 pmst night, as there was indications, he was considering leaving the country. He is iming it was for business but given the number of charges no one believes that. The real issue is going to be how the court opts to proceed?"


    "Splitting matters out rather than one big trial or negotiated oue?"


    "Yeah. I suspect they will try to separate those matters involving you, CEO Hou, Hou Enterprises, CEO Yao, Alecia Yao and XF International from the others. Unlike many of the other victims, there is no way that you will negotiate to resolve the matters by the payment ofpensation."


    "The second group I suspect that will be separated out will be the victims that are now employed by XF International, Hou Enterprises, your joint venture or the other entertainmentpanies. They have little to fear and have the support of their employers in having him dealt with. That most likely will amount to, I suspect, forty or fifty victims, maybe a few more. They will be split into groups."


    "The bnce, Madam Hou, are the victims are still technically Lu Corporation employees despite the convoluted employment arrangements and the so-called debts that saw the victims working there to meet. My current suspicion is that those will be thest ones, along with where Lu Corporation is the victim, to be batched up to be dealt with. Those are the ones where he has the best opportunity to buy his way out of the charges."


    After a pause, Alister asked "CEO Yao indicated that you would be able to help me talk to his daughter."


    Anna grabbed he mobile and started to dial James'' mobile. Within three rings, James answered with a sugary voice "Yes darling sister ¡­"


    "James stow it, I know you have talked to Tan and with the weekend I do not have the time to put up with your crap, let alone me being a hormonal pregnant woman."


    Alister Nang, hearing the words ''pregnant woman'' looked at Anna shocked, that might change everything with how things proceed in court.


    "Do not throw that at me Anna, you are testy at the best of times, and ¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "You really do not want to deal with me."


    "You are tempting me, but I am going to be nice to a ¡­"


    "Pregnant woman. Let me get serious James, is Alecia there?"


    "Hang on, I will put the phone on speaker phone."

 Chapter 517: Total Mayhem - Part 3

    <h4>517 Total Mayhem - Part 3</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    After a few seconds silence from James speaking, Anna heard Alecia on the other end say "Hello Anna."


    "Alecia, I am here with Alister Nang, awyer here. I do not know how much your father has told you about what has been happening here ¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "He said that you would tell me."


    "Fine but are you OK with me killing for Dad after Saturday, he is pushing this off onto me ¡­"


    "Well as it is legal, I suspect he does not want Amanda to have to deal with it so is leaving it to you, my sister-inw."


    "Alecia between you and my brother we are getting distracted. OK, just to recap so you can make some decisions the police have finally determined who was responsible for the attack on you, and it is not as you recalled from the voices you heard. Your recollections of the balcony outside the room and talking to Lu Jinhu and his manoeuvring you into a dark area, was correct, but from there it was his father and his friend that was responsible for the attack. He threatened Lu Jinhu and people connected to him, both to have him iste you and to video tape the attack. Apparently, he intended to use the recordings to ckmail your dad and ¡­"


    "Uncle Yi. By why it has not happened?"


    "For some reason, Lu Jinhu had an attack of conscious and refused to hand the recordings over. Now, this part is a guess on my part, but it makes some sense, in that Lu Jinhu got sick of his father and opted to cooperate with the police handing over the footage and cutting a deal.: Anna observed Alister Nang nodding his head.


    "Miss Yao ¡­"


    "Mr Nang, it is Alecia or Mrs Jones, I married a number of weeks Anna''s younger brother."


    Alister Nang, had another stunned look on his face, that was something no one felt he needed to know. After a deep breath. "Mrs Jones, so I can represent you, if you are your husband are OK with that, I need to have a general idea what you want to see as an oue¡­"


    "Jail for years," immediately came an angry response from James. "He had no right to do that ¡­."


    "James, shut it," came the angry retort from Alecia. "Mr Nang, my husband is right, jail for as much time as possible but he needs to be kept away from my husband and I, and any future children we might have, preferably for life. I know what it has taken for me to admit what has happened, and I suspect that I am not his only victim ¡­" With that Alecia burst out in tears on the other end of the phone.


    Anna knowing how much admitting what had happened to her had taken from Alecia in the past, thest thing she needed was to deal with this on the phone. "James, I think we have got the idea of what needs to happen, but we can talk when Yi and I get to Australia on Thursday."


    With a short sharp "See You" the call was terminated.


    Alister Nang, turned to Anna "Madam Hou there were two things you did not let me know."


    "What is that Mr Nang?"


    "Are you pregnant? And when did your brother meet Miss Yao let alone marry her?"


    "I am about three months pregnant and we are going to tell everyone this weekend, so keep that as secret as you can. As to my brother and Alecia marrying, that happened the day before her 17th birthday.?Yao Tan will not admit it, but his daughter forced his hand, as soon as she had made up her mind. While we all tried to talk James out of it, Alecia was more determined, and everyone decided not to fight the inevitable."


    Alister Nang looked at his watch and noticed that it wasing up to 9am. "Madam Hou, we need to get to the courthouse. CEO Yao will reluctantly meet us there."


    Anna stood up, and quickly went and collected her handbag, before meeting Alister Nang in the foyer, to head to the courthouse. On reaching the ground level, security guards were waiting with a car for Anna, and a convoy headed to the courthouse, with the trip taking forty minutes.


    As the car pulled up, Anna could see that there was total madness outside the courthouse. Reporters were everywhere, and seeing two cars pull up, started to move towards them. Quickly the bodyguards surrounded the car with one helping Anna out before forming a protective ring around her and escorting her inside the courthouse.

 Chapter 518: Total Mayhem - Part 4

    <h4>518 Total Mayhem - Part 4</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Despite being able to hear voices Anna was not able to pick up any distinct words from the journalists.?The press crush was such, that despite the presence of her bodyguards, it took Anna and Alister Nang over five minutes to move the short distance from the car to the courthouse doors.?When they were finally able to get inside, Yao Tan and Amanda were waiting from them.


    While they were moving to locate a private room, Alister Nang was approached by someone who said "Mr Nang, I am from the National Prosecutors Office, a word in private please."


    Alister moved away, and Anna looked at Amanda and Yao Tan, before saying "I did not think it would go down as quick as it has."


    Amanda responded "A couple of my ssmates form University are employed by the National Prosecutors Office. They wanted to get this case into the courts as quickly as possible.?They want to use the initial charges to try and have other victimse forward and makeints.?From what they told me, and they made it clear that they were not involved in the case, is that the matters ultimately will be broken up into batches to be dealt with.?However, they also suspect that he will use him financial resources to paypensation to victims and their families to have as many charges as possible dropped."


    "Disappointing but is it the reality of the system, here, like it or loath it," responded Anna.


    "Do not worry, from what I hear they intend that he will do significant time in jail."


    Yao Tan spoke "Did you speak to Alecia?"


    "Tan, some father you are, you leave it to me, a sister-inw to tell your daughter the highlights of what actually happened to her and why was about to happen."


    "Anna, thest thing I wanted to do was to tell your brother and given your wedding ceremony in Australia on the weekend thest thing he would do is get too annoyed with you."


    "Just be d that I am in a happy mood about that, otherwise I would be a crazy pregnantdy." Anna thenughed in a way that scared Yao Tan a little, but before he could retort, Alister Nang came back to them.


    He spent five minutes exining what the intention was for the day in court, and the fact that the proceedings were going to be broadcast to the outside, given the interest that was already generated in the matter.


    The four of them carefully made their way to the courtroom and while Alister made his way to the front of the court room, Anna Amanda and Yao Tan all found a ce to sit waiting for the proceedings to start.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Anna simply sat there quietly listening to procedures for the starting of the hearing. Unlike thest time she was in a court room in this building, the atmosphere was quite different. The court was full ofwyers representing different people, with the National Prosecutors Office controlling what was happening.


    As Lu Jingho was led into the court room, the look of venom he sent to Anna made her realise that despite everything Lu Jinhu had done to her, his father was more dangerous.?He was pathological in his hatred for her.


    Listening to what was happening, it was as Amanda and Alister Nang had said, given the number of charges the court was splitting them into batches, starting with the charges involving Anna, Hou Yi, Hou Enterprises, XF International and Alecia. So far at least everything was going as predicted.


    But before the matter could go further, Lu Jinhgo and hiswyers sprung a surprise, requesting that he be released from prison, arguing that the sheer number of different charges, and the extent of discussions that he needed to have with hiswyers should allow him to be released, and that the initial batch of charges should be back to the court within the week, with all alleged victims present.


    That sent Anna fuming. He was now messing with the wrong person. He had already reeked havoc in her life, now he wanted to pull this stunt. Ruining her wedding ceremony in Australia, forcing Alecia back here without warning, and putting so much stress on her that it impacted her pregnancy.


    Alister Nang, turned around and even he had a shocked look on his face. That was something no one predicted would happen. He quickly turned back around and drew the attention of the member of the National Prosecutors Office, indicating that he needed to talk to him. After getting permission to talk specifically to Alister, Anna, Amanda and Yao Tan, they all left the court room.

 Chapter 519: Total Mayhem - Part 5

    <h4>519 Total Mayhem - Part 5</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Once they had left the courtroom and where shown into a private room for their discussions, Anna turned around and looked at everyone in the room until the door had been shut.


    As soon as the door was shut, Anna spat out "How dare he do this. What gives him ¡­"


    Amanda, put her hand on Anna''s arm to calm her down. Hou Yi, when he rang them this morning pleaded with them to keep her as calm as possible. He had exined to them the worry about Anna getting too stressed out given her copse the previous weekend and its risk to her pregnancy.?As Hou Yi had told them the risk was that too much stress could result in a miscarriage, and that Anna would not cope with that.


    Anna turned at Amanda''s hand on her arm and looked at her friend, who quietly said "Anna calm down, thest thing you need is ¡­"


    Still wound up, Anna spat back "Do not tell me to calm down ¡­"


    Amanda realizing that not only was her friend hormonal due to her pregnancy she was having a bridezi moment due to the potential this would ruin her wedding.?Amanda understood the feeling, given that she had lost count of the simr moments she had because of her and Tan''s parents in nning their wedding. Yao Tan, however sensed that she was bing worried and moved behind her taking Amanda gently into his arms.


    "Anna, take a couple of deep breaths and let us see what can be done," Yao Tan said quietly but firmly.


    That, sunk into Anna, and following Yao Tan''s suggestion she took a few deep breaths, which calmed her down somewhat. She turned to the national prosecutor''s representative before stating "He had to be crazy. My husband and I are scheduled to leave tonight to head to Australia, where before my family and friends we are having a religious ceremony to bless our marriage on Saturday. That b*stard wants to do this.?No Way.?Plus, I suspect he will be contesting the charges all the way along."


    Amanda could see Anna was getting would up again, so decided to take a more direct approach "Sir if he is going to contest the charges, why drag it into court so quickly. That is obviously a tactic to mess with his victims more. This wedding has been nned ever since CEO and Madam Hou got married, and at thest minute he wants to pull this stunt."


    "Additionally, my stepdaughter, one of his victims is studying in Australia presently and forcing her back will interrupt her education. She is due backte November early December, and to be realistic waiting until them, in all the circumstances should not matter."


    "Madam Yao, we will be in the court''s hands as to avable dates. Mr Nang can put forward the point, and we will support it.?I suspect he wants to use this to force his victims into a privatepensation settlement to prevent matters going before the court."


    Amanda and Anna turned to Alister Nang "All we can do is ask. At the moment for matters where the defendant is intending to contest charges there can be about a three- or four-month dy for a hearing. Mr Lu''swyers are not stupid. What they want to do is force an agreement to one or two charges to proceed in rtion to the first matters without jail time"


    "They know we will not be agreeing to that. It is all about messing with your mind and pushing out the other matters for as long as possible for him to arrange as many payoff''s as possible.?The real issue is him being released until the next court date. Hiswyers, if I can read the mood of the court, will seed in having him released¡­"


    Anna now highly angry about the situation "No damn way should he be allowed out."


    "Madam Hou," responded thewyer from the national prosecutor''s office. "You need to be realistic.?The sheer volume of charges he is currently facing and the real potential for hundreds of more charges toe, the court is going to be sympathetic to the view that he will need to be free to appropriately consult with hiswyers, simply to ensure that the court process can go as smoothly as possible."


    Yao Tan, decided he needed to say something "Look gentleman, we have to be in the hands of the court, but the most important thing, will be the protection of Anna, CEO Hou, my daughter and my wife and I. We are the people he cannot easily manipte or payoff, and therefore we will be the people he will likely target."


    Anna was ready to yell, but her mobile started to vibrate in her pocket, so she pulled it out. It was Hou Yi. When she answered it, Hou Yi said "Sweetheart, I get the impression that you are not going to cooperate Calm ¡­"


    "What!"


    "Anna, Yao Tan dialled me, and I have been listening." With that Anna shot a look at Yao Tan who realized that he was in trouble for having dialled Hou Yi so he could listen. "You are not thinking rationally presently, and Amanda is right you are going Bridezi. I was expecting it¡­"


    "You are ¡­"


    "Dead, but you love me so you will not hurt me. Now I am going to talk to Alister Nang, and for one asion I will insist that what I tell him is what we will go with. Just remember we have something more important that thising up on the weekend."


    "Fine, Yi" came Anna''s pouting response "But just remember I am ¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "So, in love with me. I love you sweetheart. Now pass me over to Alister Nang please."


    Anna handed her phone over to Alister Nang.

 Chapter 520: Total Mayhem - Part 6

    <h4>520 Total Mayhem - Part 6</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    After speaking to Hou Yi minutes, Alister Nang hung up and handed Anna back her phone.


    "Madam Hou, CEO Hou has a good suggestion.?We need to test what he will do with respect to the charges and then obtain orders of protection along with a court date.?Hopefully you will agree to that CEO and Madam Yao.?As CEO Hou said challenging Lu Jingho too much at the present will simply intensify his need to strike out against you, and that has to be avoided in all the circumstances."


    Anna observed Amanda and Yao Tan nodding.?She knew deep down that this was the right way to proceed but the?stress of the situation was starting to get to her, and she was ready to start to burst into tears. Amanda immediately moved over and gave her friend a hug. That was enough for Anna to start crying.


    Motioning for everyone else to leave the room Amanda simply let Anna cry in her arms quietly indicating when Anna was ready, they would return to court and follow Hou Yi''s suggestion.?Hugging Anna, Amanda kept telling her that everything would be alright.?After about five minutes Anna finally stopped crying and Amanda quietly said, "Are you alright Anna?"


    "Amanda, why does that idiot have the right to try and ruin things for me. I thought he had done it previously, but this is even worse ¡­"


    "Anna, do not worry about it. We all know that he is scum, and he will get what he deserves.?We simply must wait for the court process to work its way through.?We both know we cannot control it, so do not stress yourself out over things something we cannot change.?Focus on what ising up for you and the boss man, your wedding and more importantly in about six months the birth of you baby."


    Pausing to see the response on Anna''s face Amanda decided she needed to make Annaugh.?"And if that does not work Anna, picture him naked in s*it with everyoneughing at him."


    That drew a weakugh from Anna, who has a slight smile on her face.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Observing that, Amanda continued, "Now we are not going to let the idiot control things.?Let us go and show him you are stronger than him."?With Anna nodding, Amanda gently pulled her out of the room and towards the courtroom.


    As they were making their way back to the courtroom the journalists outside were attempting to force their way into the courthouse.?Amanda turned to Anna and said, "Well the press are fascinated, a formerpany CEO charged with offences like this has already caused a huge scandal."


    Quietly walking back into the courtroom, both Anna and Amanda realised the court was getting ready to decide interim matters.?The judge with a sarcastic tone said "Madan Hou, Madam Yao, thank you for gracing us with your presence.?Sit down."


    Alister Nang, seeing that they had said, continued speaking "Sir, as I said Madam Hou is pregnant. Due to everything that has happened to her involving the Lu family over thest three or so months she is highly sensitive as to this matter.?Madam Yao is a friend and colleague.?She remained with Madam Hou until Madam Houposed herself before returning here.?That is not disrespectful to the court, in fact as both Madam Hou and Yao know that is about treating the court with the utmost respect."


    Pausing, Alister Nang realised that he had finally gotten through to the Judge.?He continued "I have clear instructions to ask why Mr Lu is seeking to have this matter listed on Friday particrly due to his demands.?The question was what does he intent to do?"


    A member of Lu Jingho''s legal team stood up and said "Sir, our client is entitled to have these matters quickly dealt with by the court.?Hence why we are seeking an urgent listing."


    Alister Nang responded "Of course he is entitled to have matters dealt with quickly.?No one is denying that this is appropriate.?The question that needs to be answered is Mr Lu intending to plead to the charges involving my clients or not??If he is not, forcing his victims to constantly be present only causes additional harm to them, and fails to consider any victim, including my clients has a life outside these proceedings and should not have to dance to Mr Lu''s demands."

 Chapter 521: Total Mayhem - Part 7

    <h4>521 Total Mayhem - Part 7</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Deciding to push the court, Lu Jingho''swyer continued.?"That is totally inappropriate to demand that Mr Lu be required to make a decision at this time.?He needs time to consider the so-called evidence that the police im supports the charges that have been falsely levied against our client."


    "Requiring the victims to be present in the court precincts at each court listing is not unreasonable.?Our client can continually consider the co-called evidence as ites forward, and by the alleged victims being at court each time they can demonstrate to the court that the intend to continue to make the false allegations against our client but there is the ongoing opportunity that matters can reach a negotiated resolution."


    The National Prosecutor''s representative was ready to speak, and Anna even from behind could determine how angry he was about Lu Jingho''swyers'' position.?To Anna the bodynguage as she could read it was clearly saying these people as so full of lies, the evidence is rock solid including video footage of his actions.?He nodded at Alister Nang to continue.


    "Sir, waiting to Friday week, and excusing Madam Jones from being present ¡­"


    "Madam Jones?"


    "Sir, Madam Jones if the minor victim I represent Alecia Yao.?With CEO Yao''s consent she married a couple of months ago and is presentlypleting her High School education in Australia while her husbandpletes his studies.?While Mr Lu is not indicating any intention to plead guilty forcing her back, disrupting not only her education but that of her husband simply to satisfy Mr Lu''s vanity is inappropriate."


    "Additionally, for the victims I represent, a listing on Friday is, and the National Prosecutors agree with this, is totally inappropriate.?The police need additional time to review information that is continuing toe forward.?Even a dy in one week will allow them to review moreints and determine additional matters that Mr Lu should be charged with."


    "Further, CEO and Madam Hou have for three months been working towards their formal wedding ceremony in Madam Hou''s hometown in Australia.?That is thising Saturday.?CEO and Madam Yao are members of the wedding ceremony.?Exceeding to the demand to satisfy Mr Lu for force the cancetion of a long-anticipated event but has the addedplication that it will add to the stress Madam Hou is facing causing her to copse again and requiring a further hospital admission¡­"


    "Who cares about them. I am entitled to having this matter dealt with and facing those making false allegations against me," yelled out Lu Jingho.


    The national prosecutor stood up "Sir I concur. A one-week dy from the sort court date, with Mr Lu being out with conditions about protecting victims, not only will allow us to determine how to separate each of the charges but will provide Mr Lu with adequate time to consult hiswyers. We have already suggested the proposed conditions that we think is reasonable."


    Anotherwyer for Lu Jingho stood up "That is totally inappropriate, Friday this week is when it should be.?As we said our client is entitled to prompt legal process, and a week''s dy will impact that.?As my client has always maintained, CEO Hou is not married to Miss Jones, and this so-called wedding is just another part of a lie they are perpetrating on everyone."


    "Sir, that was resolved in the proceedings involving Mr Lu''s son and daughter-inw.?This court as well as courts in Australia have epted that CEO and Madam Hou are legally married.?Mr Lu is attempting to distract from the truth of the charges he is facing¡­"


    "Ladies and Gentlemen," came the loud voice of the judge.?"I have heard what everyone has to say again and again.?Mr Lu, a one-week dy will not impact you having your matter dealt with promptly, particrly as more alleged victims areing forward.?Their ims need to be investigated by the police to allow the additional charges that may be forting to beid, and for the National Prosecutors to determine how to split the charges into manageable batches to proceed before the court."


    "Mr Lu, I propose that you will be released pending the next court date on strict conditions.?In addition to the conditions proposed by the National Prosecutors including the orders of protection for each and every victim, you are required to surrender your passport, required to be at your residence between 7pm and 7am and show yourself to the police in that time if they attend your residence."


    Lu Jingho could be heard to say to hiswyers "You need to stop this, that is not fair, why should I, the innocent person here be restricted in any way."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.

 Chapter 522: Total Mayhem - Part 8

    <h4>522 Total Mayhem - Part 8</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Having heard Lu Jingho''s muttering the judge turned and said "Mr Lu, these proceedings are about crimes that you are alleged to havemitted.?If you im that the allegations against you are false, make aint to the police and they will investigate that matter.?I will give you this one warning if you do that one more time you will be banned from being present in court during any of the proceedings rting to this matter, whether I am in charge of it or another judge is charge."


    "Now, I would request that thewyers, including those representing the victims, whether present in court or who will be appointed to have discussions to determine not only what matters can be resolved, and the batching of the charges.?This will allow a better determination of the future progress of this matter."


    "As to Madam Jones, provided that confirmation of her enrolment in a school in Australia is provided to the court I will excuse her from being present at court.?Additionally, and this is for the National Prosecutors to see to, with any minor victim who is in education, please provide confirmation as soon as possible of their education and they will be also exempted from being present in court at this time."


    With that the judge quicklypleted the formalities on the bench before indicated that one Lu Jingho signed the paperwork he could go.


    Once the Judge finalised the matters, Alister Nang stood up and signalled to Anna, Amanda and Yao Tan to follow him from the courtroom.


    When they found a quiet spot back in the room, they previously had been in Alister Nang spoke, "Madam Hou, go enjoy your wedding ceremony in Australia, and have a good time while you are there CEO and Madam Yao. Can you please contact me when you return CEO Yao as I will need to have further discussions with you??CEO Hou has already told me when he returns for the same purpose."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Now, please do not be disappointed.?From what happened in court, my view is that Lu Jinhgo will contest the charges, despite not confirming it.?He will, going to use these proceedings to attempt to intimidate victims, particrly to force them to settle.?It will work with some and they will eptpensation for the charges to be dropped.?I cannot predict how many will though."


    As Alister was sending them on their way there was a knock on the door, and ine thewyer from the national prosecutor''s office.?"CEO Yao, I did not want to say anything before, but Lu Jinhu has indicated that subject to negotiation as to the actual penalty and charges to proceed he will plead guilty to his involvement with what happened to your daughter.":


    "While we have our opinion as to the penalty, we have to negotiate directly with Lu Jinhu.?He fired his previouswyers as they are involved with the representation of his father.?He has, however given to us two letters, one for you and one for your daughter.?He asked that you please read your letter and have your daughter read her letter before you consider what you want imposed on his as a penalty.?He said he is in no hurry, but has asked that when there is an agreement on the penalty that we act to keep it secret to ensure that the main perpetrators, being his father and Rong Jingye are brought to justice for what happened to her."


    With that the two letters were handed to Yao Tan, and the national prosecutor turned and left the office. Yao Tan threw them on the table and said angrily "I do not give a care what he says, he hurt my little girl and he deserves to pay."


    Amanda reached and picked up the letters, before quietly saying "Tan, Do not get me wrong, I agree he absolutely deserves to y for his role in what happened to Alecia, but we are no better than him if we do not at least take the time and read what he has written. We can ignore it, but at least we have heard his words."


    Amanda opened the envelope and started to read the letter. After each page handing the letter to Alister Nang who then handed it to Yao Tan to read. Anna simply picked up each page as Yao Tan dropped it on the table. Fifteen minutester, the four of them sat stunned after having read what was contained.


    Amanda to break the silence turned to Alister and Anna and asked, "What do you think?"

 Chapter 523: Total Mayhem - Part 9

    <h4>523 Total Mayhem - Part 9</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Anna responded "Alecia does not need to know all of that.?I just hope that is not detailed in her letter.?When I epted what he did to me, I knew it was shocking, but his father is worse than that.?Even with my experience in the criminal justice system that is one of the worst stories I havee across."


    "Yes, Lu Jinhu is still a b*stard and I will never forgive him but this provides me with insight into how matters happened.?For his own father to marry a woman under false pretences simply to have a legitimate child, to divorce her on the day of the child''s birth, marrying his current wife and having her registered as his mother.?Then to add insult to injury threatening to injury his half siblings, birth mother and her new family simply because he got tested to see if he was a Bone Marrow match to help his youngest half sibling with Leukemia let alone the other threats ¡­"


    Yao Tan in a quiet voice "I do not know what to say. I still want to crush him but reading that, his father deserves to go down, plus I feel somewhat sorry for him." Yao Tan paused for a few seconds.?"But I do agree with you, there is no way that Alecia needs to know about all that information."


    Turning to Alister Anna added "How about when we are in Australia I talk to my brother James, Alecia''s husband about this.?We could read the letter Lu Jinhu wrote for Alecia together, and make a decision as to whether we hand her the letter, or we discuss the situation with her for her to make an informed decision?"


    Alister himself stull stunned about the information.?"As Lu Jinhu''s is willing to cooperate for a deal on his charges, it ensures the case against Lu Jingho and Rong Jingye for the attack on Miss Alecia is watertight.?The footage will damn the two of them but having seen it that is something none of you should have to watch as of what it shows.?I would suggest a deal as to the sentence for Lu Jinhu is agreed to, as it should prevent it being shown in court and Miss Aleica having to give evidence in a court as to what happened to her."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    After a pause, and observing the looks on everyone''s face Alister continued, "Look take your time, and consider it. No rush."


    With that Alister left and Anna said "Look, let us forget about that now and get out of here.?Thest thing any of us need is to be stuck here in the courthouse.?We all should be getting ready for our short trip to Australia."


    As soon as they exited the courthouse Anna, Amanda and Yao Tan were surrounded by their bodyguards who slowly escorted them through the mass of journalists waiting outside the courthouse.


    As they slowly made their way to their waiting cars the press started to try and crowd them even more.?Worried about the risks to Anna, given her pregnancy Yao Tan decided that the only option to prevent the crowd pressing pushing closer and closer was to say something, as that would allow the bodyguards to better protect them.?He signalled to one, before pausing.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen of the press. I am aware that you will have heard or observed the broadcast from inside the court room. We ask that you please step back, and we will pause to answer a few questions, provided they will not impact on the matters before the court.?We otherwise ask that you leave us alone as we all have ces to be."


    With that the press all took half a pace away from them, and the bodyguards moved them back slightly, so they were back on the steps entering the courthouse.


    Pointing to one reporter "Can you please tell us why CEO Hou is not present?"


    Anna spoke "My husband has othermitments today that he could not abandon.?He gave me his authority to deal with the matters where he was the victim, but I could contact him if required.?Additionally, as Hou Enterprises is one of the victims, CEO Yao is a member of the board and if it was necessary he would have been able to sign documents on behalf of thepany."


    "Madam Hou there are rumours that you are fleeing the country to avoid the truth in that you have all lied about everything?"

 Chapter 524: Total Mayhem - Part 10

    <h4>524 Total Mayhem - Part 10</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Anna could not believe the press.?How dare they make this usation.?She took a breath to calm down, and clearly enunciated "Do not say that. My husband and I have a formal wedding ceremony with family and friends in Australia this weekend.?We are due back in the country by Wednesday next week.?This has been nned for months so do not im that we are fleeing.?This is not about attacking us as the victims.?If that is what you believe, then we will end this press conference immediately."


    The press realised by the end that Anna was deadly serious.?There were a few seconds silence before a journalist asked,?"CEO Yao with there being allegations made about Lu Jingho being responsible for an attack on your daughter, what do you have to say about that and why is she not here?"


    Amanda put her hand on Yao Tan''s arm, and spoke "As to the former, my husband and I will not bementing on this as it is before the court.?As to thetter, my daughter is presently continuing her education overseas, and the court have agreed that it is inappropriate unless absolutely necessary to disrupt her education."


    "That is not strictly true, Madam Yao.?We have evidence that she is an underage bride.?Is this true CEO Yao, and why in the world would any parent agree??What does her mother view about this if it is true?"


    "Firstly, let me make this very clear.?My children''s biological mother abandoned our children just after birth and gave me full parental rights to the children.?The termination of her parental rights is in formal court orders.?Despite my children being seventeen, each of them has agreed to my wife formally adopting them.?My wife is their legally recognised mother..."


    Realising that Yao Tan was getting angry with the press questioning not only his ability to parent his children, which he had done from their birth but trying to push their biological mother back into their lives, Amanda squeezed Yao Tan''s hand.?She knew that the witch of a birth mother was feeding the press information.?She had to put a stop to this now, as they otherwise would continue to attempt to undermine her legal role as the triplet''s mother.


    Amanda continued "My quite mature daughter, who by the way willmence not only studying at university but working for her father at XF International married with my husband''s consent in front of family and friends.?We not only trust her decision but her husband, who ispleting his own university studies and she is taking the opportunity to expand her education."


    Several journalists started asking questions about the nature of the charges which Anna and Amanda deflected them carefully making sure that they did not divulge any information about the charges to impact any future court hearings.


    Just as they were getting ready to depart, the final question flung at them was "CEO Yao, as the major shareholder and CEO of a publicly listedpany with arge entertainment division, where Lu Corporation is apetitor, what do you have to say about the stock market tumble of the value of Lu Corporation''s shares?"


    "Given the allegations about the former CEO of Lu Corporation''s actions and additionally that there is the potential misuse ofpany resources, it is understandable that investors are concerned about the Company. It would therefore be expected that there would be an impact on share prices for those publicly traded shares."


    "CEO Yao, there had been for a period where no shares were traded on the market, but they came back on-market Friday week ago. Would you say that the person or people who owned those shares, had inside knowledge of what has happened?"


    "Ladies and Gentlemen this will be thest question that any of us answer. I would suspect that the decision of the owner or owners was to alter their investment strategy, including those shares. The fact that this happened when it did is something that no one can predict."


    With that the bodyguards at Yao Tan''s signal escorted them to the waiting cars to take them away.


    As soon as she had gotten into the car, Anna, called Hou Yi and told him about what had happened and the impromptu press conference, stressing out that their involvement and what they had done would be publicly known.


    Hou Yi reminded her, they were protected as their involvement and actions were known to the authorities as a means to ce pressure to see what was happening, and any actions that normally would have been considered breaches of share market andpany rules where covered due to the cooperation of the various authorities.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.

 Chapter 525: Departure - Part 1

    <h4>525 Departure - Part 1</h4>


    After hanging up from her reassuring call with Hou Yi, Anna''s phone immediately started ringing. She noticed that it was Amanda so answered the phone.


    "Hi Amanda.?What did you forget to ask me?"


    "Anna, why do you think that?"


    "I know you my friend.?If it was not important you would have waited until you arrived in Australia."


    "That gets to my point.?When are you flying out to Australia?"


    Laughing Anna replied "See, I knew you forgot to ask me something.?Seriously, we are flying out tonight.?Given my copse the other day, the obstetrician has made it clear that we need to break our flight into smaller flights, of no more than four hours at a time.?That makes the overall trip somewhat longer, but it is what it is.?And before you ask Yi''s parents and grandparents as well as Jodie and her husband are flying with us as well.?Why?"


    "Well I need you to do a favour for me with the boss ¡­"


    "And your husband, his friend is dodging making the call."


    "You have it in one. Junior and Ton are being difficult abouting, wanting to leave sooner rather thanter and spend a few extra days out in Australia. We are telling them no, because the two of them are being ¡­"


    "Bratty."


    "I could not have summed it up better. They are refusing to cooperate with either Tan or me, on getting ready for this short trip and in the end, I told them if their behaviour did not improve, we would leave them with my parents.?They absolutely detest my parents as they take no nonsense from them."


    "They did not like that?"


    "When I told them that their response was to call me a wicked stepmother.?Can you imagine me being like the evil fairy-tale stepmother??I am not wicked or mean.?The reality is Tan and I actually give them arge amount of freedom, as they are seventeen years old.?Tan and I decided that we needed to be firm with them about cooperation and behaviour and that made them decide I was the problem."


    "As Tan turned and told them, trips during the school year like this are a privilege not a given.?They responded that before we married Tan would have allowed them to go, regardless of anything.?The funny thing was though, after they left us in peace Tan said that this is the one time that they would not have allowed the behaviour to have given them what they wanted."


    "Tan had to tell them they had two choices, y nice and cooperate and we will take them somewhere they want to go at the of the year, or continue their behaviour and they miss out on both trips."


    "What do you need then?"


    "Can you get the boss to call Tan for me, he needs to ask a favour for me.?I do not want to you to do that."


    "Let me make a call. How are you getting there anyway?"


    "Unlike your husband, we do not have ess to a corporate jet for personal trips, so we have amercial flight booked to Melbourne through Singapore, with a car arranged for us at the airport.?We get there sometime Thursday."


    "OK.?If we do not talk, see you when you get to Australia."


    With that Anna ended the call and called Hou Yi back, and he quickly agreed to call Yao Tan.


    Five minutester, Hou Yi called Yao Tan, and when he answered Hou YI''s immediate response was "What is it I hear about my best friend being a total wimp?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Damn it, Yi, Anna was meant to ¡­"


    "Tan I know you do not to deal with me presently, so grow up. Give me a break I am entitled this week to be a little selfish given Anna and I are having our formal ceremony on Saturday. I am guessing whenever you and Amanda do the same, you will tell me the same thing. So, what is it I hear about those your two troublemaker boys?"


    "The brats are sulking and being disrespectful simply because we told them a few things, about theming and not getting their way about an extra holiday. They are even annoyed with us, because we told them, rather than having first ss tickets on the flights they have premium economy tickets, given thest few weeks their behaviour has be bad."


    "And they did not like it?"

 Chapter 526: Departure - Part 2

    <h4>526 Departure - Part 2</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    "That is putting it mildly.?We decided as Alecia had shown that she could wisely use the money she got, that if they wanted to sit in better seats they had to pay the difference.?That set the offining as it was being unfair, as Alecia and James flew first ss.?Junior, with Ton beside him called my parents toin about how unfair we were in our treatment of them."


    "As my parents are in town, they showed up to argue on behalf of their grandsons and that caused an massive argument between them and Amanda and I.?In the end I called Alecia to speak to her grandparents and guess what she did?"


    "Knowing my goddaughter, she was blunt with her grandparents."


    Tan had a littleugh before continuing "Absolutely.?She told her grandparents what she did with her money through investing and purchasing a house for her and James in Australia amount other things.?The look on my parent''s face was priceless.?Then she told them how the boys used their money simply to pursue their sporting goals with no measurable oues.?Her second tostment to her grandparents is why should I be expected to pay for everything they desire when they waste money and do not thinks about the future."


    "I bet it she did not put is as nicely as that Tan?"


    "Yi, you have taught her too well.?It was factual and blunt, and the boys tried to hide from the looks of their grandparents.?Her finalment was more cutting than that though."


    "What did she decide to say?"


    "She said, even though it might not have looked like it at the time was that I had used the money I had been given for my sixteenth birthday to secure the future for her and the boys.?By then the boys wanted to argue with Alecia by then and she told a truth I had suspected for some time."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "That when it was their time to work in the old neighbourhood, they did little and she covered their time when they could not be bothered.?I knew that Tan, as the first time that they refused to do someone she asked for my advice and I simply told her that there was an expectation for work to be done it needed to be done regardless of who did it."


    "Damn Yi, there was a reason I wanted the three of them to do that work, and you helped her cover."


    "Tan, your daughter did not want to let people down simply because the boys could not be bothered."?Hou Yi paused before continuing "Now stop distracting."


    "Fine Yi.?Alecia doing that and when she told them she could not be bothered about their attitude, but my parents..."


    "Ended up giving into the terrible two and upgraded their tickets to first ss despite what they had been told.?Damn it, your parents have always spoiled those two¡­"


    "You can talk, what do you think your parents do, aided and abetted by my parents with all of them when they were younger."


    Yao Tan paused for a second and then continued "Look, I know Amanda should go through Human Resources to get a few extra days, but after my parents left, I called Alecia back and spoke to her.?I figured while we were in Australia, we should do a few things with the boys before heading back for court on Friday next week.?Alecia and James have given me some ideas close to them for things to see. So is it possible ¡­"


    "You want all of next week off for Amanda?"


    "You know me too well, my friend. I am sorry to impose."


    "Tan, you know you only have to ask. I know Amanda would prefer to be working for you, but with her father''s attitude that is why she took the job here.?I was going to talk to Amanda about this but had the thought to allow her to travel with you when you are away for business, she might want to drop down to three days per week.?If she is bored, she can help Anna with the charitable initiative."


    "Let me talk to her about it next week."


    "I will authorize the few extra days and tell human resources. Call me when you guys arrive in Australia."


    "Will do."


    With that Hou Yi ended the call and turned back to the mountain of work still on his desk.

 Chapter 527: Departure - Part 3

    <h4>527 Departure - Part 3</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi looked at a clock and he realised that his next meeting with senior staff to allocate work to be addressed while he was away was in five minutes.?He wondered how he was going to get through all of this.


    Thinking to himself Hou Yi realised that he could not wait for their formal wedding ceremony on Saturday to see Anna walking down the aisle towards him.?It was getting through this work with the addedplication of the issues surrounding Lu Jingho and its impacts on Hou Enterprises was something he did not need.?He was just d that Assistant Wang and his family would be with him on this trip which would allow matters only he could deal with to be addressed.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Hou Yi, kept working through the paperwork, until there was a knock on his door, with Assistant Wang showing six senior staff members, four males and two females into his office. Once they were settled down on the chairs in front of his desk, Hou Yi spoke "Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you. I know with what has happened with Lu Corporation has clearly thrown issues at us that we have to address ¡­"


    "CEO Hou, I can only speak for all of us, you need to rx. We can see that you are tense, and we all knew that there would be ten days that you would not be here in the office. You need to trust us, as that is why you have employed all of us."


    "Miss Lang, you all know I trust you to do your job, hence why you all have your own areas of responsibility within thepany. This meeting was going to simply be to remind all of you that if there is something that you feel ufortable with, I am only a phone call away, and that my wife and I intend to be back in country by Tuesday night."


    "CEO Hou I am speaking for everyone here. You should take more time for a break with Madam Hou. We can handle matters."


    "Just let me speak. There are several reasons why this is only short. Firstly, while I trust you to deal with the immediate fallout from the matters involving Lu Corporation, there is a court case at the end of next week where I need to be present, as one of the victims of Hou Corporation.?Lu Jingho attempted to illegally hackpany systems, as well as attempting to ckmail myself and thepany. I have to be here to deal with that. Additionally, in approximately six months'' time I will be taking a month''s leave, and I need the time more then, than now."


    Looking around the table only the one executive had the guts to speak again, after having put what together what she hoped was the right conclusion "Are you telling is CEO Hou that Madam Hou is pregnant?"


    There as a surprised look from the other executives in the room, wondering how their colleague was willing to make such a leap in imagination. They hoped that that was the right conclusion as they did not want to see the consequences if she was wrong.


    Looking around at the senior executives in his office, Hou YI realized that there was only one of them that had some semnce of being able to read the unspoken messages. That might jeopardise his longer-term n about promotions to lessen the work on him somewhat when Anna gave birth and their baby was young. He wondered how they would take the challenge that he was about to throw at them.


    "Miss Lang, I see you are quicker on your feet and can thinkterally. You are correct, my wife is pregnant, and my intention is to take a leave of absence both prior to and for a couple of weeks after she give''s birth to our child.?Later in my wife''s pregnancy, and once my wife has given birth my intention is to limitpany travel until my wife and our children can apany us."


    "Over the next four months each of you will be watched closely to see your performance.?As you are aware there are four deputy Vice-CEO''s and the intention is that there will be at least two more appointed here in headquarters.?You are all being considered for the position.?The reason for this is that we want to share out the workload for senior executives in thepany more."


    "Additionally, with the issues not facing thepany both from our ongoing expansions and the problems caused with the criminal case involving Lu Jingho as it appears, he used Lu Corporation assets to target Hou Enterprises we need to be a more adaptablepany.?So, none of you are blindsided, the main monitoring of your performance will be by myself, Vice -CEO Ji and the deputy Vice-CEO''s during that time."

 Chapter 528: Departure - Part 4

    <h4>528 Departure - Part 4</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Looking around at the somewhat stunned faces in front of him, Hou Yi continued "The reason that you are being given this chance is that you have earnt our trust over the time that you have been with thepany.?Do not disappoint us over the next four months. Prove to us why you deserve this promotion, sell yourself to us, but respect thepany and the ethos that we have developed."


    "Most importantly, the clearest thing that I do not want to see is that you are working all god forsaken hours as you believe that this is the only way that you can show your dedication to thepany. That is the easiest way to hurt yourself, people around you and thepany. You achieve nothing without a work-life bnce, family, friends and activities are as important as the work you do here."


    "Part of the challenge that the next four months will give you is demonstrating that, as you have to show leadership as well as determination to seed. You have the skills and the qualifications as well as having already demonstrated that you are capable. Now is the time to show those extra skills as they are as important to our sess as everything else."


    "What do you mean COE Hou?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Think about it. Yes, I work hard, as does Vice-CEO Ji and the Deputy Vice-CEO''s. We achieve the business goals, work the hours where needed, but in the end we all walk out the door and go to something. Some of us have families, some of us have friends we spend time with, and we have things we do."


    "As my father and grandfather always say, that business in the end will take care of itself, but if we do not care for ourselves it will fail. Why do you think we have programs encouraging staff to dedicate time to charities, schools and the like, and they do not sacrifice their wages, why do we not loose staff all the time, why are staff generally happy."


    "For normal staff we make sure the policies are there, worldwide to achieve the bnce for staff. As surveys in Europe show time and time again, our employees there are some of the happiest employees ofrge corporations. In the United States we have over two hundred applications for each entry level opening in a location, over ten thousand for each graduate position we have, and a simr amount for executive positions."


    "People know we treat the staff right. That is something that you have all forgotten, in your climb to your position. Now is about setting that back in ce for each of you, as if you cannot, you cannot leadrge areas of thepany where we intend that to happen. You need to demonstrate that ability to think about what is important."


    Pausing Hou Yi took another look at the reaction of the executives in front of him.?They were shocked with what he was saying.?Had they not kept in mind thepany policies for staff to do this.?None of them expected this when he called them to this meeting.


    Realising that he had gotten through to there, Hou Yi continued "Now, is there any other questions, as this is the one and only opportunity for you to ask questions about this. Vice-CEO Ji and the Deputy Vice-CEO''s or the heads of the other area''s divisions have instructions not to answer any questions on this. It is sink or swim for you all"


    The senior executives looked at each other before Miss Lang spoke "CEO Hou, that is a lot for us to take in. Could we have until the end of the day to email you any questions we might think of before you leave?"


    "Only if the emails are sent to everyone else and I will send a bulk email response. No emails will be responded to after 4pm. Now ¡­"


    "Before you have us leave CEO Hou, could you please give us a minute," said Miss Lang, and with that two of the executives went to the door, and returned carrying arge box. "We had gotten you for you and Madam Hou, thinking it would be augh, but it seems appropriate, as we suspect that it will get much use in the office in the next year of so."


    Opening the box Hou Yi could see they decided to have some fun with him.?All there was in the box was two envelopes, which he withdrew.?The first envelope contained a letter from a well-known designer that they woulde and set up a nursery at any time in the small apartment off his office. The second envelope contained a booklet, and when he started to read the information in the booklet, all Hou Yi could do isugh.


    Once he stoppedughing, Hou Yi said "I think that you have an idea about part of the challenge that you have been set for the next four months, otherwise why would you have made the promises in this booklet.?My wife will be touched with your thoughtful and appropriate gifts for us, even though I think you though it as a gag gift.?Now get out of here and back to your work."


    Having got the message, the senior executives all left his office, and remembering his promise to Yao Tan, Hou Yi called the Human Resources department approving the additional leave for Amanda as he had promised.

 Chapter 529: Departure - Part 5

    <h4>529 Departure - Part 5</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi settled back down, going through the work he still had toplete and lost himself in it until he was interrupted by Ji Feng, "Yi, what in the world are you doing?"


    Stunned at the interruption, Hou Yi looked up from his desk and responded, "Uncle Feng, you know there is much to be done before I go."


    "Actually, I have another reason I am here, I am hearing rumours about you and Anna ¡­"


    "I thought my parents would have already told you. Anna is pregnant. We are starting to announce it to people now, and we are telling Anna''s family this weekend. Plus, that means that with the six senior executives that we were considering for promotion we need to decide sooner rather thanter for who will be promoted to a Deputy Vice-CEO role.?You know I want at least another four and am looking for two additional Vice-CEO''s to appoint, one to head the European Division and the other the America''s division."


    "True, and that can take some of the load off us, and the current deputy Vice-CEO''s and heads of those divisions. So, I am guessing Anna''s pregnancy is part of the reason that you are trying to speed up ns for determining who is suitable?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "It is. I have thrown a challenge at them. We will know that they are capable, but none of them have any semnce of a work-life bnce. Yes, we all know that you need to work hard at this level, but the problem they all have is that work is it for them. I know the stories of how many get to the level we are looking at, and simply burn out within two of three years given all the pressure put on them."


    "Uncle Feng, I suspect that there is only going to be one of two that get the point, and even worth considering. The European and Americas divisions already have the same challenge going on, and they have indicated that there is a possibility of three of four in each worth considering."


    Ji Feng pondered and thought about things for a moment, before continuing "Yi, I know. You were almost as guilty of the same thing when you started. Partly because you knew you had to live up to the standard that your father set, and your own expectations. At least you have had CEO Yao who has had your back, and made you see the importance of that bnce."


    "Uncle Feng, I would not know what to have done without him and the children. He has been a great friend, as he made me realise that work is not everything, family at the end of the day is the important thing.?Despite saying that I was somewhat sceptical about that idea but with Anna I realised that it is the most important thing."


    "If I had no wealth tomorrow, as long as I had her everything would be alright. We would be able to get through things. And Tan, for all that he has achieved has done it the hard way, despite the family wealth he had basically nothing when the children were born, give the payoff he made to their mother, but has built not only a career, but his own fortune. Alecia, is taking right after him."


    "I heard. Madam Mei is a friend of my wife and the two of them were talking about her, and what she did to her father¡­" Ji Feng drifter off. "Damn it Yi, you have me taking the conversation where it does not need to go. I''ve already been working with the finance department and looking at the various projects to see what our exposure is to Lu Corporation''s issues currently."


    "Your decision to get us out of the various projects with them a few weeks ago, has saved us. There will be some issues because some of the smallerpanies that we do business with will have problems due to their exposure, but it should be limited. The only concern that I have is what your father told me, between you and Anna, CEO Yao and that bunch of his friends that run that property business, what is it ¡­ That''s right Seven Shades you have twenty percent of Lu Corporation. Why?"


    "Let me just say, it is about control. We had forty percent and the other week twenty percent on market and had CEO Yang of the Yang group with us to get rid of Lu Jingho as CEO."


    "Damn it Yi, that is ¡­"


    "Do not worry Uncle Feng, Hou Corporation is protected."


    "There is no way that you can protect thepany from that maniption."


    "There is.?Anna and I have Get out of Jail free cards."

 Chapter 530: Departure - Part 6

    <h4>530 Departure - Part 6</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    "Yi, what in the world have you done." Came the angry reply from Ji Feng.


    "Uncle Feng, you know that I am not stupid, and Anna would not do anything illegal. Along with Tan and Amanda, and some of our friends we have been involved in the police investigation that has been ongoing for a number of weeks regarding the potential crimes Lu Jingho hasmitted."


    "We have signed agreements with the police, the stock exchange and other regtory authorities that authorized our actions, and will protect us, Hou Corporation, XF International and the Seven Shades Group, plus other privatepanies we are involved with."


    "And you did not think about telling me, or your father?"


    "Uncle Feng, it was need to know. I do not even think yet that Lu Jingho has clicked about some of the actions. But it was necessary. I started my actions, simply to deal with the money that had been used to help support what happened to Anna and to prevent it from being used to target her in the future.?It morphed a few weeks ago when we announced the joint venture with XF International."


    "You damn well better tell me. We need to protect thepany from any issues."


    "Fine." With that Hou Yi sat down and gave Ji Feng a rundown on what had been happening.


    As he finished, the phone on Hou YI''s desk rang, and they were interrupted by Assistant Wang with the teleconference scheduled with the heads of the European and Americas divisions. Before they started Ji Feng, reminded Hou Yi that they had not finished their conversation.


    An Hourter, after various matters had been addressed Hou YI ended the teleconference and turned to Ji Feng. "Uncle Feng, I still have a number of things to finish before I go, but we will have this conversation when I get back."


    "You better believe it, and congrattions on the baby.?Remember the promise you and Anna made me; I am going to be a godfather to your little one.?I will be spoiling it rotten before I hand it back to you to deal with the tantrums.?I had seen your flight schedule and wondered what was happening, but Anna''s pregnancy exins that."


    "Promise me Yi, you will let me know that you have arrived in Australia in case I have issues that only you can deal with.?Enjoy the weekend, and I want plenty of photos and I know Anna has arranged for it to be filmed so I want to see that."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Rather than shaking Hou Yi''s hand Ji Feng, walked and gave him a hug, before Ji Feng handed him an envelope and saying "That is not to be opened before Saturday. Give my love to your wife and I will see you when you are back."


    Ji Feng quickly left the office, and Hou Yi realized that he only had an hour to get through as much as he could before needing to leave and head to the airport to meet everyone. However, before he could start back into the work, there was a knock on his door, and he was interrupted by Assistant Wang. After a brief discussion, he decided the work that had not been finished, should be packed and taken with him, and rather than meeting Anna at the Airport, he would collect her from the apartment and meet everyone at the airport.


    Thirty minutes after leaving Hou Enterprises knowing that Assistant Wang would follow his directives Hou Yi entered their apartment.?Butler Ge informed him that Anna was rxing in the lounge, so he headed in to quickly greeted her with a kiss, before heading into their suite to shower and change for their flight.?Before leaving the suite, he opened the safe to take out the gifts he had hidden therefore Anna when the opportunity presented itself.?He made sure as he left that the safe and the room were secured.


    Spotting Butler Ge, he confirmed the arrangements for the staff to have until Monday off, and for the apartment to be made ready for their return on Tuesday.


    Hou Yi headed towards the lounge and noticed that Anna was oblivious to his return from their suite.?She was engrossed in something on the tablet in her hand. As he moved towards her Anna finally noticed movement in the corner of her eye and lowered the tablet down before realizing that it was her beloved husband. Immediately she dropped the tablet on the couch she wasying on and moved quickly over and threw herself into his arms.

 Chapter 531: Depature - Part 7

    <h4>531 Depature - Part 7</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    After receiving a kiss from Hou Yi, Anna gently pulled back and said, "I thought I was going to meet you at the airport??You did not need toe home, my love.?I know you had so much to do at the office to get away for a week."


    "I decide toe home and do the few things on and off during the flight. Who wants to head to the airport for the most important trip of our life alone?"


    After giving her another quick kiss, Hou Yi pulled back "Now, what do you need me to gather so we can head off?"


    "Nothing, Butler Ge has arranged for everything you and I needed to be taken to the airport to be loaded on the ne.?My handbag is over there and all I need to do is add my tablet to it. How long do we have before we have to leave?"


    "Twenty minutes." Hou Yi noticed a sweet smile on Anna''s face but he noticed a look in her eyes that she was up to something.?He was concerned that they would not be able to finish what she might have nned before they had to leave.


    Before Hou Yi could say anything, Anna grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the couch where she had been sitting, removing her tablet cing it on a side table. She sat down and pulled Hou Yi down beside her. Once he was sitting on the couch, she gently pushed him, so he was half sitting, halfying on the couch, and lent over undoing the buttons on his casual shirt and pulling it out of his pants, while leaning over and starting to kiss him.


    Despite his concerns, Hou Yi realised that he did not want to stop this.?He quickly slipped his hands under the jumper Anna was wearing and located the clips on Anna''s bra and undid it freeing her breasts as best he could. Anna realising what he needed, sat up, and quickly threw off her top and bra which were joined soon after by Hou Yi''s shirt on the jacket he had dumped on the floor.


    Hou Yi took Anna''s face in between his hands, and gave her a deep kiss, full of feeling, while gentlyying her back on the couch. Anna was using her hands to caress his chest. The two of them continued kissing and caressing anyone until they heard a shocked "Oh my God. Sorry Son, Anna."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    With that Hou Yi looked up and noticed his mother retreating from the entry to the lounge area. Anna looked at Hou Yi who could only open his mouth without anythinging out. All Anna could do wasugh, which resulted in a look to Anna from Hou Yi that told her to stop it.


    As they sat up, all Hou Yi could say was "Damn mother. I feel like a high school kid caught making out in his parents lounge room with his girlfriend, instead of a married man with his wife."


    "Yi, you will always be her child. Think about what you would do if one or both of our babies," with that Anna took his hand and pressed it on her stomach "are girls, and you caught her with her boyfriend making our in our lounge when say, she is seventeen or eighteen?"


    "I will kill him¡­"


    "No, you will not, I will be holding you back with the help of Tan, my brothers, and ¡­ Hang on, the lot of them will be helping you."


    Anna noticed the smirk on Hou Yi''s face, and continued "Yi, as the ns were for us to meet you at the airport your mother offered toe and meet me so I did not have to go to the airport on my own.?I forgot to let her know that she was not needed, and I had previously told the staff to let her up."


    With that Anna had finally gotten her bra done up and was putting her top back on. "Do you forgive me for creating that embarrassing situation??There is no way I wanted that to happen."


    Hou Yi, lifted her hand and gave it a kiss, before looking at Anna in the eyes.?"I do my love, nowe on, let us get going so we can get married in front of our family and friends in your hometown."


    Anna grabbed her tablet and handbag before heading out with Hou Yi start the journey to Australia.

 Chapter 532: Telling Everybody - Part 1

    <h4>532 Telling Everybody - Part 1</h4>


    FridayFind authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Anna awoke in Hou Yi''s arms in the apartment at the Lady Bay Resort. While it was nothingpared to the other ces where Anna had stayed since marrying Hou Yi, it was such that the bodyguards could secure space, and more importantly there was a day spa that was already sorted to finalise her makeup for tomorrow.


    Despite everything, Hou Yi like his parents, grandparents and aunt, and even the guests that had already arrived from home were epting of the amodation.?That surprised her, as she knew that it was far below the standards that many of them would ept.?Those they had run intost night, found it charming andmented that the views well and truly made up for anything being different to what they would normally want.?Most of them had already organised their day trips for today.


    When the made the decision on the wedding date, Hou Yi organised through Assistant Wang to book out this resort and some separate nearby amodation, not only to amodate their guests but protect them.?As Hou Yi said today would be interesting as there were several people arriving with bodyguards and seeing how all of them dealt together would be interesting.


    Anna quietly slipped out of Hou Yi''s arms and moved to the door onto the balcony and opened the curtains. She immediately saw, despite the waves that she could see, the weather looked perfect. As Hou Yi and Assistant Wang had been teleconferencing with Europete into the night to deal with an emergency, she left him sleeping while she headed into the bathroom to get ready to head to the day spa with Reba, Rosemary, Susan, Alecia and Amanda for their hair and makeup to be done for today''s photos to be taken along the Great Ocean road at some iconic sights, including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto and at elsewhere along the Great Ocean Road.


    As she came out of the bathroom, dressed in casual clothes, there was a knock on the door. As she opened the door Reba, Rosemary, Susan, Alecia and Amanda all came into the room, and started talking, loudly.


    All Anna could do was say "Damn it everyone ¡­"


    She was then interrupted by Hou Yi who said, "Hello Ladies."


    A blushing Anna turned around and saw that at least Hou Yi had put on a dressing gown and pulled it across, chest before doing it up. Anna walked over and after giving him a brief kiss, told him she would see him in a couple of hours to head out for the pre-wedding photo shoot, and pushed him back into the bedroom.


    At the same time Rosemary yelled out "Yi, just wait to see what our husbands have nned for you in the meantime."


    With everyone elseughing, Rosemary grabbed Anna and pulled her out of the room, mming the door behind her. Anna turned and angrily said "What have they got nned?"


    Seeing an extremely angry and starting to get wound up Anna, Rosemary turned, and said "They all decided to drag Yi out to the farm and have him try and milk a cow by hand."


    Alecia, simply burst outughing, and Amanda looked curiously at her stepdaughter before asking "What is so funny about that."


    "Well they will have Dad join in as well. Let me just say if they are anything like me, the two of them will be embarrassed like anything tonight when they y that footage at the rehearsal dinner."


    Anna now trying to keep a straight face turned and asked, "Whose bright idea was that?"


    "James''. He figured since you and Hou Yi are buying thend that Adam and Ben will run their farm on, Yi better know how to milk a cow or two."


    "And the worst thing, is that they will then drag them into the dairy and show them how it is really done." Piped Alecia. "I remember how I felt but looking back it was funny."


    "The lot of you are mean."


    "Well it is clean fun and is better than what the boys were nning to dost night before he disappeared for that teleconference."


    "Do not tell me then nned to do what they did for Ben''s friends buck''s night?"


    "They did."


    "Damn, that would be cruel."


    Amanda and Alecia looked at each other, before Amanda asked, "What were they nning?"


    "Well they took Ben''s friend out, got him drunk, and then stripped him down to his underpants, before handcuffing him outside his bride''s parents house. Mind you, that would have killed mum, and then I would not be worried about her behaviour tomorrow."

 Chapter 533: Telling Everybody - Part 2

    <h4>533 Telling Everybody - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    After hearing Anna''s concerns about the potential of her mother''s behaviour at the ceremony tomorrow, Alecia responded, confident in her actions. "Do not worry Anna, I have taken care of that."


    Hearing that, everyone turned towards Alecia with a puzzled look on her face before Susan had the courage to ask, "What have you done?"


    "Simply told her a few home truths.?When James was on an afternoon cement shift a few days after Hannah, Pippa and my return from the Hong King Dance School tour she came to the house.?James had told her she was not wee at the house unless he was there."


    "When she arrived, I was cooking a meal with the assistance of one of the bodyguard''s dad assigned to watch over me.?I noticed her car outside the house when I went to check on a knock on the door.?I opened a window and told her as James was not home, she was not wee.?She started causing a disturbance, so I reluctantly went to the door and partially opened it to make it clear she needed to leave, or the police would be called."


    "She forced her way inside pushing me into the wall, before pulling me into the lounge area and then started to rant as James calls it, at me.?Herments started about how I needed to be a better wife as well as a few other things and made thement that if I did not do what she said the situation would make my life worse."


    "James walked in at that point in time, but she did not see it.?I told her that while I was brought up to respect my elders, she had no power in James and my home, and the more she abused me the less she would have me respect.?She yelled at me further and became verbally abusive.?It was at that time James stepped in."


    "He told her that we were only remaining in Australia until he graduated and if she ever wanted to see him and any children, we have in the future she better?respect me otherwise we would have nothing to do with her.?That stopped her, as thest thing she wants is to have no role in James'' life.?He set some boundaries with her and made it clear that if she breached them, she could be immediately cut from out life."


    "The other night she showed us and started to abuse you and Uncle Yi in my presence.?I told her to stop it our I would tell James that her behaviour was upsetting me.?Due to James'' threat it silenced her, so I added if she caused trouble this weekend, I would tell James about how her actions had upset me."


    "And ¡­?" asked Anna


    "She stood there stuttering in disbelief of my words.?James must have been standing outside the door and walked into the room observing her reaction.?When I confirmed what had happened, he made it clear that upsetting me in anyway, including badmouthing someone important to me would be enough for the threat to be carried out."


    "And as she adores James being cut from his life is something she would not want," chimed in Susan.


    Anna paused and then said "True.?James can never do anything wrong in her eyes, and the loss of control she felt she had over James since his marriage she would not like."


    Alecia responded "Absolutely.?She hates me.?James and I had a meal outst weekend and we were approached by a former girlfriend of his.?James wanted to chase her away, but she sat and talked to us for a while.?Apparently, my evil mother-inw bragged to her at the time that she chased her out of James life, that she had done this to every girlfriend of James and would do it for his life.?Thement she made at the time was that James'' role was to care for her for life and she would make sure he never left her."


    Susan, responded "That witch, I cannot believe that she had done that."


    "She has no idea. James and I are going to keep the house for a while but have decided that we will note back for at least three years. We do not want to deal with her, and all her drama."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Before anyone else could say anything, they had arrived at the day spa, and were shown into their various treatment rooms, before the hairdressers and beauticians started their tasks getting them already for the photo shot along the Great Ocean Road.

 Chapter 534: Telling Everybody - Part 3

    <h4>534 Telling Everybody - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile


    As the women left, Hou Yi quickly hurried into bathroom to get ready to head out with his brothers-inw for the morning in a pair of clothes that would not matter if they got dirty.?They had something nned for a couple of hours before they returned here to get ready to head out for the photo shoot.?Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Ten minutester as he was pulling on his jumper there was a knock on the room door. As he answered Adam, Ben and Wayne forced their way in while James was dragging his shell-shocked father-inw with him.


    "Come on, we have things to do, and little time. Let us see how you go with this."


    Hou Yi looked at Yao Tan and in their native tongue asked "Do you have an idea what is going on?"


    James grasping thenguage given at home Alecia and the assigned bodyguards only spoke their nativenguage, said "Do not even think about telling him," he paused for a few seconds for dramatic effect before continuing "Dad."


    Hou Yi realizing that if he did not hurry up his brothers-inw would make life difficult finished dressing before grabbed his phone, and wallet.?As he headed to the door, he observed his bodyguards watching James ce a blindfold on Yao Tan.?Ben and Adam approached him to do the same.?Less tht five minutester, Hou Yi was helped into a four-wheel drive and he heard the diesel engine start.


    He heard Yao Tan voice which told him he was also in the vehicle, and then James saying, "No telling him anything Dad."


    Hou Yi was surprised how much James had grasped theirnguage.?Alecia, most likely with the help of the bodyguards Tan had assigned to keep her sage, were behind that.?He was also guessing that the urgent teleconference he hadst night likely put pay to his brother-inw''s nsst night, so they were nning something that was fun this morning.


    The worst thing was that Yao Tan had some idea about what was going to happen but was being pressured to keep the secret.?He would make sure his friend paid for thatter.


    Rather than sitting there stressed and thinking about things, he started talking to Yao Tan about the business rumours that had some to himst night at the end of his teleconference meeting about Lu Corporation. In just a few days, there had been clear efforts to make sure Lu Jingho regardless of the oue of the court cases would never have anything to do with the management of Lu Corporation.


    During their discussions, Yao Tan indicated that CEO Yang had contacted him Wednesday morning, asking him for rmendations about the independent panel to appoint the new CEO of Lu Corporation. Yao Tan indicated that he had simply told CEO Yang some options given the people that were on the panel that confirmed his appointment as CEO of XF International.


    Around twenty minutester, Hou Yi felt the vehicle slowing down, and then stopping. He heard vehicle doors open, and then the door beside him, before he was helped out of the vehicle. As he came out of the vehicle there was a smell that hit him, that made him feel somewhat sick in the stomach, and was carefully helped to walk a short distance.


    When he stopped, he heard a voice, which he believed was Adam "Well Brother, you got out of our nsst night, but if Anna knew what we had intended to do she most likely would have killed us. But we have something that we could not resist. You can take off your blindfold, along with you James new Dad."


    Hesitantly Hou Yi reached up and undid the blindfold. In front of him there was a cow, a stool and a bucket. He looked around and saw Yao Tan, again wondering about what was to happen. This time, he knew it was Adam speaking "We thought we would have a little fun, let us see if you can figure out how to milk a cow but hand."


    Hou Yi simply stood there looking dumbfounded. What in the world was he to do? He took a step backwards, and as he did so, he saw the cow starting to relieve itself in front of him. He wanted to flee right out of there, but looking around he could see that Adam, Ben, Wayne and James were all trying not tough out loud not only at his reaction but Yao Tan''s reaction.?Hou Yi at that moment also noticed that Junior and Ton, were filming their father.?Hou Yi thought, this could be aplete disaster.

 Chapter 535: Telling Everybody - Part 4

    <h4>535 Telling Everybody - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi reached into his pocket to locate his phone but found it was not there.?As he looked around further, he not only then spotted his bodyguards but Assistant Wang who looked as if he was enjoying the distress of his boss. That would be something he would pay for. Hou Yi spotted one of the bodyguards making small gestures like they were pulling something down.


    Taking that he turned around and looked at the cow again and figured that maybe he needed to pull the teats on the cow to get the milk out. Then it hit him, the stool was for him to sit on. He moved back towards the cow with trepidation and moved the stool and sat down. He put the bucket under the cow, and gentle started to pull down on a teat with his hand.


    Behind him he heard severalughs, most likely from his brothers-inw seeing how confused he really was. Why would they expect him to have any idea given he had always lived in the city on how to do this?


    Yao Tan, despite having been filled in by Alecia what he needed to do, was terrified. She warned him about the pressure he needed to do, and to be careful about the cow relieving itself and kicking out. He put the stool beside the cow, and sat down, cing the bucket underneath the cow.


    The idea of doing this was creeping him out, but he made a bet with Junior and Ton, if he did this sessfully, they would not fight him on heading home on Wednesday.?They also epted the promise that at the end of the year they woulde out here for a week to go somewhere that they all agreed on.


    With determination, using what he thought was the pressure that Alecia said he needed, he started to pull down on the teats of the cow, and soon started to hear the sound of a liquid hitting the bottom of the pail. He looked over at Hou Yi, who was frustrated that he was not having the sess that Yao Tan was.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Hou Yi carefully looked over and watched what his friend was doing. After a couple of minutes, he realized that he did not have the pressure that Yao Tan was starting to use. He carefully and slowly increased the pressure until he started to hear a liquid hit the bottom of the bucket.


    Hou Yi unlike Yao Tan, who was doing one and then the next realized that is he was going to catch up, started to quickly move his hands and as he had one almost at the bottom of the teat, started the other, and moved between the teats.


    Un the end it became a close-run race as to who filled their bucket first, but Yao Tan was sessful. He turned to Hou Yi and said, "Well this is something I can do better than you."


    "Watch it, friend, I know your secrets."


    Behind them there was arge amount ofughter urring through the process. When Hou Yi finished, he moved the bucket to the side and stood up.?He turned around and looked as his brothers-inw and realized that everyone had their phones out filming what had happened, struggling to keep a straight face.


    Adam and Ben, however put their phones down and came over and moved the buckets aside, while everyone else kept filming. When they had the buckets aside, Adam turned, and said to both Hou YI and Yao Tan who were just standing there, still looking shell shocked at what they had done. "Come on, but watch where you walk, thest thing you want is to stand on a cow s*it"


    Everyone turned and followed Adam and Ben out of the shed, to where there were found quad bikes and eight helmets waiting. Yao Tan, Hou Yi, Assistant Wang and one of the bodyguards were all throw a helmet, while James, Wayne, Adam and Ben each took one, putting it on, and indicating to them to put their helmet on.


    Yao Tan realized that they were going to be taken for a bit of a ride across the farm and headed over to the bike that James was beside. Hou Yi, went to the one where Ben was, Assistant Wang to Adam and the bodyguard to Wayne.


    Within a couple of minutes, they were moved onto a track, and where taken for a ride around the farm for twenty minutes before heading back.


    When they returned, Hou Yi, when Ben had taken his helmet off, asked "What was all that about?"


    "Well, you own thisnd, and other adjoining pieces are settling soon. We figured you needed to know how to milk a cow, so wee to the family."


    "You better not use that footage."


    Hou Yi looked at Ben who was simplyughing, trying to figure out what was happening.


    Adam looked at his watch and realized that they needed to head back to the Amodation so that everyone could shower before they headed out for the photos.?He quietly said to Junior and Tan that on Sunday he would make sure they were taken for a ride on one of the bikes.

 Chapter 536: Telling everybody - Part 5

    <h4>536 Telling everybody - Part 5</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Forty minutes after leaving the hotel, and everyone having had showers, the men were sitting in Hou Yi''s room waiting for the women to return, when they heard the door opened.?In walked Anna followed by Amanda, Susan, Rosemary, Reba, Alecia and Assistant Wangs wife and daughter. Everyone was changed into dresses but had coats over them for heading out for the afternoon taking photos.


    They headed downstairs into the waiting vehicles and drove away heading to their first stop at The Bay of Inds. Following along the Great Ocean Road through Peterborough, they stopped at the Grotto, London Bridge, The Arch, Port Campbell Beach, Loch Ard George, and the Twelve Apostles, including climbing down Gibson Steps for sea level photos with the Twelve Apostles in the background.


    On their way back to Warrnambool they returned through Timboon as Adam and Ben insisted wanted to stop at the Timboon Distillery to purchase some Whiskey, which soon turned into almost everyone having a couple of drinks before heading back to the cars and returning to Warrnambool.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Anna, feeling totally exhausted given they had been climbing up and down steps all day, when they climbed into the car in Timboon, simply leaned her head on Hou Yi''s shoulder and fell asleep before the door was even closed. Rosemary before she was about to climb into her vehicle, noticed that Hou Yi''s door was still opened and signalled to James and Susan that they needed toe with her and wait.


    Rosemary on sticking her head in the car door, quietly asked Hou Yi on seeing Anna asleep "Is everything OK?"


    "Hopefully. Do you know an obstetrician who might be able toe to the hotel to check Anna, before tonight?"


    "Let me make a call. I have the details of her Obstetrician back home, so I will pass that on, give me a couple of minutes."


    Rosemary stepped away and pulled out her phone before making a phone call. She was able, to arrange for an Obstetrician to meet them at the hospital in Warrnambool in about fifty minutes. She turned to Susan and James, who were standing aside. James asked, "Is everything alright with Anna and ¡­?"


    "James, you know we should not be saying anything yet?"


    "Rosemary, is she pregnant?" quietly asked Susan, having picked up a few things today that led her to that conclusion.


    "About twelve weeks. I''ve arranged for an obstetrician to meet us at the hospital, but one of us needs to go with her."


    "Rosemary, you are the qualified midwife. You go and get them on the way. I will call Emergency and clear the way for you when you arrive. We will distract everyone for a few minutes to let you get away." replied Susan.?James was nodding at this.


    Rosemary slipped into the car with Anna and Hou Yi, and with the doors being shut the car quickly left. While Susan was making her call, James walked over to everyone and said "Anna is not feeling totally well. Nothing dramatic, but we decided that Rosemary would go with her just to be on the safe side."


    Knowing Anna''s situation Amanda, Yao Tan and Assistant Wang realized that Hou Yi was worried about the baby, so they were going for a check-up. However, they all knew that nothing could be said to anyone else before Anna and Hou Yi decided to tell everyone else.


    For everyone else there was some quizzical looks, and they were simply waiting for Susan to get off the phone. Ten minuteter, with enough of a dy and a few arrangements made, Susan walked over to everyone, before saying "Everything is organized for them. I spoke to the nurse in charge and exined the situation and they will get Anna through quickly so she can meet us at the church for the rehearsal and we can head out for dinner."


    Given James and Susan were tight lipped, no one was ready to say anything, so they climbed back into the cars and headed back to Warrnambool.


    Forty minutes after leaving Timboon, the car with Anna, Hou Yi and Rosemary reached the Warrnambool hospital.?Due to Susan''s arrangements they were immediately shown into a bed in emergency.?Rosemary speaking to the staff drew the necessary blood for the tests, and they just sat waiting for Anna to be taken for an ultrasound.?Within five minutes, Anna was taken to radiology for the ultrasound.


    Less than forty minutes after arriving the obstetrician walked into the space to speak to Anna and Hou Yi.?With Rosemary''s help, he had spoken to Anna''s obstetrician in Country X, about the results that he had seen.?Given her observations and the ultrasound showed nothing, both agreed that unless there was something in the blood tests Anna was simply overtired.


    Due to Rosemary''s background and promises to keep observing Anna along with the promise if there was any concerning result in the blood tests Anna would immediately return to the hospital, he would discharge Anna.?As they were leaving Rosemarymented that she had made an appointment for Anna with her obstetrician Thursday next week for a review and the tests results would be sent through to him as well.

 Chapter 537: Telling Everybody - Part 6

    <h4>537 Telling Everybody - Part 6</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    After leaving the Emergency department of the hospital Hou Yi nced at his watch and noticed that they needed to quickly head to the church for the rehearsal.?He knew from the arrangements Christ Church was close to the hospital for they were only a couple of minuteste.


    Having been exined that Anna had to go to the hospital, the minister was not worried that they were a few minuteste and started to walk everyone through what would happen during eh ceremony tomorrow.?He was careful to make sure it was what Anna and Hou Yi wanted.?Twenty minutester, once everyone was satisfied, they headed back to the Lady Bay Resort, where the rehearsal dinner had been arranged.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Siting at the table watching everyone, Hou Yi and Anna could see that despite the cultural andnguage barriers everyone generally seemed to be getting on. The only person who was not enjoying the night was Anna''s mother. She was simply sitting in a corner, ignoring everyone, shooting daggers at Anna, Hou Yi and Alecia.


    Alecia and James had stepped out for a few minutes but Hou Yi quietly told James that they were about five minutes from making the announcement. They wanted a brief break from everyone and promised to be back quickly.


    A couple of minutes after James and Alecia had left the room, having realized that James and Alecia were not immediatelying back in Meredith Jones came over to her daughter and son-inw. Quietly under her voice she spat out to Anna "You are ruining lives; your life having dumped a man who knew how to treat you right and have helped ruin your brother''s life by introducing him to that w*ore he married. She deserves to be thrown out in the trash."


    Hou Yi sick of the behaviour of his mother-inw every time Anna was in her vicinity, quietly said "Mrs Jones, my parent and grandparents always made sure I knew to respect my elders. I told youst time that I would not stand for abuse of my wife, and I will not. I am Anna''s choice, so you need to learn to ept that. If you cannot you will not y a part in our lives going forward or the lives of our future children. And I know that James has already told you he will not ept you abusing his wife ¡­"


    "W*ore you mean" spat out Meredith.


    James and Alecia hade back in and walked over as they could see that Meredith was starting to vent herself at Anna and Hou Yi. James turned "Mother, we have had this discussion. You may not agree with Anna or my choices for our lives, but you will respect them. If you cannot you will not y a part in our lives. Now, leave your daughter alone."


    "I am sick of this mother, and we will have a lengthier discussion about this next week.?You know my position and I warned you about doing this particrly this weekend. You have driven Adam, Ben and Susan from rtionships with you.?Now, you have done it with Anna and I. We will tolerate you as we love dad but forget about a rtionship."


    With that James, grabbed his mother''s hand and dragged her back to where she had been sitting. Alecia turned and quietly said. "Uncle Yi, do not worry. We have this under control, and we have your friend Anna, Miss Georgina who has agreed to sit with her in the church and keep her under control tomorrow."


    Alecia turned and walked over to James. At the same time Hou Yi realized that Anna was starting to get tired again, and stood up, picking up the microphone that had been ced on the table in front of them.


    Once he had everyone''s attention he started speaking in English "Wee everyone. It is good to see our family and close friends here tonight for a rxing dinner. Of course, we will be back here tomorrow night, after the ceremony for a reception, but tonight is about taking a chance to get to know people."


    "Anna and I, are grateful for everyone who has travelled to be here and cannot thank you enough for making the effort to do so. It would have been easy for you to wait until we had our second ceremony next year back home, so your effort is appreciated. We also have a few thank yous to make tonight, so that they are not forgotten"


    "The biggest thank you has to go to Rosemary, Reba, my mother and aunt, along with my Assistant Wang Long and his wife, who have been the people who have taken on the responsibility for the arrangements for tonight and tomorrow, as well as assisting with arrangements for those who travelled here to Australia.?Most importantly, they have put up with both of us, particrly Anna when, as she described it, she has had bridezi moments in thest couple of weeks."


    "As the people that are the closest to us are here, we have an announcement to make. Some of you know this but we have in thest few days started to quietly make this public where needed. More formally it will be announced in the future, but," Hou Yi reached down and helped Anna stand-up "we want everyone here to hear it from us tonight as it will make tomorrow even more special for us, is that we are expecting our first child."


    Anna was d Hou Yi had agreed to maintain the position that they were only expecting one baby not two, particrly as they knew that they may not have two babies born living.

 Chapter 538: Wedding Bells - Part 1

    <h4>538 Wedding Bells - Part 1</h4>


    Saturday


    Anna and Hou Yi awoken with a knock on their room door, before it was opened and they heard a voice calling out "Boss, Lady Boss, breakfast is here." After ncing at the clock, they realized that is was 7:45am, and that by 8:30 everyone would start arriving for Anna to get ready.


    Both Anna and Hou Yi quickly got out of bed, and after Hou Yi put on a dressing room, and pushed Anna towards the bathroom, he walked into the lounge area to find two of the bodyguards, with breakfast. Hou Yi, quickly ced them where they would keep warm, and pushed the bodyguards out the door, warning them to give them some notice when everyone started toe towards the room.


    He quickly turned towards the bathroom and joined Anna in the shower. Both of them, while wanting to indulge each other in the shower they also were realistic as to what was ahead, so simply satisfied each other by washing the other and kisses before dragging themselves out and changing into casual clothes before getting ready for the day.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    At the table, Hou Yi pulled out Anna''s chair for her, and walked over and ced her breakfast in front of her along with a ss of orange juice and a cup of decaffeinated Coffee, while also himself having a cup of tea.


    When he sat down, Anna said "I could not believe my brother''sst night."


    "I just thought that they would use that for ckmail purposes, but it was so damn embarrassing to see that footage yed on the big screen."


    "At least they had the courtesy to see that the blurred out everything on the nudie run that I had to do when I lost that Grand Final bet."


    "And what was worse that my parents cooperated with that. Those damn photos and film that they had."


    "At least everyone seemed to take it with the fun that it was meant to be, even those that havee over."


    "True. The funny thing was, that the friends of my parents, including a couple of government ministers and formerpany CEO, all were itching to speak to your damn brothers, as they want to have a go at milking a cow by hand. The Agricultural minister was the worst of the lot."


    "I missed that."


    "I am not sure who you were talking to. And the worst thing is Adam and Ben have said that there is some after wedding party at the farm tomorrow and promised them that they could have a go then."


    "Damn, I thought they had forgot about that. Rosemary mentioned something about a day after the wedding party, and I dismissed it. Did they say anything else?"


    "Not really. They said they have organized a couple of buses to take everyone out to wherever it is organised and they have everything in hand."


    "That scares me. Adam, Ben and Wayne in charge of something, it could be an utter disaster. Those three have the idea that a party is a barbeque, snacks and alcohol."


    "Ben mentioned James and Alecia were helping out."


    "OK that might be safe. James tends to keep the others from getting to much out of control and Alecia hopefully will temper it further to ensure that it does not offend anyone."


    Before Hou Yi could respond, there was a knock on the door, and one of the bodyguards entered "Boss, Madam''s sisters, Madam Yao and Miss Alecia are alling."


    "Thank you."


    "Wait a moment please," quietly said Alecia. "Can you please pass on a message to everyone. I want all of you to enjoy today. Yes, I know you have a job and you are here away from your family, but this is meant to be a family ceremony, and I will not enjoy the day if you do not participate."


    "Madam, we need to protect you and ¡­"


    "No," interrupted Hou Yi quite curtly. "My wife is right. Do your job but enjoy the day. I know my mother made sure there are tables in the reception hall for you and everyone else''s bodyguards, so please join us. Plus, someone better speak to my brothers-inw and sort out about the so called party they have organized for tomorrow."


    The bodyguard noticing that Anna and Hou Yi had quite determined faces, realized that there would be no arguing with anyone, and simply responded "Yes Sir, and I will make sure that gets passed on to all the various security details for your guests."

 Chapter 539: Wedding Bells - Part 2

    <h4>539 Wedding Bells - Part 2</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    As Hou YI exited their room in came?Susan, Rosemary, Reba, Amanda, Alecia, Du Anling and Leng Xi.


    On spotting her son leaving Du AnLingmented "Darling, get out of here. I gather your half of the wedding party are meeting in Tan''s suite, and you are meant to all be doing something with the boys for a couple of hours."


    Hou Yi leant over and gave Anna a brief kiss before quietly saying "See you at the Altar."


    As Hou Yi was shutting the door behind him Rosemary and Susan came over and quietly dragged Anna back into the bedroom before asking "How are you?"


    "Calm down you two. I just over did it yesterday a little. I am fine."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Rosemary continued "You had your husband panicking, let alone me."


    "Apologises. Is that why you did not insist on dragging him awayst night?"


    "Yeah, and you better be prepared to hear from your mother about that. When you leftst night all she could do was continue to badmouth you when James and Alecia were not in hearing range as well asining about you and Yi spending the night together.?She keptmenting that you should have been at home and mentioned her father should be the one to arrange your marriage."


    "That was enough to make me see red as her attitude was such that she was not going to let you have peace and quiet let alone let you go to the church.?She has something nned with her father that would ruin your wedding ceremony Anna.?In the end Dad has taken her to her favourite hairdressers to have her hair and makeup done for the day.?He will keep her away and meet you at the church to walk you down the aisle."


    "You already know Alecia has arranged with your high school ssmate Georgina Couch to sit beside her keep her under control.?Plus, Adam and Ben''s maternal grandparents have agreed to help Georgina with that as well.?We all know how they have reacted in the past to her behaviour, so she is unlikely to demonstrate it in front of them."


    "Thank you, Rosemary. I was so worried about what she would do." The cute childish and charming look on Anna''s facebined with her tone of voice drew both Susan and Rosemary in.


    "And sister, you know that would not help you..." responded Susan.?After a pause, "Damn it, you need to stop letting our witch of a mother trying to influence you.?She has always messed with you in the past, as you have looked for her to care about you.?Her problem is she is so stuck on what her damn parents believed about rtionships her wanting to impose that on all of us, has messed with us all.?I was visiting them the other week, and Dad turned and told her that he was getting sick of the behaviour. He had taken it for so long and if she kept going ¡­"


    "You are kidding me, he finally had enough?"


    "Her target was James and Alecia. You know for Dad, despite loving you and me even though I am only his stepdaughter, his boys are the world. He will not take her doing anything to them. She apparently had talked about forcing James and Alecia to divorce and a few other things ¡­."


    Susan paused "Damn it sister, you always do that. The cute childish and charming look and that tone gets us all going off talking about things we do not need to. Now you promise us, that if you start feeling unwell at all today, you let either of us or James know.?And more importantly forget about the witch that is our mother."


    Nodding her head Anna simply said "Yes"


    Before they could continue, Du AnLing called out in English "Come on, let us get this show on the road and get you ready to meet my son at the Church Anna."


    Walking out, Anna was greeted by an utterly changed lounge/dining area in the room. Make-up artists had stands set up, and the hairdressers were starting to get ready to style hair. Anna looked around and noticed that there were no children there "Where are the children?"


    Reba turned around "Adam and Ben''s grandparents and your father-inw are with them in another room, ying games and will get them ready. A hairdresser is already arranged to go and style the girl''s hair before they are all dressed into their clothes. And I arranged for help tonight to keep them under control so we can all enjoy ourselves."


    Before Anna knew it, she was put into a chair, and a hairdresser started working on styling her hair, and a manicurist started working on her hands. Anna, simply sat there with her eyes closed, letting them do their job while everyone else around her was talking or from the sounds was getting worked on.


    The hairdresser, only seemed to do part of her job before stepping away, and the make-up artists moving in. Anna knew, given everything her veil would be fixed on her hair, after she had finished her makeup and otherwise getting ready.


    Just before 11:30am, there was a knock on the door and a voice said, "First Madam, Second Madam, Young Madam, the light meal organized for everyone has arrived."


    Anna heard Du AnLing call out, "Bring it in."

 Chapter 540: Wedding Bells - Part 3

    <h4>540 Wedding Bells - Part 3</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    On opening her eyes Anna noticed trays with sandwiches and finger style food being brought in and ced on the table.?There were two dress racks with garment bags hanging on them, which would be everyone''s dresses.


    Despite having been married to Hou Yi for months, Anna was starting to feel nervous and turned from the food.?Susan, having anticipated Anna''s action handed her a te with a few sandwiches on it and a ss of orange juice with a straw before saying "Eat and Drink, you still have a lot to get through."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    On observing the look on Susan''s face Anna turned and saw a simr look on Rosemary''s face.?They both were in nurse mode and she would achieve nothing arguing with them.?Thest thing that she wanted was food, but Anna realised it would be hours before she could have anything to eat or drink and gave in eating the few things Susan ced on her te before heading into the bathroom to clean her teeth.


    On returning everyone else had finished eating and were getting ready to help her into her wedding dress.?Unlike most brides in Australia she avoided white, cream and ivory. None of them or their various shares ever looked good on her, but respecting the traditions of her new home she knew her dress had to be a red.


    The Tailors had done a perfect job, locating the right shade of red with golden threats running through it, which shimmered depending on how the light hit it.?The dress itself nodded to the Australian dress traditions, with the sleeves starting at the point of her shoulders going down to her wrists and a sweetheart neckline.


    The tailor adjusted it to be loosely fitted, given her pregnancy, and from her hips it lightly red out, due to the cut and draping of the material falling naturally into pleats without being pleated.?It was almost floor length, and the embroidery at the bottom several Australian Native flowers and contained her and Hou Yi''s names.?For Anna, if felt the perfect mix, of cultures in the dress but was exactly what she liked in style.


    She remembered Hou Yi''s words the day he saw the design, that she would look perfect in the dress. Anna knew that he was only pandering to what she wanted to hear, but she really hoped that he would appreciate what she was wearing.


    Once she was in her dress, she carefully sat back down, ready for the veil, another nod to her Australia heritage, this time a family heirloom from her paternal grandmother was attached to her head. Before the hairdresser went to attach the veil, Du AnLing said "Anna, your family exined the Australian traditions for brides, ''something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue''."


    "Sweetheart, I know the tailor sewed a small piece of blue material inside your dress, your dress is the something new, and your grandmother''s veil is something old. My mother-inw gave me this to bring in. It is from her jewellery collection, and she figured that it, after I exined with your sister''s help the tradition, your something borrowed."


    With that, Du AnLing opened a box that had been sitting on the bench and drew out from it a gold tiara with arge red stone in it. "My father-inw and his parents had thismissioned for their wedding day, as my mother-inw loved the idea of wearing a veil with a tiara, but rather than having too many diamonds, they limited them within the tiara to keep the focus on the ruby."


    She carefully handed the tiara to the hairdresser, with a clear warning to be careful putting this on Anna, and Rosemary came across with the veil, for the hairdresser to finish Anna''s hair, and to ce the veil and tiara on.


    While the hairdresser was finishing her work, everyone changed into their dresses and suits. Just as Anna''s hair was finished with the veil and tiara in ce, there was a knock on the door. Anna immediately on hearing the voice realized it was one of the bodyguards "First Madam, Second Madam, Young Madam, the cars are ready to take you to the church."


    Anna, then realized that it was 12:45pm, and after being helped stand, everyone headed out of the room, and downstairs to the vehicles. When they reached the foyer, the children were all ready to head to the church for the ceremony.


    In the absence of her father to go with her, Du AnLing and Hou Jang climbed into the car with Anna, and in the convoy heading to the church, it was thest vehicle to leave, a few minutes after everyone else.

 Chapter 541: Wedding Bells - Part 4

    <h4>541 Wedding Bells - Part 4</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    As the car pulled away from the amodation to head to the church, Du AnLing turned to Anna and asked, "Why are we going slightlyter than everyone else?"


    "Mum, for two reasons.?Firstly, to allow Rosemary, Reba and Susan to get their children under control before we head into the church.?The otheres back to another tradition a lot of Australia Brides follow in being a few minuteste to keep the groom on his toes."


    The idea of keeping Hou Yi on his toes, slightly worried as to whether she would turn by drew a c9ouple ofughs from Du AnLing and Hou Jang.


    Hou Jang continued, "True, they were all excited about being involved, that it was difficult keep them calm. Thank goodness the amodation arranged for your, what do you call them?"


    "Let me just say grandparents. I refuse to have anything to do with mum''s biological parents due to their beliefs and they have always treated me no different to Adam and Ben, and their other biological grandchildren," quietly added Anna.?She was so grateful that everything was being done to keep her maternal grandfather away from toe ceremony as he would cause a scene and totally ruin everything.


    "Well they arranged for a ce up the road, that had something called mini golf, for them to have a game, right on 9am. We were working on the basis that this might burn up some of their energy."


    "You survived that with them Dad?"


    "Your grandparents were great with them, and we had them under control. They are such lovely people. Plus Hou Yi, and the rest of his party where there so the children were on their best behaviour given their fathers were there."


    After a pause Hou Jang continued "Forget about that, it is good to see you wearing my mother''s tiara. When she sees you with it, in that dress she will cry. She might have liked you to wear something more traditional for our culture, it is a perfect blend of traditions."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Du AnLing spoke "I am just sorry your parents are not here with you. Why is that?"


    "Let me just say, that was a decision Yi and I made together. You saw how my mother wasst night and that was thest thing we wanted today. Dad will wait for me at the church to walk me down the Aisle, but I quietly spoke to himst night, and Yi also agreed with this," with that Anna turned to Hou Jang, "we want you to be on my other side as I go down the aisle."


    Anna could see at that request there were almost tears in Hou Jang''s eyes as he nodded.?His daughter-inw was giving him the chance to y father of the bride with her own father.


    Anna just sat there quietly, and within a couple of minutes, the car was entering the church yard, pulling up close to the church door. Du AnLing and Hou Jang exited the vehicle, and the door opened, with Hou Jang and her father helping Anna out of the car.


    Amanda, who had designated herself has her matron of honour, had in her hands a bouquet of flowers, with ribbons made from the same material as her dress, with Rosemary and Alecia fussing around while making sure the dress was draped correctly, and the veil was right. Susan and Reba were at the church door with the children.


    Around the church grounds, despite the heavy presence of not only Hou Yi''s bodyguards, but those of other guests and the security details of the government ministers present, there were a few people watching Anna and the rest of the bridal party.


    When looking around, Anna spotted Sally Couch her daughters and her god-awful husband Shane, who was just as Anna remembered him. The look on Sally''s face worried Anna, so she quietly leant over to Hou Jang and whispered that there could be an issue, and without being obvious pointed out Sally and exined that she was the one that caused trouble in Hong Kong.


    As they moved to the church door, Hou Jang quietly leant over to one of the bodyguards, so Anna realized that he must be telling him about the potential issue.


    Without a care now, Anna confidently with her father on one side and her father-inw on the other stepped into the church, and slowly made her way down the aisle towards Hou YI, who had turned and with a gentle smile on his face looked directly at her. Nothing else mattered to Anna as she made her way down the aisle.


    She did not hear the gasps of people as she walked down the aisle and the had a closer look at her dress, the look on the minister''s face seeing a red wedding dress, not even the looks her mother was giving. The only thing that mattered was Hou Yi.


    Anna knew that this day would be something that she remembered for the rest of her life, the publicmitment of her life to Hou Yi, to match the privatemitment they had made almost four months ago, which they had not realized was the truth, a lifetimemitment that would be blessed with love, despite all the challenges that it would have.


    As she arrived at the altar, her father and father-inw ced her hand in Hou Yi. Anna slightly turned and handed her flowers to Amanda, while Alecia and Rosemary carefully lifted her veil.

 Chapter 542: Wedding Bells - Part 5

    <h4>542 Wedding Bells - Part 5</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    As he spotted Anna at the door of the church with their fathers, on either side of her Hou Yi realised how much the day had passed in a blur.?The only thing that made any impression on him was meeting for the first time Susan and Wayne''s son in his wheelchair.?He was a lovely child, who despite all the challenges he faced was as bright as could be expected.


    Given he was the only niece of nephew of Anna''s that was not in the wedding party, after talking to Wayne, he decided that he could bring forward a little pillow with their rings on it when the minister asked for him.?It was easy to see that he was delighted at being given such a big responsibility from his new uncle.?Hou Yi just hoped when Anna saw what he had done, she was happy.


    His second nce made his realise that he had been right the day he had seen Anna''s dress design.?It was perfect for her.?It blended cultures and the shade of red with the gold through it was striking on her.?The closer she came to him at the altar the more Hou YI felt that his heart would stop.?This would be a totally memorable afternoon.


    While the day they obtained their marriage certificate would always be a day he could not forget, as he had been able to secure as his bride his love, it was even more special today.?They had been through so much to get here, and they both knew that the loved each other, meaning that today was a true and total expression of theirmitment to each other.


    When Anna was three paces away, even he was shocked.?His grandmother had leant Anna her own wedding tiara.?He had asked her, but she kept telling him no.?It was totally perfect for the day.


    Anna on the other hand, could only see Hou Yi waiting for her at the end of the aisle.?It was, as she moved towards him there was only the two of them in the world.?Their family, friends and the guests meant nothing, and it was almost as if they were not there.


    The moment their father''s ced Anna''s hand in his, Hou Yi, felt a jolt flow through him. He turned and whispered to Anna "I knew that that dress would be perfect on you."?All Anna could do was look at him with a sweet shy smile on her face.


    Unlike for everyone else around them, for both Anna and Hou Yi, the start of the ceremony simply drifted by. They both felt in a small bubble, that was them and the minister, and that no one else was there, much like the day they obtained their marriage certificates.


    The breaking moment for them, was when the minister asked them to join both hands and turn towards them. Repeating after the minister, Hou Yi firstly said his vows, followed by Anna. When the minister asked for their rings, out of the corner of Anna''s eyes she saw her oldest nephew in his wheelchair with the help of his sistersing forward with a pillow with their wedding bands attached to it.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Anna had not thought about that and was touched he had been involved. As he arrived Hou Yi bent down, to untie the rings and take them off the pillow, and quietly said "Thank you for doing this when I asked you sote."


    The smile that hit his face, as Hou Yi said this, had Anna bend down, and give his cheek a kiss before saying "I am so proud of you," with tears running down her eyes.?She could not believe Hou Yi, as he had made sure that today was even more special for her.


    As they both came back up, Hou Yi handed the rings to the minister, who continued with the ceremony. Anna noticed as Hou Yi slid her ring back onto her finger his hands were slightly shaking.?He felt more nervous that the day when they obtained their marriage certificate doing this. As Anna returned the favour her hands were also shaking, as this was much more than then when they first did this for her, it was a truemitment.


    The bnce of the ceremony passed in a blur until the minister told Hou Yi that he could kiss his bride. The moment that their lips met in the church, for both Anna and Hou Yi, it was for them as if they were the only people in the world. As they gentle pulled away, Hou Yi, took Anna''s hand in his and briefly ced them both on her stomach as if to bring their babies into this ceremony.


    It was only at that time, that they heard the minister say, "I Give you Mr and Mrs Hou."


    Shaking themselves out of the daze that they had been in throughout the ceremony, they turned to great their guests, slowly making their way down the aisle pausing every step or two to speak to their quests. Anna carefully looked at her mother right as they started to walk back down the aisle, who seemed to be on her best behaviour, but given her reactions now, Anna was just terrified that she would react and spoil the day. Thank goodness, Georgina was with her, and keeping a close eye on her.


    After about ten minutes they finally reached the church door, and walked outside into the sunlight, and slowly everyone followed them out.

 Chapter 543: Wedding Bells - Part 6

    <h4>543 Wedding Bells - Part 6</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    After they had exited the church, their wedding party and guests started to follow them out from the church.?They all had toe over and congratte Hou Yi and Anna not only on the ceremony but on the news deliveredst night.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Anna was on tender-hooks worried that her mother would start to overreact outside the church.?Alecia and James'' threat along with Georgina and Adam and Ben''s maternal grandparents had kept her under control so far.?ncing at her mother, Anna seeing the look on Meredith Jones'' face told Anna how unimpressed she was about this ceremony and Anna''s choice.


    Hou Yi, followed the eyes of his wife and noticed that they were on her mother. He leant over and quietly whispered to Anna "Sweetheart, do not worry. If she cannot be happy for us, they she is not worth worrying about."


    "Yi, she is my mother¡­"


    After quickly sealing her lips with a brief kiss Hou Yi said "Anna, she has made her position very clear.?She wants what she wants and today of all days do not worry about her. Let us just focus on us, an enjoy the day."


    Anna looked into Hou Yi''s eyes and simply nodded. While they were epting people''s congrattions, their photographer was wandering through the crowd taking a number of photographs.?Eventually he started to take control of the scene to take photographs at the church with their families, friends and guests.?It was obvious for Anna looking at no only their bodyguards but those of the other guests and the security staff engaged for the day were all quite nervous.


    Once the photographers were satisfied with the photographs at the church the wedding party and their immediate family headed towards the botanical gardens for the first of their two post ceremony photo shoots. The photographers had done their pre-wedding scouting, and had the perfect ces already scoped out for the photos to be taken, including in the bandstand and at theke''s edge.


    The only thing that kept grating on Anna''s nerves was that Adam, Wayne and Ben wereining as they were missing watching the AFL game on television.


    When James heard that whining, he turned and responded, "Suck it up princesses, it is only one game and if we all know you, you will be watching repeat after repeat of the game, depending on the result."


    Ben fired back "But we are missing out on the fun of watching the game"


    Anna, knowing how this argument would likely end up, decided that she had to speak "Damn it you three, I bet your wives how long it would be before this happened, and guess who won. I will give you once chance before I decided to enforce the oue ¡­"


    Ben and Adam, knowing the potential turned to Rosemary and Reba, who just had a smirk on their faces, before Anna continued "Which is that each of you will have to run along the breakwater in your underwear. I figured a nudie run might be too embarrassing, so ¡­''


    Ben could only try and hide his face, and Wayne had to respond "You, You ¡­"


    "Well I did tell everyone I did not want my day ruined and there would be consequences."


    Meanwhile, Amanda and Yao Tan were looking confused at the exchange, and Hou Yi, Alecia and James quietly exined to them what was being talked about. Alecia, having only learnt in thest couple of months about the usual oues of bets within Anna''s family, a nudie or underwear run, when she poorly made one simple bet, so she had already sworn off them. There was no way that she was going to tell her father about that, as he would hit the roof.


    When the bickering finished the photographerpleted thest of photographs in the gardens as another two wedding parties arrived for their photographs before they headed to gstaff Hill for a few photographs that Hou Yi was determined to have there. Ever since the day he walked around on the day they told Anna''s family or their marriage, he had imagined photographs of Anna as a bride outside the small chapel there, and he was determined to have them. Thank goodness the weather was cooperating.


    Unlike the first photo shoot in the gardens, this was a much simpler shoot, and after another thirty minutes there they had finished and headed back to the amodation for pre-dinner drinks with their guests before the reception, which ran long into the night.

 Chapter 544: Post Wedding Fun - part 1

    <h4>544 Post Wedding Fun - part 1</h4>


    Sunday


    Having spent ate night with all their wedding guests at their reception, Hou Yi when he woke up Sunday morning was careful to make sure that he did not disturb Anna. She had been totally exhausted when they returned to their room and it was a struggle to even get her out of her wedding dress and into bed. The?only thing at the reception Anna was grateful for, was that the hairdresser, had ensured that she could remove the veil as soon as they arrived at the venue without disturbing her hair or the tiara.


    Hou Yi, was simply grateful for when they were able to hand the tiara in its box to the bodyguards to secure it until they headed home. While it was highly sentimental to his family, he knew from dealing with Fengs and jewellery more generally the true value of the tiara. Given how hard it was to spend money on jewellery for his wife, she would have been highly concerned if she had realized that the tiara was worth over ten million US dors, due to the rubies, diamonds and gold in it.


    Even after he had quietly showered and changed, Anna was still asleep in bed, so Hou Yi slipped into the lounge/dining area and made himself a drink and pulled out hisptop. Despite his best to try to deal with all work matters so he could have a week away, the reality was that he was unable to avoid work. Some things, despite all his ns required his attention, or were necessary to deal with for uing meetings.


    Hou Yi quietly worked while keeping an eye on Anna, letting her sleep as long as he could. Thest thing that he wanted was another day like Friday. That panicked him, and in the end,?he made a real mess of dealing with everything. He was worried that Anna might have thought that he was more concerned about their baby, rather than the truth, she was the most important thing.


    Hou Yi concentration on the work before him and before he knew it, he felt Anna wrap her arms around him from behind, and gave him a kiss, before asking "What in the world are you doing. We are meant to be away from work and our worries at home for a few days."


    Turning around slightly, moving his chair backwards a bit, Hou Yi gently pulled Anna onto hisp before giving her a kiss "Sweetheart, you needed to sleep, and I have wall to wall meetings Wednesday and Thursday, so I figured as I was not going to go back to sleep I might as well do something constructive."


    He looked at hisptop and noticed the times "Now get yourself into the shower. It is after 11am, and those invited are gathering at the farm for lunch and a rxing afternoon."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Rxing afternoon, you have to be kidding me with Adam and Ben involved," Anna saidughing, before scrambling off Hou Yi''sp and heading into the bathroom to shower.


    Hou Yi, while waiting for Anna, finished reading the document he was reading, given he only had a page left, before shutting down hisptop and packing everything away.


    As he put hisptop away, Anna walked out of the bedroom, and headed over putting her hand on his arm. Looking up, she quietly said "Yi, I want to do one think before we head out today, given our intention to leave early in the morning to head back to Melbourne."


    "Whatever you want, but I promised that we would be there by 1pm."


    "Not a problem.?There is just something that I am craving, a hamburger with the lot. Do you want one?"


    Hou Yi looked at Anna, baffled. Why in the world would she want a hamburger when they were heading to the farm for a party.?Anna simply ignored Hou Yi, and telephoned her favourite Hamburger store, Kermonds for a take-away order.?In addition to the burger for herself, she ordered another seven hamburgers, and if Hou Yi or the bodyguards did not want one she was aware her family would polish them off, particrly when someone else brought it for them.


    Anna dragged out finishing getting ready, so that when they arrived at Kermonds, with a bodyguard she walked straight in, paid for her order and collected the food and headed back out.?As she reached the car, she started to offer the burgers out.?Three bodyguards decided to take a chance and try one.?Hou Yi was determined to refuse until he looked directly into his wife''s eyes and immediately took it to try.

 Chapter 545: Post Wedding Fun - Part 2

    <h4>545 Post Wedding Fun - Part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued


    Anna decided rather than eating her hamburger in the car, that she would eat it out on the street.?Hou Yi noticed that a shy smile passed over his wife''s face as she was eating.?For him Anna seemed in no hurry, but the cars and the fact that they were surrounded by bodyguards was drawing a lot of attention from passers-by.


    As he bit into the burger, he could see why his wife wanted one.?Yes, it was something that he would not eat regrly, but despite that it did taste quite good.?He quickly finished the burger and stood there still watching Anna who was clearly enjoying the burger.?At one point, he tapped Anna on the shoulder and said quietly "You are enjoying that?"


    "Absolutely my love.?Do not get me wrong, the staff at home can cook, but sometimes the simple pleasures from growing up can be the best.?Yes, it is greasy food, but lovely to eat, and it reminds me of simply spending time with people at school.?While my ssmates were a couple of years older than me there was a few that were nice, and we simply hung out.?That I miss."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "You know you cane back hear any time you want to see people."


    "I know that Yi, but my life is with you," and with that Anna took Hou Yi''s hand cing it on her stomach, "And our children.?Visits will be lovely but that is not my reality."?Anna turned and moved to snuggle into Hou Yi''s arms.


    The bodyguards, surrounding their boss and thedy boss could not believe the two of them.?They knew since their marriage, the boss had changed.?Yes, he was as hardnosed as he had been both in the office and acting outside when he needed to, but he changed as soon as he was around thedy boss or anyone that would say anything to her.?He softened and was more caring.


    One of the bodyguards who was not finishing off the hamburger they opted to try, looking around at all the attention that they had drawn from people in the streets, decided that it was necessary that they started to move.?Too many people were interested in them, and despite how far they were away from home the risks to them were significant.


    He quietly moved over to Hou Yi, and said "Boss, we need to move.?There are too many people starting to gather looking at us and ..."


    "You are worried that Lu Jingho might attack us??He would not be so crazy, with the court cases going on and some of our guests here..."


    "Boss. he is crazy.?You and the Lady Boss know that.?He wants to hurt the two of you, and we previously failed to act to stop previous events.?We will be pro-active to ensure that you are safe."


    Anna, hearing that "Look, we do not me you for what has happened, but Yi is right, he would not be so stupid."?Anna paused "Actually he might be so stupid to try, but time and distance as all he knew was that we were marrying in Australia would mean an attack is impossible.?Just let me enjoy a few minutes here before we have to head."


    Hou Yi, seeing his wife simply wanted to take in some sights and sounds of her hometown, shot the bodyguard a look telling him to calm down and watch for threats.


    As he went to step away, Anna spoke again "Now out at this party, as much as you can rx.?The guests are those from the wedding.?No over the top acting to protect me, unless my mother decides to cause a scene."


    Looking to Hou Yi, the guard realised at that moment that the Lady Boss was the one in control, and the boss would allow it.?Seeing the look on the bodyguard''s face as he turned around, Anna looked to Hou Yi, andughed before moving in and whispering "Yi, you can be terrifying when you want, but you know you are telling them that I am in control."


    Whispering to his wife Hou Yi responded "My love, you know I will give you most things, provided they do not risk your safety, the safety of our family or harm the business.?If it came down to who they had to save the bodyguards know it needs to be you, as I could not live knowing that nothing was done to protect you."


    "Stop being dramatic...."

 Chapter 546: Post Wedding Fun - Part 3

    <h4>546 Post Wedding Fun - Part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued


    Hou Yi interrupted Anna saying "Anna, calm down, they have their orders.?Now, we need to think about getting a move otherwise Adam and Ben will kill us for ruining their party."


    "That scares me Yi, those two in control of a party.?I just hope everyone else stepped in to prevent them turning it into an alcohol and chips party which causes everyone to run quickly."


    "Sweetheart, they will try their best, and that is all we can ask.?Otherwise it would be a professionally organised party, rather than a rxing family event."


    "Hou Yi, if it is an alcohol and chips party we are leaving, have you got it."


    "Yes sweetheart, now get into the car, both to calm the bodyguards down but also so we are not toote.?They will kill us if we are."


    "Yi, that is taken care of.?I have a bribe to satisfy them, in a couple of Kermonds Hamburgers," Anna responded with a smirk before heading over and slipping into the car followed by Hou Yi.?As she settled in for the trip to the farm, Anna rested her head on Hou Yi''s shoulders and drifted off to sleep.?Hou Yi could not believe it, Anna went from energetic to exhausted in a few minutes.?That was something he knew at the next obstetrician appointment he needed to raise with the obstetrician to see if this was normal, or something he needed to be concerned about.


    As the car slowed down and went over the cattle grid, Anna awoke with a start.?"Damn it, did I sleep the whole trip."


    "You did.?Yesterday was a long, but enjoyable day.?Did I tell you how beautiful you lookeding down the aisle towards me with our fathers??Dad could not believe you asked him to do that."


    "Yi, you are an only child, and you dad, despite what you may think is constantly trying to make things easy for me ..."


    "Because you make me happy, and more importantly you have been able to achieve what we all thought was the impossible, controlling the shopaholics that are my mother and aunt.?Although apparently, they went wandering through the shopping area in Warrnambool on Friday and came back with a car full of shopping bags."


    "Yi they could not have done too much damage, as while the shops are good here, there is not the likes of a Channel or Prada here were a dress each can be worth tens or hundreds of thousands.?Stop worrying about it and let them enjoy themselves even if they go over their spending limit for the month.?We are here to celebrate our marriage and I do not want anything to spoil that."


    "Yes Anna," responded a chastised Hou Yi.


    Anna opened her mouth and was about to say something, but the car came to a stop, so she decided that she would not respond further.?Hou Yi stepped out the of the car and helped Anna out after him.?Anna took his arm, and the two of them walked into the farm shed where the part was being held.


    As they arrived at the shed door, they heard Adam call out?"Heree the bride and groom.?They decided to leave all of us waiting, and we can guess what they were doing."


    This drewughs from those present who understood what was being said and the hidden message.?Anna, however, could not stop blushing in response to thement.?Anna responded "Go jump Adam, your mind is in the gutter and I do not know how your wife puts up with you at times ..."


    "With difficulty," interrupted Rachael.


    "And we cannot understand why you do," added Susan.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "And Adam, given your attitude, Ben can have the surprise that I have."?With that she pulled out from behind her back the Kermond''s Hamburgers bag and handed it to Ben while Adam was watching.


    "You, meanie."


    "Serves you right, Adam," responded Ben.?Realising that there were three burgers in the bag, he quickly handed one to Wayne and the other to James, who decided to tease him and immediately started to eat the burgers in front of him, drawing a round ofughter from Anna''s family.

 Chapter 547: Post Wedding Fun - Part 4

    <h4>547 Post Wedding Fun - Part 4</h4>


    Sunday, continued


    Both Anna and Hou Yi looked around as they moved further into the shed and realised the party was already in full swing.?Adam and Ben had decided to go with a country theme, using hay bales covered with rugs for seats, a barbecue cooking meat, a tableden with sds, cold meats and lots of finger food.?There was, surprisingly some Asian style dishes that they thought some of the guests would like.


    Anna looked past the tables and noticed that they had even found a old bath, which they brought in added ice and ced cans of soft drink and alcohol, bottles of water, juice, white wine and even milk in it.?Beside it there were two tables.?One held an urn and supplies for making hot drinks.?The other had stic sses, red wine and bottles of alcohol that did not need chilling.?It was then Anna realised that the sses, cups, tes and the like were all stic.?Yes, wasteful and environmentally damaging, but easy for a clean-up.


    Anna realise that despite her concerns Adam and Ben seemed to have done a reasonably good job in organising the party.?The question would be would this be true for the whole day?


    Spotting Hou Yi''s parents talking to some of the guests from home, they walked purposefully to them.?The Minister for Agriculture, who was a close friend of Hou Jang, stopped Hou Yi to talk to him.?He could not stop raving about how much fun it was trying to milk the cow by hand, and that he had totally enjoyed the tour that Ben and Adam had given him of the farm.


    Listening to the conversation, Anna could not believe how something that drove her crazy being around could inspire a government minister.?She simply just leaned into Hou Yi and drifted out from the conversation.?She only was shaken from the daze when Hou Yi Hou Yi slightly shifted and took her left hand in his and lifted it to his lips to kiss it.


    Farewelling the minister, they started to make the rounds to talk to various people,ing back and forth to the buffet table for things to eat. Anna soon realised that despite cultural andnguage differences, and the number of bodyguards watching their protectees, the guests and most of the bodyguards following the direction that their bodyguards had passed through all of those present were enjoying themselves.


    As she reached Susan, who was drinking soft drink, as she had an evening shift, Anna had to ask the question "Where are Mum and Dad?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Dad called me this morning. Apparentlyst night when they got home, she started tost out, given how much we controlled her behaviour. She cursed you for spoiling what was best for you, going on about what she saw was needed to control you. Badmouthed your husband and was ready to go and throw Alecia out of James'' house and life. He figured that he needed to stay at home, as he was uncertain that we would be able to keep her under control."


    "Damn it, I thought she would settle down, and leave well alone."


    "Do not worry about it, Anna. She must learn to let go of her past, and until she does, she will keep driving all of us away. Wayne and I know that soon we will have to move away for¡­"


    "The final treatment we all knew wasing?"


    "Yeah. Neither of us are looking forward to that, but at least the Royal Children''s Hospital can treat him, so we are not too far away.?The best oue is we will have our son with us for a few more years and the worst case is they will simply ease any suffering before he dies. But Wayne is questioning returning even when the inevitable happens, given the attempts to interfere in our lives mum does." Susan paused and continued "However, this is meant to be fun..."


    With a yell, Anna and Susan looked up and saw Ben and Adam, setting up several games for everyone start ying. Anna however started to feel a little dizzy, and gripped Susan''s arm hard. Susan immediately turned and saw that Anna was not feeling totally well and helped her to sit down quietly on a haybale, before heading to fetch her a drink. After taking a few sips, Anna started to feel better and shooed Susan away to go and join in the fun with everyone else.


    Hou Yi, while joining in the fun with people, saw what happened to Anna, and excused himself to go and see to his wife. Anna simply said "Yi, I have not eaten enough, go and join in the fun for a while."

 Chapter 548: Revenge is best served cold - Part 1

    <h4>548 Revenge is best served cold - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi, seeing his wife sitting down, headed over to the food and gathered a te of food and some soft drink for her, and wandered back to where she was sitting.?He sat down, beside her, and picking up a small sandwich he had put on the te started to move it up for Anna to eat.


    As Anna was watching Hou Yi bring the sandwich up to her mouth she saw Ben, with what appeared to be an ice cube in hand moving behind her husband.?Her though was how immature could he be, with the ice cube down the back of the shirt thing, but as she realised that was her brother.?As the sandwich reached her mouth and she started to bite down, she saw Ben drop the ice cube inside Hou Yi''s shirt as well as feeling a freezing piece of ice slip down her back.


    As Anna turned around, she saw Adam running off, with both him and Benughing.?Damn those two immature brothers.?Anna decided to say quickly, and loudly "Adam and Ben Jones, you two immature brothers.?I thought you were responsible, and yet you resort to petty tricks like that."


    On observing his wife and her brother''s Hou Yi realised that there was something more to this, then the two of them being immature.?Ben quickly turned and walked back towards Anna saying "What goes aroundes around sister.?What did you expect, we would let you get away doing that to us at our weddings and not respond at your wedding?"


    "Damn it, Ben, at your wedding I was what, thirteen or fourteen years old and eleven or twelve years old at Adam''s wedding??You two take the cake, plus the two of you were married in summer.?You decide to target me during my spring wedding while I am pregnant.?Do you not think about a pregnant woman??I do not know why I put up with you let alone your wives put up with you," responded an exasperated Anna.


    Before Anna could say anything else, Adam, Ben, James, Wayne, Susan, Rosemary and Reba together said, "You put up with us because you love us," before bursting out inughter.?Hou Yi, joined in theughing as he knew his inws had nailed his wife down.?She loved her siblings and he knew there was times, despite all the telephone and video calls she missed being near them at times.


    Anna stared at them all before shaking her head andmenting "I do not know why," and joined in theughing.?Anna in that moment realised how good it was to be spending time with her family, as despite her new life with the love of her life her siblings and their spouses were important to her and she missed spending time with them.


    Over to one side, Du AnLing and Hou Jang sat watching the interaction between their daughter-inw and her family.?It was obvious to anyone that the siblings cared for each other and had seemed to take Hou Yi as another member of the family so easily.?While they knew they were blessed to have their son, in that moment they realised that their decisions did have an impact on him.


    Turning to his wife Hou Jang said "My wife, you know our son is so lucky to have found Anna and her family ..."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "He was, my husband.?I could read in your eyes that you were thinking the same thing as me, that our choices impacted him, but ..."


    "I know, as long as he is happy that is all that matters.?I have to admit seeing his reaction when that ice was put down his back, I just hope a few photographs were taken, as it was priceless."


    "I know."?Du AnLing looked up and saw that not only did her son''s inws have more ice in their hands, their son did too.?"This could get messy.?I think I better go protect my daughter-inw, otherwise she will be the real victim of all that ice."


    "Do that, I am going to get that son of mine as well.?The brat the other day lectured me on behaving this weekend, now look at him.?Revenge, is a dish that can be served cold."

 Chapter 549: Revenge is best served cold - Part 2

    <h4>549 Revenge is best served cold - Part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Hearing that her husband wanted to target their son, Du AnLing could only smile.?He was really rxing and enjoying himself.?This, for Du AnLing looked well for when their grandchild was born.?Kissing her husband Du AnLing said "Just be careful," and she headed towards her daughter-inw.


    While his wife headed towards Anna, Hou Jang, quietly headed towards where the ice was, and as he picked up a piece of ice, he heard this quite little girl''s voice behind him saying "Grandpa Hou, what are you going to do?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Turning around, he realised it was Anna''s niece Hannah.?He carefully bent down and said "I am joining to join in the fun with your mummy and daddy and uncles and aunts and put a piece of ice down your Uncle Yi''s back.?Do you want to help me?"


    Giggling, Hannah responded in a conspiratorial tone "Yes Grandpa Hou.?But I want to put my own piece down Uncle Yi''s back.?Seeing his face when Uncle Ben did it was so funny.?I also want to put a piece down Uncle Adam''s back as well.?He was mean to Aunty Anna, so he deserves it."


    Hou Jang, looked directly at Hannah, and hoped the same qualities that he could already see in her, a strong determined girl, beautiful and charming, just like her aunt would be the same in any of his granddaughters that Anna and Hou Yi blessed him with.


    He carefully helped Hannah get her piece of ice, and they moved over to where the adults where.?He whispered to Hannah "I will put the ice down your Uncle Yi''s back first, and then you can use that to get your Uncle Adam."?Hannah nodded, as unlike her Poppy Jones, Grandpa Hou was fun and joined in things with her.


    Hou Jang, snuck in behind his son, and as he slipped the piece of ice down his shirt said "Son, I told you the other day with your lecture revenge is a dish best served cold..."


    Hearing that, Anna''s family stopped and looked at Hou Yi and Hou Jang, beforeughing.?Realising that her Uncle Adam was distracted, Hannah pulled Adam''s hand and said "Uncle Adam ..."


    Realising that Hannah wanted his attention, Adam came down to her level, and as she gave him a hug, he felt ice go down his back.?As he pulled slightly back, he saw Hannah with a smile on her face, and knew that he had been gotten.?"Hannah, Hannah, did you and your Uncle Yi''s dad n something?"


    "What do you think Uncle Adam, you are so dumb, and fell for it," came a giggling response from Hannah, with a sweet smile on her face.


    All Adam could do was shake his head.?This little girl was so much like his sisters, able to have a pure and innocent face to everyone, could be a real little devil.?He had to admit that he had been gotten good by her, and there was no way that he could take his revenge.


    Adam turned back and saw that the ice down the backs had stopped, but people were moving towards the area where they had set up games to be yed.?He knew that some guests would be happy moving around the farm, but others would want to y some games, and others were already settling in to watch the football game on the television.


    Turning he observed, his brother-inw''s mother talking with Anna, and moved to Hou Yi, and said "Leave the women talk.?Come on and join some fun with us."


    "If ice down the back is your idea of fun, I am not the masochistic."


    "That was for Anna.?Her idea of the ice cubes down backs was a jug of them, so Ben and I were quite restrained."


    All Hou Yi could do was shake his head.?He had over thest few months seen the sense of humour his wife had.?This time with her family for her was fun down time, and if it was not risking her or their children''s health then he would let her have the fun, but join in.?"As long as you promise me Adam that there will be no revenge for her actions."


    "As if.?We have a rule between us.?One person can have their fun, either to strike or for revenge, and one it is done no one else can at the party.?No limb risking, just good-natured fun lice ice down backs, swapping tomato sauce and hot sauce.?We would not do it to each other."

 Chapter 550: What to Do? - Part 1

    <h4>550 What to Do? - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi looked at his brother-inw and could see that Adam was sincere.?"Fine.?What do you have in mind, Adam?"


    "Let us head over to where everyone is and you can figure out what you want.?But I can promise you I can tell you a few embarrassing things about your wife," Adam said, leading Hou Yi away from his wife and mother.?As they moved away, Adam turned towards Anna, and with the smile on his face Anna felt a shiver go down her back.


    Meanwhile, Du AnLing reached where Anna was sitting, and sat down beside her.?She looked at her daughter-inw before asking "Sweetheart, how are you?"


    "Mother, feeling rxed, despite my brother''s actions.?As they say revenge is a dish best served cold, and those two will pay."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    All Du AnLing could do was shake her head.?She had just heard those words from her husband, but like her husband she knew there was no malice in what either of them had said.?"You love your family?"


    "Leaving my mother, with her issues aside, absolutely.?They love and care for me no matter what, and that is what is important.?And before you ask my mother was not always as she has been like since you have been here.?I remember she changed her attitude, particrly towards me was just after Adam''s wedding, I think it was, when her father came back into everyone''s life.?He twisted her around and that has caused issues since then."


    Anna paused.?She knew Hou Yi was aware of the issues with her maternal grandfather and they had together and even with Phillipa discussed its impacts on her.?Thest thing she wanted to do was tell her mother-inw about it, particrly as they had decided to ignore the issue unless absolutely needed.


    Taking a deep breath, Anna continued "Mother, let us not get distracted by this.?Today is meant to be a continuation of our celebration."


    Leaning over Du AnLing gave Anna a brief kiss on the cheek "Absolutely Anna.?But there is something about your mother.?When you are ready you, and that brat of a son of mine need to tell me about it.?I will let you sit, as I see Alecia wants to talk to you"


    Anna nodded, and Du AnLing stood up and quietly moved away, as Alecia came down and sat down beside her.?As she sat down, she said "Anna can we talk about the court case?"


    "Alecia, you know I am happy to talk to you about anything, but do you really want to do this here?"


    "I do, as there will be little chance to do so otherwise before you head back."


    "Not a problem.?I will listen and give you some advice, but in the end,?you need to be the one to make the choice about what happens.?Now have you talked to James about this?"


    "I need a sounding board Anna.?I want to be able to make a decision not impacted by him.?I know what his response will be, as all he wants to do is make sure that I am happy and safe while seeing everyone involve in what happened jailed for life.?But I am not sure that this is the right decision though."


    "Alecia, stop twisting yourself around. James needs to be ¡­"


    "Anna, no. Let me tell you what is happening. Dad and Alecia came to our ce early this morning and handed me a letter that they were given earlier this week by Lu Jinhu.?It was not something I wanted to read but I made myself read it.?James started to read it andmented that he was self-serving and deserved to rot in jail for what happened to me. My initial instinct before I read the letter was in line with James but having read it now I am not so sure."


    "You know I have my own issues with Lu Jinhu, and I would have to say that he deserves whatever ising to him ¡­"


    "Anna, while I need your objectivity in this matter, not your personal view I think you are the only other person who can understand the conflicting thoughts I have."


    "Can you tell me why you are questioning your initial instincts on what the penalty should be."

 Chapter 551: What to do? - Part 2

    <h4>551 What to do? - Part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Alecia paused realising that she had a lot to say and wondered was it necessary.?In the end she decided that the best option was simply to say what she was considering as hopefully it will get Anna into her mindset to give her some help on her direction.


    "Anna in the letter, the first thing he says is that he will not fight the charges, and that I deserve more than a simply apology from him. He said that if I want him to go to jail, that he would ept that, but he simply asked that whatever I want as a penalty be tempered with mercy. He then exins how he ended up caught in his father''s actions. That story even makes me feel sorry for him."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "What!" spat out Anna.?She could not believe Lu Jinhu had been as brazen as to detail that in the letter to Alecia.?She did not need to know all that sordid detail.


    Taking a breath and pausing Anna realised that she needed to have Alecia figure out why she was questioning herself.?She continued?"Tell me what he had to say, and why it makes you question your instincts?"


    "Apparently, Lu Jinhu found out about three years ago that the woman he has called mother, is not in fact his biological mother. As she?could not have children his father married a gullible young woman from a country area, for the sole purpose of having a legitimate biological child. The day that his biological mother gave birth to Lu Jinhu, not only did his father force her to sign papers not only giving up all her rights to Lu Jinhu, but to allow his so-called mother to adopt him along with a divorce agreement.?That just seems controlling and nasty to a child and its mother."


    "Apparently the agreement ensured Lu Jinhu''s biological mother would face serious consequences if she ever had contact with Lu Jinhu.?From what he says, people simply forgot about his biological mother. Three years ago, when her youngest child with her current husband developed Leukemia, she contacted Lu Jinhu simply to ask him to be screened to see if he was apatible bone marrow match."


    "Lu Jinhu was not, but his father became aware of this and used the threat to harm them to control him.?It got worse, when an old high school girlfriend came back into his life.?She has young children from a previous rtionship and admits in the letter to cheating on you with her.?His father found the two of them together with her children."


    "As Lu Jinhu was not following the rules, his father kidnapped one of the girlfriend''s children, and only sent the child back to its mother, when Lu Jinhu agreed to follow his directives. I cannot believe that someone would do that to an innocent child, as a means of controlling someone, but if what I have already heard about his behaviour, I guess he will do anything he wants because he believes he can get away with it."


    "What Lu Jinhu says is on the night when I was raped, his father found out that he had sent money to his biological mother and her family to take a family holiday as his Christmas gift to them.?His father threatened to kill his younger half siblings for Lu Jinhu doing that and said that the only way that he could stop them from being hurt was at the function to me into the garden area and then to film the attack on me for his father to ckmail dad and Uncle Yi. As you know the attack was interrupted.


    "Lu Jinhu decided he would not hand the footage over to his father, as it became a means to ckmail his father into leaving his biological mother and his high school girlfriend and their families alone.?He indicated that he had to use the pain inflicted on me to protect them and kept client about it, but he believed that it was the only way to protect them."


    "I cannot believe he had the footage and let me suffer for as long as I have, but I think I can understand his reasons to protect his half siblings and the children of his high school girlfriend.?I just wish he had realised that using that footage to take his father down would have protected them as much as helping me."

 Chapter 552: What to Do? - Part 3

    <h4>552 What to Do? - Part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Alecia took a short breath, having gotten over the hardest part and continued "Lu Jinhu now indicates that he has not issue in handing the footage to the police as in the end his view is that his father deserves what happens to him.?He just hoped that his actions while dying justice will give me the justice I deserve." Alecia paused for a few seconds "I am not totally sure as to whether what he is saying is the truth, but if it is, I can only be grateful that he is willing cooperate to get me justice."


    "Alecia, do you want him to go to jail?"


    "Absolutely.?But for how long, I am not certain.?Before the letter as I said I would have liked to see him jailed for life, but now not that long, but I do not know for how long I want him jailed.?The problem for me is I know his wife is pregnant, and I worry for his child.?Yang Lin is a total airhead and she lives for her social media and does not seem to care who she hurts with whatever she does."


    "Alecia, you should not worry about that. It is not your problem."


    "Anna, I know what it is like to have a mother that does not care, and Yang Lin, is all about what she sees as a role. Her attitude is like my biological mother when she sticks her nose in our lives. That makes me worry for their child, particrly if Lu Jinhu is in jail as there will be no one to protect it from harm. Ton, Junior and I were lucky that we had Dad who was willing to step up for us and protect us from our biological mother.?We are all the better for his willingness to sacrifice himself for us.?I really think I need to check what he has stated in his letter before making a decision."


    "Alecia, all I am going to say is you need to make the right decisions for you, not let anything else interfere. That includes what he has to say." After pausing, Anna continued "When you are ready make the decision, however we need to stop sitting here, and go and join in the fun over there."


    "Anna, do not avoid giving me answers.?What do you think about his story?"


    "Alecia, you know I will never trust him.?He has hurt me too much but knowing this does put some things in perspective.?I remember him going to hospital for testing with respect to a bone marrow donation.?He said it was for a school friend''s child and convinced me to get tested as well.?We both assumed that neither of us would be a match for the child.?But..."


    "You still think he is self-serving in his ims?"


    Anna nodded her head "But you have to bnce out, allowing a deal to be stuck means that you are unlikely to have to give evidence in court.?That will, from what I understand, save you from even having your and James'' s*x life discussed in court.?But you mustpromise on a sentence.?I was not strong enough to confront Lu Jinhu in court over what he did to me in a contested hearing where I had no control on the oue, despite having your Uncle Yi with me."


    "My decision Alecia was influenced by the intimate rtionship we had.?If I had known this information, I would not have changed what I agreed to with respect to the criminal matters involving me.?Your situation is different.?It is a one-off interaction, and in reality, you are going after the person more responsible for the harm to you.?The choice is yours Alecia."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Alecia paused, and though about what Anna had said.?She was right.?She needed to weigh up what was important, and that was getting the person with thergest responsibility for what happened.?"Anna, thank you.?I have a direction for what I have to consider, and I can talk to James and my parents as to what I want."


    Anna paused and wondered what she had done to make Alecia feel happy "I have not done anything."


    "You have.?You listened and did not interrupt me which has let me work through what I need to consider.?Now I just have to make my decision."


    Anna stood up and walked over towards where everyone was ying the games that had been set up, and joined in the fun oblivious to when Ben and Adam disappeared to milk and their return and Susan left for her overnight shift.

 Chapter 553: Home Sweet Home - Part 1

    <h4>553 Home Sweet Home - Part 1</h4>


    Tuesday


    Hou Yi was disturbed from his slumber by the ne staff who tapped him on the shoulder.?The return flight simply felt strange, with him and Anna, Assistant Wang and his family and a few bodyguards.


    His parents, Aunt and Grandparents all decided at thest minute to remain in Australia for a couple of weeks visiting ces they had heard about.?He just felt sorry for the bodyguards who remained in Australia having to deal with them, as they all had different ideas what they wanted to do, particrly after Anna and her siblings gave them a reality check of the distances between locations.?At least, they were willing to leave he and Anna in peace to deal with a few things.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    After being reassured that Assistant Wang and his family had been awoken, Hou Yi reluctantly reached over and woke Anna up, for them to head out from the bedroom to buckle in for their decent into home.?As Anna was waking up, Hou Yi realised how strange this trip was.?Normally, he would have spent part of the trip working on paperwork, but this time, other than being awake for the departure from Melbourne, arrival and departures in Darwin and Singapore and now the arrival here, he had simply slept with Anna.


    Given how busy this trip was, it was not a surprise that Anna had slept, but as he realised this trip was the most important one, he had made since he met Anna.?This was where he was able to tell the world not only how much he loved Anna, but how important it was that she was in his life.?The funny thing was, on Sunday and Monday the messages he received from business rivals, on one hand congratting him on their marriage, but taking a swipe that they were not invited.?It was fun, watching Assistant Wang firing back responses that it was a Family Wedding.?The whining and pettiness were amusing to see.


    As he followed Anna to their seats, he was simply grateful that she had a check-up with her obstetrician here.?Friday was worrying, and he just hoped that there was nothing to be concerned about.


    After he was happy with Anna being strapped in, Assistant Wang handed him a folder with the press release and the photographs that were being released to the public from both the pre-wedding shoot and their wedding day.?Looking through them, he was happy but passed the photographs to Anna, to get their approval, as he did not want ones, she wanted to keep private released.


    Before he could pass anything to Anna for her approval, the ne came to a stop and it was obvious immigration officials would quickly board to process everyone on board before clearing the luggage.?Within minutes Anna and Hou Yi were processed and with the immigration official''s approval Hou Yi and Anna quickly left for them to be taken to the hospital for the emergency Obstetrician''s appointment.


    While in the car, Hou Yi on Anna''s tablet showed the photographs he had decided were those most suitable for the press release.?Flipping through the images, Anna said "You know I really do not want to release any of these but, I know we will have to release some photographs to control the press.?In the end, my love, whatever you decide if fine with me.?Just promise me, you kept the nicer ones for us."


    Hou Yi could not believe his wife, and simple shook his head.?He quickly sent an email to the?Public Rtions Department to release the press release and photographs.?As he was doing this, Anna snuggled into his side, and as soon as he finished with the message, he hugged her close.


    They both sat quietly while theypleted the trip to the hospital, and when they arrived they quickly made their to the obstetrician''s office where they were shown directly into his office.


    As Anna sat, the obstetrician said "Madam Hou, you seem to want to scare people.?I have spoken to everyone who dealt with you on Friday and reviewed all the tests done."


    After exining the results of the review, the obstetrician said "Now I am going to be totally honest with both of you.?Your pregnancy will remain risky Madam Hou.?You need to be careful in what you do and listen to what your body is telling you, and I suspect you were not doing that Friday. You need to rest when it tells you that you need rest.?Failing to do so adds risks to your pregnancy.?Keep doing this, and I will ce you on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy."

 Chapter 554: Home Sweet Home - Part 2

    <h4>554 Home Sweet Home - Part 2</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    Hearing those words sent a chill up Hou YI''s spine.?He turned and looked at his wife and observed that?Anna was furious.?There is no way that she wanted to be stopped from working.?As her husband, he wanted her happy, but as the ultimate boss on Hou Enterprises that would be responsible to ANX Lawyers if anything happened to her, he would have to stand his ground and ban her from the office.


    Before Hou Yi could respond, Anna said, "No way, I need to keep busy."


    "Madam Hou, Friday was a warning.?You simply need to be careful, nothing more nothing less.?Use this as a warning, so that this does not happen.?You know that your pregnancy will have its issues and we must manage these.?I will give you the opportunity to bnce that, before I step in, but if you refuse, I will step in."


    Realising that she would not win the argument, Anna responded "Fine" before standing up and storming out of the obstetrician''s office.


    As he stood up, Hou Yi was stopped by the obstetrician, who handed him paperwork and said "CEO Hou, I had not raised it until now, but Madam Hou needs to be careful with her diet.?I have had our dieticians put together ideas for your chefs on this point, and they will help generally with her health but also be beneficial to her pregnancy."


    After a pause the obstetrician continued "The other thing and given Madam Hou''s current reactions it is something that I do not think that she will take well, is while you can have s*xual intercourse, you need to be careful.?Normally I would not raise this, but given that you have just had your formal wedding ceremony ..."


    "I understand, you need us to be careful ..."


    "I do, the other thing that this trip has indicated is that it would not, unless absolutely necessary, for Madam Hou to travel more than five hours from here, and not to be gone for more than a week.?You were simply lucky in Australia that Madam Hou''s family were with her and able to deal with the problems.?This may not be the case in the future.?Remaining close to here means that help is quicker at hand if there is a problem."


    "You know she is not going to like that restriction."


    "CEO Hou, I am not saying she cannot travel further than that, but for the next few weeks she needs to remain close to home."


    "I understand, but if there is a problem, you are going to have to deal with my wife..."?With that Hou Yi stood up and left the room.?Damn it the Obstetrician was putting him in a tight spot presently.?He was going to have to strike a real bnce and knowing his wife that would be difficult.


    As Hou Yi walked towards her, Anna was starting to?feel energized.?She had finally properly woken up, and the worries of thest few days were gone.?Friday had scared her, and what was happening to their babies, but at least now her concerns had been addressed.?Looking at her watch, Anna despite wanting to head into the office to deal with some of the matters that she had discussed with ANX before leaving Melbourne, she realised it was getting a littlete in the afternoon.


    While, the partners wanted to treat her like a ss ornament, given they were worried about hurting the wife of a head of a major corporate client, she was able to win the argument especially with Stan Williams, as oftenwyers under him were pregnant or on maternity leave was on her side.?He supported her argument that while she was pregnant, it was not an illness and it did not, if she followed medical advice impact her ability to undertake work.


    As they headed out to the car, Hou YI turned to Anna and said "Sweetheart, I need to head into the office for an hour or so, but why do you not head home and I will join you as soon as I am done."


    "Yi, no way I aming with you," responded Anna in a seductive voice.


    As Hou Yi sat into the car beside Anna, she slightly turned and started to caress his chest, before quietly saying "I need toe.?We have to have discussions with some of the senior legal staff about Friday''s court case involving that scum Lu Jingho."?Anna then leant over and gave Hou Yi a kiss before continuing "And I want to be with you..."


    Hou Yi, not able to resist the temptation that was his wife, gently took her face in his hands and gave her kiss before gently drawing back and leaning his head against Anna''s before quietly saying "You win, you know I cannot refuse you, but promise me ..."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "I will behave.?You know that is an..."


    "Impossibility.?Anna, seriously please be calm as I want you to be able to work for as long as possible, rather than the choice being forced on you.?I know you will enough to know that you need to work, as sitting at home having to keep calm will simply drive you insane."

 Chapter 555: Home Sweet Home - Part 3

    <h4>555 Home Sweet Home - Part 3</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    As they finished talking Anna settled into Hou Yi''s arms as they headed to Hou Enterprises.?Less than five minutes after their arrival in Hou Yi''s office, three senior members of the Legal Department were shown in for a meeting to discuss what Hou Enterprises needed to do with respect to Lu Jinhgo.


    Anna quickly realised that the senior legal staff that hade to the meeting were trying to freeze her out of the discussions.?It was obvious that they were still siding with the former and interim head of the Legal Department, who had made it extremely clear how much they hated her ever since she called them out at the staff meeting the Monday after her first board meeting.?To now she had let it be, as ultimately this had not been harming Hou Enterprises, but it was now getting to be an issue.?Anna quietly said to herself, she just had to wait for the ideal time to say her piece.


    It soon became clear for Anna that those so-called colleagues from the legal department were simply rmending that Hou Enterprises not engage in any fight with Lu Jingho and agree to whatever he proposed as his penalty.?Damn it, were they idiots.?Hou Enterprises needs to be put first, rather than simply looking to avoid a fight.?Anna turned and she noticed that Hou Yi was not impressed, but he was looking for her to say something.


    Anna snapped out "Gentleman, you are saying to prevent any negative publicity that we should agree to whatever is proposed as a resolution.?Are you even thinking about Hou Enterprises, as taking that position could mean he is not dealt with for anything involving his actions against thepany.?That is stupidity and tells everyone that you can simply walk over Hou Enterprises.?We did not get to the position that Hou Enterprises is in by being soft against people andpanies that act illegally against us."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Madam Hou, but that goes totally contrary to how business operates here."


    "I am not stupid, so do not treat me as stupid. Yes, business works on a coborative basis, but that does not mean that someone can take advantage illegally. We must stand up and say that this will not be epted. A financial penalty with a conviction must be sort. The question only should be what is financially eptable. The harm was not massive, I would suggest at least forty million. That is enough to be more than just pocket change, but also to prevent others from acting illegally against us."


    Anna and Hou Yi looked around and realised that none of the senior members within the legal department agreed with Anna''s assessment. Hou Yi said "Well gentleman, if my wife''s proposal is not what you think is in our best interest, what is."


    "As we said CEO Hou, our position is no conflict, we simply ept what is proposed as a settlement, as we have to look for wider implications, so we will ensure business rtionships are maintained."


    Anna simply shook her head and looked to Hou Yi before saying "Gentleman, you have twenty minutes to convince us that your proposal is in the best interest of Hou Enterprises."


    For the next twenty minutes, they kept putting forward their arguments before Hou Yi said?"Gentleman, I have heard what you have had to say.?You have not convinced me that this is the best for Hou Enterprises.?It leaves us open for maniption from any business partner.?But I will take it on board the point we will settle without going to a trial on the basis Lu Jingho agrees to a conviction and payspensation for the damage done to us"


    "As to the financial impact of his actions I will have the finance department calcte that plus we will add twenty percent to it as a penalty.?Additionally, we would request apany director ban for five years given his actions were done while he was CEO of Lu Corporation.?He should not be able to return to a position of power within anypany for at least that time as it is about respect for the role."


    Listening to Hou Yi, Anna realised that he was being considered.?He was making a stand for Hou Enterprises, but at the same time not willing to wastepany resources on seeking punishment andpensation.?After the senior legal department members left Hou Yi''s office, Anna drifted into the suite attached to it for a rest while Hou Yi dealt with a few urgent things, before they headed home for the night.


    As they exited the elevator, Hou Yi gave her a brief kiss before saying "Home Sweet Home, my love."

 Chapter 556: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 1

    <h4>556 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    Anna, when she awoke was nervous about heading to court.?She had sumbed to Hou YI and his pleading both days to take the days easy, spending only a half day at her desk and the rest of the day in the suite attached to his office.?Every time, she stopped and looked at what he was doing, it was clear that her husband was deeply busy, and while she wanted to disturb him, she could easily pick up he needed to concentrate on things.


    However today, was nerve racking, despite her background.?The press demands for statements, ording to Assistant Wang yesterday was significant.?Hou Enterprises Public rtions team had been inundated by requests for additional photographs and interviews, and between him and Jodie they had been struggling to deal with everything.


    As the car slowed up on its way to let them off outside the courthouse Anna turned to Hou Yi and said, "This will be worse than anything before."


    "Anna, do not worry.?The bodyguards will keep people away and given all the demands for interviews and the like that Assistant Wang has been dealing with, I have arranged for a press conference to satisfy them.?Today is about the criminal case, and that you can handle in your sleep."?With that Hou Yi leant over and gave Anna s kiss, just as the car wasing to a stop.


    As one of the bodyguards opened the door, reluctantly Hou Yi pulled away from the kiss with Anna, and paused for a few seconds topose himself.?That brief kiss, he knew had aroused him, and it would be totally embarrassing getting out of the car, with an e*ection.


    Anna looked at Hou Yi and opened her mouth to speak but realised the problem.?She quickly slipped off her jacket and said "I am sorry my love, but carry this for me, and you can use it ..."


    "Anna!" said a shocked Hou Yi.


    "Well, it is either that or we have to sit here for a period of time for it to subside, and I do not think the authorities would appreciate that," said Anna with augh.


    Hou Yi chuckled and realised his wife was right.?She had given him an option and rather than wearing his suit jacket, he slipped that off as well, and holding both slipped out of the car, before carefully helping Anna out.?As they started to move towards the courthouse, surrounded by the bodyguards, there was a barrage of questions being thrown at them, not only about the court case, but their wedding and the unconfirmed statements about Anna being pregnant.


    As they reached the courthouse steps, Hou Yi signalled to the bodyguards to take Anna inside, while he briefly spoke to the media.?It was thest thing that he wanted, but hopefully it will make the rest of the day easier.?Anna, however, before she entered, reached up and gave Hou Yi a kiss on the cheek, and turned away with a knowing smile on her face.


    As she did this, Hou Yi knew that he would make his wife pay for this teasing, but he had heard a couple of nasty questions about their child''s parentage that he did not want Anna to have to deal with.?Getting on top of those would be necessary for Anna''s piece of mind.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, I will be making a brief statement before heading in." Hou Yi paused and noticed that most of the press had not seen Yao Tan and Amanda were also heading into the courthouse.


    "My wife and I take afront to those questions regarding the parentage of our child. I will say this once, and once only. The child that she is carrying is my child. If we hear this being repeated, we will be taking legal action. We will not warn you further."


    "Secondly, we note that you are all mouring for more photographs and an interview post our wedding. We will have a general press conference but have decided to offer one exclusive interview as well.?It is up to you, the press to determine the value of that interview.?offering an exclusive interview."


    "However, before anyone''s says anything all the money paid for that interview will be given to charity.?Twenty-five percent to the charitable initiative started by Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin for services to assist children with mental illness, as these children need help.?We will not let our issues impact that important work."


    "Fifty percent will go to our charitable initiative with the remaining twenty five percent will be distributed by Hou Enterprises to worthwhile charities in our city who have already applied to us for assistance, expanding those who we will help."

 Chapter 557: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 2

    <h4>557 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi paused for the press to take in his words, before continuing.?"The awarding of that interview will not be judged solely on the money being offered for it.?It will be on the proposal for the interview, and therefore we challenge those media organisations who want to pursue that exclusive interview toe up with a package, not simply money."


    "Thirdly, Hou Enterprises and my wife and I will not bementing on the court proceedings we are here for.?The matters are before the court and as my wife reminds me regrly, the legal processes need to be allowed to work through without our interference. Subject to the court oues, we may release a statement at that time."


    "Finally, as to the business impacts of what has urred, we want it made very clear, we do not want to see Lu Corporation destroyed despite our issues with its former Vice-CEO and the current matters before the court. There are numerous people employed by Lu Corporation and they do not deserve an uncertain future."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "And before anyone asks?why we do not wish to destroy Lu Corporation, we personally own ten percent of the shares of thepany.?Why would we buy shares if we had the intention to destroy thepany? Now please excuse me, I need to head into the courthouse for the court proceedings today."


    With that the remaining bodyguards escorted Hou Yi into the courthouse, and he found Alister Nang waiting for him.?After quietly indicating he would be a few minutes, Alister told him where to find them.


    As he entered the room Alister was speaking to Yao Tan.?"CEO Yao, thank you for your assistance in delivering that letter. I spoke to your daughter yesterday via telephone and she has provided me with instructions as to settling the matter regarding Lu Jinhu. Based on those instructions I have already spoken to the national prosecutor''s office, who are checking on certain information I need toplete those instructions."


    "What did she tell you? She has let me know nothing."


    "CEO Yao, the letter she had has certain information that she believes may not bepletely truthful, and what is her bottom line as a penalty will be influenced based on that. I was able to verify all but one thing with them rtively quickly, and they were hopeful that the remaining piece of information will be verifiable today."


    "What!" yelled Yao Tan.


    Anna quietly said "Tan, she spoke to me on Sunday. All I told her was make certain that she can live with the decision."


    "So, you know what she is not saying," Yao Tan spat out in an usatory tone.


    Hou Yi realising that his friend was getting angry "Tan, my friend. In the end the decision cannot be ours. I know, without you telling me much you want him locked up and the key thrown away. I personally agree with you. He got off lightly with what happened to Anna and I, but in the end we made a decision that we did not want the stress of fighting with him on penalty and could live with the oue."


    "You agreed to Alecia marrying James, a decision they both seem happy with. She needs the respect to make the decision with her husband as to what she can live with. We need to respect that. If you do not, she will give you another ultimatum, and you will end up caving. I know I will. But the risk is, she will walk away from a rtionship with you."


    Yao Tan looked at Hou Yi and realised that he was right. He nearly pushed Alecia away the day he agreed to marry James, refusing to allow it until he realised her seriousness. If he failed to respect her choices a second time, she would refuse to have anything to do with him. Damn it, his princess had grown up, and the worst thing was unlike Junior and Ton Alecia''s personality was much more like his then their mother''s. When she made up her mind, he was never able to shift it.


    Hou Yi, seeing a change in attitude, quietly leant over to Alister Nang and said, "I think we need to leave them alone for a few minutes to talk."


    With that Alister nodded and taking Anna''s hand Hou Yi helped her up.?The three of them left the room. As he was shutting the door Hou Yi heard Yao Tan saying "Amanda, is Yi right, will Ipletely drive Alecia away if I push too hard?"

 Chapter 558: Attempts to escape True Justice - Part 3

    <h4>558 Attempts to escape True Justice - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Ten minutester, Amanda came out of the room, and signalled that it was fine to return in. As they walked back into the room Anna and Hou Yi noticed that Yao Tan looked almost defeated.


    Amanda quietly said "He is struggling to realise that Alecia is not his little girl anymore.?Despite having agreed to Alecia marrying James, he still views that he needs to be in control and protect his little girl. You were right Boss to confront him. Unlike the rest of us who can see reality we have to remember that he has, with little help raised the children for most of their lives."


    "Unlike the rest of us, Tan has sacrificed his life for them.?I know that firsthand, as we would have married a year or two ago if he did not feel that he always had to put their first.?And, I realise that the boys, despite their outward shows of independence, they rely on him still."


    "Alecia has forced her independence on him including marrying James, her desire to join thepany and go to university.?She does love him, and he is important, but he is struggling to cope with all the various changes that has happened in thest couple of months, particrly as is means he does not have to sacrifice himself constantly for them."


    "So, will he cooperate with everything?" quietly asked Alister.


    Amanda paused "He will. As I reminded him,?Alecia is seventeen. Even if she was not married, we need to respect her choices. As I told him, one of the choices she made a few weeks ago, was to sign the paperwork to formally allow me to adopt her despite her age and her marriage. James'' fully supported her in that decision and that was something Alecia wanted."


    "Simply because Tan disagrees does not mean that we cannot support Alecia''s decision. And as I reminded him, if an agreement is reached regarding Lu Jinhu, as we have received confirmation of the adoption this morning and given the court will likely require one of us to sign the agreement, I would sign it.?I told him, thest thing I want is to drive Alecia away."


    Anna and Hou Yi looked at Amanda, in shock. They both were aware that there was talk that Amanda would adopt the triplets, but neither of them realised that in fact it had urred.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Before anything else could be said, there was a knock on the door, and in entered the representative from the National Prosecutors'' Office. "Mr Nang, I need to discuss some matters with you and your clients. I can tell you that thest remaining piece of information that required confirmation has been confirmed."


    "Thank you.?I just need to follow through my instructions on that matter given that confirmation.?I will confirm with you once I have been over them." With that Alister Nang paused and pulled some papers out, while the door was shut behind the National Prosecutors Office representative and there was silence in the room, with Hou Yi, Anna, Yao Tan and Amanda all looking at each other.?They all wondered what Alecia''s instructions were.


    As he looked up Alister Nang, realised that everyone was wanting to know what Alecia had instructed him.?She had made it clear when they spoke along with her husband that her wishes were paramount, which he found to be unusual.?Dealing with the males surrounding victims like Alecia, they all wanted jail for as long as possible.?It was as if the legal system was needed for them to secure revenge.


    While James Jones started out the same, he wanted revenge for what happened to his wife before they met, unusually after setting out things to Alecia Yao, he simply indicated that in the end the decision was Alecia.?When he made thement, Alister immediately questioned himself as to whether this was the influence of his sister, but it quickly became clear as they had the discussion that it was about his wife rather than anything else.?He did not want his wife to go through anything that she was not ready to.


    Looking around, Alister realised that he needed to get out Alecia''s instructions quickly and let them sink in.?Making the deal with Lu Jinhu was critical, as it ultimately was key to bringing down Lu Jingho, and despite being here to represent his clients seeing that paedophile and ckmailer brought down would serve the wholemunity more than any one individual.

 Chapter 559: Attempts to Escape True Justce - Part 4

    <h4>559 Attempts to Escape True Justce - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    After taking a breath, Alister Nang started to speak "In speaking to Miss Alecia and Mr Jones, I was given authority for either of CEO Yao or Madam Yao to given an agreement regarding the charges Lu Jinhu.?Miss Alecia indicated that her bottom line for a penalty is that he has to be convicted, he is required to pay an immediate fine of ten million and over the next five years donate another two million per year to a charity that supports the victims of s*xual assault.?As to jail, he either has to serve a minimum of fourteen months by way of home detention or seven months in jail, but he can choose what he wants.?At thepletion of that time he is also to do over a two year period at least one thousand hours ofmunity service."


    "Both Miss Alecia and Mr Jones indicated that while they originally wanted him jailed for at least five years, Miss Alecia made the decision because not only does she not want to have to deal with a full blown court case, in the end the person who hurt her the most was Lu Jingho and that is who needs to get as much jail as possible."


    "Also, Miss Alecia indicated that she has concerns for Lu Jinhu''s unborn child if she pushed for a significant jail period.?Shemented that if she pushed for that she had concerns for his unborn child, given what she knows of his wife.?She said jailing Lu Jinhu would results in an innocent child being left with a selfish self-centred attention seeking mother."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Miss Alecia said, that you CEO Yao, saved her brothers and her from a simr fate when they were born.?You stepped up and sacrificed your life for them.?That is something she said that she could not repay you for.?She does not want Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin''s child to face that prospect of dealing with a mother that sees them as only useful if it puts them front and centre.?It means for that child it will need its father around and that is why she willpromise."


    Looking around Alister could see how angry everyone was in the room, so he paused before continuing.?"In speaking to Miss Alecia, I said that Lu Jinhu''s unborn child should not be a concern for her.?Her response was that if I did not think about that child, I would not be the person my father raised me to be, as that vulnerable unborn child deserves he best from the moment that it is born and as she was it would be Lu Jinhu not Yang Lin."


    "Now in talking to the National Prosecutor''s Office representative, they had spoken to Lu Jihnu with the agreement of the prison authorities yesterday, given he is representing himself in this matter.?He is willingly to the home detention but proposed a few amendments.?He suggested to make it two thousand hours ofmunity work over three and a half years from sentence."


    "As he opted for home detention, he said that he could startmunity work while serving his home detention throughing up with promotional campaigns formunity groups and charities presently as it would be a constructive thing to do.?He was clear that he needed to show remorse, and helping themunity had to be a way to express it."


    "He also has inserted into the agreement a restraining order despite it not being sort.?His reasoning for this was that Miss Alecia had to realise that he was sincere in his remorse and this was a way to show it.?The National Prosecutors do not believe that it is necessary though.?As to the fine, he has suggested that over the next ten years he will pay three million per year to a schrship fund established in Miss Alecia''s name to provide support to victims of s*xual abuse for the purposes of pursuing their educational dreams."


    There was stunned silence in the room when this was said. No one knew what to say. Eventually Anna said "Why?" Thising from the man who abused her physically and emotionally, now was being nice, what was his angle.


    "Madam Hou, all he would say is, that since being under home detention for his crimes against you, he has had time to think. He let his father influence his behaviour, and his agreement in your matter and this matter is such that all it can be is an expression of regret for his actions. It cannot heal the past, but if he takes some responsibility people can move forward."

 Chapter 560: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 5

    <h4>560 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 5</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    After taking in the looks around the room, Alister Nang finally added, "As it exceeds the minimum Miss Alecia wants for a penalty on my instructions, all I can say is that the offer should be epted."


    Hearing that, Amanda finally shookpletely out of the daze she was in.?Lu Jinhu, contrary to what Anna believed was willing to be an honest adult and agree to a penalty.?Ignoring the unhappy looks on Yao Tan''s face Amanda responded "Given my formal adoption of Alecia and her brothers, Mr Nang, if my husband will not sign the agreement I will, given you view it meets your instructions from Alecia.?It is up to my husband whether he will sign."


    Seeing the determination on his wife''s face Yao Tan nodded, and Alister responded "Let me go and finalise that agreement with the National Prosecutor''s Office, and I will bring it back for you to sign."


    Hou Yi, having sat there and listened to what was happening was racking his brain as to why Lu Jinhu would want to quickly finalise the matter. After thinking for a few minutes, the reason finally hit him. He remembered the discussion after Lu Jingho was removed as CEO of Lu Corporation with CEO Yang.??The Lu Corporation Company Charter required that a descendant of thepany founder or a spouse of that descendant had to be CEO. The charter provided if there was a potential contender under some form of disability for up to two years, which included jail time, the appointment could only he a temporary appointment, and then the whole process had to be revisited when the person under the disability ceased that disability.


    Lu Jinhu, with his home detention period for the matters involving Anna, which was to expire and its associated ban on being apany director, meant that that temporary appointment could only ur. This, kept him under the upper limits of the ban, meaning that the appointment of the CEO under the charter could only be temporary.?Damn Lu Jinhu. He was still ying games, and the legal system was allowing him to do that. However, his agreement saved Alecia some heartache. She was not going to have to fight him as well as his father and Rong Jingye.


    Anna, noticed that Hou Yi was thinking about something, and turned asking "What is it Yi? Something is bothering you."


    "You know, I have no idea what made Alecia agree to reach an agreement, but that damn b*stard Lu Jinhu is a master maniptor. Tan, we both know what he was like at school. He could manipte the teachers and other ssmates for his own means, and he has manipted everyone here, legally."


    "Yes, he might feel sorry for everything he has done and there were reasons, but he knows Lu Corporations'' charter about the CEO Appointment. That is his long-term goal. At present, until convicted the only people who can be considered for the CEO appointment has Lu Jingho and, a junior family member working in a junior role in one of the departments."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "The rest of the family are no-hopers and do not have the skill. He has agreed to a penalty that keeps him long-term in the race to be CEO, and I am betting his father will drag matters out until his home detention and director ban finishes. Lu Jinhu ultimately will win the CEO Role, he is capable, and I have heard he is presently finishing off the couple of remaining units he needs for his Master of Business Administration, and has already submitted his thesis topic for a doctoral degree. Home detention will allow him toplete a significant portion of that."


    "Damn it," spat Yao Tan. "Ipletely forgot that provision in the Lu Corporation Charter. He has manipted us."


    Amanda put her hand on Yao Tan''s arm to calm him down. "Forget that Tan, Boss. In the end, it eliminates one potential court case for Alecia to have to deal with from the attack. Plus, he is giving evidence against his father, which should make proving the charges against him for her r*pe easy. That must be what we focus on. The other, the two of you can deal with in the future, if he gets the role."


    Hou Yi and Yao Tan nodded to each other, realising Amanda was right. They can deal with him in the future, the present must be a focus on Alecia, and what she needs. She needs justice and the ability to move forward with James without things hanging over her.

 Chapter 561: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 6

    <h4>561 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 6</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Having been hit with the reality of what they had been able to realise together, Anna, Hou Yi, Amanda and Yao Tan sat quietly, before starting to talk about the apartment Hou Yi had gifted Alecia and James?on the two floors below his and Anna''s apartment.


    As Hou Yi reminded Yao Tan, then needed to make sure that it was done James and Alecia returned and to get ready for Alecia to enter XF International and go to university.?Amanda and Anna realised that while their husbands were worried about the big picture, as Amanda said, they needed to make sure that the apartment was appropriately decorated, and ready for them to walk straight into.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    As soon as his wife said this, Yao Tan started to see red.?He knew that it should be him that was providing his daughter and son-inw an apartment to live in, not his son-inw''s sister and her husband.?Yao Tan opened his mouth and said "Yi, I have to argue with you.?It should not be for you to provide Alecia and James with an apartment.?She is my daughter ..."


    "Tan, you picked me to be her godfather, so ..."


    "Do not tell me what to do Yi.?I should be doing this for her, not you."


    "Grow up Tan, as I told you, you are my friend but sometimes you are so childish ..."


    "Me! Childish! What about you."


    "Tan, you want to argue over a gift, if that is not childish behaviour, I do not know what is."


    "Not respecting those older than you?"


    Watching the two of them arguing with each other, all Anna and Amanda could do is sit their shaking their heads.?Anyone hearing the words would think they were arguing with each other, but in some respects, it was easy to see that it was somewhat good natured.?Amanda, however realised that despite it being good natured deep down it had hurt Yao Tan.?He wanted to be the one to give his daughter an apartment or a home as a wedding gift, not having a friend do this.


    Anna, observing this, could see that Yao Tan was hurt, but at the same time knew Hou Yi''s motives for doing this.?He wanted to give her brother and his goddaughter a gift but at the same time wanted to ensure that she had support nearby.?Helping James, given he was only learning thenguage was another side benefit of what he did.


    Anna took a deep breath and said "Tan, Yi had a number of reasons, including letting me have my baby brother nearby, his limited understanding of thenguage, and somewhat selfishly having a trained nurse nearby given my pregnancy issues.?If everything runs smoothly with the construction of our Vi, we will be at the apartment until after the baby is born.?If it does not it will be months after this.?Having my baby brother nearby will make things easier for me.?Now, if you are that concerned pay for the decoration of the apartment.?Otherwise grow up."


    Having heard Anna, all Amanda could do is stop herselfughing.?Anna was right, James needed support and having his sister close by as he made the transition to living here would help him and Alecia.?Tan, despite how she loved him to distraction could be stubborn about things.?Just look how long it had taken him to propose to her and them to marry.?As she realised this, she could not helpughing, which immediately drew Yao Tan and Hou Yi''s attention, and they shot daggers at her until they both realised that Amanda was indirectly calling them out about their behaviour.


    Before anyone could say anything, Alister Nang returned into the room, and handed to Amanda and Yao Tan, the agreement to sign on behalf of Alecia. Amanda, realising that Yao Tan would get angry and she would not know how to respond, took the agreement first and started to read through it.


    As she reached the end, she had to turn and ask, "Are you certain what is here is the truth?"


    "Absolutely Madam Yao. That is what Miss Alecia had us verify, and it all is true," came the response from Alister.


    "You better make sure on the rest of everything you are going to make that b*stard Lu Jingho pay. He is worse than Li Jinhu.?Make them pay Alister.." With that Amanda picked up a pen and signed the agreement.


    As she went to hand it to Yao Tan, she leant over and whispered to him loud enough for Anna and Hou YI to hear "Just sign it. I can tell you, you do not want to read the contents. I will tell you about itter."

 Chapter 562: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 7

    <h4>562 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 7</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    After looking at his wife, Yao Tan realise she was serious, so he picked up the agreement.?As he did so, he decided to ignore his Amanda''s rmendation andmenced to read the agreement.?started to read it. As he went through the agreement you could see how angry he was getting.


    Once he reached the end, he grabbed the pen and signed it. Before handing it back to Alister Nang, he said "Amanda is correct Lu Jingho has to pay. While I still do not believe what Lu Jinhu is receiving as a penalty is fair and appropriate, in the end he is not the worst person in the situation. Mr Nang, you have to make sure he pays for what happened to Alecia."


    "CEO and Madam Yao, I will make sure to the best of my ability he will. Now let me hand this to the National Prosecutors Office, as they want to talk to me also about what is happening with a number of the other charges."


    With that Alister turned and left the room, leaving Anna, Hou Yi, Amanda and Yao Tan talking among themselves.


    Alister on arriving back at the National Prosecutors Office, handed over the agreement, and sat down. As he sat down, has asked "So what is going on with the charges involved Lu Jingho?"


    "Mr Nang, technically we cannot say much as you do not represent the parties involved, however given some of the victims are people employed by two of your clients, Hou Corporation and XF International you need to know what is happening. With the victims still currently employed by Lu Corporation, there is a real divide. Lu Corporation to minimise any potential im against them given his actions have been busy negotiating¡­


    "With the victims and their families to be paidpensation and let out of their agreements and co-called debts to Lu Corporation, for an agreement not to pursue criminal charges against them, or Lu Jingho. I expected that, because it is in their interests given the potential that Lu Corporation could be drawn in as Lu Jingho was the CEO, and his privatepanies benefited from the sale of the debts owed."


    "Correct. So far there has been twenty agreements reach us on that vein, that will result in about thirty or forty charges being withdrawn. We dislike each agreement given thepensation, but with evidence of the apparent debts it appears that they are getting a good deal."


    "Thanks. I will let my clients know so that there is not a surprise when they hear about this in court." With that Alister Nang headed back to direct everyone into the court room to await the cases being called.


    On sitting down in the court room, they only had to wait ten minutes before Lu Jingho''s case was called before the court. As he walked in, Lu Jingho shot a look of evil malevolence towards Hou Yi and Anna. His appearance was that he had all the winning cards in his hands, and he knew that he would walk out without penalty.


    As soon as the judge went through his opening remarks for the case for the day, Lu Jingho''swyers stood up, and said "Sir, in the time since thest time we were here previously deals have been reached with twenty alleged victims of behaviour allegedly perpetrated by my client.?My client has, and continues to deny the allegations, but to resolve matters quickly, he has negotiated in good faith."


    "The originals of the agreements have been filed with the court, along with a copy, and copies have been provided to the National Prosecutors Service.?This is not an admission of any guilt by our client, nor will he be pursuing ims against the authorities for malicious prosecution or against the so called victims for ckmail, as he sees that they are innocent people being used and abused, in particr by CEO and Madam Hou, who have a vendetta against him and Lu Corporation."


    "It has been because of that fact, that we have had to liaise with Lu Corporation on every deal for them to determine if they need to be a party to the agreement.?In every case, despite the legitimate debts that they owe Lu Corporation, as part of the agreement for non-prosecution of our client, in addition to thepensation paid to them those debts have been waived and those artists who have been manipted who want to leave their deal have been allowed to do so."


    "Presently there are still negotiations with another sixty or so people manipted me CEO and Madam Hou into making these false allegations or setting up the situation.?We suspect that simr agreements will be reached with each one of them.?If this is the case, we want to court to have CEO and Madam Hou charged for abusing the court processes, and at a minimum them being jailed each for thirty years with the court ordering Hou Corporation be given to our client aspensation."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.

 Chapter 563: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 8

    <h4>563 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 8</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Anna and Hou Yi looked at each other.?While it was not unexpected, he would strike deals and Lu Corporation would be involved with them, he was still after them and Hou Corporation.?He wanted to escape justice and prevent the public from knowing the reality of him being a paedophile.


    Anna leant over to whisper quietly to Hou Yi, "I cannot believe it.?Already he has convinced twenty victims to take the money, let alone how many he is targeting.?He is determined to buy his way out."


    Squeezing Anna''s hand Hou Yi quietly responded "Do not worry Anna.?Justice will win out, you know that, and his delusional ims that we are targeting him will be shown for what they are.?His delusions about the situation.?You know we have done nothing wrong."


    Anna simply nodded, realising that this was simply the reality of the system here.?She turned back to listen to the judge who was now speaking.?"I need to rify information with you, as to the agreements that you have filed with the court. However I do note that they agreements aremercial in confidence agreements, and therefore I will require every person, other than court staff, the representative from the National Prosecutors Office and the Defendant and his legal team to leave the court so we can discuss them before I will sign off."


    Hou Yi and Yao Tan looked at each other. The agreement to transfer the ten percent of shares that Hou YI had made with Yao Tan and King, was going to be affected Monday. That meant technically Hou Yi and Anna controlled twenty percent of the shares in Lu Corporation. While people were vacating the courtroom, Hou Yi exined to the National Prosecutor''s office representative what they owned.


    When the court room was vacated, but Anna and Hou Yi were still there, the Judge turned to them, and said, "CEO and Madam Hou you need to vacate the court room."


    Anna opted to speak "Sir, as Mr Lu knows we own twenty percent of the shares of Lu Corporation in a private investment vehicle. We had owned forty percent, but we had put them on the market previously. We clearly have an interest in this decision by Lu corporation."


    Lu Jingho had anticipated this, so hiswyers were ready for this move. "They are only shareholders, not a director, and therefore they have no right to remain in the court room."


    Anna whispered to Hou Yi "Let me make a point, and then we will leave."


    Anna took a breath. "Sir, that may be right. While the Lu family effectively control forty five percent of the shares, they are voted in a block and the ie is shared ording to various trusts. Yang Group control''s fifteen percent, and the bncing twenty percent are traded on the open market. Our private investmentpany is, unless Lu Corporation can otherwise prove, is thergest single shareholder. We have a right to know what thepany has agreed to."


    "Madam Hou, I can understand with your position, however given your husband is the CEO of apetitor, it is clearly inappropriate that you remain in the court room."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Anna having anticipated the position indicated "Sir, while the agreement may bemercial in confidence, as we were present in the court room when the announcement by Mr Lu''s representatives were made about the agreements involving Lu Corporation, the court will have no option but to release information as to the agreements."


    "We had offers to sell some shares through private transactions above the current market value, but the knowledge of thements now puts us in a position that these criminal proceedings ensure that we cannot nowplete the deals that were to settle on Monday."


    Pausing to consider what Anna had said, the judge realised that there would have to be some release of information to the public, otherwise there could be a distortion in the markets. "Madam Hou, in that respect you are correct. Now no party will have any input into what I release as to these agreements, as I cannot legitimately restrict otherwise perfectly legal activities due to a disclosure in courtroom with limited public ess."


    Anna nodded to Hou Yi, and they stood up and left the court room.

 Chapter 564: Attempt to Escape True Justice - Part 9

    <h4>564 Attempt to Escape True Justice - Part 9</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Alister Nang, looked at everyone strangely and asked, "What is going on?"


    Anna responded "Lu Jingho''swyers messed up. He forgot to tell them we own twenty percent of the shares in Lu Corporation and as soon as they indicated its involvement in the agreements, we had ess to information that otherwise impacts our ability to deal with the shares that can be legitimately traded so¡­"


    Amanda immediately recognised the impact "The market has to be let know of what has happened."


    Yao Tan simplyughed.?Lu Jingho and hiswyers in trying to be secretive walked straight into having the information required to be publicised.


    Alister Nang, looking at Anna, Hou Yi, Amanda and Yao Tan realised that there was something else going on, and escorted them back to the room they had been in earlier.?As he shut the door, he said "There is something that the four of you are not telling me?"


    They looked at each other, knowing that they could not say anything about their involvement in bringing Lu Jingho to justice. With a few minutes of silence, Alister said "CEO Hou, CEO Yao, you both know when I took on your representation in this matter, I need you to be honest with me. What in the world are you not saying?"


    Anna and Amanda looked at each other as they knew Alister would turn to them for an answer. Amanda was the one who broke, saying "Mr Nang we have been cooperating with the police to help bring matters to the current situation, and have an immunity deal with the National Prosecution Service and the Share market authorities for our actions.?The allegations made, are baseless as the National Prosecutors Service looked at this before the immunity deal was granted."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Alister Nang was stunned. The National Prosecutors had been ying this case close, and he had not expected this.?"What??How??Why? "


    Amanda, exined to Alister their involvement, all starting from the disclosures the artists recruited to the joint venture made.


    Meanwhile, inside the court room


    The judge needed to pause for a few minutes to finish reading the agreements filed with the court. "Mr Lu, I will head off the bench to read these, but you need to speak to your legal representatives about what Madam Hou said. I will, unless you can convince me otherwise have no option but to release the information in a limited form to protect the share market."


    With that the judge turned and left the bench, and the National Prosecutors representative left the court room to allow Lu Jingho to talk to hiswyers.


    As soon as the court room was empty, he spat out "Why in the world did you not prevent that. I am paying you enough."


    The leadwyer said "Mr Lu, we clearly asked you and Lu Corporation to supply details about the share registry. We can see, twenty percent of the shares are owned by a WFT International. Did none of you know that this was apany owned or controlled by CEO and Madam Hou?"


    "So, what, they do not matter," spat out Lu Jingho, angry that he was being talked to like a child by hiswyers. He was paying them, and they are meant to do what he wants.


    "Mr Lu, you are paying us not only to represent you but to protect you. Failing to give us this information, when it is obvious that you knew about the ownership of WTF International impacts your case significantly. If we had known, we would have requested before the information about the agreements to have CEO and Madam Hou removed from the court."


    "The court should not be disclosing the confidential agreements, so what can they do."


    Trying not to shake his head, thewyer continued "Mr Lu, you need to carefully listen to me. Not telling us what you knew about Lu Corporation''s share ownership has hurt you and Lu Corporation. Not everything can be kept secret until the end of the proceedings. The court will have no option up to release limited information to ensure the integrity of the markets."


    "That sets a precedent for the future. The existence of future agreements will also have to be released. That harms public opinion, and public opinion will influence the penalties that the National Prosecutors office eventually seek. You need to stop thinking just about yourself and think about the long-term oues you want. You have made it clear that you do not want to go to jail, and you want to get out of this with as minimal penalties as you can."


    "Well you said it, I told you what I want from the case. Your job is to achieve that." spat out Lu Jingho.

 Chapter 565: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 10

    <h4>565 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 10</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Pausing for a few seconds Lu Jingho''s legal team looked at each other, without words telling each other that they needed to get their client to understand that they were attempting to provide him with advice.?While every one of them knew, by taking this job to represent him, he would be one of the most difficult clients that they had represented, the reality was proving to be somethingpletely different.


    They had a client, who believer he knew better than them, and had to be in control of the whole situation.?He made it clear to every one of them, that unless they followed his direction not only would he fire them, they would not get paid, he would do everything to destroy their firms and their careers.?He was the worst client any one of them had represented.


    After looking at each other, they knew someone had to speak, and the senior people in the team all looked to the most junior member, a woman who realised that she was going to be the sacrificial person to speak.


    Taking a breath, she said?"Mr Lu, you are correct that our job is to achieve what you want from the case.?That is subject to what thew will allow us to do.?We are doing what we can to achieve that, but it relies on you being open and honest inmunication of information you know.?Keeping information secret or failing to give information you know of, impacts what we can do, in getting rid of the charges, minimising any potential penalty and simply keeping matters out of the press."


    Now angry, with being lectured "I have told you what I want, you have to achieve that. What information I have does not matter."


    "Mr Lu, we understand you need us to follow your instructions. And we are doing this. We just need to act to protect you and minimise information from getting out. While you may not like it, there are times that we will ask you for information. We do not do this to frustrate or annoy you. It is all about achieving what you want. If you cannot deal with that, we may not be the one to represent you."


    Lu Jingho opened his mouth to say something but stopped.?He knew after Alister Nang''s firm they were the best criminalw firm in town.?They won most of their cases, and their win/loss ratio was not far below Alister Nang''s firm.?He knew he needed them to get the oue he wanted.


    "Fine," Lu Jingho spat out. "But do not lecture me again like that. If I decide not to say anything, it is not my fault. You need to do the work that you are paid for."


    Before any response could be said, thewyer from the National Prosecutor''s Service re-entered the court room, and the judge then came back to the bench.


    "Gentleman, I have read the agreements reached with some of the alleged victims in this matter. Given that the appropriate certificates as to receiving independent legal advice, which I can see as part of the agreement Lu Corporation or you Mr Lu have paid for, I need the National Prosecutors'' Service view on them."


    "Sir, we believe that all the agreements are inadequate in all the circumstances, given the nature of the alleged crimes and the evidence we have.?Given this, our view is that every agreement should be overturned.?However, we will not disagree that every agreement is inpliance with thew.?But we want it to be made very clear, despite this position we note that every victim has made a conscious decision, either personally or through their parents, and that needs to be respected."


    A silence fell over the court room, waiting for the judge to speak.?The judge looked from between the National Prosecutors and Lu Jingho''s legal representatives, considering their expressions, before saying "Having just heard what was said, is there anything else that your legal team Mr Lu wishes to add?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Immediately the woman juniorwyer stood up.?"Sir, regardless of what the National Prosecutors have to say, the agreementsply with thew.?While our client disputes any wrongdoing, he has agreed to these agreements without any admission of any alleged behaviour to assist these people, who we have stated before have been used by CEO and Madam Hou for their own illegal purposes."

 Chapter 566: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 11

    <h4>566 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 11</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jingho''s femalewyer continued, "The court should not upset these agreements, and more importantly in our view before anything further proceeds in this case direct the National Prosecutors to investigate this.?Based on our instructions they will easily find this illegal behaviour, and we would then ask the court to drop all charges against our client and order that CEO and Madam Hou, not only pay all money that our client, out of sympathy for this abuse of these innocent girls has paid, but order significant financialpensation to our client and Lu Corporation."


    As the femalewyer sat down the National Prosecutors representative stood up, but before anything could be said the judge said, "Please sit down, I know exactly what you are about to say."


    After a brief pause the judge then continued "Mr Lu.?There are three matters here.?Firstly, the agreements themselves.?I agree with the National Prosecutors that thepensation and otherponents of the agreements would be inadequate.?However, the agreements are fully inpliance with thew, and more importantly evidence that you paid for the independent legal advice each person who has signed these agreements has received.?The National Prosecutors have, other than their opinion did not provide any evidence to show that the court should not ept these agreements, despite the inadequacies.?My order in rtion to the agreements, is I will ept them, and the relevant charges are to be immediately withdrawn."


    The National Prosecutors nodded at the words of the judge and handed to the court staff paperwork to withdraw the charges, with the judge immediately signed.


    Continuing, the judge said "The second matter is what is to be revealed to the press.?I have no option but to release information to the press otherwise it distorts the share markets, and interferes with, what is at this point in time, legitimate actions of CEO and Madam Hou to dispose of shares that they have legitimately purchased."


    The judge then signalled to the court staff who handed to both legal teams a stapled document.?The judge then said, "Please take a couple of minutes to read this."


    A few minutester, both the National Prosecutors and Lu Jingho''s legal team indicated that they had read the document.?The judge continued "I will not debate either of you about this information.?It is a bncing act, to release enough information to protect the stock market, give what CEO and Madam Hou, and CEO and Madam Yao heard.?As you can see, I have minimised the information to be released indicating that agreements have been reached in respect to thirty charges.?Additionally, it indicates, that for those who are artists contracted to Lu Corporation it has be involved to allow options for those artists.?It further makes it clear that there is no admission of guilt by either Lu Corporation, or you Mr Lu."


    "Finally, Mr Lu, I understand yourwyers are putting forward your instructions, but we would not be in this position if the police and National Prosecutors were certain as to their evidence.?Unless you can provide evidence to support those ims, any further statements of that nature in this court room will see additional chargesid for breaching the order that I am about to make.?You cannot use these proceedings to pursue an agenda that you may have with CEO and Madam Hou and are now banned from making such allegations in this court without any evidence to support your ims."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Now gentleman, before I re-open the court an allow the representatives of other victims and the victims to return into the court room, Mr Lu, can your representatives please give me an indication as to whether or not there are additional negotiations with other alleged victims to resolve the matters before the court? Additionally, from the National Prosecutors Office I need an indication have there been other potential victimse forward?"


    The National Prosecutors Office representative stood up "Sir, based on the information form the police, they have had fifteen other potential victimse forward, and are still investigating the ims. There were an additional two that they have already investigated and determined there is insufficient evidence to proceed and ten others, the charges of which have been provided to Mr Lu''s legal team."

 Chapter 567: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 12

    <h4>567 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 12</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    The leadwyer for Lu Jingho stood "Sir, as you can imagine, many of the negotiations are difficult, as we have to determine if Lu Corporation needs to be involved in them. We have in principal agreements with twenty-five other alleged victims, and are finalising the agreements, and are negotiating with a further thirty alleged victims."


    "There are thirty victims who have made it clear at this point in time that they will not negotiate to resolve the matters, twenty-five who are indicated that they intend to see the matters through the court, and leaving aside the matters involving the Hou''s the Yao''s, Hou Enterprises and XF International, the bnce we have no idea as yet, as we have not been able to speak to them."


    Pausing for a few minutes, pondering what had been said. "Gentleman, subject to what happens when people return into the court, I am inclined to further adjourn this matter for three weeks to enable further opportunities to see what can be resolved. I am reluctant to enable these matters to be split. I would prefer us to get to a position that we can determine the number of matters that cannot be resolved before those decisions are made."


    With nods from thewyers, the judge quietly indicated to court staff to summons the interested parties.


    Once the judge left the bench, while victims and their representatives were called to either enter the court room or the remote room, Lu Jingho''s legal team decided that they had an opportunity to speak a little more to their client.


    Realising that she again was being throw to deal with their client, the junior womanwyer quietly said "Mr Lu, we need you to be calm.?We can understand that you feel frustrated, and that you are being victimised.?We have made your position clear to the court, but the court has decided as to those allegations."


    "We have put the idea into the court''s mind that there is an issue but, and please do not take this the wrong way, pushing the court further, even when we can show the court that you were right, will backfire on you.?I know, you have given the senior members of your legal team indications where we can find the information to prove this, you need to let us do this at this time."


    "The most important thing currently is the negotiations.?We need to eliminate as many charges andinants as possible, so that we can focus on the more difficult cases.?That may take us a couple of months to achieve something.?But more importantly we can then, given the use in the agreements that require them to cooperate with us should legal action as a result of the actions of others not party to the agreements, use them to pursue the cause you want us to with CEO and Madam Hou.?We need to be strategic in how we handle matters because actions at the wrong time can only hurt your case."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "You know I told you I want all of them gone. So damn well do that."


    "Mr Lu, we have to be patient to achieve your goals.?As I said, rushing will only backfire on you, leading to charges that if we are patient you would not have.?We know, due to hatred that CEO and Madam Hou have to you, and that this will influence CEO and Madam Yao that there are charges we cannot currently eliminate involving them and their families along with artists now employed by the new Hou Enterprises and XF International entertainment division.?But as I said, a careful approach should be able to see us eliminate the rest in time, and use those people and the hatred you have clearly instructed us that CEO and Madam Hou have for you, to show the court that the remaining charges are baseless and should be thrown out.?As I said, we then use that and the agreements to get your money back."


    The femalewyer, knowing the rumours that they had already heard that Lu Jinhu was cooperating with the police, knew that this was not what would happen, just hoped that she had done enough to keep their client calm at the present as he had been getting angrier throughout the proceedings.


    "At least you have a n to achieve what I want. Now you need to ensure that that happens."


    "Provided nothing that we do not anticipate does not ur, then we should be able to do so," came her response, not believing what she had just heard.?It seemed now they had gotten through to Lu Jingho.

 Chapter 568: Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 13

    <h4>568 Attempts to Escape True Justice - Part 13</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Before anything else could be said, Anna, Hou Yi, Yao Tan and Amanda all walked into the courtroom followed by Alister Nang and they sat down waiting for the matter to be called. Very soon the judge came back and announced that the release that he was going to make and further adjourned the matter for four weeks to allow Lu Jingho and hiswyers to further negotiate to see what matters could be resolved.


    As he stood up and left, the smirk on his face told Anna, Amanda, Hou Yi and Yao Tan that he believed that he had won. Hou Yi quietly whispered to Anna to stay in the court room, and he would follow him out to see what was happening.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Once Lu Jingho cleared the court room and was exiting the courthouse, unbeknown to him and his legal team Lu Jinhu entered the court room from a different direction and sat at the defendant''s table, without a Lawyer. Alister headed to the prosecutor''s table to sit with the representative from the National Prosecutor''s Office.


    The judge turned to Lu Jinhu, and said "Mr Lu, you need legal representation?"


    "Sir, I have decided not to have legal representation, and waived all rights. As you can see from the agreements, which I hope you have read I have agreed to plead guilty to matters before the court and ept the penalty as proposed. Additionally, I have agreed to assist the National Prosecutor''s Office in rtion to prosecutions of certain matters involving my father Lu Jingho."


    "Is that correct?" said the judge looking directly at the National Prosecutor''s Representative.


    "It is. While the court may seem unhappy about the charges that are proceeding with this Mr Lu, the cooperation given and the evidence that has already been provided is significant. Much of the evidence if irrefutable evidence, that will result in multiple convictions. That is why we have agreed to the penalties."


    "In fact, Mr Lu increased significantly themunity work, and based on discussions with the prison authorities they believe abination of work, including using his skill set and connections to assist charities behind the scenes could be invaluable to them."


    "Mr Nang, in terms of the victim¡­"


    "Miss Alecia is still in Australia. Madam Hou, from what I understand spoke to herst weekend personally¡­"


    With that, Anna stood up and confirmed the discussion with Alecia.


    "Plus, she authorised her father, and now legal mother, given her adoption was finalised recently, to sign the agreement."


    Yao Tan, was ready to say something about the agreement, but realised that Alister knew nothing, and given Alecia and James agreed to the penalty, he had to hold his tongue.


    Continuing Alister said "The only thing Sir, would be that the agreement and penalties all need to be kept secret until the matters involving Mr Lu Jingho are resolved before the court. Allowing any news of this court appearance or the penalty toe out would potentially jeopardise multiple charges in those matters."


    "The cover excuse we could use in rtion to the matter is that Hou Enterprises asked Mr Lu to be brought back before the court in rtion to the penalties imposed on him previously. CEO Yao and Madam Hou are directors of thepany and Madam Yao is awyer employed by the legal department. CEO Hou''s leaving could be excused by saying that he did not believe that he would not react to Mr Lu being in the court room."


    While Alister was speaking the National Prosecutor was nodding, and immediately stood up "Sir that sounds reasonable, and we have an in-built cover story. All we would add is that Mr Lu asked for the matter fore back as he wanted to seek the court''s permission for him to pay the fines levied on both him and his wife."


    Lu Jinhu stood up and quietly said "Whatever is decided as a cover story is fine by me."


    Debate raged for another five minutes before the final story was reached, and the matter then finalised before the court.


    As they all walked out Hou Yi leaned over, and said "The b*stard¡­"


    "Which one?" Anna quickly interrupted.


    "The older one. The bragging about how matters were being resolved and that the police had gone over the top. He then imed that we were behind this, targeting him. I wanted to¡­"


    "Yi calm down." Said Anna, putting her hand on his arm.


    "Then there was that other one, who manipted the court on his penalty."


    "Boss that is still subject to his full cooperation with the prosecution of his father. Fail to cooperate, and the deal is gone. That was written into the agreement that we signed, and he let it through."


    "Amanda Mei, you failed to tell us that."


    "Well Boss, I am not your wife, just your employee, the wife of your friend, and stepmother to your wife''s sister-inw. Where does any description of those roles tell me that I have to tell you."


    Hou Yi had an angry look on his face, like he was about to explode. Anna was just able to keep in herughter, but Yao Tan could not help himself, and startedughing. Once he finished, all he could say was "Yi, she is right, but she damn well owes me an exnation."


    With that the four of them left the courthouse, Hou Yi, Anna and Amanda all headed to Hou Enterprises while Yao Tan headed to XF International for the bnce of the working day.

 Chapter 569: Angry Friends - Part 1

    <h4>569 Angry Friends - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday


    Just after 10am, Anna received a telephone call from Amanda. She had been quietly sitting in the lounge reading online novels trying to cope with how stressed out she was feeling. She was realistic, that she would only have another three to four months at work, before going on Maternity leave.


    Hou Yi, however had been driving her insane already since their return from Australia, and Anna was refusing to talk to him. Apparently, he contacted ANX and asked them to slowly reduce her workload to limit the stress. The problem was there had been a firm wide email to advise of this, and she was on the email list.


    Hou Yi, however, when she confronted him was in total denial of what he had done. All he could do was try and exin his actions away. None of the exnations were eptable to Anna. The worst thing was yesterday, when he called in the reinforcements of his family. They were harder to deal with.


    Anna took a few calming breaths as thest thing she wanted to do was have another argument with him. She did not feel good Friday night or yesterday after the arguments. She headed towards Hou Yi''s study and quietly opened the door. When she walked in, surprisingly, rather than finding Hou Yi hard at work at the desk, he was sitting on the couch, staring off into the distance. It took a few minutes for him to register that Anna had entered the room.


    Once he realised Anna had entered, he looked directly at her and quietly said "Anna, I am sorry. I should not have interfered."


    Angrily Anna responded "You Damn well should not have interfered. I am capable to do my job and provided there are no health risks I intend to work aste into my pregnancy as I can."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Anna, we already know how lucky we have been, given the start to this pregnancy. I just wanted to make sure that you had the calmest end to the pregnancy that you could¡­"


    Seeing the look in his eyes, totally regretting what had happened, all Anna could say was "Yi, talk to me, do not damn well act behind my back. Talk to me. We are husband and wife.?You treated me like a contract employee, rather than the person you love.?You know how damn much Lu Jinhu messed with me though his dictatorial actions. I love you, but there is no damn way I want that in my marriage."


    Hou Yi stood up and gently pulled Anna into his arms and gave her a kiss before saying "I am sorry, I just wanted to help."


    "Yi, you know I exined the ANX rules regarding pregnantwyers. After six months we must have medical clearance to continue to work, which must be supplied until we enter our eighth month fortnightly and then weekly. I checked the Hou Enterprises employee guidelines with Human Resources for pregnant staff. Only after my seventh month do I have to start to supply medical evidence that I am fit to continue working. Stop trying to manipte the rules, and let me do what I am good at, otherwise¡­"


    Quietly all Hou Yi could say was "You will kill me." He gentlyughed, and then continued "Anna I am sorry."


    "Welllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll ¡­ You own me a big apology Yi, and that includes some over the top spoiling." With that Anna gave him a gentle kiss, before pulling away "Yi, Amanda and Tan have asked if we could head over to their apartment for lunch as they need our help with something. Amanda suggested wee over early, so I am going to change for us to head over."


    Before Hou Yi could do anything more, Anna quickly moved out of the study and headed up stairs to their suite, with Hou Yi following her.


    Twenty-five minutester, despite Hou Yi''s attempts to persuade Anna back into bed for some exercise as he took to calling it, they were heading downstairs to head to Yao Tan''s apartment.


    When they arrived, Hou Yi wondered why Tan had asked them toe over but figured that he would exin things. As they were entering in the elevator to head up to Tan''s apartment, He noticed other cars pulling up, as their driver moved away from the entrance to the building. Before he could see who was exiting the vehicle the elevator doors closed.


    A few minutes after they were shown into the lounge area in the apartment, Hou Yi''s thoughts were interrupted by noise and has he looked up, the first person he noticed was King. He turned to Yao Tan and said, "And this is why you said nothing."

 Chapter 570: Angry Friends - Part 2

    <h4>570 Angry Friends - Part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    King turned and spat back "Toff, shut it. We asked him not to say anything as there would be no damn way, we would have got you here so we could get any exnation as to what is going on."


    "Why do I owe you any exnation, you ¡­"


    Anna realised that this was going to get out of control, and despite the conflict between Hou Yi and King, Anna liked King as a friend. He was loyal to a fault, to those he cared about. Given what she had gotten from the others, the loss of his wife had really changed him, and she could picture how she would be if something happened to Yi, her world would almost be at an end.


    Anna, simply leaned over and gave Yi a passionate kiss, stopping him in his tracks. When she pulled back, she whispered in his ear "They are Amanda and Tan''s guests, plus they are my friends, so you better y nice or you can sleep in a spare room tonight. Plus, I want a proper exnation as to why there is this issue between you and King. Now will you y nice?" Anna then gently bit his ear, before pulling back and looking into his eyes.


    Hou Yi, as soon as his eyes locked onto Anna''s could only respond with a quiet "Yes Dear."


    Amanda, oblivious to what had just happened, said "Come on out onto the deck. There is just not the space here for all of us, and it is too nice of a day to use the formal dining room."


    Following Amanda, everyone walked onto the deck, and saw Junior and Ton in the pool. Once they realised who wasing outside, they both pulled themselves out of the pool and greeted everyone, before heading inside to return to their rooms to change before returning to join everyone else.


    While they were away, King turned and spat to Hou Yi and Yao Tan "What in the world are you letting happen."


    Knowing Alecia''s wish that Junior and Tan were not to know too much about what was happening, Amanda said. "Sit down and be quiet. Alecia does not want her brothers to know what has happened as they are too hot-headed and will act without thinking or respecting her wishes. You, however, will respect her wishes, despite being hot headed."


    The tone in Amanda''s voice stopped King, Lizard, Shark, Croc, Tiger, Lion and Snake from reacting or saying anything. Everyone, including those wives present all knew, despite their own families, the princess was special for all of them. They helped protect and raise her with Yao Tan was a little lostmb.


    When everyone as seated, Amanda turned to say "Now Alecia initially did not want to say anything until she got back, but some nameless ones here have been phoning to work out what is happening. What we know was Lu Jinhu''s involvement was from ckmail from his father."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "The whys and wherefores do not matter, but while we all know he is evil given everything he has done to Alecia and more importantly Anna the bigger evil is his father. He had footage as to what happened to Alecia, that he has provided to the prosecution.?Apparently, Lu Jingho intended to use this for ckmail purposes"


    "It is not the first time that he has done that to a young girl and used the footage against her parents for a business purpose.?Alecia was simply lucky that something clicked in Lu Jinhu which prevented him from handing over the footage.?Alecia, however, knows the full story and agreed to a particr penalty for him."


    "Before you say anything, the penalty however is subject to cooperation with prosecution of his father. What is in the agreement and its existence is confidential until the matters involving Alecia settle before the courts. Alecia wants everyone to respect her and James'' decision, because in her words, she needs to work towards closure from what happened and without getting this she knows she will not get a resolution that she can live with."


    "The other matter is something we all knew. Lu Jingho would buy his way out of as many charges as he could. The court are giving him another three weeks, but the existence of each agreement and certain information must be publicly released."


    "Those artists now employed by XF International, Hou Enterprises or the joint venture all know that such agreements to resolve the matters need to be run by theirwyers, particrly given the money paid out for some of them to break their contracts with Lu Corporation. The suspicion is that Lu Jingho will buy himself out of all but about 200 charges, down from the current 850 charges."


    "Damn it" came Shark. "I thought that he would go down on everything."


    Snake returned fire "You know the legal system as well as us, particrly given your own past. The Queen is right, we had anticipated it, but and sorry for the pun, the sharks are circling around Lu Corporation, seeing what they can get out of it. CEO Yang and the team he has appointed basically have no current option as to a interim CEO for Lu Corporation, and while there is no senior management experience from ¡­"


    "Lu Sang." Came Croc''s interrupted name.

 Chapter 571: Angry Friends - Part 3

    <h4>571 Angry Friends - Part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    Snake continued, after the interruption, "Lu Sang, he is not stupid how the business operates. Unlike the rest of the Lu Family he entered Lu Corporation at a junior level and has worked his way up in thepany into a senior position in his current department. The difference between him and Lu Jinhu is that he has not gone to university."


    "He has operational smarts but Lu Jinhu has the theoretical knowledge. With guidance from qualified management, not the family, he will be capable for a couple of years to handle thepany until Lu Jinhu''s ban ends, and then the process must be redone, but that will end up with Lu Jinhu bing the CEO.?Lu Jingho will not be considered for it at all, and I suspect the potential jail sentence will prevent him from ever having the position."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Totally deserved. We know what he has been like to deal with in a business sense," said Yao Tan


    "And observing how he treats hiswyers at court, he is no different. His view is that he knows what the oue should be, and everyone is required to give it to him. I would guess that he has been berating them for issues when he is at fault."


    Everyone was observing King and could see how angry he was getting about the whole situation, and he blurted out "He has to pay."


    Yao Tan, despite how much he knew King was right, had to protect his daughter and her wishes. "King, while I might agree, Alecia has to be in control of what happens, and we need to respect that. She loves you and told me to tell you that if you cause too much of an issue, she will hate you."


    Amanda followed on "And, other than Anna and James, we have all been guilty of the same thing in thest nine months. We have treated her like a little child who does not know what she wants, while giving Junior and Ton the freedom they want."


    "Look what giving her freedom caused" spat our King.


    "Look we will go in circles. King, Alecia anticipated your issue, and told me yesterday for you to call her if you cannot ept her decision. Last weekend, we could see how happy she has be in thest couple of months. James is the difference. He sees her as she is, and between the two of them they are willing to sacrifice for each other" came our Yao Tan quietly. "The funny thing is the two of them remind me of you and yourte wife. Now, I will let you into my study so you can make the call to her."


    "Damn you ¡­" before King could spit out anything more, everyone could hear Junior and Taning back from their rooms to joint everyone.


    Tan spat out quietly "Alecia does not want them to know, and she said she will kill all of us when she gets back it, we tell."


    With that Yao Tan stood up and pulled King toward his study, before opening the door, picking up a phone and dialling Alecia, before leaving the room and joining everyone else. While everyone was waiting for King to return everyone sat around talking about various matters, and as soon as Kin returned some fifteen minutester lunch was brought out.


    As they were talking the conversation drifted through different topics. Surprisingly at one-point Junior and Ton, brought up starting to n a low key wedding and wee back party for James and Alecia. Yao Tan and Amanda surprisingly looked at them, before Yao Tan asked "Why?"


    "Dad, despite everything, the few days we spent with her told us how much we missed her¡­" Started Ton.


    Junior continued "You forget until now we have not been separated for more than a couple of days in our lives, and we just want to do something nice. We had been talking, we do not have much money, but figured a simple ceremony with a few friends and family and Grandma and Grandpa''s vi would work and would be within our budget."


    Every adult around the table was stunned. Here were the boys who hated sharing the limelight with their sister and who always tried to manipte her into spending her money on them, willing to spend money on her.


    The first to recover was Anna, who leant over and whispered to Hou Yi something no one could overhear before seeing him nod. Anna quietly said "If you are willing boys, I could talk and see if you could use the gardens at the Hou Ancestral Home, but and this is a big but, you need to be there, and if there is a yes, talk to the staff about the menu and work out how to pay for it. You have to be fully responsible for it, none of us nor your grandparents or your Uncle Yi''s family will take up any responsibility."


    The two of them looked at each other, realising that Anna had called their bluff. Yes, they were willing to start the work, but figured that they could manipte adults to finish off the work for them. Junior having observed how happy their father was, leant over and whispered to Ton "We need to put a proviso on it but cannot refuse as you see how proud dad is"


    "That sounds OK, but if we are struggling, we will be asking for help as we really do not know what we are doing. We just thought it would be nice."


    With that, everyone could not help but sit and agree with them.

 Chapter 572: Moving Forward with Plans - Part 1

    <h4>572 Moving Forward with ns - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    Hou Yi, looked at Anna who was still asleep on the bed. He knew they needed to get moving but given the appointment with the obstetrician the previous day, which had not been the best and where Anna had been told to slow down a little, Hou Yi wanted to let Anna rest longer.


    He had been surprised that she was coping after what happened at Amanda and Tan''s almost a fortnight ago.?They hade home and sat down talking. That afternoon they covered many things, including the reason for his conflict with King and his concerns about her health and safety. Anna, let loose on why she had issues with his behaviour. Clearing the air was necessary, and despite their disagreement they were able to understand the other''s position.


    The only shadow was Anna had not really coped emotionally seeing Lu Jinhu in court. She had video conferenced with Phillipa a few times since then, which made her feel better. Phillipa, along with her parents despite having been at the wedding had to race back to Ennd Saturday night, as her grandfather had taken a turn for the worst, leaving Phillipa and her mother confronting a reality that they really did not want, he would die, her mother would inherit the title and Phillipa would be the heir.


    But the problem was yesterday. Whey they left the obstetrician''s office they came face to face with Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, who was of over six months pregnant. She not only had to deal with the reality of his cheating being thrust in her face but the emotions of what he had done to her as well. All Anna wanted to do was cry and remain so close to him.


    When Anna,st night had finally drifted off into a fitful sleep, Hou Yi quietly called Phillipa and asked her advice. The only rmendation was to stay close to her for a few days, and when she was ready to have Anna call her.


    Reluctantly, Hou Yi leant over and woke Anna up, before carrying her into the ensuite so that she could shower while he went and selected clothes for her. Thest thing he was going to do was let her work, but if she came into the office, she could at least stay in the suite attached to his office and wander down to the legal department if she really had to.


    Thirty minutester, having organised with the chefs for a couple of simply Egg and Bacon rolls each de-caffeinated coffee for Anna and a Tea for him, they were in the car heading to the office. Anna, once she had eaten her breakfast, handed Hou Yi the coffee and rested on his shoulder drifting off to sleep before they even reached the office. When they arrived, with the help of the bodyguards, Hou Yi carefully climbed out of the car and carried Anna into the building and up to his office before cing her on the bed to continue sleeping.


    Given the ongoing issues within the legal department he messaged the Human Resources and legal departments along with Amanda and Jodie letting them know that Anna may not be in today. While he believed his wife, Hou Corporation''s Lady Boss as some of his team had been calling her did not have to exin herself and absences as the head of thepany he realised that bending the rules for his wife would see everyone demanding that the rules were bent for them.


    When he was certain that Anna wasfortable, he left the suite and headed into his office to review the papers in advance of his teleconference with Yao Tan about then next phase of their ns with Lu Corporation. As he finished then Assistant Wang knocked on his door.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Boss, I forgot to tell you yesterday. CEO Yao rang and changed the teleconference with us to a face-to-face meeting and he is in the small meeting room with some guests. The head of the entertainment division hase in from studio city, and has been joined by Vice-CEO Ji, and two senior executives he said you wanted to review their performance of there as well."


    Hou Yi, looked reluctantly at his suite door and was concerned about leaving to head to the meeting while Anna was asleep there. "How many are in the meeting room?"


    "Fifteen, and when we get there in reality it will be overfilled."


    Hou Yi paused, and then picked up a phone on his desk before dialling an internal number. Once it was answered he said "Amanda, I have a favour I need you and Jodie to take care of for me, and I me your husband for this."


    "What has he done now, Boss?"

 Chapter 573: Moving forward with Plans - Part 2

    <h4>573 Moving forward with ns - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued


    Hou Yi, responded in a somewhat angry tone, while trying not to take it out on Amanda. He knew the rules that she and Yao Tan had regarding her work, and Tan was determined not to cross them "He changed a meeting to a face to face meeting, here, and Anna is asleep the suite attached to my office.?I do not want to leave her alone."


    Amanda, despite not wanting to get involve with XF International business given she still had her job at Hou Enterprises, overheard Tanst night on the phone. She was uncertain who he was talking to but gathered that he had invited this person to a meeting that had been changed to a face to face meeting at thest minute. Damn him, he was ying games and risking her job. He knew that until she fell pregnant and they had children she wanted to remaining working as her independence to date had been hard won.


    "Boss, not a problem, but can you have someone let the head of the department know. Thest fortnight has been an issue for me, as I have been used of using my connections to have more leave than necessary, and I do not need an argument.?If there is a problem while you are in the meeting, I will interrupt you, and if my husband is annoyed, I will take it out on him for disrupting my boss'' ns and my work at home."


    "Leave it with me. Head up as soon as you can. Assistant Wang will be waiting for you and let you in when you arrive."


    With that Hou Yi ended the call and gave some immediate instructions before heading to the meeting. As soon as he opened the door, there was a surprise waiting for him. Yao Tan had brought King, Lion and Snake with him. He now officially was ready to kill his friend. Blindsiding him like this and bringing King to the meeting. Thest think however he needed to do was to let everyone else in the meeting know how annoyed he was.


    King, however had seen the fleeting nce go across Hou Yi''s face, and knew that he had scored a win. He was, however, somewhat guilty as the Queen and Empress had on Monday met him under the cover of a business meeting to have him stop the fighting with Hou Yi.?The Empress told him about her pregnancy, the difficulties it had, and the fact that the tension between him and her husband was adding to her issues.?He felt guilty with that, particrly give she had just fallen pregnant when she was assaulted in the police station.?How lucky were the Empress and the Toff that they did not lose their baby before they even knew she was pregnant.


    Yes the Toff, that b*stard, should have said something when he observed his wife in and out of the cancer treatment centre, so that he could have spent as much time he could have with his wife before her death, but as they finally got through to him, that was the underlying reason for all the issues between the two of them and business disputes were simply an excuse. Anna''sment as she was leaving was right, he needed to examine himself for what his wife would have wanted.


    King that night sat down and looked at a photograph of his wife. He could not believe that someone with her background had consented to date him, let alone marry him. She had grown up in a familypound near the Hou Ancestral Home, and always had seen Hou Yi and Yao Tan as little brothers. She liked them more than her own two younger half-sisters and cousins, who treated her horrendously.?Her half-sisters and her own stepmother always saw her as a threat to them and their position within the family, so she ignored them and developed rtionships with the younger children of families who were close to her mother and both sets of grandparents.


    Putting himself in her position, he could see that she trusted Hou Yi to keep her secret, and in the end, he realised that she wanted to enjoy whatever time she had with him, rather than it being a misery. He remembered that the things particrly in thest 12 months of her life that she had done, and they had enjoyed life to the full. That he would not change for anything, as they were good memories.


    It was that which made him realise that Anna was right. Remaining angry about things is not what she would have wanted. So, he swallowed his pride and sort out Yao Tan to put forward a proposal that he knew would lead to a meeting like this. Business wise, he was always good at seeking outnd with the others ripe for development.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Thend they had purchased seven or eight years ago well outside Studio City was now ripe for development. Bing involved with bringing down Lu Corporation through thatnd had always been something on their mind, but they now had the perfect base to ramp up the destruction. Lu Corporation had been environmentally reckless in their studio city developments, and despite it still being somewhat unfashionable to consider the environment in developments they always had, now it constantly reaped business benefits.


    Hou Yi biting his tongue spoke first "CEO Yao, I see we have CEO Ru, and Directors Can and Mo joining us. Is there something I do not know about?"

 Chapter 574: Moving forward with plans - Part 3

    <h4>574 Moving forward with ns - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued¡­


    "Apologise CEO Hou, I approached CEO Yao yesterday with a proposal for your new joint venture, and rather than beating around I wanted to bring the proposal to you as soon as possible." Responded King.


    That was a surprise for the Hou Enterprises and XF International staff in the meeting that had no real idea about why the joint venture had been started. Hou Yi was intrigued. Yes,nd development was the core of the business for King and the others, not the entertainment division and despite all issues the seven of them were highlypetent when it came to business decisions. Hou Yi decided that he would at least listen to the proposal.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "CEO Ru, I am intrigued. What do you have in mind?"


    King nodded towards Lion and Snake, before saying "Directors Gan and Mo, are better ced to exin to you our proposal."


    As Lion started to speak, Snake started to hand out folders. "The proposal here ismercial-in-confidence. We had, around eight years ago purchased arge parcel ofnd outside what ismonly called Studio City.?Over the intervening years we have added to that initial purchase.?The originalnd was designated farmingnd and since we started the purchasing of thend, we have been happy to hold it until the right opportunity presents itself."


    "Since then, there has been significant growth in film and television lot developments in Studio City, to the point that much of thend surrounding it has been developed for the film and television industry.?The earlier developments have either been abandoned, and we have where possible purchased them, or they have been turned into other businesses."


    "As CEO Yao, CEO Hou and Vice-CEO Ji all know, and understand the reasoning behind it, one thing our business has always been conscious of is ensuring that our developments are environmentally sound. While that has always added to their costs in the long term the costs involved have been returned to us with significantly higher profits."


    "For example a recent apartment development in the capital, which being considered by all to be a spective development followed this key principal, and apartments in simr developments in the same area sold for half the price we received for ours given our adherence to this simply policy."


    "In thest few years we have been constantly looking for opportunities for the right development in Studio City for thend, and we understand CEO Hou that Hou Enterprises owns somend that adjoins thend we have there. Having seen the destruction caused in the past four years by LU Corporation''s developments, we have finally decided that we need to have thisnd responsibly developed."


    "As you can see, and we hope you do not mind that we have included thend Hou Enterprises has in this development, constructed a proposal that would epass not only the redeveloping or part of Hou Enterprises existing film and television studio space, but the repurposing of other areas as well as developing the currentnd that both Hou Enterprises and ourselves have in the area."


    "The n, with this proposal is to develop across the sites a total of 50 small andrge sound stages, four small and fourrge television studio spaces, ten different size music recording studios, five separate different outdoor environment filming spaces, and all the various anciry services. While the ns for the development are currently general, our view is that it can be done in stages, so not to interfere with current uses of thend that Hou Enterprises has, and the ie it derives."


    "What we are proposing is that we take over the long-term development and management of thend, providing an ie stream to Hou Enterprises from the use of thend it contributes to the development, as well as, and this will be confirmed in writing, that the joint venture that bothpanies have announced receive discounted usage fees for all sound stages."


    "We also know given the approaches thatrge and smallpanies have made to us about thend, that they have be frustrated that Lu Corporation controls most of the film, television and recording spaces in Studio City and over-exploit it. Some havemented about the poor environmental standards and maintenance, as we know in thest twelve or so months there has been a slow retreat from the use of spaces in Studio City."


    "We view, with some appropriate development ns that great oues for ourselves, Hou Enterprises and XF International could be achieved with the development. Of course, we are quite prepared to spend additional time and money toe up with better development ns, but this has only been put together in thest couple of weeks."


    Hou Yi by the end was stunned. He never thought King would agree to such a development, given his previous attitude. Yes, Hou Enterprises has studio space for Film, Television and recording, and it was over-booked in thest twelve months impacting the maintenance on facilities that they were able to do.


    It sounded attractive as a business prospect, but despite the fact that there seemed to be something changed in King, he was still wary of doing business with him, given he knew their past with illegal activities (although that had not been a real issue for at least ten to twelve years ording to Yao Tan).


    "Gentleman, while I have my own opinions, and I suspect CEO Yao also has his opinions, I would like to hear the opinion of the others here," responded Hou Yi.

 Chapter 575: Moving forward with Plans - Part 4

    <h4>575 Moving forward with ns - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    After listing to discussions with those present for twenty minutes, Hou Yi asked if everyone could leave the room for a few minutes for him, Yao Tan, King, Snake and Lion to speak.


    Once the door was shut, Hou Yi turned to King and said, "What is behind the change in attitude?"


    Pointing to Hou Yi and then Yao Tan, King responded "Your wives. They came under the guise of a business meeting, and effectively told me to grow up along with a few other home truths. And they were right.?Time is too short, and with your wife expecting Toff she does not need problems with our rtionship effecting her."


    King paused and looked at Hou Yi, before continuing "Toff, I know you do not trust me, and always have just tolerated me. We know why, as I know you do not trust me business wise given my past. I have never hidden that, but my wife, a childhood friend for both of you, made me, and everyone else in the end change our ways. As we said, there are sound business reasons and you know that like Hou Enterprises in property developments we are environmentally conscious, somewhat more so than you. There are huge long-term benefits in being environmentally conscious in developments."


    "But there is another reason behind this proposal, and we do know that neither of you are that stupid. It was obvious that we could not be involved in your joint venture. There was never a reason for us to be involved. That is clearly aimed at Lu Corporation and given what happened to our princess we want to be involved in taking it down as much as we can, to minimise the ability for Lu Jingho to escape responsibility for his actions."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "The money they get from Studio City, contributes significantly to their profit and is allowing that idiot to escape responsibility. While it might not stop him now, the benefit is that in the longer term it will end up undermining profits for them, and his ability to get money out of thepany. Petty revenge for what he has been involved in and the hurt he has inflicted on our princess, but something we can do."


    Yao Tan turned and said "Yi, it makes sense. Hou Enterprises additionalnd is not enough to dramatically expand what is needed for the joint venture let alone for you making profits out of it. We have been gging the need to take some projects away from Studio City due to theck of space. I must admit, from a user of the facilities perspective it sounds tempting, and more importantly the longer-term benefit is squeezing Lu Corporation''s profits. That fits our goals.?But it needs to be a decision in the best interest of Hou Enterprises, not the joint venture, me or anyone else.?If it came to the board meeting for a decision, I would simply dere a conflict of interest and not vote."


    After pausing for a few minutes, Hou Yi said "It sounds highly attractive, and I must admit that it is tempting to do it, but you all know that I am not stupid in business. Emotions cane in to y to drive actions but as you are aware for me it is about profits in the end. What I am willing to do, if you find it eptable, and when everyonees back in I will make it clear is sign a memorandum of understanding, on the basis that we receive a fully detailed proposal before we sign the agreement."


    "We would not expect anything different from you Toff" came the response from Snake.


    "And I would have said the same thing," added Lion.


    With that, everyone was called back into the room, and a brief memorandum of understanding was signed, with the intention that the ns for the development would be finalised before the start of December. After the signing of the preliminary agreement, King, Snake and Lion all left, with a quiet promise to Yao Tan that they would catch up with him over the weekend.


    Despite the distraction, everyone present focused on the real reason for the meeting. The announcement of the next project that the joint venture had taken from Lu Corporation''s entertainment division. This one, was one that they had absolutely no idea had gone and based on the information that Yao Tan had they were still actively pursuing the deal, despite the contracts having been signed on Thursdayst week. Once they had their ns finalised an email was sent for confirmation of the announcement tonight.

 Chapter 576: Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 1

    <h4>576 Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 1</h4>


    Monday


    Lu Jingho entered Lu Corporation''s office, furious with what had happened over the weekend. Firstly, the announcement that highly lucrative television series production for European television had signed a deal with Hou Enterprises and XF International, was concerning. Then the announcement of the agreement for a yet unnamed Hollywood film, using their artists but Hou Enterprises sound stages.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Both deals three weeks ago were in the final stages for contracts to be prepared and signed. Someone had screwed up as that is a massive chunk of profits gone. While hiswyers had told him, he needed to stay away from Lu Corporation to protect everything, this was a disaster that needed to be fixed as soon as possible. The money was necessary given the uing development contracts in ce and the penalties in them.


    The reception staff, having not seen him for a few weeks, realised how angry he was before stepping back to simply allow him to go where he wanted. They had all learnt in the past, that when he was as angry as he seemed, thest thing anyone wanted to do was to draw attention to themselves through any interactions with him. All a couple of staff members did, was telephone senior management upstairs to warn them he wasing up.


    Most of the senior management staff, excluding members of the Lu Family were generallypetent at their jobs and they did not deserve to be exposed to this. More importantly for the reception staff, they acted wherever they could to protect them from members of the Lu Family.


    Three minutester, Lu Jinhgo entered the senior management area and headed straight towards the deputy Vice-CEO responsible for the Entertainment division''s Tang Din, office was located. Despite secretarial staff trying to stop him he pushed past them and stormed into the office, shouting "What in the world are you doing."


    Deputy Vice-CEO Tang ending the telephone call without much care, the response was "Mr Lu, you know that you are not presently toe into the office. Yes, through the trust you technically own twenty percent of the shares, you have no role."


    "DO NOT tell me I have no role. How in the world did you screw up two deals that just had the contracts to be finalised and signed? And now I hear rumours that there is a potential development that will threaten the profitability of our studios in Studio City. Are you ipetent or what?" screamed Lu Jingho, starting to draw a crowd.


    "Mr Lu, please calm down so I can¡­"


    "Do not tell me what to do you ipetent person. No one tells me what to do" screamed Lu Jingho even louder if that was possible.


    Realising that he was incensed and the possibilities that that could mean if he was not careful Deputy Vice CEO Tang, took a deep breath before starting to continue. "Mr Lu, I am not trying to tell you what to do, all I asked was if you could be calm, as we are drawing an audience, and I was about to say that this was a conversation better had in private."


    With that he moved around, out of the react of Lu Jingho and shut the door, to minimise the impact of this visit. He had, as soon as the door opened activated the recording facilities in the room to protect himself.


    Turning to Lu Jingho, he said "Mr Lu, now can you tell me what the problem is, so I can see what I can do to answer you."


    Spitting out the response as he was angry that others within thepany could not hear this, "You have damn well screwed up. The deal was done for both the television series and the Hollywood film, all that had to happen was the contracts finished and signed. Now both have damn well gone."


    "Mr Lu, we were as surprised as you were, and had no idea that it was going to happen. We had finalised the contracts and sent them for signing Wednesdayst week, with a promise that they would be returned to our office by Wednesday. There were no signs, and we had been keeping a careful watch on the executives involved with that joint venture"


    "The only potential close call was a few weeks ago, when CEO Hou met his wife in Hong Kong. What we found out was Madam Hou''s nieces from Australia were in Hong Kong for a dance school tour, and CEO Hou simply went to collect her at the end of that trip before returning here. He had been in Europe for the week, so there is no way that there could be anything there."

 Chapter 577: Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 2

    <h4>577 Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jingho, however, saw red at those words, and angrily spat out "You, ipetent executive.?You failed to prevent this from happening."


    Calmly, wanting to avoid a significant confrontation Deputy Vice-CEO Tang replied "Mr Lu, we are reviewing everything we can to figure out what happened.?I have already tasked people to determine while the deals copsed, as we had been reassured until the copse happened that the signing of the contracts would ur."


    "Once I have the reasons why everything happened, Mr Lu I will make a full report avable to the board.?While you are not currently a board member, as of your concerns and your involvement in the matter to date, I will make sure you receive a copy of that report as well.


    "You damn well better find out the reason, or I will see to your sacking for being ipetent."


    Taking a breath before continuing Deputy Vice-CEO Tang, replied as calmly as he could, given he observed that Lu Jingho was bing more aggressive standing in his office.?"Mr Lu, I had been directed by the board that we were not tomunicate with you in any respect and were to have you immediately escorted out of the building should you arrive."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "I have done neither, out or respect for you for everything that you have done for thepany, and for all the assistance you have given me throughout my career to date.?However, you will need to leave ..."


    "Do not tell me what to do, I have every right to be here," yelled Lu Jingho.


    After taking another breath, Deputy Vice-CEO Tang continued "Mr Lu I will not debate you.?I hate having to say this but I would suspect others may have called security to have you escorted from the building.?I want you to leave with the dignity and respect you deserve, given everything you have done for thepany."


    "More importantly, your remaining here, I would suspect will jeopardise the oues in respect to the criminal charges against you.?Lu Corporation are involved in the negotiations to resolve as many of these charges as possible without any criminal records being created for you, as it not only protects thepany but your legacy with thepany."


    "Mr Lu, the problem is the longer you remain here, the easier it bes for someone to argue that you are interfering in what we are doing for your own advantage.?Of course, Lu Corporation''s actions to protect itself, protects you, but we need to show that we acted at arm''s length, for your benefit."


    Deputy Vice-CEO Tang looked at Lu Jingho and realised that his answer had satisfied him.?Thank goodness, with a few other non-family member senior executives this morning they had all had a quick discussion about handling him.?They had decided that it was necessary to make sure that he felt that he was the most important person to be considered in the whole situation, as they all knew the consequences if he felt belittled or not in control.


    Lu Jingho turned storming out of the office and heading out of the building. Before he left the area, he turned and yelled "You all better damn well figure out why as soon as I leave thispany, to deal with false allegations that things to wrong. It is pure ipetence, and you better be careful, or you will not have jobs in the future."


    Deputy Vice-CEO Tang, moved over to his office window and seeing that Lu Jingho had departed the building he picked up his telephone and called thepany''s new independent legal representatives, advising them of the visit from Lu Jingho.?He decided to provide them with a copy of the footage from the new security cameras he had installed in his office about a month ago.

 Chapter 578: Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 3

    <h4>578 Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 3</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Once he hung up from the call the first thing he did was sit down in his chair and breathe a sigh of relief.?That was scary in dealing with Lu Jingho.?That then made him start to question whether he could remain at Lu Corporation.?Lu Corporation''s entertainment division was good, despite the interference of Lu Jingho, which often destroyed good oues.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    The problem was, that Lu Jingho had caused significant damage to the entertainment division, through his actions.?The web ofpanies that were behind what, if he had to be honest, he believed was in fact the truth, was from what he understood was significant that even Lu Corporation''s own legal team had not yet been able to unravel it.?That was scary.


    For Deputy Vice-CEO Tang, the concern he had was his career.?He started out in the entertainment industry working as an artist''s assistant before working his way to be an artist manager through into management and ultimately into the position he currently had.?He had always been known as a person who was highly protective of any artist that he has dealt with.


    Having to deal with the allegations, which from what he had seen were consistent, was abhorrent and went against what he believed management should do for the artist that they are responsible for, all in the name of profit.?It was only when his wife, over the weekend sat him down and went over his employment contract he realised that he could not only immediately leave Lu Corporation, there was no active restraints on him joining another entertainmentpany.?After long discussions, he agreed with his wife that the best thing would be to leave as soon as possible after dealing with the fallout from the lost contracts.


    The funniest thing was, his wife told him that they had enough money, and he could either be a stay-at-home parent, or join her in creating a small artist managementpany, where taking care of the artists they managed was the priority.


    He picked up the phone to make the two calls he needed to make, to finalise the report. He already knew why the projects had gone, and the realityt was it was all Lu Jingho''s fault. The problem was that he would never ept that. He simply needed confirmation to do the report, then he would hand to the board his letter confirming that given his employment contract end he was leaving with immediate effect.


    Twenty minutester Deputy Vice-CEO Tang had the answers which confirmed all his suspicions of.?The loss of those contracts boiled down a few different things.?Lu Jinhu''s behaviour was concerning to them, and when everything started toe out about Lu Jingho, that was for some thest thing that they would tolerate.?They did not want to be associated with their actions.?Adding to that was the joint venture between Hou Enterprises and XF International, which provided a more attractive deal for them.?Plus, the few artists that they rmended to use were not those that the people wanted.


    He quickly worked to finalise his report for the board, as he wanted this piece of work done.?Once hepleted it, he turned his mind to his resignation letter.?He knew that he needed to get out of Lu Corporation, as he suspected things would only get worse.


    Twenty minutester when he finished the resignation letter, he finalised packing his final few remaining personal items into the two remaining boxes in his office.?Even though people had been in and out of his office for a significant part of the day, no one had realised that his personal items were gone.


    Just before he sent the email with his resignation, he copies the contacts from his business mobile into an email to his assistant before doing two factory resents on his mobile, and as he sent the final emails he started the factory reset on hisptop and desktopputers.


    As he finished, he picked up his personal mobile and dialled a number.?As soon as the person on the other end of the phone answered he said "CEO Hou, this is Tang Din, before you hang up on me could you please listen to what I have to say..."

 Chapter 579: Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 4

    <h4>579 Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday


    Given the actions of Lu Jingho over thest twenty-four hours, Tang Din was grateful that he did not have his or his wife''s personal mobile numbers.?Apparently ever since his wife''s press conference yesterday, Lu Jingho had been constantly telephoning her office, being highly aggressive and abusive.


    The interesting thing was a call from Lu Corporation after they had processed his resignation letter and heard his wife''s press conference.?While there was disappointment in him leaving, given his stated reason was that he would be a stay-at-home parent, while his wife pursued her business, they realised that they could do nothing.?The call also indicated Lu Corporation, provided he was not seen to be highly active in his wife''s business would not pursue him for breaches of his contract on leaving.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    The interesting thing was that he was looking forward to spending significant time with their children.?It was not until he had spent the day with, they yesterday that he had realised how much he had missed of their lives simply through putting his career first.?That, given the actions of Lu Jingho was something he was not proud of.


    When the dust finally settled from Lu Jingho''s criminal proceedings, Tang Din wondered how he would exin his involvement to his children.?Simply telling them he did not know would not be appropriate.?He should have realised to some extent what his boss was doing and the harm that it caused to the artists that he had a responsibility for.


    That realisation came on the back of the detailed discussions with his wife on Monday night when the children had gone to bed.?Yes, he knew she wanted to return to the workforce, and had been fully supportive of his decision to quit and be the primary carer for their children, but little had he known about what she had been doing.


    While they had spoken about her starting an artist managementpany over the weekend, the discussion they had Monday night when he confirmed his resignation from Lu Corporation was a surprise.?She told him that over thest, almost twelve months, with a friend they had quietly established their own artist managementpany and were going to take it public the following day at a press conference.?As she said, she knew what is was like when an Artist was betrayed and harmed by a manager, and theirpany but with this business she was determined to ensure that the artists that were managed by it were protected.


    The other thing she told him, was that a cousin of her friend who was present when Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin attached Madam Hou at her request had looked at his employment contract and found the out use for him and given them written advice.?As he read the advice, it made it clear that after being away from Lu Corporation for more than three months he would be able to then step in and help in the business, either on a part-time of full-time basis.


    As the advice exined, as his employment contract had not been renewed by Lu Corporation when it expired, his employment became governed by the general employmentw, which meant that his ie could not be lowered however at the same time the restrictions contained in that non-renewed contract could not be enforced.?That meant that the general restrictions could only apply, restricting him for that three-month period.


    Whether he wanted to help, after that time expired, was something that they had decided they would look at in the future.?For him, he just wanted to concentrate on repairing the rtionship with his wife and children that had been damaged the pursuit of his career.


    His wife, however, never med him, and she worked hard to ensure that he could escape Lu Corporation with as much dignity that he could.?Leaving, should protected them as best as he could, as they were now his number one priority, and everything else came after that.


    He was also grateful, that when he spoke to CEO Hou on Monday, and again yesterday, he agreed to take both calls.?Importantly CEO Hou made it clear yesterday when they spoke after his wife''s press conference that Hou Enterprises and the joint venture they had established with XF International would not target herpany.?He also said that he would talk to CEO Yao about XF International not targeting herpany as well.

 Chapter 580: Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 5

    <h4>580 Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    CEO Hou''s words still rang in Tang Din''s ears.?The fact that he had worked with Lu Corporation did not mean that he was like Lu Jingho.?He judged everyone on their own actions, not simply because they were linked to someone else, and Hou Enterprises took the same approach when ites to dealing with people andpanies.?His wife and he had nothing to do with what Lu Jingho had done and therefore they would not be targeted because of his previous employment with Lu Corporation.


    Sitting down, rxing having seen his wife and the children off for the day, was giving him the opportunity to think about matters, while the staff where cleaning the house.?Having spoken to them earlier about the children''s rooms he was determined that he was going to make one change to require them to keep their room tidy or the staff would not touch the rooms.


    However, he quickly realised that being a stay-at home parent would be challenging as he was so use to being busy and started to think about what he would do, when his train of thought was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell.?Without thinking, he went and answered the door.?The next thing that he knew was that he was on the ground with Lu Jingho standing over him verbally abusing his for leaving Lu Corporation and his wife''s newpany.


    He was unable to focus on much, but heard in the background a scream, which must have been from one of the staff members.?As he struggled to his feet, he observed Lu Jingho grab the servant''s hair and throw her into the wall.?No way would anyone hurt a member of their staff in his presence, and without taking his phone from his pocket he telephoned the police, and when he realised it had been answered said "Mr Lu, get out of my house. You have no need to be here, hit me or hurt my household staff."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Incensed with anger, Lu Jingho screamed "You deserved that and more. You have no right to leave Lu Corporation, nor does your wife have a right topete with it. You are out to ruin me, and there is no way that I will stand for that."


    While speaking he made his way towards Tang Din and started to swing to hit him again. Being forewarned as of his previous actions Tang?Din put up his arm to block the hit and said "Mr Lu, stop. You are entitled to your opinion, but the board epted my letter on leaving, being told of my intention and that I would be supporting my wife in her business venture. You have no right to hit me."


    On the other end of the phone listening to the call, the police officer quickly backtracked the location of the call and sent nearby police to the location to check what was happening.?From what had been heard, clearly people were being assaulted.


    However, Tang Din''s words did not impact Lu Jingho, nor did he even click that Tang Din had called the police.?He simply yelled in response "You deserve everything I give you, you b*stard for betraying me.?No one can leave Lu Corporation without my approval; nor can they do a thing to jeopardise thepany.?You have done both."


    Lu Jingho, quickly started to hit Tang Din more, and they kicked him behind the knees which sent him to the ground.?Once he had Tang Din on the ground, he started to kick him all over, continually saying "This is just the start of the consequences of doing what you have done."


    Tang Din, realising that he was not going to be able to get up, given the continual attack, started to curl himself into a ball to protect himself as much as possible.?A few minutester out of the corner of his eye, Tang Din observed two police officerse into his home through the open front door, observing what was happening and hearing?Lu Jingho scream out "This is part of the consequences for betraying me. You and that wife of yours deserve everything that ising your way due to your betrayal."


    Hearing this, the officers quickly ran over to the two men, one restraining Lu Jinhgo, who struggled in his arms, trying to break free while continuing to kick in the direction of Tang Din, who the other officer was shielding while calling for additional police backup and medical treatment for both Tang Din, who was almost unconscious and the unconscious maid.

 Chapter 581: Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 6

    <h4>581 Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 6</h4>


    ThursdayFind authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Having been dragged to the police station after giving Tang Din a part of what he deserved for his betrayal, Lu Jingho was sitting in a police cell totally miserable.?The police spent hours interviewing him about the events, and refused to ept the truth, in that Tang Din caused everything, he was simply defending himself, and that he needed to be released.


    As one officer told him, the police had contacted the National Prosecutors Office to have them make an urgent application to revoke his bail, and as it had not been determined yesterday before the close of the courts, he was locked in a cell to await going to court today.


    It was, as he said to himself a miserable, inappropriate situation.?He was the victim in all these cases, and the people that deserved to be in jail for all that they had done to him, started with the two idiots heading Hou Enterprises and XF International and their wives for all that they had done to him, now closely followed by Tang Din and his wife due to their betrayal, and even if he had to admit it, his son for screwing up and even those girls who told their stories.?He had their contracts and the contracts had provision for the debts to be paid, all he had done was create the opportunity for them to pay their debts, legitimate and legal and they were just out to get money from him, which was totally unfair.


    He did not deserve this, nor the legal process that he had been dragged into.?He was the head of Lu Corporation and the Lu Family and therefore deserved to be feared and revered.?They had no?right to damage his business and try and ruin him. He paused for a second and decided that there needed to be two other people added to the list that needed to be in jail instead of him.


    Du AnLing, for not doing what he demanded when they were younger. Servants in the Lu household knew that they had to serve the family, and whatever the family wanted was what they had to deliver. She refused. Then there was that Hou Jang, who took her away and married her. There was no way that she deserved it, and they both deserved to be destroyed for everything that they had done, ruining his fun.


    Before he could think about anything else the police entered the cell he had been ced in alest night into a room where his three members of his legal team were waiting for him.?As soon as the police exited and shut the door?Lu Jingho spat "What in the world are you doing to get me out of here?"


    The two men looked directly at the junior femalewyer Jane Gang, who for some reason had so far in these proceedings had seemed to had Lu Jingho understand the situation more than anyone else.?She simply nodded her head, as she knew that they wanted her to speak, given Lu Jingho would not over-react too much to her.


    After taking a deep breath, she spoke "Mr Lu, we are doing our best to get you out of here as soon as possible.?In terms of the new charges, Mr Tang and his servant are standing firm about not dropping the matters.?That means that the question of your existing bail will have to be re-considered by the court."


    Now came the problematic news she knew she had to deliver, so she took another deep breath and as calmly as possible said "The problem is that, and you will not like this, apparently Mr Tang soon after you arrived at his residence telephoned the police emergency line on his mobile.?They heard some of what urred and sent officers to investigate.?Some of the conversation was garbled, but officers observed you on their arrival kicking Mr Tang"


    "That b*stard betrayed me and Lu Corporation, and he now wants to make an issue out of it," responded an angry Lu Jingho.


    "Mr Lu, I do not think that that is the case. The problem is the police observed you kicking him.?That is separate evidence which makes the prosecution your case difficult, and it much easier for Mr Tang to reject a deal to settle the matters."


    "Lu Corporation, epted his resignation letter, on the basis that his employment contract had not been renewed and he wanted to be a stay-at-home parent while his wife pursued her new business venture.?In epting that resignation, they made it clear that as long as he did not act to hurt Lu Corporation, they would not fight him, but they would legal pursue him if he did."

 Chapter 582: Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 7

    <h4>582 Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 7</h4>


    Thursday


    Lu Jingho spat out "I do not care.?You need to have Lu Corporation deal with him, putting me here clearly betrays Lu Corporation, and we know he will be helping his wife, so they must act.?More importantly I want you to get that b*stard and his servant to immediately drop the charges.?That b*stard, betrayed me and will not admit what he did.?His servant attacked me without provocation.?Any recording will not tell the truth, I was simply defending myself from what they did.?I need to be out of here or else..."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Jane Gang said "Mr Lu, I know you want out of here, but you need to listen to me, so that we can work out how to deal with this matter. It does the other matters no good for you to be here, as we need you out so you can assist us in locking down the deals to get rid of the other charges."


    After a brief pause, Lu Jingho who now was calmed continued "At least you seem to have some sense, everyone else has no idea. What is your n."


    Having braved Lu Jingho''s barrage to the point he was listening Jane continued "While you may not like it, I have been thinking since we were alerted to your detention that there is a strategic way that we could proceed. As I said the major issue, we have with Mr Tang is the fact that the police observed you kicking him. I would suggest that we tell the court that you will plead guilty ¡­"


    Lu Jingho screamed "No damn way."


    "Mr Lu, what the other part of the n is, and this we can easily organise, is that we ask the court that the sentencing in the matter be adjourned until the resolution of the other matters, and that you be let out with conditions, including obtaining a psychologist report."


    "I am not mentally ill, so that is stupid." Lu Jingho was getting angry.


    "That is not what we are going to do Mr Lu.?The argument, which we know the report will support is that with the stress of everything else, what Mr Tang did and his wife''s actions, drove you over the edge. Someone you trusted acted in a way that you knew was harmful to you, financially and that betrayal impacted you mentally."


    "What it means for that case, is we can argue for a minor penalty on the basis that you get psychological help as the psychologist determines.?That may include things like Anger management courses and programs to help you deal with stress."


    "Why in the world you I do anything that damn stupid."


    "Mr Lu, what I am proposing is about maximising the potential for a good oue to you. We must ept the one certainty with this matter is that there will be no way that we can reach an agreement to have the charges dropped. Getting that report, and we have good psychologists that we can use, does that for you."


    "We need to be strategic in rtion to not only this matter but the other matters that you have before the court.?Dealing with this can be done quickly, with you receiving a minimal penalty.?That allows us to concentrate on the bigger picture dealing with the other matters."


    "As part of that, we can have the psychologist to speak to you regarding the issues involving CEO and Madam Hou.?We will not need that report as quickly, but it will mean that they can produce it when we need it on short notice.?Those matters are not in istion.?There is the background of the rtionship between your son and Madam Hou, and what she and CEO Hou did to him and your daughter-inw.?Again strategic, but it means that we can argue for lesser penalties to be imposed in those matters as the police have other evidence than simply their words."


    Lu Jingho paused for a few seconds, then responded "As I told you I am not mentally ill, but now I cannot think about what else I can do.?You know I need to be out of here now, not stuck in a ce where I, the victim of everyone actions should never be."


    He turned and looked at the malewyers and said "I need to speak privately to your colleague, now get out of here.?I do not trust you."


    Sensing that Jane Gang had the situation under control, the two malewyers exited the legal interview room, and as the door closed behind them she said "Mr Lu, you know we are all here to get the best possible oues for you, you need to trust all of us."

 Chapter 583: Lu Jingho, Out of control? - Part 8

    <h4>583 Lu Jingho, Out of control? - Part 8</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jingho respond quickly "They have not given me any reason to trust them so far.?Now I do not trust the police to be watching or listening to this conversation.?I want you toe and sit beside me, so I can quietly talk to you."


    Lu Jingho knew that this was his chance to get her exactly where he wanted her.?Ever since his legal team had been formed, he had been wanting to have this Jane Gang as a lover, but she had to this point in time done what she could to avoid dealing with him alone.?Now was the perfect time to make a move, as he had, to this point in time been ying with her and the whole legal team, by generally listening to her and ignoring the rest of them, unless it was critical to the case.?He hoped that she would cooperate with what he wanted, otherwise this could be an utter disaster move to make.


    Reluctantly, Jane moved into the chair beside Lu Jingho, as he was cooperating with her to date, and she wanted that cooperation to continue.?As she sat down, she noticed that Lu Jingho had an e*rection in his pants.?Damn male clients who reacted like this.?However, as she knew from several her female colleagues this was something that they had to deal with, and for some of them depending on how they handled it, it could be good for their careers.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    As she sat down, Lu Jingho grabbed her hand, and ced it on his e*rection, quietly saying "See what you have done to me."


    Knowing that she needed to be quiet her response was "Mr Lu, what do you want?"


    Smirking, knowing he had this woman where he wanted her for the moment, he asked "Do you have a handkerchief in your pocket?"


    Guessing why he was asking about this, she responded "I never go anywhere without a few clean ones.?Why?"


    "I will cooperate with whatever you rmend in the criminal cases if you do a few things for me."


    She had already guessed that he wanted her to at least use her hands until he e*jacted, that was not a worry, as she had done it asionally with wealthy clients in her office. Yes, it went against her own view of her professional responsibilities, but wealthy clients were usually given a pass by the senior partners if they did not overstep the bounds of proprietary too much given that the female legal staff were what they deemed as pretty. She knew she needed to keep this job for another couple of years before she left. She only had a couple of good references from wealthy clients that would make a new job easier to secure. Steeling herself to appear pitiful and willing to be controlled by Lu Jingho Jane asked?"What are you asking me to do?"


    "What I would really want is impossible here, but would you undo our shirt and bra so I can see your b*east while you use your hands to rid me of this, so we can head to courtter ..."


    Jane could not believe how tant he was, but that would be useful in the long term, if she yed the situation right, and made him feel thst he was in control. Responding Jane said "Not a problem Mr Lu, provided that you write a good personal reference for me."


    Smirking, Lu Jingho knew that he had her now. There was no way that when he was released, he was going to be able to use any services to properly satisfy himself and that wife of his had said he could have a womane to the vi to satisfy him. This prettywyer would be perfect, as her ongoing presence would not be suspected by anyone.


    "That depends on the second thing I was going to ask.?With a pretty woman like you, once is never going to be enough.?I want to you to be the leadwyer on the case.?You are sensible and havee up with ideas rather than your male colleagues.?They can stay on the team, as I need arge team to be on top of all the negotiations.?But I will note into your office to see you to discuss matters.?You need toe to my home, dressed underneath your clothes with appropriate s*xy clothes, and be willing to service my other needs.?Junior staff like you do not get to lead cases like this, but if you can help me, I will help you make your career."

 Chapter 584: Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 9

    <h4>584 Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 9</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    As he was speaking Lu Jingho, made sure that he had moved his chair right beside Jane Gang''s chair and that he was sitting close to her so the police watching them from behind the window could not see what was happening.?Knowing that the room was forwyers to speak confidentiality with their clients all the police could do was watch from behind a one-way mirror, without inside CCTV or audio recording, Lu Jingho was ready to totally exploit the situation to get what he wanted.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Jane could not believe what Lu Jingho said. As he correctly identified being the leadwyer on his case would make her career, and hopefully get her to a new firm quickly.?But at the same time she knew her reactions had been such to fool him, but she wanted to rify exactly what he wanted so she did not have to be concerned. "Mr Lu are you asking me to be your mistress for giving me this opportunity?"


    "Mistress, Lover, your choice of words, but not only will I give you the personal reference you want, if you need something else, I think that can be arranged."?Her response made Lu Jingho know he just about had her, he now just needed to get her over the line as she would easily be able to satisfy him s*xually for a long period of time.?That made him think about whether he needed to legally acknowledge her as his lover, but that was to determer.


    Jane was a little concerned about what Lu Jingho was saying as she wondered if he was ying with her. That would ruin what she wanted.?She paused to make it look like she was considering his offer, but did not realise that while she was doing so Lu Jingho oved his hand under her skirt and slipping his fingers under her underpants. She realised what he was going when he brushed a finger along the outside of her v*gina what he had done. As he moved his fingers starting to arouse her, he said "It will be mutual pleasure I can assure you. I can already feel that you are aroused by the idea, as much as your presence has aroused me, it is not just visible like mine, but I could smell it."


    With those words, he inserted one finger inside her v*gina moving it slightly, which sent a wave of pleasure for her. Damn it, unlike those client''s in the past, Lu Jingho really knew what he was doing. The previous clients, who she had allowed to finger her, simply shoved them in without thinking about her, to get the pleasure they wanted. Yes she loved s*x and taking risks, but this was more exciting that things she had done in the past. As he was doing this Jane hoped that she would be able to reel him in to get what she wanted.


    The pleasure she was feeling made Jane carefully moved her hand from his e*rection and looked down to ensure that what she was about to do could not be seen from being.?Their bodies were so close that the police would not be able to see.?Jane carefully reached inside her pocket and pulled out two handkerchiefs from it, cing them on Lu Jingho''sp, before undoing his pants, and pulling out his erection.


    She quietly said "While I have let some make client''s briefly finger me in the past, this is something I do not do normally. But, if you promise not to fight me in how I run the case and make sure that I am the leadwyer, I will do this now and reach some agreement with you about other actions." Jane knew this was a lie, but it convinced Lu Jingho easily.


    "I will ask the senior partners to lessen my load so I can concentrate on the strategy for all the cases and make excuses to regrlye to your home." Jane made every effort to make it seem to Lu Jingho that his offer did not sit quite right with her but because of what he was doing with his hands to pleasure her she would agree to anything as long as whatever happened was pleasurable for her, and it would benefit her career.


    "Absolutely and once we are done, I will sign a handwritten agreement that you can present to your bosses about me wanting you to be the leadwyer on the case and it to be your sole focus.?Now, how about ..."


    With that promise, Jane pulled his e*rection from his pants, she quickly started to move her hands, as he moved his hands in and out of her v*gina.?Within a couple of minutes, she said "I am about toe."


    Lu Jingho replied "So am I.?but I wish I was in you, not like this."?Jane grabbed the handkerchiefs and covered his e*rection so when he e*jacted most of it would do into them.?Just as she ced them Lu Jingho thrust hard three fingers inside her v*gina which immediately made here, which caused him toe, both into the handkerchief and onto her hands.

 Chapter 585: Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 10

    <h4>585 Lu Jingho, Out of Control? - Part 10</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued¡­


    After they had both finisheding, Lu Jingho pulled out his fingers from Jane Gang''s v*gina, and after taking one in his mouth, he offered the other two to her saying "You taste so good, you should try yourself," and he ced two fingers inside her mouth.


    Jane proceeded to licked his fingers clean before he pulled them out.?He took her hand from under the handkerchiefs to her mouth, before saying "Now taste me. It would have been better if I hade in either your v*gina or mouth where you could have swallowed this much better, but we could not have done this here."


    Still in a daze from the s*xual high he had taken her to with just his hands, Jane did as requested, and on his allowing her to remove her hand said, to please him "Yummy, but I think you are right, it would have tasted better with youing in my mouth where I could have immediately swallowed."


    Lu Jingho knew he was close to his goal, of having her on tap to satisfy his s*xual needs, he turned and said "Now we need to write up the basics of the agreements.?One that you can present to your bosses, and two copies of the real agreement between us, you keep one and I keep one, so neither of us will go back on our words. And as to your rmendations in this case I will follow them."


    Jane however realised that despite Lu Jingho believing he had her under total control, he had no idea that she was using him. Revenge was her motivation but with what he had done, for as long as she needed to wait to act the s*dual pleasure and fun he would ensure she had would be well worth it to satisfy her needs.


    Twenty minutester, both being satisfied as to the two separate agreements, Jane turned to Lu Jingho, and said "Before I get my colleagues in, can you ¡­"


    Hearing that, Lu Jingho absolutely knew that he had the right woman.?Pleasuring her once was enough.?That made his mind up,ter today or tomorrow he would legally acknowledge her as his lover.?"Pleasure you again with my fingers until youe??Absolutely, provided you do the same again for me."


    Jane, seeing the look on his face now was certain she had him where she wanted.


    Jane pulled out her two clean handkerchiefs the two of them quickly started using their hands to arouse each other.?Like before they quickly came again, and Jane, pulled Lu Jingho''s finger out from her v*gina and sucked on his fingers and then sucked her fingers clean as well.


    Lu Jingho, quietly said "Now are you ready, for court, and what wille afterwards?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Jane, still finishinging down from her second pleasure high said "Absolutely, given I have an idea what you can do."?Sitting there for another couple of minutes until she knew that she was ready to go to court, Jane exited the room and walked to where her male colleagues were waiting, before saying to the police "Please bring our client to the court as soon as possible."


    As the police left, both malewyers looked at her, and one said "What gives you the right to do that.?You are only a junior on the team."


    "Mr Lu has requested that I be appointed as thewyer in charge of the team.?I have an authority signed by him to make the request.?Now you either do what I ask, or I will consult with him about you being reced on the legal team."


    "What in the world did you agree to with him for this?"


    "We spoke.?I listened to his issues, and he listened to the options I gave him.?That made him say he trusted me as I wasing up with ideas to address matters, which he has been believing has been absent from everyone else.?More importantly in talking to him, he has agreed not only to listen to my suggestions for the cases."


    "However, as he does not trust everyone unless he needs to consult with the whole legal team, he will only deal with me provided I go to his home alone for consultations.?You know as well as I do, the client needs to be listened to, and feels that he can trust us.?Presently I am to him that only person, and we need to work with that to get the best possible oue in the case."


    Nodding, they realised that they were in a corner.?For the whole firm this case could make or break the careers, and theck of cooperation so far had been damaging.


    Forty minutester, Lu Jingho was taken into the court house and after some negotiation with the court they reached an agreement that he could be released, both to allow further consultation with hiswyers, but for appointments to be made with a psychologist given the indications of the stress he was under, for an interim report to be returned Friday week.

 Chapter 586: Taking Control of the Legal Team - Part 1

    <h4>586 Taking Control of the Legal Team - Part 1</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    After leaving the court hearing Lu Jingho made sure that Jane was confirmed by even the senior partner present as the leadwyer.?Once this happened, he said to all the team "As you know, I want to consult in private with Miss Gang.?She has agreed that those consultations will be at my home so where necessary my wife can be involved.?I will make sure that once we are finished, she will get safely home."


    Jane Gang followed Lu Jingho and his wife who had been quietly sitting in the court out to their chauffeured car, handing her handbag and briefcase to the chauffeur before slipping in beside both Lu''s.?Once the privacy screen was up, and the car started moving Madam Lu asked "What has she agreed to?"


    Jane was surprised at the question, what did it matter what she had agreed to with Lu Jingho??It did not involve his wife.


    Lu Jingho responded "We agreed, that for me within reason following her suggestions and cooperating with her during the case she would be the leadwyer in the case and I would provide appropriate rmendation letters for her.?Jane agreed to¡­"


    "To finish you off by hand in the police station, and if I can guess right, follow other reasonable s*xual requests."


    Jane looked at the two of them stunned, how easy was his wife to know the agreement.


    "Sweetheart, do not worry, I know my husband and his s*xual needs.?I have never been enough for him.?If I am honest with you, and he know it, my preference is more for women, then men.?Plus, you are beautiful enough to fulfil his needs."


    "True wife."?Pausing Lu Jingho thought "You know what I really could do now, and we have an hour, is for the two of you to strip not only each other but me, and the three of us pleasure each other."


    Jane, to get her revenge was happy to make a deal with Lu Jingho but she wondered what she had actually agreed to.?Before she could voice anything Lu Jingho responded "But, here as we have the driver and we risk thew. Jane, I will not ask you to do anything you are not totallyfortable with, but we could have a lot of fun when we get back to the vi."


    "So, we can have our own world outside the legal matters, in the house and to the staff at the vi we will call you Miss Jane Wang.?That will give you some anonymity."?With that she nodded, keeping the work separate from what she figured might be addictive would be a good idea.


    Without any effort Lu Jingho, then quickly undid his pants, while his wife leant over and with one hand flicked his e*rection, and while whispering in thewyers ear while inserting a finger inside Jane?v*gina "You know I can pleasure you as much if not better than him with my fingers."?With that she pulled down Jane''s underpants and inserted one finger inside her v*gina.


    Seeing the confusion on her face, the next words from Madam Lu were "Sweetheart, we are always careful with s*xual activities. It only will ever be two of us doing anything at one time as technically as long as a third person only watches, it does not break thew. The two of us stripping him, does not break thew. We can then strip each other and make his squirm while he watches us for the trip."


    "Jane, he has already given you a taste of what he can do for you, and your agreement with him was to agree to reasonable s*xual requests.?Tasting your other option is something you need to do, and I can guarantee you will love what I can do for you as much as he can."?With that more fingers were inserted Jane''s v*igina making here quickly.


    As she continued toe Madam Lu continued "And sweetheart, when we get back to the Vi if you arefortable with it I would love to watch you and him pleasure each other while I pleasure myself watching you.?Then, hopefully you will befortable with the idea of watching and pleasuring yourself while others engage in s*x, before you and I resume having s*x and eventually you and him have the final bout"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Hearing those word, and the pressure used with by Madam Lu, Jane came again saying "Yes, Yes, sounds perfect."

 Chapter 587: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 2

    <h4>587 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 2</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Having agreed to what the Lu''s wanted, as the pleasure that were making sure she had was amazing, both women quickly stripped Lu Jingho before teasing him and working at stripping the other while asionally and deliberately brushing his e*ection.?Once they were satisfied the had Lu Jingho aroused, they spend the bnce of the trip to the Lu Family Vi, pleasuring each other while Lu Jingho watched and pleasured himself.


    Jane could not believe as she and Madam Lu pleasured each other she came four more times, Madam Lu came five times, and Lu Jingho came three times simply watching them.?As the car slowed down to enter the Vi grounds, Lu Jingho reached into a box handing robes to both women, and keeping one for himself, which they put on to enter the vi as he arranged for Jane''s clothes to be cleaned and dried forter.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Once they entered the vi over the next few hours passed in a s*xual blur for Jane. Despite having had boyfriends in the past and having engaged in various different s*dual activities to satisfy her desires s*xual intercourse was not always pleasurable for her.


    Jane, as they entered the room decided to make them feel as if they had won a jackpot andmented "I have been fingered by previous boyfriends and clients, but never felt willing to take it all the way, but you Mr Lu and you Madam Lu already have made me ready to go all the way. But as of an ident when I was younger my doctors told me that when I first had s*x there would be nothing that would evidence the truth."


    The Lu couple looked at each other.?They could not believe that they had secured a novice that was going to learn everything from them.?Given Jane''s beauty Lu Jingho had really thought that she would have long ago lost her virginity to some male but being the one to take it would feel amazing.?He had not had a virgin for over twelve months.?This one though was someone who easily consented was even better.?His wife never liked virgins but knew that he did.


    "I was going to suggest despite my wife''s earlier suggestion that firstly I watch you and my wife, with the help of a d*ldo have sex, but she has agreed that I should, if you consent be the one to take your virginity," and with those words, he pushed three fingers inside Jane ''s v*gina and started to move them, while he took her left breast in his mouth, while his wife already had taken her right breast in her mouth and was using her hands to stroke her and Lu Jingho. Jane could not believe that these two fell for her lies so easily.


    After a couple of minutes of the pleasuring by both Lu''s Jane Wang said "Whatever you want.?I so want you toe in me."


    Having received her consent Madam Lu moved away far enough so that they could not be prosecuted for group s*x is the vi was raided, and watched her husband and Jane have s*x until both came.?As Lu Jingho withdrew and dropped the c*ndom in the bin, Jane watched him move over to where his wife was sitting and pulled her off the chair that she was sitting on.?She dropped to her knees, and using her hand and mouth aroused her husband.?Both kept an eye on Jane and realised that she was only slowly getting into what was happening.


    Lu Jingho said "Jane, are you ready to watch or my wife would quite happilye to you?"


    Feeling a little ufortable from the mind-blowing s*x she had just had with Lu Jingho, she said "Watching sound''s perfect, but what do I do?"


    Hearing those words, Madam Lu stood up and walked over to the bed.?Taking one hand in her hand, she started to move it over Jane''s breasts rubbing her nipples and encouraging her to tweak them, while drawing the other hand down and helping her insert fingers inside her v*gina.?"Jane, you need to use your fingers to pleasure your breasts, and your v*gina.?Shove them in and out and use the fingers to tease the area you felt the most pleasure previously where my husband and I touched earlier.?The goal, and yes, I am more experienced is to make yourselfe in total pleasure.?There is no right or wrong, but the goal is the same to reach your peak.?It may take a couple of times watching to do that, but given what I already know you will get there."?with that Madam Lu took one breast in her mouth and sucked the nipple until Jane moaned, and added "That is helping you get there."

 Chapter 588: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 3

    <h4>588 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 3</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Having made sure Jane had the idea what she should do, Madam Lu returned back to deal with her husband.?Today, was a day that she was willing to be cooperative with his needs, as it appeared that they would have the perfect women to be a live-in lover, but more importantly awyer that they had totally under their control to control the oues of their legal cases.?That was important for both of them.


    She dropped to her knees continuing to use her mouth to pleasure him, while hearing moansing from Jane behind her.?Lu Jingho said, "Jane how to you feel?"


    Hearing the words "I am about toe," Lu Jingho pulled his wife up, and she sating down on his p*nis, which caused him to moan, and from behind them, the two of them heard with a moan "Oh my god, I amming" with another moan making them realising that Jane hade watching their action, which quickly drove them to reaching their peak.


    After that quick activity, Madam Lu said "Jane, are you happy for me, given you have had to watch, or ..."


    Having already had some experience with the pleasure that Madma Lu could deliver, she wanted to see where this went.?"You if that is alright Mr Lu?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    While he was always reluctant to watch others have sex, he already sensed that with Jane, he and his wife had someone who would be perfect for them for as much time as they wanted.?She knew that the two of them would be able to make their career, and they were quickly getting her to a position that she would do most things that they wanted, what did he have to lose.?Ultimately his wife, despite asions like this was generally reluctant to have lots of s*x with him, and a willing woman, without having to pay was always better than anything.


    He simply responded "Mmmm", watching as his wife, walked over and started pleasuring Jane, which started to turn him on.?Damn watching these two women was quite sexy, and as they continued in pleasuring each other got him to the point that he quickly reached his peak.


    Over the remained of the time they were having s*x Jane made sure to the best of her ability the reactions she showed the Lu''s told them she had dismissed any professional concerns through having this rtionship with them. These two made it so easy to be seen to agree to anything, and Jane was realistic with herself in that the pleasure was amazing.


    After a while, sensing Jane''spliance with different suggestions Lu Jingho quietly said to his wife "Shall we ask is she wants a threesome?" and he received a nod.


    As Jane wasing down from another peak again, Lu Jingho quietly asked "I know your reluctance, and concern for thew, but we are in private in our room in our vi would you be willing to have a threesome?"


    Threesomes were only something that she had asionally indulged with in more Liberal overseas countries, and?Jane had always enjoyed them. Nodding in agreement they firstly had a mind blowing session in the bedroom before continuing it in the bathroom in the huge shower and then the bath had more rounds of s*xual intercourse.


    Eventually realising the time, Lu Jingho said "It is after work hours, I need to send you home, but how about once you have those appointments scheduled for me youe back tomorrow with the excuse you are talking further strategy with us tomorrow, and we can pick this up."


    Realising that tomorrow was Friday and she had no ns for the weekend "And if you are willing to cooperate, we could fake towards the end of the day that I have left, and I could spend the weekend here, this has been fun."


    "Absolutely, we have a room, if you are willing that we could use here in the vi for a couple of days, all sorts of things that we can use for each other''s pleasure."?Nodding to his wife, who came back into the room with a few things in a bag, he pulled out a few balls, and carefully inserted one into his wife''s v*gina, before taking another and inserting it into her v*gina, and picking up two remotes pressing a button. "We will escort you home, but with this in neither of you are toe unless I say so."

 Chapter 589: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 4

    <h4>589 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 4</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    As Lu Jingho pressed a button on a remote Jane could feel the ball inserted in her v*gina vibrating resulting in her moaning, and saying "Before we go, I am about toe, but I want for you toe inside me Mr Lu so badly?I then want to pleasure you each again before I go.?If you then want me to I will keep this in until the morning."


    Looking to his wife, who simply nodded Lu Jingho reached in to Jane''s v*gina and pulled out the ball he had just ced there before picked her up and thrust himself hard inside her four times before she came.?As soon as that happened, for the next hour or so, and thought of her going home, left their minds while they pleasured themselves.


    Eventually, when they dressed to leave the room, Madam Lu said "How about, we tell your legal firm, tomorrow, just so that we can build up and maintain a working rtionship with you before the next court case you have agreed to stay here in a guest room, and that it will be, during the course of the case avable to you to remain in, if you are herete, rather than having you travel home day in day out.?You can bring some clothes over, but if you are happy the two of us can discretely go shopping tomorrow and we both purchase some more appropriate clothes for pleasuring each other and him for your use while you are here."


    Seeing the look on Jane''s face, Lu Jingho knew his wife had now sealed the deal he wanted to have.?Total control of hiswyer, and if she agreed a live-in lover.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Knowing that Jane had the ball reinserted in her v*gina, Lu Jingho pressed the remove that pushed the pressure from the vibrations to max and cut it off three times before the only response was "Yes, now let mee again."


    Eventually, they made their way to another car, and after her address was given to the driver, the car started on the trip to her home. Twenty minutes into the journey, the slowed down, and a voice from the driver''s seat, said "Sir. Madam, Miss, we have arrived at the shop Madam had me call. They are empty and are avable for you to go in. There are fresh robes in the box, if you need them."


    Five minutester the three entered, a s*x shop wrapped in the robes naked underneath, as they figured dressing would be too much work.?Having received a signal from Lu Jingho''s chauffeur before they arrived staff inside the shop ensured that all CCTV camera inside the shop and that covered the way Lu Jingho''s vehicle would arrive.


    The Lu''s were the best VIP clients that the shop had, and the staff were always willing to go over and above what they did for any normal clients let alone the other VIP client''s they had.?The Lu''s were one of five couples that knew the full secrets of the shop.?All their VIP clients knew the exemptions the shop had due to its long-term existence from thews against group s*x in the private rooms attached to the shop that prevented them from being prosecuted.?The five special VIP clients however knew the full secret that the shop itself was covered with the exemption and they could have it closed for them to use the whole shop premises for their activities.


    Unlike other that knew about the exemptions, who brought in the people that they wanted to be involved in group s*x, the Lu''s always asked for willing staff to be involved with their and their guests activities and were quite willing to pay for it.


    Seeing a younger woman who Madam Lu called Miss Wang, the staff quickly showed both women into two dressing rooms, one female dresser in each room, while the other staff quickly gathered crotchless underpants for each of them to put on. Knowing Madam Lu''s preferences and measurements they selected acy top which had some support for her breasts which were otherwise uncovered. She quietly indicated to the staff with her that they needed to ensure that they gathered enough appropriate clothing for Jane to take home as she was her husband''s mistress and she needed all the appropriate items for their activities.

 Chapter 590: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 5

    <h4>590 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 5</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Not knowing what Madam Lu was doing and had arranged Jane found herself being carefully measured by the staff. One staff member handed her a properly measured bra that somewhat supported her ample breasts but otherwise left them open. While continuing to measure her up, the two female staff members in the room, made sure that they rubbed and pleasured her breasts, and asionally fingered her v*igina, while Lu Jingho was watching what was happening through the one way mirror.


    When the staffpleted Jane''s measurements and pleasured her to an appropriate point they moved out of the room, gathering the robe that had she had been wearing which was ced near the door with the robes that clearly Lu Jingho and Madam Lu had been wearing on their entry. One staff member showed her to where Lu Jingho was waiting, and the along with the other staff member who had handed the measurements to a worker who would simply fill the order before leaving, they headed into the dressing room where Madam Lu was.


    Madam Lu unlike Jane understood the dressing rooms had one-way mirrors when the three female staff members were in the room, she removed the ball Lu Jingho had ced in her v*gina earlier and asked them the staff to start to pleasure her.?The three women, having done this previously for Madam Lu, knew exactly what she was looking for, one pulled out a d*ldo and strapped it to her along with a tube of lube to ease her way in to her back passage, while at the same time using her hands on her breasts and those of the second woman who was already pleasuring her breasts, with the third woman already on her knees using her mouth and fingers to pleasure her through her v*gina.


    Outside the room Lu Jingho gathered Jane to him and had her watch what the women were doing to his wife.?As she stood there watching, thew rted to group s*x activities ran through herwyer''s brain, before Lu Jingho quietly said "You know that there are a few ces that have total exemptions from the group s*xws, and none of the activities that ur in them can be prosecuted?"?With this she nodded "This is one of those ces.?We booked the entire shop tonight, which makes everything perfectly legal here, and there are some private rooms attached here, that if we do not book the whole shop out, we can do this activity there."


    With that Lu Jingho using the remote to the ball he had inserted in her v*gina, changed the vibration statue, and said "Now does that and what you are seeing turn you on?"


    All Jane could say was "Yes" repeatedly, before adding in a moan "I need you to enter me so much"


    Lu Jingho responded, as he pressed the remote to stop the vibrations "Now, I want toe inside you, but to heighten your pleasure I want him" motioning to the one male staff member "to also enter you.?Have you had anyone evere in your other passage before?"


    Despite everything she had done s*xually in the past that was something she had never done. It sounded awful but watching how much pleasure Madam Lu appeared to have from having the d*ldo entering her other passage all she could do is say "No."


    Given how quickly she was already adapting to all the s*xual activities he and his wife wanted from her, he decided that he needed to be the one that took that virginity, and said "Given you are a virgin that way, I want to be the one to take both your virginities if you will let me."


    "You have to ask after thest few hours, the pleasure you have given me makes me want more and more from you, and I am willing to experiment with other options." Seeing the reaction to those words, Jane could not believe how gullible Lu Jingho was when it came to him getting what he wanted s*xually.


    Having gotten Jane''s consent, Lu Jingho nodded to the male staff member who handed him a c*ndom and tube of lube before striping and reading the c*ndom for him to use as soon as he had the signal.?As the male staff member started to use his hands and mouth to pleasure Jane, Lu Jingho quietly said "Jane, this may hurt a little, but I need to prepare you that you can take me like I did so you could take me in your v*gina."


    All Jane could do was moan, as she was aroused by what she was watching and said "Whatever you need, I need you in me quickly, then him to enter me before Ie."?Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.

 Chapter 591: Your help to finish the story!

    <h4>591 Your help to finish the story!</h4>


    DO NOT WASTE your spirt stones please unless you want to contribute to this story''s ending.


    This was an idently posted chapter out of order and I must add 400 words to post the chapter.?I do apologise, but as I was setting the timer to publish it in a few days (as I am busy at work) I got distracted.


    However, if you have opened this chapter and spent your spirt stones, please be aware that this story will in a few weeks being to an end.


    As my loyal readers I am interested in your input into the finalisation of our favourite three couples'' stories.


    Please put your ideas in thements to this chapter.?My ending will be where they are some twenty years after their marriages.


    Presently, I have Anna an Hou Yi''s 20 yearster story in mind, but I am struggling for Amanda And Yao Tan, and Alecia and James.


    For Alecia and James, my ideas include a period of separation, buting back together, and for Amanda and Yao Tan I had thought about a medicalplication for someone in their families.?Both will be happy endings, but I want your ideas please as you deserve to have an input into thepletion of this story.?I am not welded to these, and your help will be appreciated.


    Plus, for those who have opened this, I will soon be posting my next story, where Anna and Hou Yi will make appearances (and the Female lead will be a close friend of Anna''s).


    I also want to take this time to remind people about privilege.?For those who have purchased privilege ess it will end at the end of September.?You will not lose ess to the chapters you have opened with privilege you just get no new chapters until the normal release catches up.?Privilege ess allows you to stay X number of chapters ahead of the normal release, not to have additional chapters each month.?Importantly this helps to support this author.


    DO NOT feel that I am pushing you to purchase privilege, as I will always keep up my release rate - 2 chapters per day except Tuesday and Thursday''s when there is I chapter, plus bonus chapters on the first Saturday of the month until Iplete this story.


    I appreciate all my readers regardless of whether or not you have purchased privilege ess, and will make sure none of you miss out on anything with my story.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.

 Chapter 592: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 6

    <h4>592 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 6</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jingho was still being pleasantly surprised with Jane, and her willingness to engage in activities.?Taking both her virginities in one day, with her absolute consent was perfect.?He knew she was totally under his control, not only s*xually but more generally.


    Taking a few minutes, using his fingers Lu Jingho kept moving them to ensure that her other passage was such that it would amodate him, before slightly bending her over and thrusting into her.?As he pulled her back up straight, hearing the moan she delivered as he fully thrust inside her, he urged Jane to then wrap her legs around the waist of the male staff member, who using a c*ndom thrust into her v*gina.


    With the staff member Lu Jingho worked so they were pulling and thrusting into Jane together, using their hands otherwise to pleasure her, and as she started toe, Lu Jingho, feeling great that he had taken both her virginities signalled to the male staff member to pull out, and he quickly turned Jane to thrust into her v*gina, while the staff member kept using his hands to tease and pleasure her.?As Jane tipped over the edge, Lu Jingho followed her, and Lu Jingho could see at almost the same time in the dressing room through the one-way mirror his wife had done the same.


    As Jane looked around, she could see that the male staff member was still erect and turned to Lu Jingho saying "He needs some help. to finish off."


    Realising what Jane has seen, Lu Jingho again started to be aroused, and said "I have an idea, how about we do something I wanted you to do this morning, in taking me in your mouth until Ie which if I have him thrust into me from behind?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    While the idea of another man pleasuring Lu Jingho was something that she really did not want to contemte, the idea of having hime in her mouth, given that was how this had all started was a good idea.?Having seen what Madam Lu had done earlier in the day, Jane dropped to her knees and started to take Lu Jingho in his mouth. the male staff member put on another c*ndom and moved behind Lu Jingho thrusting into him.?Jane could feel the thrusting movement through Jingho, and how he was reacting in her mouth, and very quickly, as the pace sped up, the pleasure that she was feeling started to increase, until one final thrust where she not only could feel that the staff member had reached his peak, she felt Lu Jingho e*acte into her mouth.?Jane quickly started to swallow his e*action, which tastes better than that she licked off her fingers earlier in the day, but eventually she struggled to keep up swallowing it, and Lu Jingho pulled out letting the bnce of his e*acttion flow out of her mouth and onto the underwear that she had put on earlier.?When the staff member pulled out, Lu Jingho pulled Jane onto hisp, as his wife came out from the dressing room.?He turned to her, and said, "Wife, we have a problem here, do you want to help me clean up?"


    "Sounds interesting, but more interesting would be watching you do that, while these four people work at pleasuring me more."


    Realising that his wife was giving him carte nche to do what he wanted, he started to suck and lick his e*action from Jane, while the two of them observed the staff members pleasuring Madam Lu.


    For the next couple of hours, with the help of the staff members, the Lu''s made sure that Jane was not only exposed to a few different s*xual activities, but they watched and jointed her in various group s*x activities.


    Eventually, at Lu Jingho''s signalling, Madam Lu dragged Jane into a dressing room, where a change of lingerie was waiting for each of them.?As they walked in she said "I hate that we have to leave today, but if you are at the house on the weekend, we coulde back for a lot more pleasure??Let me know but do not feel pressured to agree."

 Chapter 593: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 7

    <h4>593 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 7</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Jane, hearing a pause, simply said "Let me think about it."


    "Absolutely fine sweetheart, but before we go, there is one thing I want to do to tease my husband, who I hope wille in and opt to thrust into you. I want you to help me put on my new underwear and brush my v*gina before inserting a couple of fingers, until Ie and coat your fingers while you suck both breasts. Once I havee, I want you to suck that off your fingers. While you are doing that I will help you put on your underwear before starting to do the same. I hazard we will not be able to pleasure each other for a day or so, as my husband will want you for himself, before he will let us have our own pleasure."


    Nodding Jane, grabbed the underwear for Madam Lu, quickly helping her put it on, and following her requests.?Pleasuring Madam Lu was an interesting experience as in the end it was more about feel and pleasure, whereas with Lu Jingho it was simply about pleasure first.?She never thought that having s*x with a woman would be as interesting as that as with a man.?Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    As she started to pleasure Madam Lu, she felt her putting on the bra, and urging her to step into the crotchless underpants. before she started to finger her and suck her breasts. Just as Madam Lu came all over her fingers, Lu Jingho walked into the dressing room, moving his wife partially aside and he thrust into her v*gina which took Jane over the edge, as his wife pinched her nipples. After pulling out Lu Jingho inserted the balls back into Jane and his wife''s v*gina''s and pressed their remote buttons to start the vibrations at a low level.


    As the three of them moved out of the dressing room, the staff helped them into the waiting robes, and quietly Lu Jingho said "We want to book the entire store again on Sunday."


    "Mr and Madam Lu, Miss Wang, we can amodate you for say six hours any time between midnight until 2pm Sunday for the whole shop but you can have a private room for the whole fourteen hours."


    "Make it eight hours in the shop with three male and three female staff members who are willing and a couple of rooms avable for the bnce of the time."


    "It will be organised. I will send you confirmation Saturday morning. The various items you, Madam Lu indicated you needed Miss Wang have been ced in the boot of your car." With that Lu Jingho was handed a pair of pants to slip on. These were one of his favourites to wear, as they looked conservative under a robe, but the front of them had an open space that allowed his erection to be free for easily pleasuring. Given they had about an hour to get to Jane''s apartment to allow her to get the business clothing she needed, and then an hour and a half to get back to the Vi, that was going to be necessary.


    Wrapped in the robes, they slipped back onto the chauffeured car, which already had the privacy screen up.?Two small bags, with a few toys had been ced in the car by the store staff, marked so he and his wife knew which back was for each of them.?As the car moved off, Jane said to the Lu''s "What will we do, for this trip?"


    Lu Jingho could not believe this, Jane was perfect.?Giving her what she wanted s*xually with the help of his wife had ensured he was about to seal the deal with Jane and the control he needed.?Observing his wife, he realised that she was over having s*x wife him, and to keep her happy he said "Jane, how about you and my wife spend the trip to your ce doing whatever you want, while I take care of myself, and on the way back, you and I do what we want, if my wife is happy with that?"


    "Perfect." came the response from both women together.


    Having received the consent from Jane, Madam Lu reached into the bag, and pulled out a pair of obviously s*x toy handcuffs, and handcuffed Lu Jingho while tying him up with silk ropes to prevent him from bing involved, before removing the balls from their v*gina''s.?For the bnce of the trip, she started to introduce?few different things to Jane.

 Chapter 594: Taking Control of the Legal Team - Part 8

    <h4>594 Taking Control of the Legal Team - Part 8</h4>


    FridayFind authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Meanwhile as they left the store the staff members all tidied up the store for the next day before leaving.?Two of the three female staff members, heading in opposite directions that they were not being observe pulled out their phones to make a call to their long-term criminalwyers.?Both when they were younger had been saved by eachwyer from a significant jail sentence for group s*x charges, and given that they had both opted to work in a s*x shop with exemptions knew what would happen there and had theirwyer from their youth on call.?At almost the same time, then dialled two different numbers and said "I have something you need to know, and it impacts the case that you are involved in."


    Both men said, "What is it?"


    The women both said "Lu Jingho and his wife were at my workce with a woman Madam Lu referred to his Lu Jingho''s mistress and who they called Miss Wang.?However, I saw her earlier today on television leaving the courthouse beside him.?She is a member of his legal team."


    Both conversations drifted for a couple of minutes before they ended.


    Alister Nang who received one of the calls was shocked, but given the total disrespect that Lu Jingho seemed to have for everything unless he was in total control, he always had a suspicion that he would manipte the sole femalewyer in his team. His fears had been seemed to be true, and given she seemed at this point to be in control of his case, this could be highly problematic. He would just have to work out the strategy to deal with the situation over the next week, as it was ultimately not an insurmountable problem. He needed evidence that it was not above board and that might be difficult to easily and?legally secure quickly, but it would eventually be able to be gathered. He was just grateful that he was given this information by a client, who he respected as she was honest not only about her work, which she admitted she was using to provide for her family, but her past.


    However, the man who receive the other call, was shocked. Not only was his staff member cooperating, given the written instructions from Lu Jingho, they were now caught. The had an already problematic client to deal with, and this made the situation worse. Yes, the senior partners all knew female and male staff members to get good references from clients asionally traded those references for some mild s*xual activity and while it was epted, they never encouraged it.


    From everything that he had been told, it was obvious that Lu Jingho had herpletely controlled.?He just hoped that the control did not spell disaster for the case, but he knew that he had to let the situation go until it ended.?But once it didwyer Jane Gang was going to be dismissed by the firm as she had gone well outside any behaviour that anyone would tolerate.


    Naturally her dismissal would not be for the real reason, but he would make it clear that while she was apetentwyer, his case had shown that despite the oue the firm was not the right ce for her as her skills was such that she could be the leadwyer in significant criminal cases, and that was not an opportunity that they could always give her.


    Looking at the time, he figured that he could send a long text message to Jane''s mobile which read ''apologise for disturbing you Jane, but I woke during the night, thinking about the handwritten instructions from Mr Lu.?This is your first case as leadwyer, and we have a somewhat difficult client.?I would suggest that you need to spend your time this next week before we must return to court working with him to develop the strategy for the matters going forward.?Do that however Mr Lu feels the mostfortable in doing it and letting us know what you need us to do at the office.?We need to be sharp with the case to achieve the oues our client wants or as best as we can achieve them.?I will. to take some pressure off you continue with the negotiations to get rid of charges.''

 Chapter 595: Taking control of The Legal Team - Part 9

    <h4>595 Taking control of The Legal Team - Part 9</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Friday, continued ¡­


    As Jane took her key from her handbag to enter her home and pack the things she needed for the next week or so, she felt her phone vibrate with the message her supervising senior partner had sent her.?After reading the message, she handed her phone to Lu Jingho for him to read the message as well.


    While he was going that, Jane grabbed a couple of suitcases and started to throw a couple of suits and a few casual pieces into a bag, along with underwear to wear under them and some shoes and ran into her bathroom to grab her tioleteis.?As she came out, Lu Jingho was adding a few other things into the suitcases and closing them up.?Jane tossed her toiletries and makeup case that she had picked up into one case and he zipped it up.


    Looking at Jane in her robe, he quickly undid the belt, and she pushed aside his robe to see his erection.?Jane decided that before she left here for the week, she had to have s*x one in her home, and sat on the edge of the bed beforeying back and saying "No forey, I am so ready for you now, and can see you want me."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Willingly taking her direction, Lu Jingho pulled out the ball from her v*igina and immediately thrust into her, with them bothing quickly.?As they pulled themselves together, Jane knowing the pleasure that she would receive from the vibration of the ball, went to put it back in, but it was taken from her hand.


    Lu Jingho said "No way is that going back in at the moment.?The whole trip home after that quick snack you are going to start pleasuring me, and I want to see how many times I can make youe before Ie.?I want you then, with the pleasure of that to have a couple of hours sleep as we need to figure out the strategy quickly and have the appointments made we need, as your boss has said I need to be your priority, and you know that priority means if you satisfy me as I want, I will follow your rmendations.?little legal work, and so much pleasure for you."


    With that he pushed the robe open a bit, and quickly sucked on the nipple he had exposed, before pulling back and saying "I damn well want you so much, and you know you even pleasure my wife like I have not seen.?She prefers women more than men, despite what she will do when out with her friends, her long-term lovers have always been women, which I have never objected to."


    "I know it has not been less than twenty-four hours since we made our original deal in the police station, but I seriously want you to agree to be my legally acknowledged live-in lover.?I will still follow the deal we made, but allow you if you want to have nights with my wife, but make sure that you are provided for, both during this case, and after this case for as long as our rtionshipsts, and that you have with my wife you are financially supported.?When both rtionships end, we will purchase you a vi in the area where our vi is, and provide you with a sum of one million dors US for every six months of the rtionships, with a minimum payment of five million dors US?"


    "What would your wife say?"


    "Jane, she has, given her own preferences she has always encouraged me to have a legally acknowledged live-in lover, as that would satisfy me s*xual needs.?However, I have figured that would be selfish as she should have the same, but she has never wanted one.?She likes you and I could see that you have been pleasured from the activities that you and her have done, as much as you have been pleasured from the activities we have done.?And before you ask, I will asionally, like tonight have s*x with men, when it enhances other pleasures, which I know it did for both of us.?To be honest I can tell you are like me, you find the most pleasure with the other sex, but can find pleasure with your own sex as well as it heightens your other pleasures."

 Chapter 596: Taking control of the Legal Team - part 10

    <h4>596 Taking control of the Legal Team - part 10</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Pausing, while not wanting to seem mercenary, Jane knew if her bosses knew what she was doing with a client her job would be at an end, and how they ended it would determine if she would still have a legal career. However a legal career given what she had done was nothing she cared about at the moment, it was securing a deal to ensure she could get her revenge.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "If she confirms that to me, and more importantly you agree that the financial side is formalised in an agreement, the only copies are that you will have, your wife has and I have, but it will be binding on your estate as well. But I want one thing, if we are still together and your wife dies or divorces you, you will marry me at that time. I will be loyal to the rtionship and the terms that we set." Jane knew adding thest little bit, made Lu Jingho view he had her where he wanted. That was what she needed at the moment.


    Nodding Lu Jingho, moved and picked up the cases.?After fixing her robe and picking up her phone and handbag, she followed him out, locking the door behind her.?She knew once the agreement was finalised about being a live-in lover, she would simplye back and pack up her ce.?She owned it subject to a mortgage, which with her wage and the money she would get she could easily pay, so renting it out seemed to be a good idea.?It would also provide her with some security.


    The driver ced the cases into the boot, and both Jane and Lu Jingho climbed into the car, nothing that the privacy screen was still up.?As the driver started to drive away, Lu Jingho, pushed the robe off both his wife and Jane, before reaching into his bag.?Like his wife there were some silk ropes and s*x toy handcuffs which he used to tie his wife up, before pulling out a d*ldo, asking his wife to kneel on the floor, he inserted it with the help of lube into her other passage, and picked up its remote along with the ball remote, and switched them on to a low pulsating vibration, offset from each other, knowing that it would make herst until they reached the Vi.?He could then whisk Jane back to his suite while the chauffeur who he knew while he and Jane were in her home had had s*x with his wife, before she came in and went to her room, where one of her female lovers on staff would be waiting for her to pleasure her for most of Friday.?His wife was so predictable, as to her s*xual needs, and given her cooperation so far he was willing to let her do what she wanted.


    As he picked up Jane and sat her across hisp, so he could easily y with her nipples he said "Wife you know how you have encouraged me to have a legally acknowledged live-in lover, subject to your agreement and willingness when Jane wants to have s*x with you she is willing.?Are you fine with that?"


    Knowing that it would give her relief from his demands and more opportunities to better indulge with the staff that were happy to service them in the Vi, the idea that she would be able to indulge with Jane sounded perfect. "Absolutely my husband, provided that Jane agreed that she is mine at least once a week.?As to when that it, it is negotiable, but I want at least an eight-hour block with her.?You have to also provide her with an appropriate allowance and I can spend whatever money I want to dress her appropriately both for in our home and when she has to be there."


    Having gotten the confirmation, he knew would be given, Lu Jingho said "Absolutely" before pulling out of the bag a gag and gaging his wife.?He then turned to Jane and pulling out a few toys started to pleasure her during the trip back to the vi, making here six times, before deciding enough was enough and plunging into her while they came at the same time.


    When they arrived back at the Vi, Lu Jingho whisked Jane away from the car and into his suite, where he had s*x with her twice before they drifted off to sleep, while his wife initially stayed at the car, being pleasured by the chauffeur, before heading to her suite where her favourite female staff member was waiting for her.

 Chapter 597: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 11

    <h4>597 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 11</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Despite being naked with Lu Jingho in his study, and them stopping asionally to pleasure each other Jane was able to quickly and remotely arrange the appointments she needed for Lu Jingho for her suggested course of action, while Madam Lu watched them pleasuring each other.


    Having gotten Jane''s consent to be his legally recognised live-in lover, he had Jane prepare the agreement, which they both Lu''s and Jane signed without hesitation, with their signatures being witnessed by two staff members dragged in, who did not react to the scene. When they left, Jane and Lu Jingho quickly has s*x on his desk with Madam Lu encouraging them all the way. As she came down from her pleasure high, Jane realised the time and said "You need to get ready otherwise you will miss your appointment with the psychologist."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Handing Jane to his wife''s care while he headed to his suite both women entered the room nominally set aside for Jane. Jane, realising that the s*x with Lu Jingho was great, knew that Madam Lu had some shopping nned to update her casual clothes and work wear, wanted to shower, and quickly stripped off in front of Madam Lu before saying, "Come and join me."


    After their shower, the two women came downstairs just as Lu Jingho was about to exit the house.?He walked over to both women and pushed up Jane''s skirt inserting finger''s into her v*gina while kissing his wife.?As he moved over to kiss Jane, he did the same for his wife, and as he moved his fingers quickly in both, they came almost together.


    He pulled out both hands and ced fingers from both into his mouth licking them clean before saying "I will see you tonight."


    Both turned to each other and realised that he had done that in front of two female staff.?Madam Lu said "Do not worry about them.?All out staff are trustworthy and have signed legally enforceable confidentiality agreements.?Some staff members have additional agreements about having s*x with either my husband or I or his live-in lover.?You have signed that agreement, so I will introduce you to the staff members who will, within reason help you s*xually.?These twodies are my favourites among the staff.?Ladies, can you gather all the special staff in the lounge area, so I can introduce them to Jane properly.?Plus have one of the other staff members call my doctor and arrange for him to make a home visit for a specialdy here."


    "Yes Madam Lu." Within five minutes eight staff members were gathered in the lounge area, one of which Jane recognised as the chauffeur fromst night. "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is for you purposes Miss Jane Wang. She has signed an agreement to be Mr Lu''s legally recognised live-in lover with my agreement. As you are all aware the special agreements you have signed with us, include any legally recognised live-in lover of Mr Lu, and I would ask each of you to please let me know if you are willing to confirm those agreements to apply to Miss Wang. As each of you know, the agreements indicate that for the hours you spend fulfilling our needs you receive additionalpensation over and above your normal wages, and outside your normal hours the amounts are set in the agreements. That will also apply to Miss Wang."


    Very quickly there was eight verbal confirmations received.?Madam Lu turned to Jane and said "I have asked my doctor toe to fit you with long-term contraception and bring both morning after pills and the other options for you, until that long-term contraception is effective.?However, he will be here in an hour.?We have a few options before then, and I have already arranged a personal shopper at my favourite Mall who will quickly see to outfitting you with new clothes.?Skirts, as you found out are preferred wear here as it given each of us quick ess to those special areas we like with each other, and I would suggest if you are here for the day, wearing those underpants we gotst night is a good option.?Depending on what you are doing outside the house, underwear will differ of course."


    Jane, not feeling totallyfortable about having staff ready to satisfy her needs in the absence of either Mr or Madam Lu said "What are you nning for that time"


    "Jane, the staff are not forced, and you do not have to force yourself to be intimate with them.?They are simply an option if you feel you need it.?The men always have a supply of c*ndoms with them in case they are asked if they are interested at that time of having s*x with now any of the three of us.?For me, I could simply indulge with you, watch one of these people pleasure you, take one of them to my room while you take another to your room or simply sit and wait for the doctor, despite how boring that would be.?The choice is yours."


    "If you had to rmend any of them for me, who would you rmend?"


    "Depends on whether you want a man or a woman??They are all good at this, and ultimately whoever you choose will pleasure you well while we are waiting.?Today you can pick whoever you want, and I will then pick, but the warning is that we have a rule, if we are not indulging with each other, the first in gets the first choice, and so on."


    Looking around Jane decided that she wanted one of the men, and simply pointed.?As he walked over to her he said "Miss Wang, we can stay here or go wherever you want.?What do you want to do?"


    Jane looked over at Madam Lu, who given what Li Jingho had said to her previously not unexpectedly chose one of women, and who was following her out the door, and up the stairs.?Jane guessed that they were headed for her room.?Having already had s*x with Lu Jinhgo on her bed, Jane did not feel too ufortable in taking his man to that room.?The other staff members having realised the chose had been made headed back to their normal task.?while being disappointed, they knew that it would not be long before they had opportunities for s*x now with Mr Lu''s live-in lover, let alone with Mr or Madam Lu.

 Chapter 598: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 12

    <h4>598 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 12</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Alister Nang, on his arrival at Hou Enterprises for his appointment with Hou Yi was immediately shown to his office, where surprisingly he found Anna there as well.?As the door was closed Anna turned to Alister seeing a look she hated seeing on otherwyer''s faces, and quickly asked "Alister you look like you have some bad news.?Tell us what it is?"


    "CEO and Madam Hou, I will be keeping this reasonable brief as I have to meet CEO and Madam Yaoter.?Early this morning I received a call from another client, whose name I will not be divulging for their own protection, giving me some concerning news.?I have been attempting to verify this all day without little sess, save and except one part which may help make some sense of it."


    Hou Yi wanting to get Anna home early today, snapped "Well what is it??Anna has not been feeling well today, and we held off leaving for this meeting."


    "Sorry CEO Hou someone should have told me, and I would have made other arrangements to see you.?Cutting a long story short, I had been ignoring the only femalewyer on Lu Jingho''s legal team, a woman by the name of Jane Gang.?The team have filed paperwork to indicate that this juniorwyer has been appointed as the head of his legal team.?I figured that might happen at some time, as for him having a female as front and centre of his legal team would help him if the matter goes to a trial but it works well on the public rtions side of the matter as well."


    "The call I received puts a different connotation on the situation, particrly after some information I received from the police station.?During his interview with hiswyers yesterday, the malewyers apanying Miss Gang were asked to leave the room, and she sat beside Lu Jingho.?There are rooms forwyers to talk to detained clients without recording devices, in which the police can watch the people in there through a one-way mirror to protect people if necessary.?They were in one of these rooms, and they sat very close together for a long period of time."


    "Eventually when they left the room, Miss Gang announced in front of police members to her colleagues that Lu Jingho had decided she was to be the head of his legal team. My client, who made the call I mentioned, works at a s*x shop in the city. There are a few of these s*x shops throughout the country that have legal exemptions for the shop and the private rooms attached to them, where people can engage in group s*x and other s*xual activities with other adults without breaking thew. My caller identified Mr and Madam Lu easily and indicted that the woman who apanied them, who was referred to as Miss Wang and as Lu Jingho''s mistress was with them. My caller however identified her as awyer that was in footage, she was earlier that day on television, which means it was Miss Gang."


    "Whatever happened in the shop, would have been between consenting adults, and normally it would not worry me, but if it is true that Miss Gang is s*xually involved with Lu Jingho it will seriously impact the case.?When she was close to graduation my firm seriously sort to recruit her as she is a verypetentwyer."


    "She has on the new charges convinced the court to allow them to obtain a psychological report on Mr Lu, which will likely say what she wants it to say, fitting into his delusions of persecution that he is spouting, but will work that into all the other matters to minimise and penalty the courts will consider imposing on him.?If she is involved with the Lu''s she will not apply a level of objectivity to the case ..."


    "Meaning everything will drag out. Damn him.?his son has made my life a misery, not he wants to do this to me as well.?He deserves to rot in jail."


    Hou Yi however was more interested in finding out the truth "Alister, we have some private investigators on staff we use when we feel otherpanies, we work with may be defrauding us.?If you need me to, I can task them to assist you with the investigations."


    "Thank you, CEO Hou.?I have raised my concerns with the National Prosecutors, and while they are concerned their view is that unless Miss Gang has no objectivity in the case, they cannot petition the caught for her removal.?I disagree with that, but given they are not willing to properly investigate the situation I have to find the evidence to have her removed."


    "Assistant Wang will show you down to meet the investigators, and you can task them to do what you need.?If there is nothing else we will leave you alone, and otherwise meet you at court next Friday."


    "Just one thing, are you alright with me representing a Mr Tang Din and a staff member who were assaulted Wednesday by Lu Jingho?"


    Hou Yi was forwarded in this.?When he had spoken to Tang Din earlier in the week, he offered Alister''s details if it became necessary "Alister, we have no problem.?In fact, I had suggested him if he had issued with Lu Jingho that resulted in criminal matters to contact you.?Tell Yao Tan, that I agree when you ask him the same question that I have no problem with you representing him."


    With that Hou Yi carefully helped Anna to her feet, before picking up his briefcase, her handbag, briefcase and theirptop bags and heading out of the office.?As he paused at Assistant Wang''s desk, two bodyguards came forward taking the bags, and Hou Yi made the arrangements with Assistant Wang to introduce Alister Nang to the investigators on staff. He and anna walked out of the office and headed home, talking about Alister''s news.?they both realised there was little that could be done until they had a firm answer on Alister''s suspicions though.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.

 Chapter 599: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 13

    <h4>599 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 13</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    MondayFind authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Jane Gang apanied by Lu Jingho who had just had his appointment with the psychologist walked into a meeting room in the legal firm where her senior partner and the other members of the team were waiting to further discuss his matter.?They had, previously discussed that he needed to be here for this meeting, but she would do what she could to get him out of here quickly.


    Given her opening statement, they were able to get through the keep nning steps that was needed quickly along with the general direction for those negotiating to reach deals with the various co-called victims.?As they discussed, not all the deals that were being negotiated would be finalized, but those currently being done when they were all finished would bring the number of charges down to around two hundred, which they agreed to further review and work out how to address them.


    At the end of the meeting, the senior partner said, "Miss Gang, could I have a few moments of your and Mr Lu''s time in my office."


    Jane knew exactly what this would be about. The text message that she had received on Friday. Over the weekend, she spoke with Lu Jingho on how to deal with this. Firstly, and most importantly then needed to address the professional issue their legal rtionship created. As Jane knew, dealing with the senior partner would ensure that that would cause no problems.


    However, Lu Jingho knew when she said, that he was interested in her, that he could better manipte the situation, ensuring that he would get everything he wanted and maintained the control he needed in the proceedings.?Before he had engaged the firm, he had investigated the senior partners and selected the one that he was most certain of being able to manipte in the proceedings with someone.?His investigator was the best, and he had in his possession significant ckmail material to keep control.


    Jane however had given him the idea about the rest of the material he could get and selling it to her as a means to ensure her career protection, he thought was a masterstroke.


    As they walked behind the senior partner into his office Lu Jingho whispered, "Are you ready to set this all in ce?"


    The whispered response was "I am." Jane realised to Lu Jingho she needed him to feel he was inplete control of everything even though itvwas not the case. But dealing with the Senior Partner she knew would work for both of them.


    "Good, but when we are ready, we will give him a little taste of something to hook him in."


    "Whatever you want," came the response. Lu Jingho had to stop himself smirking.?Thesewyers had not realised that he was ying with them.


    As they entered the partner''s office, and sat down Jane, following their ns pulled out the agreement formalizing their rtionship and said "Before you say anything, you need to read this copy of an original document. As soon as you do, you will understand the professional matter we have to address."


    With that, having quietly loosened the wrap around dress, Jane stood up and leaned over to hand to the senior partner the agreement, while ensuring he could see her breasts under the now loose dress.


    As she sat back down, she observed that the Senior Partner had reacted to what he had seen and paused before turning to read what he had been handed. Within a couple of minutes, he had read the agreement and said, "This is the cost for you to get something that you are not qualified for Miss Gang?"


    Lu Jingho, having already predicted the response immediately spat back "No.?You had no idea.?As I said in the written instructions, confirmed in that meeting before and are confirming to you again, Jane here unlike the rest of you is thinking on how to address everything, rather than solely on negotiating and getting agreements to get rid of the charges.?Yes, that is damn well important, but she is thinking about dealing with the ones that we cannot negotiate away.?Strategic thinking that no one else has demonstrated.?That is why I made my decision.?The other has nothing to do with it.?I was thinking that I might have had to appoint newwyers before interacting with Jane who made me matters regarding the case clearer."


    Looking at the senior partner, Lu Jingho knew he had him. He had, through the conduct of the case already established a level ofck of trust in thewyers; now these words made it sink in.?They knew how much money he was willing to pour into the case, and that was something that they did not want to lose.

 Chapter 600: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 14

    <h4>600 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 14</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Looking at Jane Gang and Lu Jingho, the senior partner knew he was backed into a corner. What he thought he had to manipte Jane Gang to be a casual s*x partner like he had done in the past with other female staff had gone as she had a legally recognized agreement with Lu Jingho to cover them. Plus, he gave her a leave pass Friday which meant that today was the first avable day to tell anyone to cover the professional issues that rtionship would cause.


    He dropped his shoulders and responded "Mr Lu, you know we are the best firm to handle this matter for you and have a great team.?If Miss Gang is the one that you want to lead the team¡­"


    "She is," interrupted Lu Jingho.


    "We have no option.?But as Miss Gang knows given the agreement that you have provided, she needs someone else to review actions to ensure that, due to your rtionship, nothing crosses the line."


    "That is why we havee to you Sir," added Jane.?"My suggestion is as Mr Lu, has made it clear to everyone that he really does not want toe here to the office.?That is linked to hisck of trust, which we must rebuild. The suggestion is that that youe to his vi for a weekly meeting where we can discuss the case and my actions.?That will protect everyone, including the firm.?I will simply continue to work with him on these matters at the Vi,ing in when necessary."


    After a pause, and seeing that as Jane had been moving the dress she had on was opening more for him to see her body, the senior partner said "These meetings should be here in the office, but what is in it for me to agree?"


    Lu Jingho moved and fully undid the wrap around dress Jane had on and said "I know you have wanted to be involved with my lover.?We will let you have some indulgence to satisfy yourself a little at the vi each week.?Plus, I know you are a VIP member at a certain shop.?Once a month we will agree to go there for a couple of hours and use one of their rooms after the meeting.?While it might not immediately satisfy you here, let me show you something."


    With that he helped Jane stand up, and she dropped the dress to the ground, leaving only the crotchless underpants she had on, before sitting her on the desk, legs open wide so the senior partner could see, before Lu Jingho said "We talked about this, and Jane said that while you cannot do anything here, she wanted you to see what you are able to explore the vi."


    Jane turned, and said "Do you like what you are seeing?"


    "Absolutely Miss Gang, you know I so much want to ¡­"


    "As we said, not here.?How about, we leave, and youe to the vi say in about two hours for that ethical meeting and the other?" interrupted Lu Jingho.?There was no way that he wanted anything to happen here. Being aware of who he was dealing with, his investigators had given him jamming equipment that would deal with any cameras or other recording devices in the room to protect them from ckmail, but he would be getting his material quicker than he even thought, all due to this idiot''s nature.


    "Fine, two hours."


    Jane slipped of the desk, and quickly secured the dress, before packing up her briefcase and wandering out with Lu Jingho to return to the vi.?As they settled in for the trip, Jane said "That went better than I thought it would."


    "Jane, as I said to you when you told me about him, he would be predictable, and that we can control and use to protect you and your career.?Now, let us stop thinking about him, as seeing you before has caused a serious problem, that only you can address."


    "I saw that.?I am just wondering what the best way might be to help you??There are so many options and each as interesting as the other to consider."?With that Jane quickly freed his p*nis from his pants, and brushed his e*rection with her hands, before dropping to the car floor and performing oral s*x on him.?Lu Jingho, just before he was about to e*acte pulled Jane up, and maneuverer her onto his e*ection, helping her to set the pace that had them both reach their high.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.

 Chapter 601: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 15

    <h4>601 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 15</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Monday, continued ¡­


    When they arrived back at the Vi, Jane headed to her room, to change into Lu Jingho''s suggested clothes for this meeting, while he headed into his study to sort a couple of things out.?When Jane disappeared out of sight, Madam Lu entered the study and said, "What is going on?"


    "Jane is being very cooperative.?I put it to her that we need to work her senior partner here to gather the material to control him from exposing anything.?She has agreed to let him do a few minor things, and as you and I both know he is a VIP client at the shop, he knows about the rooms.?She has agreed to go there with him and I and pleasure him a little."


    "But you have something more in mind?"


    "You know me too well."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Hence why, despite everything our rtionship has survived this long. We let each other have what we want s*xually and met the demands of our parents when we were younger.?Now tell me what you are setting up."


    "I already have a lot of ckmail material on him, and he will be here in about an hour for a meeting to cover Jane professionally given the rtionship we have established. Jane however is putting on one of the new outfits, and as you know I have the recording equipment in here that we will use to get the material of him overstepping his bounds as an employer with a staff member."


    "Thereby trapping him into doing what you want, otherwise you will expose his behaviour."


    "You have that correct.?That then gives us total control of the legal team.?Jane, even though she will exercise her skills is now so tied to us, she will do what is necessary for us, and as the senior partner is the only one who knows about the rtionship given Jane only has to disclose to one person, he has to protect her and the firm.?The ckmail material will mean that he will have no choice in what he does."


    "Let us just hope he cooperates for you to have that material."


    "He will.?I used the jamming equipment to make sure any surveince has in his office recorded nothing, and Jane let him see what he could touchter."


    "Jane agreed??That surprises me."


    "She actually suggested it.?She knows that we need the material, but not the full reasons for it.?Now, Jane will be here soon.?What have you got nned for this week?"


    "My favourite things.?But subject to Jane I want her tomorrow during the day.?Shopping and other things.?That will be my guaranteed time this week."


    "You know you have to ask her, but I see no issue."


    Jane, having changed into a slightly different wrap around dress, this time with bra and underpants underneath walked into the study.?Madam Lu, walked over and said "Tomorrow, how about some shopping and just you and I, enjoying each other," before she lifted up enough of Jane''s dress to insert her fingers in Jane''s v*gina for a quick caress, causing Jane to moan, and nod her agreement to the ns.


    Pulling her fingers out Madam Lu left the study, and Jane turned to look at Lu Jingho "So¡­?"


    "Jane, do not worry.?As I told you, the n is simply to use what we already know about him to your advantage.?He was obvious that he wants a reason to get rid of you as being the leadwyer for my matter.?As I told you, you are the onlywyer in the team that has had any strategic thinking about the whole matter.?Everyone else has focused on getting agreements to get rid of charges.?Important, yes, but they overlooked the reality that there will be some to be thought.?I need that here, because that will get the right oue.?Getting this, means that we can stop him from trying to push you out, not only from this case but the firm."


    "You are certain this will work??I have avoided him for the simple reason I detest the fact that he uses his power to manipte women in the office."


    "Jane, if I was not, I would not have suggested it.?All you have to do is keep everything on the couch, and the cameras I installed will pick up everything."


    Nodding, Jane sat down, and finalized the documents she had prepared earlier for this meeting.?She knew, despite everything this had to be done to ensure her career was protected.

 Chapter 602: Taking control of the Leagl Team - Part 16

    <h4>602 Taking control of the Leagl Team - Part 16</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Monday, continued ¡­


    When the senior partner walked in the room, he spat out "Why in the world was I searched Mr Lu."


    Lu Jingho thinking on his feet said "Apologies, I should have warned you.?Anyone whoes in is checked for anything illegal.?About twelve months ago, a reporter disguised as a repair person was caught smuggling in surveince equipment, so we check everyone on entering."


    "I felt like a criminal."


    "It was not meant to be that way, but we will not change that policy given the current cases before the courts."


    "Fine, and I can understand that."


    Jane quietly said "Sir, take a seat on the couch.?I have the first written material that you need to sign off on and will bring it over."


    Seeing a wide, perfect couch to y with Jane, he immediately sat down on the couch, and said "Is it what was discussed at the meeting?"


    "It is sir."


    "Well bring it over here.?I am not going to waste time to read it so I will just sign."


    As Jane bend down to hand over the paperwork and a pen, she made sure that the senior partner could see down her dress. The paperwork was quickly signed and tossed to the side, with the senior partner quickly forcing open the dress saying, "Now you need to give me what I have been promised."?With that he inserted his left hand fingers roughly and hard into Jane''s v*gina while stripping her clothes saying "I want, not only to finger you to youe, but enter both passages, and have you perform oral s*x on me."?He then pulled her onto the couch and pushed her down


    Jane simply responded, timidly wanting him to think he was in control "Yes sir, but when you enter both passages, I want you to use a c*ndom."


    Standing up, he pulled his wallet from his pocket removing several c*ndom''s and stripping off, before cing a c*ndom on, and turning Jane onto her knees and forcing his p*nis into her v*gina.?For the following thirty minutes, while Lu Jingho was watching, he continued to use Jane as he wanted.?Despite feeling disgusted at doing this with her boss, Jane knew the n that Lu Jingho had, and she carefully ensured that she was not reacting to show how the rough actions were arousing her, despite the level of disgust she felt at who was doing it.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    When Lu Jingho knew that they had enough material he stopped the recordings and said "I have a room booked at the shop, which we would love to take you to for some more fun, but I can see Jane is starting to g from this.?But, as you can see this is an internal room and when it was refurbished a few years ago, not only was it made soundproof, but everything was done to ensure no external surveince could happen inside the room.?Plus, I have it swept regrly for any surveince being nted inside.?Nothing was found on today''s sweep.?How about, we have a quick threesome here, with both of us thrusting into her."


    Nodding that that suggestion, Jane moved over to Lu Jingho, who had stripped while watching Jane snare the senior partner in their trap and wrapped her legs around his waist dropping her on his erection, while the senior partner grabbed his remaining c*ndom, and started to enter Jane''s second passage, with the help of the remaining lube he had.?As Lu Jingho predicted Jane came quickly followed by both men.


    As they pulled out and her feet hit the ground, Jane turned and said "Sir, apologise about the shop but we will get there.?However, when youe here for the meetings, you will get something you need, and if I can amodate it at other times there will be something for you then."?She then picked up the dress and wrapped it around her exiting the study and heading to her room to clean away the disgusting feeling she had.?The only time anything in that whole room felt right today was when Lu Jingho entered her, and Madam Lu fingered her.


    As Jane left the room, the senior partner said "I can see why you formalized your living arrangements with her.?She is so tasty, that I cannot wait for more."?That thought aroused him again, and he looked at Lu Jingho.?He had heard the rumours that asionally he would have s*x with men and said "I so wish though she was here to deal with this for me."


    Feeling disgusted at the suggestion, Lu Jingho knew he needed to stall for a few minutes, and said "I normally would not, but Jane seemed to enjoy all of that so, I think I can see to it.?Just sit on the desk."?With that he grabbed a towel wrapping it around the senior partners e*rection pumping him until he e*acted over the towel and then wiped his hands clean.

 Chapter 603: Taking Control of the Legal Team - Part 17

    <h4>603 Taking Control of the Legal Team - Part 17</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Hearing a knock on the study door,?Lu Jingho walked over, opened it and was handed the envelope he was waiting for.?Shutting the door, he turned and said, "Now before you go, you need to see this and listen to me carefully."


    He handed over the envelope and continued "This is a taste of what I have gathered about you using your staff, including a couple of images from before.?You know what thew will do if this gets out to you.?Jane will allow you once a week to briefly finger her, and when we go to the shop to watch us, no more no less.?We will ensure when there that there are men or women can meet your needs, but you will be getting no other tastes of Jane, unless we both agree."


    "More importantly, Jane is in control of the casepletely.?Whatever she says goes, and unless it is so out of the bounds of reality you will immediately sign off on that she is proposing."


    "You mean you are in control¡­"


    "Whatever but let me make this clear.?Jane and my rtionship will be protected.?I will expose you if you try and do anything against my case or hurt her career in any way.?Try and im that I was in this room when you did what you did with Jane, and she my staff and I will all say that I was not.?Jane and I will clearly im that you abused your power as her employer to abuse and r*ped her in her home.?This will all support her."


    "You b*stard.?I do not know why we even took on your case; you are backing me into a damn corner."


    "It has been fun doing it.?Now, do you agree about the control of the case?"


    "I have no damn option."


    "Perfect.?Sign this document that agreed to that, and what you will do.?If you follow the agreement, I will do nothing, but step out of line even a little you will feel the consequences."


    Picking up a pen, the senior partner signed the document, which Lu Jingho secured into his safe, before saying "Now cooperation has some perks."?Opening the door, he called in female special staff member that had agreed to help him today, for a big payment.


    When she was in the room, Lu Jingho continued "The perk for your agreement is, when youe to these meeting here, you will simplye into the study sign the document you will get a treat.?Leaving too quickly will raise suspicions.?However, thisdy here is one of a few very special staff members we have here.?She has agreed, along with a couple of other staff members who are elsewhere now, toe and engage with you in some mutually agreed activities so you do not waste your time.?The rules are you must always wear a c*ndom, and what they say they will allow is all you can do.?They will decide the location, and you will have no more than an hour before you leave.?But step outside what I consider reasonable behaviour at any time and you will lose that perk."


    Damn, despite being caught that he lost total control of the situation he thought waspletely in his control,plying with the demands had some benefit.?"Fine"


    Lu Jingho turned and indicated to the rest of the staff to leave, before handing over a box of c*ndom, while quietly re-turning on the surveince equipment to capture images and leaving the room.?As he shut the door he said to the staff "He has forty-five minutes, and she has the help rm.?Get rid of him quickly when his time is up and put the real couch back in there.?When he ising that couch returns to the room, as it is the only thing, I want him to use."


    As he headed upstairs, his wife wandered down, seeing the smile on his face "You have it."


    "You doubt me??Jane is mine to control anyway that I want.?She is addicted to the pleasure that, and it is not being conceited that mainly me, but also you my wife are giving her.?She will do whatever we want, knowing that if she does not we will can cut it off from it.?Look how easy it was to get her to do what we needed for the ckmail material on her senior partner.?Now I have him to the point that he will simply sign off on what Jane tells him, because not only does he not want it exposed, he wants the reward we will give."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Who agreed?"


    "It will rotate, but I got from the shop his addictions, so he will have one person feeding that each week here, while the cases are going. Now all we have to do is get that brat of mine to hand over the footage, but I am guessing given how long he has held on to it we will have to pay, and awaiting your favourite forger to finish the documents that will set up the bnce of my defence. Jane will then have those matters disappear, and we can use my situation to deal with your case."


    "Perfect.?I cannot wait until we take down Hou Corporation.?The arrogant Hou''s totally deserve it for everything they have done over the years to us.


    "It will happen, and it will be perfect.?Now, if you are OK with it I intend to take Jane into the special room for the night, exposing her to a few new things.?And you are?"


    "You have to ask; I have already lined up my favourite female staff member to spend the night with me."

 Chapter 604: Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 18

    <h4>604 Taking control of the Legal Team - Part 18</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Thursday


    Jane Gang looked at her watch and realised that she needed to leave the Lu Vi, to do the few things that she needed for the return of Lu Jingho''s case tomorrow.?Time had slipped by as she was preparing the case.


    Firstly, she had spent time arguing with the psychologist about the content of the report that had been prepared.?Yes, it had the oues she needed but it contained information that was not currently needed.?It took time go get an appropriately amended report that would be the most use tomorrow.


    However, the more distracting situation was Lu Jinhgo himself.?As she was working legitimately, he spoke to her about what was happening, but he was also using their s*xual rtionship to try and distract her, which led to them on two asions abandoning the case to indulge in pleasure.


    As she shut herptop down and stood up Lu Jingho moved in behind her and said, "Now that you are done, we should head upstairs for a long session."


    "I would love to, but I have to do a couple of things. I must, today to protect us have the legally recognised live-in lover agreement registered by the Civil Administration Bureau and check on a few things at the office. But, and I know the agreement was that at the moment I would focus on your and Madam Lu''s cases, but one of my first client''s when I joined the firm, who lives in a care facility, contacted me and asked for my help on a matter. Small, but I own them as they gave me the confidence to pursue this career when I initially doubted myself. Without them, we would not have had the chance to be together."


    Lu Jingho responded "You know I wanted exclusivity¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Jane had turned herself in his arms, and touched his e*ection "Jingho, if not for this client I would have abandoned thewpletely, and then when would we have met."?Pausing she said, "I want you in me now, and think about as you enter me that without this person who I owe, we would not be doing this."


    Following Jane''s direction, Lu Jingho quickly dropped his pants freeing his e*ection, and quickly thrust into her v*gina, with them both quickly reaching their peak, before he withdrew.


    As Jane tidied herself, Lu Jingho said "You know I want toe with you¡­"


    Putting up her hand Jane said "No.?I do not want you near the office, as the demands would start that youe in for meetings, impacting what we have here.?Plus, this client does not like strangers.?Just give me a few hours, and then we can simply enjoy the night together, and you could make arrangements for after court tomorrow at the shop."


    Seeing the look on Jane''s face, Lu Jingho wanted to debate her as he needed to exert the control he had gained over thest week, but realised that pushing her too far at the moment would be disastrous, but as she was suggesting a session at the shop tomorrow afternoon he decided to let her go. "Fine but be prepared as I will need you."


    Jane, reached down, and rubbed his p*nis, saying "I know, and you know what I like."?As she pulled her hand away, she said "The sooner I go, the sooner I am back.?But I need the agreements from the safe so I can register them."?Jane quickly turned and ced the remaining items in her briefcase and added the documents Lu Jingho handed her.


    Lu Jingho apanied her out to the garage where the chauffeur was waiting for her.?Jane, after cing the briefcase in the car, turned to Lu Jingho, and gave him a kiss as he quickly fingered her before leaving.?As she went to enter the car the chauffeur said "Miss, the Master really likes you."


    "He does, and he indulges me.?But before we head out can you¡­"


    Knowing what Jane liked him to do, he quickly dropped to his knees, as she sat on the edge of the backseat, and performed oral s*x on her until she came.?As he started to stand, Jane reached out and undid his pants, before quickly finishing him off herself.?Of all the special staff employed by the Lu''s the chauffeur was not only the most amodating, he was the best looking of the staff.


    Jane, when she finished said "Thank you.?Now we quickly need to get to the Civil Administration Bureau, before I need to head to the office.?I will then let you know the third location.

 Chapter 605: Taking Control of the Legal Team - Part 19

    <h4>605 Taking Control of the Legal Team - Part 19</h4>


    Thursday, continued¡­


    Shifting back into professional mode he quickly shut the door, slipped into the car and drove Jane to the Civil Administration Bureau, and then to her office where she changed into casual clothes given her final location.


    Just over two and a half hours from leaving the Lu Vi, she walked into the care facility she had directed the chauffeur to take her to.?As she reached the administrators office, the secretary said "Miss Gang, head in.?The boss is waiting for you."


    As she walked in Jane?handed her handbag and briefcase to the secretary, taking a few papers in with her. Before she shut the door, Jane watched the assistant securely lock up her items, and leave the office, locking the door behind her.?As she shut the inner office door, the man inside said "Jane, a pleasure to see you."


    Jane responded, "It is David," before heading over and giving the man a hug.?The two of them then sat down on the couch in the office.


    "So, tell me what is happening?"


    "You are in too much of a rush to know everything¡­"


    "Do not treat me as if I am stupid, you ultimately do not have time to waste."


    "How in the world do you know¡­"


    "Jane, you forget, I changed your nappies when you were a baby¡­"


    "True David.?My big sister was lucky to have had you in her life."


    "Jane, I was lucky to have Belinda with me for the time I did.?But we both know what happened."


    "She had some singing talent and was convinced to join Lu Corporation''s entertainment division, where she ended up being badly abused and ended upmitting suicide.?Then my parents, who could not cope with that loss then ended their own lives as well.?I was just lucky that your family was willing to ensure that I was taken in and cared for.?But I the biggest thing that I remember was that you were always so heartbroken."


    "Jane, she was the love of my life, the woman I intended to marry and have a family with even when we were only eighteen, but Lu Jingho turned her head and abused her to the point that she believed she had nothing to live for, despite what I kept telling her.?Eventually she could not cope, and we know the oue."


    Silence filled the room for a couple of minutes before David continued "Jane, now you have yourself tied up with him.?You know I am so worried about you ending up like she did."


    "David Fung!"


    "Jane, you will always be the woman who should have been my little sister, but due to what happened it never came to be.?I will always want to make sure that you are safe, as that is what I can do for her."


    "David, I know what I am doing."


    "You know, I question that Jane.?You better tell me everything."


    Jane paused, knowing that David would be angry with her, but he needed to know what was happening.


    "David, some of it, I cannot tell you due to professional requirements, but I have worked my way to a ce that I can take the Lu''s for millions and millions, and they failed to realise that.?I know that it is petty revenge, but taking their money will feel good, particrly as they denied my parents even enough money to bury Belinda."


    "Jane, stop messing me around and tell me what you have done?"


    Jane settled down and told David everything that she had done in thest few weeks.?At the end of her story, David said "Are you sure you can control everything??You know he is a master maniptor.?Plus, I cannot believe that you have agreed to that rtionship with Lu Jingho.?I read the news and know the allegations against him."


    "David as to the allegations against him, I cannot talk to you about that. But, dealing with him to get my revenge, means that I have had to take this path. I do not like it, but despite everything he thinks I am in control of the situation, not him. I will properly do my job and the legal agreement protects my career, but financially I can destroy them. The two of themst week were in such a hurry to sign the agreement, they did not read it. The cash payoff is over ten times what they said plus there are four properties not one, as well as other items."


    "Jane, the s*xual side of what you have agreed to..."


    "David, they are so dumb, and have not realised that I have been ying with them. You know my own s*xual preferences, and despite having your issues with that you have never tried to interfere with my life.?They just simply believed what I have told them. The agreement until I am ready at act simply lets me feed that need, and I have not lost sight of what I am doing. But, my big brother, I will always need your love and support..."


    "That you will have.?Now you need to promise me that you wille and see me regrly.?I need to know that you are safe, as I promised Belinda that I would make sure that was always the case."


    "That is easily achievable David.?I have set up the basis foring here alone, in that you are one of my original clients from when I started working in thew, who lives in a care facility, and encouraged me despite my doubts to continue with thew.?As he sees it, you are the reason he has what he believes that he has¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "And you did not lie, as I live in the administrators house in the grounds.?I forgot how good you are at twisting things Jane."?After noticing the time, David gave Jane a hug and said "You better think about heading back, otherwise he will start to get suspicious of what you are doing, but promise me you wille and see me regrly.?I just need to know that you are alright."


    "I will.?I have a few documents I need you to keep safe for me, that documents everything happening, including detailing all their illegal activities and maniptions that does not break my professional obligations. I just want to ensure that I cover every base to protect myself."


    After giving David a kiss on the cheek, the two of them headed out into his secretary''s office before Jane handed David the paperwork to secure and they said their goodbyes.

 Chapter 606: Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 1

    <h4>606 Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 1</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Friday


    Jane was waiting in the foyer of the Lu Vi for both the Lu''s to join her to head to court. Watching the staff, Jane paused and realised how much things had changed in a week. The Lu''s were so clear in their view that the had her totally under control, but little did they realise the truth. She was using them, for her career, for s*xual activities and most importantly to get her revenge give what Lu Jingho did to her sister and family.


    Career wise, while it did annoy her that she had to use her s*xuality to get ahead, as female colleagues had told her over time, sometimes you had to give a little to further your career significantly.?She had always limited what she had done, as none of the client''s offers before Lu Jingho''s had ever really tempted her.?That, however meant that she was able to sell her situation to the Lu''s getting them to the point she had them.


    Jane hoped though getting her revenge would take some time, as the s*x and everything that came with it suited her own s*xual needs and that she did not want to lose.?Even the special staff were good to y with a little, and they all had their own specialities which were worth exploring.?Jane looked up and noticed that she was still waiting for the Lu''s toe down, but that was not unexpected as Madam Lu had her favourite female staff member with her, and as she was leaving Lu Jingho''s room another female member was walking in.


    Jane noticed one of the male special staff membersing down the stairs, who approached her and said "Miss, Sir and Madam have told me to tell you that they will be about ten minutes more before theye down, and suggested that I should pleasure you while you are waiting."


    Jane carefully ced her briefcase and bag down, and followed him into a vacant room, where he quickly helped Jane strip herself, before performing oral s*x on her.?Just as she came the door on the room opened and in walked both the Lu''s.?As she came down from the high Lu Jingho said, "I see you made the most of your time waiting for us."


    After having the signal from Lu Jingho, the male staff member left the room, and both Lu''s walked over to Jane, with Madam Lu, quickly inserting her fingers into Jane''s v*gina before arousing her again.?As she was doing this Lu Jingho said "Now, Jane about today ¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Yes¡­" moaned Jane about to reach a peak again.


    "You know that you have to start to bury everyone as I told you we need to.?Can you do what."


    Jane through Madam Lu''s actions reached her peak again and moaned "Yes."


    Lu Jingho nodded, and Madam Lu withdrew her fingers before helping Jane tidy up.?As she was doing this she said "Now my daughter-inw needs me today, so you will be with him. Take care of him."


    "I will," came Jane''s quiet response, and with that she left Jane alone with Lu Jingho.


    As they reached the garage Lu Jingho quickly decided that he needed to repeat his wife''s actions, and inserted his fingers into Jane''s v*gina, moving her towards another peak.?However, before she toppled over the top, he stopped and move away, sucking his fingers clean.


    Before anything could be said the chauffeur said "Sir, Miss, Madam is on her way, but we still have ten minutes before we must leave to get you to the courthouse at the time Miss said that you needed to be there.?Is there anything that you need before we leave?"


    Lu Jingho knew very well that the chauffeur was his wife''s favourite male special staff member and had picked up that Jane also had taken a liking to him.?He was also great at performing oral s*x on him as well.?He thought for a few seconds, and said "Jane your option as to who he performs oral s*x on, you or me?"


    "Jingho, how about me, and then I will deal with you on the trip.?Plus, I know our nster, and if he is willing, he should join us having fun at the shop."?Lu Jingho nodded at that, and the chauffeur dropped down on his knees and started performing oral s*x on Jane, who given her arousal from what had happened earlier came twice in the five minutes that Lu Jingho allowed it to go on.

 Chapter 607: Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 2

    <h4>607 Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 2</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***


    Friday, continued¡­


    After her pleasure Jane entered the car first and Lu Jingho said to the chauffeur "Make the arrangements at the shop post court.?We would love if you joined up, but if you do not want to have them make arrangements for us, and they can do something for you as well."


    "Yes sir.?I would love to join you, given your offer."?Lu Jingho was grateful for that.?Fridays at the shop were the most expensive to secure cooperative staff members, and now they did not have to worry about that.


    Once the car was moving, Jane knew given Lu Jingho''s arousal she needed to eradicate all the signs of this and started by performing oral s*x on him, before dropping onto his e*rection for him toe inside her.


    As they came down from their peak, Lu Jingho said "We know they will search you bags on entering.?You need to insert this," with that he pulled out a vibrating s*x toy and inserted it into Jane''s v*gina "until we get inside.?Can you remove it firstly as we have to deal with your senior partner for a couple of minutes, and before heading into court we will reinsert it, and when I need to during the day, I will give you a shot of pleasure from it."


    Jane nodded and said "I need to pause and think before we get to court.?If I do not, it will hurt getting the oue you want."


    Realising that Jane was switching towyer mode, Lu Jingho simply nodded and started to look at things on his phone.


    Jane on the other hand, pulled some papers from her briefcase and started to read them.?She knew that she was breaking thing because she needed to pause and think about her real course of action with respect to the Lu''s.?Focusing on the papers and taking some deep breaths she knew that she would get there eventually.


    She was, however, somewhat worried, as she believed there was something that had not been disclosed by the prosecutors to this point in time.?They seemed too assured that Lu Jingho was going down on the charges, but the team had so far not been able to find anything out.?That, for thewyer in Jane was worrying as it could ruin the whole case.?She just knew that she had to take two paths.?Firstly, and this had been organised yesterday put the firm''s investigators on the task to see what they could find out and secondly was simply to wait for it to drop.


    As the car slowed up to enter the court precedents Lu Jingho gave Jane a quick vibration burst from the toy, he inserted drawing a moan from her.?Jane said, "You better be discreet when you use that today, as I need to do my job."


    Giving her a quick kiss, Lu Jingho said "That was the deal.?I will help your career and be a cooperative client provided you became my live-in lover.?You have held up to your end of the deal, so I will hold up to mine."


    Jane turned, now simply as the trainedwyer she was and said "Thank you. Now, just to remind you, what the n is, is those in the office who are more senior, to keep the pressure on the so-called victims have been negotiating more deals with respect to people withdrawing theirints. That is ongoing. We will dy matters further for that to continue."


    "As to the matters involving the Tang family, we will present the psychological evidence as to your ''mental health'' and the stress, to pressure the dropping of those matters or at least a settlement to be reached, without conviction.?The evidence is strong there, but we are countering it."


    "I am going to hold fire on the matters involving the Hou''s.?I have those documents that you gave me yesterday, but we we are still working on gathering all the evidence we need about the vindictive nature of their actions.?We know that they will not settle, so let us particrly push Madam Hou, who we know from your son''s matters has recently had mental health treatment.?The more we push the more stress and eventually they will relent and drop the charges as she cannot cope."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Having heard the strategy reconfirmed, he was quite happy.?Yes, it was not perfect, but unlike all the other idiots at least Jane Gang was thinking about prosecuting the case the way he wanted, rather than letting the prosecution dictate how it went.

 Chapter 608: Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 3

    <h4>608 Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 3</h4>


    ***Warning, material in this chapter is not suitable for readers under the age of 18***Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Friday, continued¡­


    Jane looked at Lu Jingho and said "I got approval for all of that yesterday from the senior partner, but I had to promise him that he could briefly finger me today in front of you in addition to what I will have to let him do at our weekly Monday meeting, to have him sign off on it.?Not pleasant but we need his cooperation."


    Lu Jingho responded, "If you are alright with it, we will just have to deal with it."


    "Not really, but I know we have no choice, otherwise he will press for more than I want."


    A few minutester, the car pulled up outside the courthouse.?Their early arrival ensured that there was little media there, and as the two of them exited the car the chauffer said "The arrangements are made sir.?As we leave, I just need to call and let them know when we will arrive.?They have guaranteed us four hours."


    Lu Jingho nodded, and following Jane he headed into the courthouse, and entered the room where they met the rest of the legal team, before discussing the matters and locking down the remaining absent details.?At the end, Jane said "Mr Lu and I need to speak to the senior partner.?Can the rest of you please make sure that everything is ready for court and we will meet you there in a few minutes."


    Once the rest of the team left and the door was shut behind them Jane turned to her senior partner and said, "Are you alright with all of this?"


    "Jane, knowing you, you will have done everything correct legally, including ensuring your agreement if formally registered.?But as I told you both Monday, and you yesterday for me not to tell the whole team about your arrangements, which it could be argued that I should there must be something in it for me."


    Jane paused, and with Lu Jingho leaning on the door to prevent anyone from entering, Jane moved towards the senior partner and said "You have one minute here to finger me.?I can tell you want more, but we are at the courthouse and too long will raise too many questions.?The deal otherwise stands for Monday."


    Looking at Lu Jingho, Jane saw a quick nod of the head, and recognised that he was saying that if it needed something else today to agree.


    As she sat on the edge of the table in front of the senior partner, he quicklymenced fingering Jane, who could see how quickly he had be aroused by his actions.?Jane simply let him do what he wanted and a few minutester she heard him say "I so much want toe in you Jane, will you let me."


    Lu Jingho said, "You know that was not the deal we have."


    Jane paused and said "Maybe another time Sir.?Having to wait can make things so much better when you get them."?There was no way that was ever going to happen again but stringing him on would always work.?"But there is something that I need you to do, so that there is nothing that could give things away visible."


    Having felt that Jane was quite aroused by what he had done to her, he knew that she had given him consent to finish her off by performing oral s*x, so he bent down and did this for her.?Coming down from that high, Jane slipped off the table and said "Now I just need to tidy up and I will head into court with the rest of the team.?I believe the two of you need to have a brief chat."


    Jane then exited the room, leaving the two men there.?As the door was shut, Lu Jingho said "You are lucky that I allowed that, but remember you know what I have on you, and to get to do all that you did was a real perk.?Agree to what Jane says and I will keep my promises."


    "I am not stupid.?You have me where you want, and there is no way that I want to lose my career.?You just better keep up your end of the deal."


    "I told you I will, and just remember Jane is in control of this case."


    "To everyone else she is, but as I told you Monday, I know it is really you, not her."


    "You have that right.?Protecting her and her career will ensure that you are protected.?Fail in that you lose your perks, and I will destroy you to protect her, as we have a legally recognised rtionship."


    "Screw you."


    "She does repeatedly, and you wish it was you."?Lu Jingho paused and said "Now, we need to show everyone we can cooperate today."


    Nodding the senior partner headed out of the room, and both walked into a nearby bathroom to deal with their e*rections before heading into the court room for the case.

 Chapter 609: Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 4

    <h4>609 Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued¡­


    Earlier in the day


    Despite having spoken regrly over thest week to Phillipa in the phone, Anna was continuing to stress out about the current situation.?Here she wasing up towards being five months pregnant and despite the most loving rtionship she could ever dream of, she was constantly having to relive the past.?Lu Jingho''s ongoing actions ensured that he was constantly in the news and the fact to the world Lu Jinhu''s home detention period was about to end meant that he was joining his father in the news.


    Added to that, was now what Alister Nang raised with themst week, and that Hou Yi had set the investigators on. Anna could see the strategy in appointing the only femalewyer on his team to head it. If she was on the defense side she would have repeatedly rmended the same strategy given the nature of the charges. Tthe other side of it, indicated the potential for a deal to help her career in exchange for a s*xual rtionship. That, for Anna was hical and so maniptive. It personally told Anna, if it was true, how little respect he had for the system.


    The additional problem that it created for her, was these ongoing actions and maniptions were dragging her constantly front and centre in drama that she did not want to be in.?Lu Jingho was not willing to let things be and was determined to ruin her and Hou Yi''s life.?On the other hand, even though Lu Jinhu was manoeuvring to make sure that he could, in the end be Lu Corporation''s CEO, he had started to have some understanding of the consequences of his actions.


    The more concerning fact was Yang Ling, who was repeatedly using the media, without stepping over the court orders, to harass and badmouth her. What was worst was thements that she made on Monday that, effectively called her a maniptor and portrayed her as a victim. That was trying to undermine her professional skills. As Phillipa told her, she has to try and ignore her, but that is easier said than done, given that Yang Lin was trying to take back the position that she feels was always hers, someone who controlled society, and in that time people had moved on from that position.


    Hou Yi at that moment, walking into the Lounge where Anna was sitting, and said "Anna, stop worrying about things. I know what your issue is, Yang Lin and her actions. She is not worth your time to consider. People are seeing her for what she is, and her nasty actions are not working as she is somewhatcking in her ability to enforce her will."


    "Yi, easier said than done. As I told Phillipa, I cannot easily do that, as she is making me re-live everything that happened time and time again."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Anna, darling, you need to talk face to face with Phillipa, and get your head straight. She messaged me overnight, and her grandfather''s funeral is next Wednesday at the Family Estate in Ennd. She told me that despite everything, she will talk to you about what is happening." After a brief pause, Hou Yi continued "I have arranged for the jet to take us to Europe over the weekend. I was having to go in a couple of weeks anyway for meetings, and Assistant Wang is working to bring those forward to next week, around the funeral. Nowe on, we need to head to the court for today''s hearing."


    "Any to figure out how many more charges he has gotten rid of??What have you and Alister found out about the agreement he may have struck with Jane Gang?"


    "Anna, you should be getting your head around parts of the criminal legal system here. Money talkspensate victims and they can decide for charges not to proceed. You know he will not get rid of all of them."


    "True, but Lu Jingho has no control, given what he didst week.?You did not answer my second question though."


    "Anna, we know Lu Jingho is out of control, but we are protected, so pay him no attention.?As to the other part of the question, the investigators hopefully will have an update for us today."


    After sitting through the case Anna, Hou Yi Amanda and Yao Tan all walked out of the courtroom together.?Tang Din and the staff member, both indicated to Alister that they would talk to him next week but wanted to get out of the courthouse at this time.?Alister nodded at that, because he could see that they were unwell still, as a result of Lu Jangho''s attack on them.


    Alister Nang had no news about the investigations before the court hearing, however just as Tang Din left the courthouse one of the investigators arrived to provide an update.?Anna, Hou Yi, Amanda, Yao Tan and Alister Nang all headed into a room with the investigator who spoke.

 Chapter 610: Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 5

    <h4>610 Another Friday, Another Court Day - Part 5</h4>


    Friday, continued¡­


    After making sure he was being listened to the investigator said "We have only been able to gather limited information but have not been able to verify it.?Lawyer Gang''s only cases are those involving the Lu''s and in both matters they have requested her to be the leadwyer in the matter.?We know that Ms Gang is staying at the Lu Family Vi and the basis for that is to manage Lu Jingho''s behaviour..."


    "Which she seemed to generally do today," Amanda interrupted.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "But there are rumours that it is more than that. The only other thing we have been able to determine with certainty is that Ms Gang has had a meeting with Mr Lu and the Senior Partner of her firm that was previously the leadwyer. However, there are strong rumours that Miss Gang is Mr Lu''s live-in lover, but there is nothing that we have so far found to prove that. Yesterday, when she left the vi, she did three things. A meeting at her firm''s office, attended the Civil Administration Bureau for some reason and had a meeting at a care facility. We are still working to find out about thest two stops but have nothing so far. One thing that we have been able to confirm is that Miss Gang has apanied Mr and Madam Lu to their favourite s*x shop, which is one of the very few ces that have the exemptions in the city let alone the country from all the normally epted behaviours around s*xual activity, but that proves nothing, other than she enjoys s*xual activities or that she engaged in those activities with them."


    Hou Yi paused, and then said "But you suspect something ..."


    "Correct CEO Hou, our team has done some research about thew and ..."


    Alister knew this answer, "There is nothing wrong with awyer representing a family member or legally recognised lover in court, provided someone else involved in the proceedings knows about it and monitors their behaviour to ensure that any professional lines are not crossed."


    "We are still working to see what we can find out, but that makes some sense, and there is some deal in ce between Mr Lu and Miss Gang.?When we find out something more we will let you know."?With that the investigator left the room, and everyone simply sat there in silence for a few minutes.


    Anna disrupted the silence "So, what does that all mean?"


    This shook Alister out of even his stunned silence "Madam Hou, I do not know how it works in Australia, butwyers professional issues here mean that in criminal matters, if the person they represent is a family member or someone they are legally recognised with being involved with, it has to be disclosed to some otherwyer involved in the case who monitors them to ensure that they do not cross any lines in their representation. Mr Lu is married, but that does not prevent him from having a legal contract with a woman to be his mistress or lover, whether she lives separately to him or under this roof. That agreement in his case needs to be legally registered at the Civil Administration Bureau, and that is possibly what happened yesterday. If that is the case, it is most likely her senior managing partner knows about the agreement. That protects them. But there is something else to the deal, most likely about Miss Gang''s career and Mr Lu cooperating with her in the running of the case."


    "So, what does that mean then?"


    "One of two things.?The most obvious conclusion, if there is such an agreement is that he has Miss Gang simply agreeing to prosecute his case the way he wants.?I am not certain that will be the case, as clearly today she has shown strategic thinking about the case.?More likely, Lu Jingho will fight, but only where she directs, which means the past behaviour will to a point disappear."


    "Just so you know, my firm had sort to recruit Miss Gang when she finished all her training, but she opted for her current firm.?She is good, and this will make the case more challenging overall.?But yet they do not have the footage evidence that will support the remaining cases, and the prosecution are not handing that over until the final number of cases proceeding are determined it will not be.?Presently her strategy is setting up a mental health defence for him, to ensure that the oue minimises any jail time.?Now, you all need to stop worrying about this, and get out of here.?Once we know something more I will let you know.?You are paying me to do the worry, and despite beingwyers yourselves Madam Hou and Madam Yao, do not concern yourself more."


    Alister stood up, and they all then followed him out of the room.?As they headed out Yao Tan''s suggested that they head to Mama and Papa''s restaurant, as at least there no one would be paying any real attention to what was happening.


    After arriving and quickly ordering, they drifted into talking about the hearing. The fact that Lu Jingho had brought his way out of or would finalise to buy his way out of all but one hundred and ny charges, plus the new charged from his most recent assault, while not unexpected was still frustrating. Annamented "I know that this is the system, but the reality is that this is a system that works for the rich, and how is that really justice."


    Hou Yi, putting his hand on Anna''s hand said "Do not get worked up. Yes, the system is skewed, and that is not the best, but you know what, you can advocate for change to the system. If you think it is broken, work to fix it."


    Immediately Amanda jumped in "Anna, the Boss man is right, advocate for change. I know there is a group within the localw society working on a proposal. I can put you in contact with them. I hated dealing with criminalw at university, hence why I am a corporatewyer. That is not you. Advocate to make a difference, use your knowledge of the Australian system, point out its ws, and the ws you see."


    Yao Tan knew that the conversation was going to head off into areas that he did not understand nor wanted to talk about. He had to deal with it enough at work and thest thing he wanted it to do was further intrude on his time with his wife and friends. "That sounds good. Anna, when were youst speaking to your brother and my daughter?"

 Chapter 611: Another Friday, Another Court day - Part 6

    <h4>611 Another Friday, Another Court day - Part 6</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Anna immediately replied "Last night. James was telling me he has only a week left of cement before he finishes. He has submitted his registration paperwork, and all that will be finalised by the time of his graduation at the beginning of December, just over 4 weeks away. Alecia, will havepleted her end of year exams, and apparently they intend to have an early Christmas with my family before arriving back on about the 15th of December."


    "True. The builders have just about finished our wedding present for them. They intend to have the apartment painted in the next week, and Alecia has already sent the decorator details of what she wants in the apartment. Tan, she asked me to arrange for most of her personal items to be taken to the apartment before they arrive back."


    Yao Tan, still smarting from the fact that Hou Yi was giving his daughter and son-inw an apartment below his "Yi, you know how annoyed I am at you for doing this ¡­"


    "Tan, Alecia is my goddaughter and I wanted to do something for her and my brother-inw."


    "Do not tell me that, it should have been me¡­"


    Amanda, having heard the next part of his argument time and time again since Hou Yi told her husband what he was doing "Tan, stop this. We have talked about this time and time again. Do not try and push Alecia and James to throw back this gift in Hou Yi and Anna''s face. I would suspect, that given Anna is by the time James arrives back going to be six months pregnant, will be happy for the support of her brother, a qualified nurse. As I told you, put your money into helping the Boss man decorate the apartment for them."


    "Amanda, do not ¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Amanda now angry "Tan, no. We will not go over this. Be damn well sensible, and consider our daughter and son-inw, or if not, I will talk to your parents. You know their position on this as they clearly told you to grow up and stop being a spoilt child over the point."


    Hou Yi and Anna watching the interaction could not help but tough at the look of Yao Tan being told off by Amanda. Finally getting that he was being childish and had been called on it. "Just you two wait ¡­"


    "Well my parents-inw love me," sweetly said Anna.


    Hou Yi added "They do, more than the love their son I would guess now. Tan, do not worry, Alecia and I feel the same about our inws, we love Stan when he is not influenced by Meredith, but only tolerate her."


    "Boss Man, I think you have that wrong. Alecia has had enough of your mother-inw''s behaviour when the broke into the housest week. She over-rode James and has had her charged."


    "What!" spat our Anna. "Neither of them told us that."


    "Well you know Alecia loves me. Your mother Anna decidedst week that she had enough of Alecia and James spending little time with her, and came to their house before forcing open the door and when they arrived home pushing Alecia out of the way before telling James to dump and divorce her."


    "What Alecia tells me is James told her enough was enough. They had been respecting her and her opinions, but she had no right to force her opinion on them or control them. She turned and told Alecia to get the hell out of, what your mother called it, her house. That made Alecia and James see red. James had the bodyguards assigned to watch Alecia escort her out of the house and told her that she was not wee there unless she was invited."


    "James the following day was on the afternoon shift, and Alecia came home from school. She was blindsided by your mother and pushed into a wall. That was enough for her and the police were called, and she was taken away and charged. She was, ording to what I was told going to fight the charges but was convinced to plead guilty. What they tell me is that the, judge ¡­"


    "Actually Amanda, it would be a magistrate, but they are a court decision maker¡­"


    "The Magistrate then, did was give them something they called an intervention order to keep your mother away from them, and she got something they called a Corrections Order."


    "Damn, I know mum has no criminal priors, so that was in the charges must have been serious for that as a penalty."


    "I would not know. Alecia, however, was telling me that they are looking forward to leaving. They cannot put up with your mother Anna, but I gathered that they will miss the rest of the family."


    "That will likely be the case. I miss everyone other than her, and I am talking, or videoconferencing with them day after day, as I do not want to lose contact despite the distance."


    Before anyone could say anything else, Hou Yi''s mobile rang, and it was Assistant Wang advising him of the need to return to the office. Hou Yi looked at everyone, and Amanda, decided that she would apany Anna and Hou Yi back to Hou Enterprises for the bnce of the working day.


    As they were leaving, arrangements were made to catch up after Hou Yi and Anna returned from Europe.

 Chapter 612: European Help - Part 1

    <h4>612 European Help - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday


    Since their arrival to Phillipa''s maternal ancestral home, where she and Hou Yi were the only people other than extended family members were staying Anna had been feeling that they had been stretching the friendship.?Coming up the drive, Anna was shocked to see that they were arriving at what she expected from an English Castle.


    While she remembered that Phillipa''s maternal grandfather was a marquess the reality of Phillipa''s unique family had not sunk in.?From her background she was use to the idea of male primogeniture, Phillipa''s maternal title was one of the rare titles that if there was not a male direct heir, a female could inherit over extended male rtives.


    On the trip, Hou Yi had to remind Anna, that Phillipa''s mother, when her younger brother died as a child, became her father''s heir, and as her parents only had girls, Phillipa now became the heir to the title, and the properties including the main estate.?When they arrived, Phillipa had been standing on the stairs to escort them inside, and she whispered "Thank god I have some friends here.?The extended family are already pushing too far, and mum and I are ready to kill them."


    Anna remembered Hou Yi''sment "The leeches have arrived, and are trying to get everything they can,"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Phillipaughed at that and said "Yi you know my maternal family so well.?Grandfather wanted to give each of them something, but almost everything he had is tied with the entail.?Mum and Dad gave him the cash to allow him to do that, so the reading of his Will will be a fun event."


    Phillipa provided Anna with reassurance that while Hou YiI was jetting to Hou Enterprises European business locations she was able to stay with her.?But Anna knew, despite Phillipa telling her that she was not using her, that she had and in all the circumstances she felt guilty about it.


    Just yesterday she had broken down in tears in Phillipa''s arms, not only being separated from Yi but given the ongoing stress from the court cases.?As Phillipa told her yesterday, which Anna realised after thinking about it was from a mix of Phillipa''s own background, her friendship and her professional standpoint were sticking with her "He will always, simply by being who he is mess with you, but you need to rise above it and realise the good in your life. You have a loving husband, a child on the way, and a life that is yours and yours alone. No one will take that from you.


    "Despite my family, friends, and even Yi telling me that while I could not change the past, the future would be bright for me, I did not ept that reality until my grandfather became ill and I started to take over part of the estate management.?The estate made me realise that simple thing, and while my family history has shaped it, I have my chance to shape it for the future, and that is something I will do, even though there is always going t be sadness attached to it."


    "Now promise me, you will try as much as you can to forget about him, and focus on the important things, in particr my god-child that you are carrying. I am going to ensure that they are spoilt and when I have had enough, I will hand them back for you and Yi to deal with."


    As Anna realised thestment was designed to make herugh, and that was how she could only respond.?"Well remember Phillipa, what goes around wille around."


    Pausing, walking into the church with Yi beside her, Anna was grateful that they had refused Phillipa and Lady Amelia''s request to sit with them as they wanted friends to support them with them.?Anna however was shocked at the people there.


    As Lady Amelia was a government minister, and the Chen family business, seeing high powered members of the businessmunity and politicians was expected.?Anna, while expecting members of the British aristocracy, thest thing she expected was members of the British Royal Family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex to be present.?Who would have thought a simple family funeral would have drawn royalty.

 Chapter 613: European Help - Part 2

    <h4>613 European Help - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued¡­


    Snatching a quiet word with Phillipa at the wake, Anna had to ask why the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex were present. The response was surprising "Anna, it is likely two-fold.?My grandfather was a marquess and as of the unique terms of the entail, will have caused some interest at the Pce.?With my professional background, I have interacted with their Royal Highnesses dealing with matters involving mental health that may have drawn them to attend.?Now do not stress out. Go and sit down before your husband decides to take you away because you are getting overstressed and tired, I do not need my friends gone early."


    Anna quietly approached Hou Yi who was talking to a few people and after being introduced indicated that she was going to quietly sit down for a little while.?She located a quiet corner and sat down with a soft drink in her hand, trying not to fall asleep. Her attention was distracted when she heard an American sounding voice speak to her, and she looked around immediately recognising who was speaking to her. Aware of etiquette from the crash course she had yesterday from Phillipa, and that she was also an Australian Citizen Anna quickly got to her feet, curtseyed and greeted the Duchess of Sussex.


    After taking a seat, and telling Anna to sit, the Duchess started talking to Anna. It was clear that she had her briefings and most likely had information from Phillipa and Lady Amelia. She stayed talking to Anna for almost ten minutes offering to help support their initiative to deal with domestic violence, before Prince Harry came over and apologise for dragging his wife away. Anna was stunned about how interesting the whole conversation was, and within a couple of minutes Lady Amelia came over to speak to her.


    "You survived that then?"


    "Do I have to me your daughter for that?"


    "Actually no, the pce when the confirmed who would be attending asked for a full guest list, and background information on each person. We were given a list of people each of them wanted to meet, and her Royal Highness only wanted to be introduced to you. The few times I have been at private functions with her being present that is her way. She is happy to be introduced to everyone present, but then will speak in depth with a couple of people who interest her. It just happened to be you."


    "So, it was you then?"


    "Guilty. But you do know, that for everything your husband has done for my daughter I consider him like a son. You are family. Having you here thest couple of days while he has been away has been a blessing. My father hated the idea of mourning his death but knew that tradition and his title meant that we had to. With you and the things we have done thest couple of days, you have helped us honour his wishes to be grateful for the time we all had with him, and to focus on the good in our lives. That has made today bearable, particrly as Phillipa''s abuser, given his own title and eventual inheritance is here with his wife. Neither of us wanted him here but we could not exclude him."


    "That exins why she has seemed somewhat tense."


    "Possibly, butst night she finally introduced to her father and I her boyfriend, and he almost fainted when he realised what her future holds."


    "Youid it on thick"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "If he is serious, he has to understand what he is getting in for. Not only Phillipa''s own career, but this estate and her position as one of her father''s heirs as well. His reaction surprised me. He turned when we told him all of it and said that we had no choice on her future it was her choice alone, and if that was with him so be it, but he would sign whatever pre-nuptial agreements were demanded by us to protect all of Phillipa''s inheritances. That made Phillipa mad, and I am guessing they had words on thatst night."


    "Over-protective mother?"


    "You will be the same. Now my favourite adoptive daughter-inw, you are exhausted. Go and rest, otherwise your husband will kill both of us, and we will see youter. I have already made your excuses to their royal highnesses so go."


    With that Lady Amelia escorted Anna to the door of the ballroom where the wake was being held, before a staff member escorted Anna to her and Hou Yi''s room. As soon as sheid down, she immediately fell asleep.

 Chapter 614: Return and Reality - Part 1

    <h4>614 Return and Reality - Part 1</h4>


    Monday


    As he stirred Hou Yi found Anna soundly asleep in his arms.?While thest week was draining for her, having spent time with Phillipa not only rxing but talking, despite the circumstances had been calming for Anna.


    Despite Anna being five months pregnant, the obstetrician warnings were still ringing in his ears.?If she did not reduce her stress levels not only did, she risk an earlybour, but there could be consequences for her health.?Trying to do that, made him feel as if he was enabling her behaviour, but at the same time he knew if something happened to Anna, he would not forgive himself, so he constantly treaded a fine line.


    The good thing was when she reached the six-month mark,pany policy would take everything out of his hands.?Anna would have to provide the medical evidence like anyone else that she was fit to continue working.?Thankfully, during their discussions on the flight home she had epted that he would not waive that requirement as she was his wife.


    However, he just hoped that when she arrived in this office this week, she did not figure out what he had done.?While at the European headquarters he contacted the Human Resources Department at home to talk about the situation.?Once the staff member who answered his call had gotten over the shock that it was the CEO calling, after being exined the situation the reassured him they would triggerpany policy early, but to Anna they would use the excuse that as the CEO''s wife they were being overly cautious to prevent any allegation they were not acting in thepany''s best interest.


    Hou Yi realised that when he arrived in the office, he needed to warn Assistant Wang that at some stage Anna woulde up to his office angry about the email from Human Resources. He could live with her anger but risking her safety by not reducing her stress that he could not.


    He was reluctant to disturb Anna, but on realising it was 7am he knew he needed to get moving into the office.?This week was problematic, not only due to Friday''s court care but the fact that after that he had to leave on hopefully hisst significant business trip, mainly to America but with a stop-over on the way back in Europe.?He was taking with him the best of their internal candidates for promotion to senior roles with him to test them before a promotion was confirmed.


    Assuming they performed well that would mean there was enough senior executives in his absence that could finalise negotiations and sign agreements after his or Uncle Feng''s approval. Uncle Feng indicated he even believed that one of them would be suitable to train to either take over his role, or eventually head either the European or American''s divisions when he retired if the decision for his recement was one of their heads.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    As he started to carefully move his arm from around Anna, she awoke, and looked at him straight in the eyes, before saying "Yi I was sleeping so soundly¡­"


    "Sweetheart, it is 7am, and I need to get going to the office. I emailed human resources and the legal department indicating that you would not be in until lunch time, so that you could sleep a little bitter."


    "Given that you have awoken me, I might as welle in early as well."


    "Anna, take the break ande inter. It was a busy week in Ennd for you, particrly given that Lady Amelia and Phillipa decided that they had to take you shopping for part of the week. Goodness knows that they do not believe that you can get baby items here."


    "Yi, I need toe in early. There was an email on Friday for some documents for the Sunrise project that are needed back in Australia by the end of the week."


    "No,e in at lunchtime.?I know you, and you will be able to get the documents done by Thursday, even taking this morning off and with your obstetrician office on Wednesday."


    With that Hou Yi pulled away and noticed that Anna had a pouting look on her face, and continued "Sweetheart, do not think that will get you anything and everything. I am your husband and I love you, but as you know the arrangements with ANX, Hou Enterprises policy applies regarding your pregnancy, and I will have no hesitation if there is a concern to let the human resources department know before your six month mark, as from a liability perspective I am obliged to."


    "Yi do not be so mean. You know I need to work and keep busy. Maternity leave will drive me insane."


    "Well behave then it will not be an issue."


    With that Hou Yi entered the walk-in robe before heading to the en-suite to get ready, leaving Anna trailing in his wake.

 Chapter 615: Return and Reality - Part 2

    <h4>615 Return and Reality - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Despite his efforts, Hou Yi was not able to change Anna''s mind ofing into the office with him.?He contacted their bodyguards and advised them to take a second vehicle to the office.?He knew once Human Resources spoke to her, she would not want toe home with him.


    As they headed into the office, Hou Yi realised that he needed to speak to her about another matter, and this was not going to go down well, maybe worse than what would happen with Human Resources contacted her. "Sweetheart, I need to talk to you about a couple of things."


    Anna looked at Hou Yi and the look on his face made her realise that she was not going to like what he had to say. "I did not want to say anything until we got home, but when I was at the European Headquarters, it became apparent that next week I am going to have to visit three separate projects as well as the American Headquarters and return to visit another Europe. I will be about ten days, but it should be thest trip I have to make overseas before you are due. Anything requiring overseas travel should be able to be handled by Uncle Feng or other senior management. But given how much I am moving around; I do not want to take you as it will be unsettling."


    "Yi¡­" came the pleading response.


    "Anna, this is something your pleading cannot change. You know that your Obstetrician is worried, and he will not agree to youing with me."


    "Well if he says I can go, I aming. I have an appointmentter this week."


    Hou Yi took a deep breath and continued "Anna if there was any private element to the trip, I would have no hesitation in saying yes, provided you had approval from your obstetrician.?However, there will not be the time for any private element to the trip.?While this may seem discriminatory our insurancepany is clear that for purely business trips, anyone over four and a half months pregnant cannot travel on the ne unless we can demonstrate a business necessity and provide medical clearance.?On this trip, other than being there for my support, which I would love, there is no sound business reason for you toe.?And before you say anything,st week was a mixed trip and therefore the same restrictions did not apply."


    "You can change policy," whined Anna snuggling into Hou Yi.


    Hou Yi had to take some deep breaths. His wife knew how to manipte him. "Anna, I cannot change policy just for you, no matter how much I want to. We will be staying no longer than thirty-six hours in any one location; most stops are less than a day."


    Anna knew that Hou Yi was not going to change his mind. Damn him. She did not want to be alone at home.


    Hou Yi then continued "The family have said that you can head to the ancestral home for the time I am away, and when I spoke to Yao Tan about business matters, he said he and Amanda would be happy to have you with them if you wanted to."


    "You are trying to palm me off on people," came Anna''s angry response.


    "Darling, no. I figured I would see what options there are. The Ancestral home is near to where Vi is being built so you could watch that, and you know my family will spoil you. I would have no issue how much you spent with my mother and aunt shopping. You could invite Jodie and her husband to stay with you at the apartment or given that Amanda is your friend you could spend time with her."


    "Fine, let me think about it. But you better next time n a trip so that there is a personal element and I cane along. You know I can work remotely, but I need you nearby."


    "I would not be going if I did not have to. Part of this trip is about testing the potential of some senior executives to move them up to roles that will free me up more, meaning less travel so¡­" With that Hou Yi lent down and gave Anna a kiss.


    However, before either of them could deepen the kiss, the car came to a stop, and they heard one of the bodyguards saying, "CEO and Madam Hou, we have arrived at Hou Enterprises."


    Hou Yi helped Anna out of the vehicle and the sight of them walking hand-in-hand into Hou Enterprises now shocked no one.?Hou Yi, before heading to his office Anna another brief passionate kiss.

 Chapter 616: Return and Reality - Part 3

    <h4>616 Return and Reality - Part 3</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    As Hou Yi entered one elevator, Anna entered another heading to her floor in the legal department.


    Hou Yi when he arrived at his office warned Assistant Wang what was likely to happen sometime this morning, and they quickly determined what tele-conferences and meetings she could not disturb. Assistant Wang also advised him that some within the legal department had gotten Human Resources approval to have an early baby shower for Anna. Hou Yi was grateful as that would mean that he could get through some work before Anna would arrive at his office.


    Anna, when she entered the legal department, was shocked to find some of her colleagues waiting for her, with an obviously nned baby shower. As Amanda walked up, she whispered to Anna "Do not me me. It is a tradition in the legal department for a baby shower at five months, either for the expectant mother or father."


    Following Amanda, Anna was taken to the lounge area, and as soon as she sat down, she heard multiple voices saying, "Congrattions Boss Lady."


    People stood around chatting for a little while, spending some time talking to each other and Anna, most offering congrattions and best wishes to Anna. Anna at one point turned to Amanda and asked, "Why was my husband not invited?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Amanda turned and whispered "Do you think anyone could rx with the big boss here? Anyway I hear before your wedding some executives intended to y a joke on your Husband, which turned into an early baby shower, plus I understand that in a couple of weeks there the intention after a board meeting for a more formal baby shower for you."


    A little after 9:30am, before chasing everyone to their offices, the senior staff present handed to Anna three envelopes. As Anna opened then, she realised her colleagues were being thoughtful. The first envelope contained a gift voucher from one of the baby stores she had seen at M Mall, as well as outlets in shopfronts around town as well, another definitely for her being a gift voucher for a day spa, and the third containing a gag book for favours once the baby was born.


    As she arrived back at her office, Jodie came in with herptop and a notepad. The first thing that they went through was some matters rting to the charity initiative. Some of the original people involved had suggested a more formal structure, with a board and some paid staff. Sitting with Jodie, Anna worked out some preliminary thoughts, which Jodie assured her she would draft into a preliminary proposal before the middle of next week.


    The next thing was dealing with the emails that hade through from ANX. Jodie, with all her skills had sorted through the emails and determined the priorities, firstly being the matters with the Sunrise project and a couple of affidavits requiring drafting, through to matters with lower priority.


    Jodie, finally having read the few Hou Enterprises emails that hade through knew that there was one that Anna was not going to be happy about and started to go through those emails leaving the most troubling one tost. As soon as Anna read it, she shoved theptop at Jodie and headed straight out the door, mumbling "That husband of mine. He knew about this." Before Jodie knew Anna was entering an elevator.


    Anna quickly arrived at the executive level and headed straight towards Hou Yi''s office. Having been made aware of what was likely to happen Assistant Wang immediately stood up and blocked Anna saying "Madam Hou, the CEO is in a meeting and cannot be disturbed."


    "Get out of the way Assistant Wang, I need to talk to him now," yelled Anna angrily.


    "Madam Hou, please calm down."


    Before Anna could respond Hou Yi''s office door opened and out came some people, with Hou Yi at the back of the group. Seeing Anna "Gentleman, if you would like to follow my assistant to the boardroom, I will join you in a few minutes. My wife needs to speak to me."


    Taking the message, Assistant Wang immediately started to escort away from Hou Yi''s office, while he turned around and Anna stormed in after him.


    "Yi damn it, Human Resources are making me prove that I am suitable to continue to work. That is damn discriminatory."

 Chapter 617: Return and Reality - Part 4

    <h4>617 Return and Reality - Part 4</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    Hou Yi could see that Anna was extremely angry.?He took a deep breath and quietly said "Calm down Anna. They also sent me the email they sent you. I am taking it at face value in that they are being over cautious, as you are my wife, not just any other employee."


    "Well,-di-da. You know I need to work and keep busy, and you are letting¡­" yelled Anna


    "Anna, just because you are my wife, do not think that allows you to get away with anything. As I told you this morning, I will not bendpany policy for you. The agreement we struck with ANX means that you are still technically awyer employed by them but working in Hou Enterprises means that you are governed by our employment policies. Those I will not make an exception for you to."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Yi, this is stupid. It is making me crazy."


    "Just calm down and check thepany policy. It allows them to make the request from when you are five months pregnant or more. And it is not as if we must go out of our way, you have an appointment on Wednesday with the Obstetrician.?I will forward him the request and ask him to make sure that we get the information from him to address it.?Be logical about it and think about the future.?I know you can thing strategically about things, not where has that gone?"


    Hou Yi leaned over and gave Anna a kiss.?Anna pulled back and looked directly at Hou Yi "Do not thinking being sweet is going to get you out of that.?Nor is ttery about my skills.?I am a strategic thinker, and do not need you telling me that.?It just is personal, and I hate my personal choices being taken from me."


    "Anna, they are not being taken from you, they are just following the same policy that is applicable to every employee of Hou Enterprises world-wide.?Think about it, they are treating you like every other employee not the boss'' wife.?That says it all, you are being respected for your skills."


    "tter."


    Hou Yi, decided that he was not going to argue further with Anna, and pulled her back into his arms, and gave her another kiss, before whispering in her ear "I could blow off this meeting and we could go into my suite for¡­"


    Anna pulled back, this time with a much more rxed look on her face "Yi, that is so tempting, but ¡­"


    "Well, maybeter this afternoon then?"


    "Yi!" squealed Anna. "I am going otherwise neither of us will get anything done today. Once I finalise a few initial things for the Sunrise Project, and by the way I will want some of your time tomorrow to deal with it, I am going shopping.?However, do not think that this means that I have forgotten about this.?I will let you know when I leave the office though."


    Anna then turned and walked out of the office, showing a level of her displeasure about the request with Hou Yi as she left.

 Chapter 618: Return and Reality - Part 5

    <h4>618 Return and Reality - Part 5</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    Towards the end of the day, Hou Yi was interrupted by a knock on his office door.?As he looked up Assistant Wang had entered.?"Sir, CEO Ru is here and wondered if he could have a few minutes of your time. "


    Not really wanting to deal with King, but realising that he would not havee here unless is was something significant, Hou Yi responded "Show him in."?Dealing with whatever had brought King here was better that him causing problems.


    Once the door shut behind him, King moved over and sat down on the couch before saying "Toff, we need to talk, but where is your wife?"


    "Out shopping.?She is currently annoyed with me, and is showing her displeasure through spending, given my mother and aunt are with her, a lot of money."


    "Damn, you are worse than I ever was.?You enable her behaviour and letting your mother and aunt of the spending leash you had them on."


    "Well I love my wife.?As to thetter, since Anna introduced them to shopping at street markets and using tailors rather than brand shopping they have not spent up to their monthly limit.?I figure this trip will be baby shopping, so who cares."


    With a sigh, Hou Yi continued "Anna is stubborn and if I am realistic, she knows that I will give in more than I will step up to tell her no presently.?Her pregnancy is high risk due to what happened around the time she fell pregnant, and that is only added to by her psychological issues from her rtionship with Lu Jinhu.?Thest thing I want to do is add to it, causing more problems that she will struggle to handle."


    "Speaking of the Lu''s I have something you need to read.?Tan said something after thest court date you had, which prompted us to investigate the situation.?But there is no way that I want him to get his hands on this.?Unlike him, you will use the information wisely..."


    "Because you did not gather the information that you havepletely by legal means??You have not changed."


    "When ites to the Princess Toff, do you think we give a care?"


    Seeing arge folder in King''s hands, Hou Yi responded "True.?But let me be realistic, I do not have the time to read it given the size of this.?As you are here we should speak about some business matters..?Give me a summary of what you found.?I will the go through and work out what I can give to Alister Nang and the investigators."


    "You really want to spoil the fun."?King shook his head, but as much as he wanted to torture Hou Yi by having to read the information, he was right.?They needed to have discussions about the Studio City redevelopment proposals as well.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Cutting to the chase, there is a registered agreement confirming the rtionship between Lu Jingho and Jane Gang.?Itmenced the day that he was released from the attack on Tang Din.?Knowing thew, they have likely told only the senior partner involved in their case, which will deal with the professional responsibilities regarding the case"


    "Since the start date, they have been frequent visitors at a particr s*x shop that is one of the few ces that have exemptions from the group s*xws.?Some of those visits include Madam Lu being present, but Miss Gang and Madam Lu have also visited there without Lu Jingho.?As to what they were doing, I have no specifics as no one is talking, but I have heard the stories of some of the things that go on in that shop."


    Hou Yi knew, from the discussions with Alister that prompted him giving him ess to their investigators he had someone who let him know some information about what had happened, but he was not telling them about that.?Hou Yi wondered if in telling them about what was happening in that shop would cross professional responsibility lines, given the person providing him with the information was a former client, hence why he was holding back.

 Chapter 619: Return and Reality - Part 6

    <h4>619 Return and Reality - Part 6</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    King paused before continuing "One interesting thing is that since then once a week she has been visiting a care facility run by the Fung Group.?The Fung Group started out as a care facility provided but has diversified a little.?This facility, in addition to providing care facilities for elders and with a specialised section for younger people needing full time care houses the group''s main administrative offices.?David Fung, the group''s CEO not only has officers there, but lives in a house within the facilities grounds.?Did you know though he has a connection to Lu Jingho?"


    "Do tell."


    "Some twenty or so years ago David Fung when he was eighteen, became engaged to the daughter of a friend of his parents a Belinda Hwuag.?Belinda was the eldest of two children of the Hwuag family.?The other child, Jane was fifteen years younger than Belinda.?Belinda was a talented singer and was talent scouted and joined the Lu Corporation Entertainment Division to pursue a singing career."


    "From what we have discovered, and I did not know this, at that time Lu Jingho in addition to the other roles he had within Lu Corporation was a sessful artist manager.?He was appointed as Belinda Hwuag''s manager.?While he denies it, even to now, on a trip associated with Belinda''s career Lu Jingho repeatedly raped her, and as a result he became pregnant."


    "Lu Jingho denied raping her but added to that Belinda Hwuag imed that he forced her to have an abortion.?A DNA sample was taken from the foetus but before any criminal charges could be pursued Belinda Hwuag due to not coping mentally from the attach and the abortionmitted suicide."


    Pausing, King looked at Hou Yi, who did not seem totally surprised at what he was being told.?Damn him.?After pausing, he continued "David Fung, was devastated with his fianc¨¦e''s suicide and vowed as he could not marry the woman he loved, he would not marry.?That vow did not and still does not go down well with his family, who are trying to convince him to marry someone."


    "Belinda''s parents however confronted Lu Jingho about the situation, and not only did he deny any responsibility but on behalf of Lu Corporation demanded repayment of a debt and refused to assist them to even bury their daughter.?When no one heard from them for three days David Fung when to their house and found a three-year-old Jane trying to wake her parents."


    "He quickly determined that they were dead, and it was determined the day they had their confrontation with Lu Jingho they came home andmitted suicide with Jane in the house.?The Fung Family, after Jane was treated in hospital given, she had not eaten or had much to drink for three days, initially took her in.?However, eventually she was taken in and adopted by rtives from her mother''s family named Gang, but that family ensured Jane and David stayed in touch."


    "The records that I have essed, leads me to believe that Jane Gang is the same child Jane Hwuag.?But as adoption records are sealed by the court, I cannot prove this absolutely, despite pulling every string that I have to try and get ess."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "In investigating Jane Gang we have found out that she is a hedonist.?While in country she always stays in bounds of permissible s*xual activities, but there is evidence that when overseas in more liberal countries she has simply gone and done whatever she likes s*xually.?She would therefore enjoy everything she is getting into s*xually with the Lu''s given what we know."


    "The interesting thing is the registered agreement.?I will not tell you how we got ess to it, but there is a copy in those documents.?As per these agreements it sets out the financial obligation''s Lu Jingho has to Jane Gang when their rtionship ends.?The money in the agreement is obscene, however, as I suspect much of their activities are borderline in terms of legality that is not unexpected."


    "In the termination uses there is a minor, but highly interesting use which if you are not paying close attention to it you would miss.?It provides if Lu Jingho is jailed within the first eighteen months of the agreement for more than two years, she can terminate the agreement without his consent and still receives a payout.?That is not unusual, but the amount of the payout is.?She gets five times the amount she would have expected if he had reached his normal life expectancy and four properties not the promised one.?In other words, she will receive about four hundred million US dors, plus property."

 Chapter 620: Return and Reality - Part 7

    <h4>620 Return and Reality - Part 7</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    Hou Yi sat there in silence.?His own investigations had him believing Jane Gang had a financial motive for what she was doing, but this was about financial destruction of the Lu''s to an extent that he knew even his ns would take years to achieve.?The thing was, she was going to achieve it in a short time frame.


    "Yourck ofments was my reaction as well.?She knows he is going down on at least some of the charges, and views from a professional standpoint that he will get more than two years.?My view, and no one will ever prove it, is she is using him for multiple purposes.?Until he goes down, for the purposes of feeding her own s*xual needs, and then getting as much money from him as she possibly can to take revenge for what he did to her family."


    "You are certain on your conclusions?" questioned Hou Yi, wanting to make sure King hade to the opinion he had through his own investigations about Jane Gang.


    "As to what we have found out, yes.?But as to her actions, it is only a conclusion based on what we found out, press reporting from the time of Belinda Hwuag''s suicide and then that of her parents, and a few logical?guesses."


    "In other words, a wild a*se guess"


    "Your wife is rubbing off on you, but yes.?Everything seems to fit that as the right conclusion, but we will not be certain."


    "You know I was nning on taking him down more financially once this had all settled, but if you are correct, why would I waste my time and effort when someone else has their own reasons," responded Hou Yi not giving away to King what he actually knew


    "True, but we are working on other things as a backup.?Some of those we will only move on if it does not happen, but others that will be followed through like the Studio City Development as it makes good business sense.?Speaking of that, have you seen the proposal on that?"


    "I have, but I have given it to a couple of people to review as I wanted an objective decision.?Once they are done, I will let you know."?Hou Yi paused before continuing "But I am assuming you are going to keep investigating Jane Gang."


    "Correct.?I want to be certain so we can finalise ns to deal with Lu Jingho for what he did to our Princess and the Empress personally and the impacts on the Queen.?Can I trust you to make sure you only pass on what you know is obtained from strictly legal sources?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "I will.?Thest thing we need is to have information out there that is not from obtained through legal means.?It only feeds into Lu Jinhgo''s delusions that my family always target him.?Yes, we despise him particrly given what he did to my mother but targeting him who would waste the energy.?We are in business to make money and are damn well sessful in that, so it makes no sense."


    King paused, and looked closely at Hou Yi, and suddenly realised something.?"Toff you knew this, and you said nothing."


    "King, you expect me to tell you everything I know.?Your work, which I suspect will re-confirm everything I have gathered, give us information we can provide Alister.?You know when I set my mind to something, I do not leave any loose threads, and working out what was happening and the potential impacts of that, was a loose end.?The one thing I did not know was the contents of the agreement. If that is true, we can still go through with our ns as a backup, but the major part of the work to ruin him financially will be done by someone else, who while having her own reasons, fits out ns."


    "You are ruthless Toff, and I suspect your wife does not know how much."


    "King you are no different.?Your wife never knew the extent of your ruthlessness, and I never told her.?She loved you and that was what was important.?I love Anna, and I know she suspects a level of my ruthlessness, she does not know the extent, and does not need to.?But my actions are within thew, so ultimately, I do not worry if she knows about it, I just do not want her pregnancy risked too much about finding out about this."


    King knew that he would not win a battle with Hou Yi, so he paused and directed the conversation towards the details Hou Enterprises needed in the proposal for the Studio City redevelopment.

 Chapter 621: Return and Reality - Part 8

    <h4>621 Return and Reality - Part 8</h4>


    Wednesday


    As she rolled over on walking Anna observed Hou Yi was still asleep.?She so wanted to wake him, but she needed to think about what had happened thest two days.


    As she thought about her own actions, she realised that over thest two days she had made things so difficult for him, causing him trouble and fighting over the Human Resources Department request.?It was only after Jodie confronted her at the end of the day, that she had a sense of perspective on her actions.


    Jodie''s words were still ringing in her mind even now.?"Anna, I have worked as your assistant for so long. I know you. You forget about your health and wellbeing and martyr yourself for the job.?That is all well and good for you along, but that is not your current situation.?You have a husband, and if I am honest with you, he over-indulges you while treating you as a princess without calling out your behaviours."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "It stops here, and I am calling you out.?Other than me, you have been snapping at everyone around, including Amanda less than an hour ago.?I saw her walking out from your office on the brink of tears, upset about what you did simply because she asked you how you were.?I would not be surprised if there is aint about your attitude.?Being pregnant and the CEO''s wife does not excuse it."


    "And do not look at me as if I am evil incarnate.?I am simply telling you what I see, not only as you are my superior but truthfully as your friend.?You are overdoing things.?You are not coping, and I have noticed day after day that by the middle of the afternoon you seem to be exhausted.?Whether that is your pregnancy or everything else going on I have no idea, but other people are noticing it, hence why everyone wants to see you as early as possible in the day."


    "I can see it from the Human Resources Department side, the baby you are carrying is no ordinary baby, it is an heir to Hour Enterprises, and they want to be overprotective to ensure nothing ces you or the child at risk.?You need to grow up.?And let me remind you, as your work at ANX would involve court work at this time they would look to you going part time and going on maternity leave at seven months because it is a stressful job.?It is no wonder then why the human resources department are insisting that you prove that you are fit to work."


    "Anna, do not take it out on me, everyone else here in the department and I suspect the Boss. Be sensible and think of others, not just yourself."


    As she finished remembering Jodie''s tirade at her yesterday, Hou Yi stirred and turned to look at her without Anna realizing it.?He realised that something was wrong, simply by the look on her face, and quietly asked "Sweetheart, what is wrong?"


    "Yi, have I been a real b*tch about Human Resources requirement. Jodie told me I was and that I needed to look at myself?"


    "Anna, you are just stressing out about everything.?Since the day of our marriage you have been through a lot yourself, let along us as a couple.?Personally, I would love for you to simply stay at home and rest.?But I know that is not you.?You need to be busy; you need to challenge yourself.?But let us see what the obstetrician says at your appointment with what you can do.?I had Assistant Wang clear my schedule toe with you.?I will fight with him and Human Resources to at least allow you some part time work, but you still can work on the charitable initiative separate to that."


    Hou Yi paused, as he knew the next words would not be appreciated by his wife.?"But if you will let me be honest with you.?I know this is true; I am too indulgent with you and allow you to walk over me.?Many of our friends have told me this, and in some ways they are right.?I love you so much and cannot see you upset so I will give in not only to keep you happy but to reduce your stress given you are pregnant.?At the same time, I know you are capable.?However, I am going to start being firmer with you, because in the end ¡­"

 Chapter 622: Return and Reality - Part 9

    <h4>622 Return and Reality - Part 9</h4>


    **Warning contains s*xually explicit material. This chapter is not suitable for those under the age of 18 years**


    Wednesday, continued¡­


    Anna turned and could see the conflicting emotions passing over her husband''s face.? Unlike others who had started calling out her behaviour, he had not, simply because of how he felt about her.? That had caused him so much internal conflict and until now he was not willing to talk to her about it despite his concerns.? For him to now say something about it, it made her realise how much he loved her.


    Interrupting him Anna said "You love me.?I know that, but do not let my past with Lu Jinhu ruin our future.?You need to be honest with me and pull me into line.?Do not use my mental health issues as an excuse for not doing it.?I can take it from you as you will be telling me the truth, and I need you to be honest with me all the time, not just when you think I can handle it."


    "You know I am scared that me confronting you will cause you issues because of your past.?I do not ever want you to feel that I am like him.?I want you always to realise that you are loved, treasured and are the centre of my world.?All our children will join you there when they are born."


    Anna, hearing those words started to tear up, and Hou Yi reached over and wiped the tears from Anna''s eyes saying "Do not do that.?You never need to be sad¡­"


    "Yi, I am so happy.?I love you so much and could never have imagined where I am now would be possible."


    Pausing Anna decided that words would not be enough and reached over half straddling Hou Yi to give him a kiss. The moment that their lips touched it quickly became passionate, before he removed Anna''s nightgown with her help, and she removed his boxer shorts.?As they continued kissing and caressing each other Anna was grateful that Hou Yi decided this morning that this was the position that he was happy with, as sometimes she felt when he was on top that it was totally ufortable.


    As they were kissing Anna started to feel Hou Yi''s hands shaping and rubbing her b*easts, and as soon as he gently moved her so he could ce her right b*east in his mouth, all thoughts about anything went from Anna''s mind.


    Hou Yi, noticed as soon as Anna was lost in the passion of their actions and today, he was determined before they left their suite that he would ensure that today was one of the most passionate expressions of their love that they could have. Anna deserved that and everything else, and goodness knows how long they would have before the obstetrician told them that they would not be able to do this.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    He shifted his mouth to Anna''s other b*east, sucking and licking eliciting moans of pleasure from Anna. While, he wanted to indulge Anna by her remaining on top, today he was determined to kiss as much of her body as he could, so he gently flipped them, and leaning on his knees, he leant over her body and started to kiss her throat, shoulders, and nip gently on her ears while continuing to use his hands to sweep over her body, before returning to Anna''s b*easts, firstly the right then the left and continuing to move down Anna''s body.


    All Anna was able to do, given how amazing this was feeling, was moan, and call out in pleasure "Yi" "more" and "I need you".


    Hou Yi, after listening to her pleas leant over her and while kissing her with drugging kisses, used his fingers to firstly pleasure her v*gina until she org*samed before pulling away from kissing her mouth to use his mouth for her second org*sam. As Anna came down from that peak Hou Yi rolled over, taking Anna with him so she straddled him.


    Quickly Anna moved herself, until she came down on Hou Yi''s p*nis, and quickly started moving until the both came together almost simultaneously.? As they came down, they simply copsed into each other''s arms sated and full of joy.

 Chapter 623: Return and Reality - Part 10

    <h4>623 Return and Reality - Part 10</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Eventually, Hou Yi and Anna pulled apart and looked at the clock noticing that they only had ny minutes to get ready and be at the hospital for the obstetrician''s appointment, so they quickly got out of bed and got ready before grabbing something quick to eat and drink, plus the extra bottles of water for Anna to drink on the drive to the hospital.


    They were greeted downstairs by the bodyguards and ushered into the car before heading towards the hospital. Anna, even before the car pulled away moved so she could easily rest her head on Hou Yi''s shoulder, and kept at his urging drinking the water that she need to consume before her ultrasound.


    The traffic on the trip was such that they were lucky and were able to reach the hospital with five minutes to spare before their appointment, despite thete start to the trip. After they climbed out of the car, they walked hand in hand to the obstetrician''s office surrounded by bodyguards and were immediately shown into an ultrasound room.


    With the help of a nurse who took a set of observations they helped Anna make herselffortable on the bed ready for the scan. A couple of minutester the obstetrician with the ultrasound technician came into the room, with the technician getting straight down to work.


    Less than five minutester the technician left the room, having been dismissed by the obstetrician who observed not only the scan but had the observation results in his hands, sat down, looking at Anna and Hou Yi.


    "CEO and Madam Hou firstly before we go anywhere, I was contacted by the Human Resources department of yourpany, where I understand you work Madam Hou."


    "Correct. We have a generalpany policy that pregnant women need to provide medical evidence that they can continue to work once they are into their final trimester of pregnancy, but the policy does allow them to request it earlier if there is a concern. I actually believe that they are being overly cautious with my wife doctor, because of who she is and that our child is an heir to thepany."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "That generally coincides with otherrgepanies require CEO Hou. However, I need your agreement toply with the request for a report¡­"


    At the same time Anna said "No", and Hou Yi said "Yes."


    Hou Yi looked at Anna, and said "We have had this discussion, I am not bendingpany policy for you sweetheart. You must provide the report or Human Resources will immediately ce you on maternity leave. I cannot interfere with that decision, and if I did, it would be unfair to every other woman employed or connected to Hou Enterprises as it would say there is one rule for them and one for the CEO''s wife."


    After a pause and looking at Hou Yi''s determined face Anna said "Fine, you can provide the report," as she knew Yi was right. His interference withpany policy no matter how unfair it was in its application to her, would make her working life within Hou Enterprises difficult.


    After watching both Hou Yi and Anna, the Obstetrician continued "You both know thest time that you were in here I expressed some concerns about not only your health Madam Hou, but your pregnancy. My concerns are still there. We all know that this pregnancy had a rough start, and in reality, you were lucky that you did not lose the babies given the assault you suffered Madam Hou, but it appears that someone is looking out for you and them."


    "You have a highly stressful job, and you just reach the minimum for what we consider the milestones for a healthy pregnancy. The scan today eased some of my concerns.?Therger one appears quite healthy and is what you would expect for a foetus at this stage.?The smaller one, is still concerning.?The scans and all the other tests are somewhat unclear as to problems, but little things seem to be mounting, leading me to be concerned.?And before you ask, despite all technological advances we can never be urate when ites to pregnancies, and the potential is I will have no definitive answer until you give birth.? The two of you have to be prepared with the smaller foetus for a worst-case situation, but I hope that will not happen."


    "Leaving that to one side, as we cannot change that the more concerning situation is you Madam Hou.? You do not appear as stressed as you werest time you had an appointment.? You are, though, in the midst of another stressful court case.? With your ongoing mental health issues resulting from your previous rtionship, we must ensure you are taken care of as much as the babies. ?Dr Chen called me Friday and indicated that from her perspective you need to slow down somewhat. ?The trend from your ongoing tests support that.? You need to rest and focus on you and your health to ensure that you cope with the bnce of your pregnancy, giving birth, and the first few weeks after your baby is born."

 Chapter 624: Return and Reailty - Part 11

    <h4>624 Return and Reailty - Part 11</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    The Obstetrician observed both Anna and Hou Yi to see when reality sunk in for them both.? He knew, given the additional contact he had with CEO Hou that he was concerned for both his wife and their unborn children and his words sunk in quickly.? It took a little longer for it to sink in for Anna, but when it did it was like a lightbulb had switched on for her.? He realised that Anna now would listen to everything he had to say.


    "Madam Hou I am going to make a very clear rmendation that you are not to work more than three days per week Madam Hou, between 9:30am and 4:30pm, with at least a thirty-minute break for lunch. I am excluding work rted to your charitable initiative from that, but that work should be limited to five hours per week. Plus, you need to have your chefs consult with the nutritionist on my staff to make sure you are eating proper meals. I will want to see you in another couple of weeks, and I will reassess. Assuming I see some slight improvement, I will maintain my rmendations, but I will be reviewing them fortnightly until your seventh month, then weekly unless something tells me otherwise. "


    "The other thing I need your permission for is I was contacted by an Alister Nang, who said he is yourwyer?"


    "He is. What did he want?"


    "He was concerned about the criminal case that you are involved with is dragging you back and forth into court and wondered if there would be a medical reason to have you exempted from having to attend Madam Hou. That would lessen stress and make things somewhat easier for you. Can I provide through you a report to be provided to the court exining my position?"


    "Absolutely."


    After a little bit more chat including embarrassingly for them both about their s*xual activities, Anna and Hou Yi left the obstetrician''s office, and headed towards Hou Enterprises.


    As they arrived Hou Yi said, "You can rest in my suite for the day, or work and stay at home tomorrow. I must tell human resources of the rmendations. My suite is considered my private personal space, so you can quite easily be there, and Jodie if there is something requiring immediate attention cane in. You can also use it for working on the charitable initiative, and Human Resources can say nothing."


    "Let me rest, but can you let Jodie know what is going on."


    "Will do, but I will try not to disturb you." With that Hou Yi gave Anna a brief kiss, before she entered the suite attached to his office.


    As Anna entered his suite, Hou Yi after dealing with some urgent matters pulled out from his desk three folders and started to work through the information, cross checking the data from each source.? As he was reviewing it, the question for him became what he told Anna, and what did he provide to Alister.?Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Thepany investigators he tasked to assist Alister, had pieces of information that was not only obtained legally but he knew Alister already had.? That information created more questions than it answered, and Alister hadmented that in his email yesterday.? If that was all he had, he would have simr questions.


    But as King realised Monday, he left nothing to chance.? Lu Jingho had it in for his parents.? He knew that story, but he was always careful when it came to him.? If he was not, he did not deserve the role as CEO of Hou Enterprises.? They had always monitored him, but ever since Anna came into his life he had used private investigators not connected with Hou Enterprises to undertake a detailed investigation, not just relying on his parents and the long term information.? That uncovered Jane Gang''s connection to Lu Jingho, and the rest was easy to figure out.? King''s information simply confirmed that.? While it was not as satisfying being the one to take him down as it appears that she would, he always knew when to pause.? This was one of these cases.


    After having gone through the information, he emailed Alister with additional information about the situation, not totally tipping his hand, as having Jane Gang removed would count against bringing Lu Jingho down.? As a result of his decision, he reluctantly called King and advised him of what he had done.? To say King was not happy was an understatement, but after some discussion he could see the logic in the situation.

 Chapter 625: Return and Reality - Part 12

    <h4>625 Return and Reality - Part 12</h4>


    Thursday


    After dinner, Anna and Hou Yi decided to simply sit in the lounge area before retiring for the night, enjoying theirst night for ten or eleven days together while Hou Yi was away. As they sat on the sofa, Hou Yi gathered Anna in his arms, and she simply leant back. Once their tea was delivered, Hou Yi asked "How are you going?"


    "Not feeling as frustrated as I expected having to cut working. But who knows how long that will be for?"


    "Anna, you can conquer anything. Think about it. What have you been through to get to where we are now, tells anyone that."


    Hou Yi paused for a few seconds then continued "Anyway, we will be able to reduce the additional stress on you. Alister received the report from the Obstetrician earlier today and called me about it. ?He spoke to the representatives for the other victims, exining to them that there was medical evidence that indicated that it was not in your best interest or that of your pregnancy to be constantly dragged to court.? They agreed to support him in pushing for the matter to be listed for a final hearing as soon as practicable after your due date."


    "He then had a discussion with the National Prosecutors who after considering the medical evidence and confirming that the other victim''swyers agreed would support the argument for a final hearing date to be locked in, and until then for us to be excused from attending court."


    "That sounds good, I hate having to constantly see him, as it reminds me of what he convinced his son to do."


    "Sweetheart do not worry about it.? Alister was right when he told me earlier that the constant dragging the matters back before the court is all about satisfying Lu Jingho''s vanity and need to control everyone.? This, will rest that control back from him if the court grant''s it."


    "If that can happen sounds like a good thing."


    "Now, and please do not kill me when I am finished telling you this, but I need to be totally honest with you about things I know." With that Hou Yi paused and started to tell Anna everything he had about Lu Jingho, Jang Gang and what was going on.


    When he finished, Anna quietly responded "I knew there could always be a seedy side to my profession in some countries, but this is more than I could have imagined.? However, my love you know I really do not care if it breaks what I consider to be appropriate in my profession.? If it takes him down and eliminates his money so be it.? He deserves it for not only what he has done but what his actions have prompted."


    "So you are OK with it, and me holding back on information from Alister?"


    "In this case absolutely. ?You trusted your instincts, and it will be fun to watch that ultimate takedown when he goes down on all these criminal matters."


    As Anna started to move in his arms, Hou Yi knew this was a conversation that neither of them wanted to continue, so he helped Anna turn in his arms for she was straddling him, and they started kissing, which soon became passionate.? Before anything else could happen, they were disrupted by a voice "You two need to get a room. This is thest thing a mother wants to walk in on."


    Hou Yi pulled back, and swore under his breath before saying "Mother, what in the world are you doing here?"


    "Well, I heard that you are away for ten or eleven days and I decided that I needed toe over to persuade my darling daughter-inw either toe and stay at the ancestral home, so we can finish the nursery there, or if she wanted to stay here did she want your aunt and I toe and stay."


    Anna paused and said "Mother, I really have no idea. I am an adult and I can cope without my husband with me. We have staff who can look after my needs. I can always ask if I needpany."


    "Sweetheart, staff are staff, you need family with you."


    In a sharp response Hou Yi snapped "Mother. Anna is right. It is her call, and I support her. And by the way, simply rocking up when you like is totally uneptable. We are married and this is our home and we can do what we like here. You need to respect that."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Do not talk to me like that, Yi I am your mother."


    Anna could see Hou Yi was getting angry, and decided to quickly end this "Mother, Let me think about your offer. We were about to retire to bed, so can you please see yourself out." With that Anna stood up, and picked up the tea tray, and headed towards the stairs, with Hou Yi behind her. As they passed Du AnLing they paused and each gave her a kiss, before heading to their suite.

 Chapter 626: Return and Reality - Part 13

    <h4>626 Return and Reality - Part 13</h4>


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Jane Gang, herself was nning for another court day.?Like before thest court date she had spent the earlier part of the day with Lu Jingho in his study, working out actions for the case.?Of course, it took longer than it should have given that he would interrupt her, for some s*xual activity.?As she said quietly to herself, it was lucky that he was good at what he did to keep feeding her s*xual appetite, as she otherwise would have had little to do with him.


    As she left to run matters by the senior partner at the office, Jane looked at Lu Jingho and realised how much he thought he was in control of the whole situation.?He had no idea of what she was going to do to him personally when the time was right.?It just was when that would happen, and in the interim she was going to take total advantage of everything he had freely offered her.


    As she arrived in the senior partner''s office, being careful she ensured that the door to his office was locked and like her previous times in here she switched on the jamming equipment Lu Jingho provided her.?She wanted nothing he could use to ckmail her avable.


    After spending time working through the agreements signed off by more victims and the further ns, Jane stood up ready to leave.?However as predicted the senior partner grabbed her hand and restrained her from leaving his office.


    "Sir, I need to go.?There are other things that I need to deal with."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Miss Gang, I know after you leave here you are going to a particr care facility.?As to who you are seeing, I have no idea, but unless you want me to say something to your lover, you better be nicer to me."


    "Sir, Lu Jingho knows full well that I am going to that facility to see someone that was instrumental in me pursuing my career.?He epts that he cannot see this person, as they want to protect their privacy.?Trying to ckmail me does nothing."


    "You are doing more than just seeing someone."


    "You are entitled to your opinions, but it does not make them the truth."


    "Jane, as I told you all along, you need to be nice to me or I will..."


    "Threats to destroy me career have no hold, you know that."


    "But I can ruin you in the eyes of your lover.?If he drops you, you get very little and I will make sure that you cannot pursue a legal career at all."


    "Try and ckmail me.?I know what Lu Jingho has on you, and I know who will win that contest.?Now stop trying to manipte me, you want something so be honest about it.?I do not have the time, particrly if you want the pay off the case will have for the firm."


    "True, the money your lover is paying is too good for us to pass up."?After a brief pause "You know the little taste of things you and he have offered is not sufficient for me to want to keep quiet.?You need to offer me more than that..."


    "Why am I not surprised at that."


    "You should not be.?I want, what your female colleagues have given me for advancement of their career.?S*x with you, at least once per week in my office.?Fingering you and the other mild pleasures that you and your lover have given me is not enough."


    Jane paused and knew that he was not going to let up on this.?He was the one wild card that she could not control but needed to otherwise her ns to ruin the Lu''s financially would quickly end.


    "You know that is dishonest with my lover, and..."


    "What he does not know will not hurt him."


    Looking directly at her senior partner Jane said, "You will not let up, and destroy that rtionship unless you get something."


    "You have it in one.?He has backed me into a corner, but you are the bottom of the pile here, so I will do the same to you as I cannot do it to him.?What do you say?"

 Chapter 627: Return and Reality - Part 14

    <h4>627 Return and Reality - Part 14</h4>


    **warning contains descriptions of s*xual activity and not suitable for readers under 18 years of age**


    Thursday, continued ¡­


    Internally Jane was angry.? This was pure ckmail and maniption of a junior employee.? But she needed to maintain her position to ensure that she could get her revenge for her family.? That meant that she had to consent to the ckmail for the moment.


    Pausing for dramatic effect, to make it seem like she was struggling with the decision, Jane moved over to his desk, pushing his chair back from it.? The one thing she was grateful for was when they had finished the case discussions, she had turned on the jamming equipment Lu Jingho had given her to ensure no ckmail material was obtained on her.


    As she sat on the desk in front of him, Jane said "There are a few conditions.?You always where a c*ndom, you get it only when Ie into the office, once only per week, and what you get is what I allow.? Finally, if you say anything to anyone you get nothing and the material Lu Jingho has will be released."


    "Where is the fun in that Jane."


    "Let me show you."?With that, Jane undid his pants and pulled a c*ndom from a draw where she knew from other female staff members, he had them, slipped it on his e*ection, and quickly dropped herself down on it before starting to move.?Within a minute, he had reached his peak.?As Jane lifted herself off, she added "Well, ying by my rules gets you quickly to your satisfaction.?So, do we have a deal?"


    "Absolutely if you can perform oral s*x on me now."


    Jane, knowing that she needed this to be dealt with, undid her wrap around dress, and started performing oral s*x on him, while he was rubbing and pinching her br*asts until he came a few minutester.?As she stood up, she responded "Deal finalised.?Now I have to get going."?Redressing she packed up her briefcase and left the office, heading to the care facility.


    Walking into David''s office, he took one look at Jane and said, "What in the world have you done?"


    "Made a deal with the devil that is my senior partner.?He suspects something, and I have to keep him on side, hopefully only for a few more week until I can deal with the Lu''s but until then ..."


    "Jane, I have been telling you this is not worth it.?Belinda would kill you for doing this and me for letting you."


    "David, as we have been over, I have made my choices.?Belinda deserves some retribution for what happened, and I will help deliver it in some manner.?I am in a position that I can deliver that financially not only for her but what he drove my parents to do when he refused to given them even a few thousand to bury her.? When I can do that it will feel good, but I must wait to the right time toe.? That I do not know.? Meanwhile, as I have told you time and time again, I will use the situation to feed s*xual appetites, particrly courtesy of Lu Jingho.? While I know he is dangerous, he is good at what he does, and that in part is what I need.? Plus, it will make the revenge I get even better when he realises how much I have yed him."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Jane, you deserve better than this..."


    "David stop worrying.?Yes, you are like my big brother, but I need you to be my understanding friend, not judgemental both now, and when I finally act."


    "Jane, you have to ask, you know that I will be there for you.?Now, let us stop talking about that, as we are only going to fight.?Do you have time toe over to my home for a meal before you have to head back?"


    "I do, both the Lu''s are out tonight.?All we must do is not be seen by the chauffeur, so they have no idea.? However, I want to be back there early as I do have to be in court tomorrow."

 Chapter 628: Its Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 1

    <h4>628 It''s Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    Despite having spent a long passionate night with his wife Hou Yi work up early and simply leant on his elbow watching her sleep. This was something that he was going to miss over the next ten or so days. He was hopeful that this should be thest business trip that he would have to do before Anna was due to give birth. Uncle Feng had already told him that he would try and make the trips for him after this.


    The only thing about this trip was that he was disappointed that he could not take Anna with him, but as the obstetrician telephoned him Wednesday afternoon and told him, his preference would be for Anna not to travel overseas unless absolutely necessary and they would have to the obstetrician''s approval for any trip.? As he said, he did not want to say that to Anna directly as he was not certain how she would take it and she did not need the stress of another restriction on her.


    After a while Hou Yi looked at the clock and realised that it wasing up towards 7:30am, which meant that they needed to get moving given the needed to be at the court. He quietly slipped out of bed and moved into the walk-in robe to select clothes for both of them for the day. He was grateful that he had arranged with Butler Gest night to ensure that his cases were packed for the trip and sent to the airport for the flight tonight, and extracted a promise that he would ensure that Anna was well taken care of while he was away.


    When he returned to the bedroom, Anna was still deep asleep, and he hated the idea of waking her, but knew that there was no option. After getting over the shock of being woken Anna, was not too angry. She realised that they needed to get the courthouse, with the hope that matters would be such that a timeline for finalisation of the matters should be determined.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    Forty-five minutester, after they had both gotten ready, and eaten the light breakfast that had been brought in by the staff they headed down into the car to the courthouse. When they arrived Yao Tan and Amanda were climbing out of their own car to head in as well. The four of them, with the help of their bodyguards forced their way into the courthouse given the media scrum that was still waiting for them.


    As they entered the courthouse, Alister Nang was awaiting them, and ushered them towards a room to wait until the matter was called. They sat down, and started talking about James and Alecia, given that James hadpleted his degree, Alecia was in her final exams and it was less than a month before they returned.


    Yao Tan turned and asked, "Well Yi, given the present you have given those two, where is the work on the apartment at?"


    "The builders finished everythingst week, and the painters finished Wednesday. Thest things that are being finished off is the carpets in the bedrooms and other areas they wanted are beingid today. All that is left is for the furniture to be brought in."


    "You know, given you have prevented me from having the pleasure of helping them with their house, you better let me decorate it," spat out Yao Tan.


    "Tan," calmly came Hou Yi, "We have been over this, so I will not argue about the apartment. However, it is free for you to decorate. James and Alecia have indicated things that they want, which is listed in a folder in the apartment, and I am guessing you will be bringing over Alecia''s personal belongings from your apartment. Just be happy for them."


    "Damn it, you know this is not the end of this discussion."


    Amanda, cing her hand on Yao Tan''s arm, leant over and quietly said "Let it be." Amanda then louder said "We wille over on the weekend and look over things with you so that we can get the decoration and furniture and sorted."


    "That is fine, and Yi is away so we will not have to put up with these two and their childish behaviour. They remind me of two children who have had their lolly-pops taken away from them."


    "Children" can an indignant response from Hou Yi and Yao Tan together.


    Alister Nang, before the conversation could go further entered the room and they headed to the courtroom.


    Once inside the court room turning to look at Lu Jingho, it was obvious to see that he felt that he was inplete control of the situation.? Anna and Hou Yi looked at each other silently telling the other he had no idea that he was not in control.? Seeing him realise that fact in the future would be an absolute pleasure.

 Chapter 629: Its Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 2

    <h4>629 It''s Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Lu Jingho turned away from watching Anna and Hou Yi, smirking as he did so.? These two needed to go down, and he wanted to make sure they knew their ce.? Doing this, he was certain helped do this.


    As everyone settled in court the judge quickly came into the court room and indicated "Miss Gang, Gentleman, I have had the opportunity to review the medical report that was submitted by the National Prosecutor''s office, after they received it from Mr Nang. ?Miss Gang, I understand that you were provided with a copy of this when you arrived this morning.? Have you had time to review it?"


    "We have sir," responded Jane.? It was something that she had not discussed with Lu Jingho but knew exactly what he would say.? Wasting time today was something she did not want to do as it would result in nothing for the case.


    Lu Jingho, gently pulled her arm and quietly said "What is this"


    Jane, quickly responded "Nothing to worry about, I know what you will want me to do." With that she turned back to look at the Judge,


    The National Prosecution''s representative stood up and said "Sir, that evidence ispelling.? I understand from Mr Nang, that the obstetrician who prepared the report is the same obstetrician who prepared a report for the court when Mr Lu''s son and daughter-inw had matters before the court.? The court epted he was an expert then, and therefore it would be difficult for Mr Lu to argue that he is not an expert now.? Its conclusion is clear, continuing to dy setting this matter down for its final hearing risks to her health and her pregnancy would justify the court making decisions today as to the processes for this case going forward."


    "Additionally, Sir, from our perspective we have the same position. Mr Lu has had been afforded more opportunity than most defendants before the court would determine to send this to a final hearing on the charges. In part that has been due to the number of charges he has faced, and in part to see if theying of the charges may prompt further alleged, and let me stress alleged victims, toe forward. For those victims where deals have not been reached, we cannot continue to allow the matters to drag through the system."


    As the national prosecutor''s representative was speaking Jane had turned to Lu Jingho and been restraining him.? She knew when she read the report this would be what was said, and quietly said to him "We are caught.? Arguing about the uneptability of a report by someone the court have already epted as being qualified to provide the opinion is wasting time and energy.? But I have a n, so stay calm."


    While he wanted to react, Lu Jingho aware of the agreement his struck with his lover he paused to thing about it.? Further he knew that Jane was able to think strategically, and she would have a n on how to deal with it.? Nodding he said "Fine, but I do want to review that reportter."


    When the national prosecutors representative stopped speaking Jane stood up.? "Sir as to the obstetrician who provided the report on Madam Hou we can confirm it was the same person who provided the report on our client''s daughter-inw.? The situations are dramatically different and cannot bepared.? That pregnancy had not reached the three-month mark, and was extremely fragile, whereas Madam Hou is around six months pregnant.? The risks to Madam Hou are those that apply to any woman at a simr point in their pregnancy, and her stress and other factors should be judged in that light.? If you give too much weight to them you require the court to consider it for every pregnant victim, dying justice."


    Hou Yi and Anna, with that grabbed each other''s hand tightly, as they realised the other was about to react, and thest thing that they needed in court was for that to happen. Hou Yi turned and looked at Alister Nang, indicating if he was given the opportunity to say something.


    "More importantly sir, is the psychiatrist report we have filed on our client.? It makes it very clear that attempting to force the matters forward, will cause further deterioration to our client''s mental state that has been deteriorating since about the time of his son''s marriage.? That will dy the matters for all victims significantly.? His report ces many matters in context since that time."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "In those circumstances setting the matter for its final hearing runs contrary to the interest of all people involved, punishing everyone but the richest person involved in the case."

 Chapter 630: Its Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 3

    <h4>630 It''s Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Anna could not believe it.? Here was Jane Gang using their wealth against them.? But as she paused for a few seconds before saying anything to Alister Nang, she realised that it was a valid argument.? Their position was, the evidence is eptable as to her situation, but it had to be weighted up against the psychological evidence regarding Lu Jingho and a bnced struck.


    Knowing what Yi had found out about her motives for action, it still did not diminish her admiration for her skills as a criminalwyer.? She was one of the best that she had seen in a while.? Able to thinkterally and strategically for the best oue for her client.? The thing was, as Anna knew, she had her own motives and she wondered when these would be public.


    Jane Gang paused for dramatic effect and looked behind her.? She could see Lu Jingho was impressed with her actions, and differing levels of shock and even some admiration of her skills from others within the court.


    Continuing, Jane said "That bnce says that we need to keep the matter listed toe back before you for regr mentions to see not only if there are other matters have been resolved but for ongoing monitoring of our client''s mental health situation to determine when the matters not finalised can go to their final hearing.? And before anyone says anything about protecting Madam Hou, her health and her pregnancy there are already orders of protection for her, and by extension they will cover CEO Hou."


    "More importantly, we had not insisted on the presence of the so-called victims employed by Hou Enterprises, XF International or their joint venture are protected by the presence of CEO Hou and CEO Yao.? Excusing one of them will ensure we require every other victim be present at court.? The court would struggle to amodate them and that would dy matters even more.? That would force multiple young people constantly to court when it is not necessary, which will only harm their interests."


    Anna leaned over the Alister and quietly said "She is good, and that argument is persuasive."


    Alister replied "She is and it is.? But let me have my say, as I know something she does not know."


    After Jane sat down the judge turned to Alister and asked, "Mr Nang, do you have anything to say?"


    "At the outset, I should make it clear that all thewyers representing the other victims of Mr Lu''s behaviour have seen the report, and we have spoken at length.? They have all indicated that they are supporting the position of allowing Madam Hou to be excused from attendance at court.? One of them, and for the privacy of the client''s they represent I will not indicate which of them it is, advised that each of their clients uniformly said that Madam Hou''s health is important.? Without her, the matters that started this case off would not have urred and they would not be in a position that justice could be sort for them."


    Leaning back, Jane quietly said to Lu Jingho "Now let the games begin.? That was predictable and ys into the position I put that excusing her simply allows money to talk."


    "You can predict them?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "You are surprised.? I simply put myself into the position if I was Alister Nang what I would do.? Then youe up with the counter argument.? We will talk moreter about it, as I need to listen."


    Nodding, Lu Jingho decided that Jane was getting stressed out, and he pressed the button for the remote on the vibrating balls he had inserted into Jane before they came into the courthouse.? Her reaction, while very subtle, indicated the burst of pleasure his action had given her, so he quickly turned it off.? He could not wait until they left here.


    Alister, however ignored the byy between Jane Gang and Lu Jingho.? "Sir, the dismissal of Madam Hou''s situation is a cheap shot to cause additional problems for her.? Like the report of the psychiatrist provided on Mr Lu, the obstetrician''s report must be taken at face value.? It has been conceded that the obstetrician is an appropriate expert, and if anyone wants to argue on it, let me reinforce it he is the same obstetrician that Mr Lu''s daughter-inw attends and is a consultant at the city''s finest hospital."


    "

 Chapter 631: Its Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 4

    <h4>631 It''s Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Alister, could see his words had already started to sink in to the judge. "Dismissing his opinion as to the risks to Madam Hou and her unborn child regardless of the stage of her pregnancy cannot be dismissed as it seems to be by Miss Gang and the bnce of Mr Lu''s team.? Any risks with a pregnancy have to be treated the same, otherwise it not only creates a differentiation between women at different stages but treats some of them as less important than others."


    "That medical evidence would say that the case needs to have a date set for its final hearing. It is not dismissing the psychiatrist report.? ?In setting the matter for the final hearing the court can establish a series of administrative hearings in the matter.? Updated psychiatric evidence as to Mr Lu can be provided and if that necessitates a dy in the final hearing the court can do that administratively."


    "Further it would allow the court to simply deal with any additional settlement agreements reached in the matter.? None of that should require the attendance of anyone other than legal representatives, and the victims and Mr Lu can be exempted for attending.? In doing that it does not prevent them attending court if they wish.? The benefit of moving to administrative mentions in the absence of the victims and Mr Lu is that it will eliminate much of the press circus we see outside the court each time the matteres before it, impacting the justice other people are here to seek in matters."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Finally, given the psychiatric evidence Mr Lu should be required before the final hearing to undertake an independent psychiatric assessment by a court appointed psychiatrist.? While we are not questioning the skills of the psychiatrist employed by his legal representatives, given the high profiled nature of these matters, such an independent assessment will reduce any questions about the oue in this matter, as both assessments should reach simr conclusions."


    After Alister sat down, the representatives for all the other victims confirmed their support for everything he had to say.


    Having heard angry mutterings from behind her, Jane turned and quietly said "Calm down and let me do my job.? This was a predictable argument, and I will have one final say about what happens.? But we can deal with it so do not worry."


    "This is so damn unfair; they are controlling the situation and you know¡­"


    "I know your frustration, but we have to asionally pick the battles to get the oue we want.? I will fight but it may be a case we have to fold to achieve the final goal in the case."


    "No way will I cave."


    "Let me do my job.? You know I know the final goal and I am determined to achieve that."


    The National Prosecution representative stood up "Sir, I would agree with the further independent psychiatric assessment of Mr Lu. It makes sense, as the nature of this matter is that the final contested hearing will ur either in the capital or alternatively with a number of visiting judges."


    Seeing that the judge was ready to say something, Jane quickly stood up.? "Sir, the usation that we are dismissing Madam Hou''s situation is abhorrent to our client.? This situation is about bncing all factors in the case, minimising the number of so-called victims to be present at court.? The issue is there are twopeting situations here, and the court has to bnce them."


    Pausing, and looking at Anna, Jane continued "As a woman, who in the future hopes to have her own child, I hate to use this terminology but the risks to Madam Hou are temporary.? When she gives birth, they will disappear.? As the report on our client makes it clear his situation continues to deteriorate, and the situation with his mental health is not temporary nor is it stable."


    "The interest of justice for everyone must outweigh the interest of justice for one person.? It is harsh reality that the court must ept.? Pushing to manage Madam Hou''s situation will potentially lead to the oue that our client''s mental health deteriorates to the position that no one gets justice because his situation is so unstable that the matter cannot proceed."


    When Jane finished speaking and sat down, there was a few moments of silence in the court room.? The judge then started to speak "Miss Gang, gentleman.? I have heard what you have to say, and read the reports filed.? It has changed my position as to what I am about to order.? As Miss Gang has pointed out it is a real bncing act that I have to engage in, the victims, Mr Lu and the interests of justice."

 Chapter 632: Its Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 5

    <h4>632 It''s Friday again, I guess that means Court - Part 5</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    The judge looked at all thewyers and realised that each of them knew he was going to strike a bnce that none of they would bepletely happy with.? Continuing he said "At present I only have a report on Madam Hou as to the impacts of these proceedings on her.? That is because of her situation, which ces her in a different position to most other victims.? But the other victims will be impacted not only by the constant return of these matters to court but the press coverage.? The extent of that is something I cannot gauge as I have no direct evidence on that before me."


    "On the other hand, there is the report noting the continued deteriorating of Mr Lu''s mental health.? The court system cannot risk, in a case such as this the situation bing so bad that the cases are dyed so long into the future because his mental health bes so bad."


    "Mr Nang however has given a workable solution to bnce matters out.? The earliest any final hearing could ur here or in the capital is three and a half months'' time.? About the time Madam Hou will have given birth or be about to give birth.? No court would force a new mother to be involved in proceedings in those circumstances."


    "What I will do is set the matter for a final hearing in six months'' time unless evidence arises that Madam Hou has developed post-natal depression.? That is subject to updated rmendations from Mr Lu''s psychiatrist that should be filed regrly, as justice will not be served for anyone if we force the hearing."


    "I will however list the matter for administrative hearings each two to three weeks for administrative hearings to continually assess the situation and for any other agreements reached with victims to be filed.? None of the alleged victims or Mr Lu will be required to be present at these hearings but can do so if they wish."


    "Now in preparation for the final hearing Mr Lu will be required to undergo an independent psychiatric assessment.? That should reach a simr conclusion to the reports provided by Mr Lu''s team to the court.? It may allow the national prosecutors to put forward a proposal to resolve all outstanding matters.? Additionally, I will ask allwyers for the victims at some stage to file a psychologist or psychiatrist report on their clients.? Mr Lu and his team have previously imed that these charges are a result of a vendetta against him and maniption of the situation.? Miss Gang, you have two weeks to file with the court a summary of the allegations of this vendetta that each victim is required to provide to the psychiatrist or psychologist who provides the report."


    Alister at that point jumped up "Sir, to ensure that all reports are prepared bypetent people CEO Hou has quietly indicated that he is willing to provide fifteen million to the court for the purposes of the payment for these reports."


    Jane jumped up "Well that means CEO Hou is buying the oue he wants."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click .Comfor visiting.


    "Miss Gang, no.? There are at present over one hundred victims of your client where there are still matters before the court.? The costs of those reports if the court pays for them will ensure very few other cases can have such reports paid for.? Our client is not requiring anything from his offer, it is simply to ensure that your client can receive justice in the matter.? In fact, other than attending for the report to be prepared on him our client want''s nothing to do with the reports."


    "Miss Gang, before you respond, I think that is a reasonable offer, but to address any concerns each victim will be given an appointment with someone the court appoints for the purpose of the report, directly pay them for the report and only provide a copy of the report to you, the national prosecutors and to thewyer for the victim.? The victim will not be permitted to read their report, nor can if be provided to anyone else.? That is a reasonablepromise and will address your concerns."


    "Now there is one final matter.? I need to vary the orders of protection currently in ce to enable Miss Gang or other representatives of Mr Lu''s legal team to directly deal with those covered by them.? Mr Lu, that does not allow you to be in contact with them but allows your legal team to put forward offers directly rather than having to go throughwyers, and possibly resolving matters that otherwise would not be resolved."

 Chapter 633: It is Friday Again, I guess that means Court – Part 6

    <h4>633 It is Friday Again, I guess that means Court ¨C Part 6</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    While everything was going on around her, Anna was closely observing Lu Jingho.? It was obvious to her that he was not happy with the court decision as he did not have the control he wanted over the case.? It was, clear however that Jane Gang was controlling his behaviour.? That was good given to would minimize disruptions to the proceedings.


    The reactions of the other members of Lu Jingho''s legal team also were interesting.? It told Anna that there was a divide between team members.? That was something when she had the opportunity she would pass on to Alister.


    When the case ended, Alister Anna, Hou Yi, Amanda and Yao Tan returned to the room they had previously used and discussed the case,? Anna and Amanda, who Anna was surprised had observed simr thing to her, advised him of their observations.


    Just as Amanda finished speaking the National Prosecutors representative entered and respectfully asked ?"Mr Nang, can we please speak. But can I suggest that it might be important for your clients to remain here for a bit of time."


    Alister looked at everyone with a puzzled look, and as they left Amanda turned to Anna and quietly said "Does that mean he might be crumbling?"


    "That would make sense. I think there are more mental health issues that even the report indicates. Hiswyers know that, and do not want an independent assessment as that will undermine the case that they actually want to run."


    Hou Yi however knew that he could not wait, so leant over and gave Anna a kiss before quietly saying "I need to head back to the office, as there are a number of things that I have to finish before I go away. Call me, or if I am unavable telephone Assistant Wang, but when you are done could youe to the office so that I can see you before I head off."


    As he opened the door, Alister reentered the room, saying "I have some news, and I think you need to sit down CEO Hou.."


    "Alister, I need to leave as I have things that I have to finalise before departing on a business trip tonight."


    Yao Tan added "And I was not far behind leaving."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "CEO Hou, CEO Yao, please do not worry, this is something that I thought I would not hear."


    That caused between the four of them puzzled looks. Hou Yi decided he better sit, because Alister was not going to say a thing.


    "As we were leaving the court, the National Prosecution Service handed to Mr Lu Jingho''s representatives the Statement from Mr Lu Jinhu, and a summary of the deal that he made the other week. Within minutes of receiving that, they spoke to the National Prosecution Service and indicated that he is willing to make a deal to finalise the charges before the court."


    That stunned Anna, Hou YI, Amanda and Yao Tan.? After having no response Alister continued "They proposed for all matters a short term of imprisonment served by way of home detention.? Based on my discussions with all of you, Miss Alecia and the others I represent I made it clear that we would ept nothing less than a fifteen-year term of imprisonment for the matters involving you and a minimum overall sentence of twenty-five years, orders of protection on his release for all of you, fines and a life-time ban as apany director.? That twenty-five year minimum was the consensus of the other victimswyers present."


    Amanda, finally shook herself out of the shock of the proposal to finalise the matter. "So he wants to negotiate. You know. I think the authorities should throw away the key when they imprison him for what he has done to Alecia and all those other young girls.? Anna, what do you think?"


    Anna, while struggling toprehend someone as evil as Lu Jingho was willing to deal, Lu Jinhu''s statement and the evidence his father knows he has on him was enough to make him fold.


    "Finally he is seeing sense. I thought all the evidence he had to date would have made him negotiate.? But it took that evil ex of mine throwing his father, to use the phrase my family would use, under the bus for him to give in. ?Twenty-five years? I think it is a little light. With everything I would have said life, with a minimum of twenty-five years if he is of good behaviour in prison, and if released anytime after twenty-five years under constant monitoring for life, with limits on his movement. Who wants to let someone like him loose on an unsuspecting poption?"


    Hou Yi and Yao Tan simply nodded.


    "OK, I have your general position on the prison sentence. Fines, will be in the tens of millions, but that I cane back to you on. All victims representatives agreed to advise our position on prison time by Monday, and the National Prosecutors will draft out the summary before allowing us to review this. They expect that will take at least two to three weeks. In the interim, we will be negotiating through them as to the actual penalty to be imposed. I cane back to you with questions. My gut feeling is that he will get at least twenty years, but I have to wait and see."


    Yao Tan stood up and said "That is fine. I think I speak for all of us when I say please keep us up to date with the negotiations and advise us when we need to review and sign anything." Hou Yi, Anna and Amanda all nodded with that.


    After shaking hands with Alister they left the court house, making their way through the media scrum, with Amanda making her way back to Hou Enterprises with Anna and Hou Yi for the bnce of the day.

 Chapter 634: Another Checkup - Part 1

    <h4>634 Another Checkup - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday


    On waking Anna felt an arm draped around her waist.? On opening her eyes and slightly turning she realised Hou Yi had returned from the business trip.? During thest discussion they had, he informed her that he was unlikely to be back until eitherte tonight or tomorrow.? The sneak, he returned home and slipped into bed without disturbing her.


    Without him beside her it had been a difficult almost two weeks.? She struggled to drift off to sleep and talking and video calls were not enough to deal with how much she had missed him.? They could never substitute for his presence with her.? That was something she could not have predicted when the married.


    He gave her stability and unconditional love to the point he overindulged her poor behaviour.? After the discussions that they had before he left, and the long nights where she could think about things Anna was able to admit to herself that she had been behaving like a spoilt child.? He did not deserve that, nor did he deserve people looking down at him given her action.? He deserved her treating him with utter respect and unconditional love like he had shown her and her actions always showing him that he, and their children, would always be the most important things not acting as if she should be the most important thing.


    How separation, even for a few days could give one perspective when you were open in your feelings and willing to take what people had to say into ount without reacting.? Anne knew that that was the difference to the toxic rtionship she had with Lu Jinhu that subjected her to the abuse she allowed to happen.? She never could be open and honest with him and took it out on everyone around her.


    cing her hand on her stomach, she quietly said "You do not know how much mummy loves you and cannot wait for you toe and join us." Surprisingly those words did not stir her sleeping husband.? Anna looked closer and could see that he looked exhausted.? He must have pushed himself so hard to get back here as quickly as he could.? That was sweet as it told her that he missed her and wanted to be beside her.


    Anna decided toy quietly until she had no option but to move.? Her mind drifted to the conversation she had with Alister Nang yesterday.? It was interesting.? In reading the summary part of the agreement that rted to the offences where she, Hou YI and Hou Corporation were the victims, it sounded so clinical.? Given the remaining charges, as much as she could determine, it appeared that getting this right was always going to be a massive challenge for the National Prosecutors but being so clinical was not sitting right with her as a victim.


    But at the same time, she was certain that Lu Jingho was trying to manipte things still.? No scratch that what hiswyers were trying to hide, given the order for the independent psychiatric assessment and the release to them of Lu Jinhu''s statement.? If she could put a finger on it, Anna would believe that the report his team had prepared indicated serious mental health issues that they did not want toe out in a contested hearing, let alone anything else.


    After pausing and deeply considering that conversation, Anna turned and noticed the time.? She had to get moving given she had another obstetrician''s appointment.? As she started to move to get out from Hou Yi''s embrace, which she admitted to herself was something she really did not want to do, it must have disturbed him as he quickly tightened his arms around her and started to open his eyes.


    Anna quietly said "Yi, you need to sleep. Goodness knows what time you got backst night, and I am expecting that you were not nning to be in the office today."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    After yawning Hou Yi said "Anna, you have an appointment with the obstetrician for your next review. I aming with you to that, and Alister Nang got a hold of me yesterday, arranged an appointment and sent me a part of the proposal for the plea deal."


    "I told him I would tell you¡­"


    "Anna, he spoke to me before he spoke to you.? From what I understand the National Prosecutors want each victim to agree to the part of the summary in the plea document that rtes to them, so that the only matter to be resolved is the penalty.? What Alister wants to discuss is our preliminary position on the penalty."

 Chapter 635: Another Checkup - Part 2

    <h4>635 Another Checkup - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Leaning over Hou Yi gave Anna a brief kiss and continued. "And I promise you, once we are done those things, I will being home to finish resting, as the number of time zones I have changed through over thest ten days is messing with me so much. I need to get my body back to normal as the next eight to ten weeks before I take my paternity leave will be busy."


    "You are taking paternity leave?"


    "Anna, there is no way that I am going to leave you to cope alone. We havepany policies to allow new fathers to spend time with their wife and child. I encourage everyone to take it, even those at senior levels. I need to lead by example as the CEO. ?There is a good senior management team in ce who can deal with most things while I am on paternity leave, and in a worst-case scenario I am a telephone call away. The only thing for those first few weeks is that I will not do any travelling."


    Looking at Hou Yi, Anna could see the sincerity in his eyes, and reached up to give him a kiss, before they both moved to get ready for the two appointments they had.


    After a light breakfast, the headed to the obstetrician''s office for Anna''s review appointment. ?It was quickly discernible that the obstetrician was happy with Anna''s current health and confirmed that she could continue working as she had been.? As they headed to the car, Hou Yi asked "You are happy?"


    "Absolutely, I would go insane if I could not work."


    "Well we will need to keep doing what we are doing, so that you can keep working as long as possible." Hou Yi leaned over and then gave Anna a brief kiss, and then took her hand in his as they headed out to the car, trailed by bodyguards. Hou Yi helped Anna in, and entered after her, and they were then whisked to Alister Nang''s Office to speak to him.


    After having gone over the summary as it rted to the, Hou Enterprises and the joint venture with XF International, noting the few minor changes then needed. Alister then turned to them both and said "I spoke to the National Prosecutors just as you arrived. They want a life sentence, with a minimum of thirty-five years to be served in prison, fifty million in fines pluspensation for the victims along with a lifetime ban on being apany director, and orders of protection for all victims. However, Mr Lu''s representatives are still pushing for a home detention sentence of two years total, ten million in fines andpensation and a twenty-three month ban on being apany director."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Hou Yi spoke "Thetter is understandable. Lu Corporation''s charter requires a family member to be CEO, but they cannot serve a ban on being apany director if they have a ban of more than two years. The sentence will put him out from ever being CEO, but he will still want to be involved when he can."


    "I figured that. My question for the two of you is what is your position on his sentence?"


    Hou Yi and Anna looked at each other before Anna said "I hate life sentences, as it goes against my view that people should know the final position for them. I would suggest a maximum sentence of thirty years if not a life sentence, but a minimum of twenty years to be served. If he is of good behaviour when he gets to fifteen years, he can serve the bnce of the minimum by home detention and it he remains with good behaviour he remains under supervision for the final part of the sentence. In Australia we would call that Parole. The kick in that is that if he does anything wrong, he would end up back in jail toplete whatever is left on his sentence, plus the sentence he receives for the new offences. The fines and the rest I think is reasonable."


    Alister paused considering what Anna had said "I had actually not thought about that. It still gives a harsh sentence, and to get the benefits he must behave. Misbehaviour does not get what he wants and could end up with him back in jail. Maybe that will be something that will be a goodpromise position. That gives me something to go back to the Prosecutors with. Once I know something more, I can let you know."


    After some additional discussions Hou Yi and Anna stood up and took their leave before returning home for the bnce of the day.

 Chapter 636: Getting the Apartment Ready - Part 1

    <h4>636 Getting the Apartment Ready - Part 1</h4>


    Saturday


    A knock on their suite door awoke Anna and Hou Yi.? They heard Butler Ge say, "Young Master and Madam, CEO Yao called, and indicated he, Madam Yao and the boys are on their way over and should arrive in around thirty minutes."


    Hou Yi sat up, and quietly said "Damn. I forgot that Tan said they woulde over today to see about sorting out Alecia and James'' apartment. I hoped he would have been reasonable about the time given it is not even 8am.? It must be some petty revenge of his given our gift of the apartment."


    "Yi what did you expect. You have given his daughter, yes, she is your goddaughter and my brother a multi-million dor apartment as a wedding gift.? All you are allowing him to do is pay for its decoration. ?He will use every opportunity to mess with you when ites to this."


    Anna pulled herself out of Hou Yi''s arms and hurried into the en-suite to get ready, leaving Hou Yi still in bed, stunned at his wife''s bluntment.? Heughed as she headed into the walk-in robe as he could see the funny side of the situation.


    Twenty-five minutester, Anna walked out of their suite leaving Hou Yi behind.? As she arranged for breakfast to be served on the terrace, she reminded the staff to have Yao Tan, Amanda and the boys shown up and for breakfast to be arranged for them.? As the staff brought out orange juice to her Yao Tan, Amanda and the boys were shown out to the terrace.


    As they sat down, Anna spoke "Do you realise that you have ¡­"


    "Annoyed me like anything, Tan. When we spoke yesterday, you said that you would be here about 10:30am. What time do you call this?"


    "Revenge time," came out aughing response from Yao Tan. "Yi, you said 10:30am, not me I just said we would be here this morning."


    Ton, seeing the exchange decided that it was funny. Ever since Alecia and James had gone to Australia and Uncle Yi announced what he was giving them his father had been upset with him. As he said to himself Uncle Yi deserved what dad was doing, as it was spoiling Alecia.? At the same time he realised how much he had been missing her.? Junior was fun but ultimately selfish and there was no counterbnce that had always been there with the three of them. Alecia was like their dad, Junior too much like their mother, and Ton could admit he was a mix of both.


    Alecia always encouraged him to follow his dreams and ambitions regardless of what she and Junior wanted. Junior, however since Alecia had gone was more and more pushing his dreams onto him, and he had realised that this was not what he wanted. He needed to consider his future.? Both he and Junior had some sporting talent, but as he had realised since Alecia had been away it could never be a career, it would always be something for fun.? Junior could not see that.


    Ultimately, as Ton knew his passion was art. Yes, he was good, and Dad made sure he had great mentors he would not, for years, be able to make a living from it. He needed a career path, to support him until his art career took off. Alecia when he spoke to her about this quietlyst week had told him he needed to make his decisions himself, not to consider what she and Junior wanted.? She was right in that.


    But, listening to the arguments going back and forth, while it was light-hearted, Ton knew that it would drag the day down, so he turned to Amanda and said "Mum, I thought Dad had realised that arguing with Uncle Yi was useless."


    Anna and Amanda burst outughing.? Ton had summed up the situation in a few words. Once she stoppedughing Amanda spoke "Ton, your father will never change. Alecia is his princess, as much as you and Junior see her as a princess. Someone to be protected. He just has to get over the fact that her life is different now, particrly from what he expected."


    "But ¡­"


    "No buts my son. We are here to finish getting the apartment ready for Alecia and James as they are meant to be back on Thursday. I do have to agree with your father I would have preferred their apartment was closer to us, but this was your Uncle Yi''s choice."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "True. It just happened that the space was avable, and I have converted it to an apartment for them, and more importantly it will allow them to start their life here without you Tan being there constantly checking on your princess, which if she was closer you would have been."


    "Damn you Yi. She needs me nearby."


    "Grow up, she is married, and you agreed to that. Let her and James have their life. We are all nearby if they need help."

 Chapter 637: Getting the Apartment Ready - Part 2

    <h4>637 Getting the Apartment Ready - Part 2</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Watching her husband interact with his friend was making Amanda feel morefortable in dealing with Hou Yi as someone other than her big boss.? She knew from the look on Yao Tan''s face that he had observed that she was rxing in the situation.


    Amanda knew that she needed to pull Yao Tan back under control or the whole situation would be a disaster.? "Stop trying to smother our daughter. She and James confirmed to you that they would stay with us for a couple of nights before moving into their apartment.? Now let us finish eating and head down, so that we can see what is left to do. Thest thing that I want, is for them toe to a mess."


    The look he observed on Amanda''s face as she was speaking told Yao Tan that arguing with and annoying her would not be worth it. There was no way he wanted an annoyed wife, as she would make his life hell for months toe, particrly given her threatsst night.? He did not want the trouble that she promised him woulde his way if he caused too much trouble.


    Hou Yi himself looked carefully at Anna.? She, despite the calm expression on her face was angry at his.? He was not going to argue with his pregnant wife. The less stressed she got, the longer that she could work.


    About twenty minutester, the six of them headed downstairs to the apartment that Hou Yi and Anna were gifting James and Alecia. Amanda and Anna followed by Ton and Junior wandered through the apartment making a list of all the items required toplete the furnishing of the apartment,menting loud enough for bot Hou Yi and Yao Tan to hear that they would go shopping that afternoon.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Hearing that, both Hou Yi and Yao Tan looked at each other


    Yao Tan and Hou Yi looked at each other, and the unspoken message that passed between them was that there was no way that they would go shopping with their wives. Before either of them had to say anything Junior spoke up about going to watch a football (Ser) game at the stadium.? Ton, while he liked watching football, wanted some space from Junior, and quietly said that he would apany Amanda and Anna shopping.


    Four hourster, Ton was having second thoughts with his offer. Yes, spending time with Amanda, away from his father and Junior was good, as was using his artistic skills to help pick the remaining items and match the colour palette within the house and the artwork of his that would be installed during the week, but these two seemed to want to shop to they dropped. He quietly moved towards Amanda and whispered "Mum, Aunty Anna is seeming tired. Should we not think about heading back before Uncle Yi decides to have our heads."


    Amanda turned to look at Anna, and determined that Ton was right, she was getting exhausted, and they needed to head back, otherwise Hou Yi would kill her. Amanda spoke "Anna, there is only a few items to get. How about you and I go and sit and have a drink while Ton gets thosest few items before we head back."


    Ton was surprised, Amanda was trusting him to do a task. She had not trusted him to do something in years. He tried to think about it and figured that it was about three years since she had trusted him with anything, and he and Junior through that trust back in her face. She hade over to stay with them while dad was out of the country on business. She had agreed to allow them to go, with a bodyguard to the movies, and the two of them snuck out to hang out with friends.


    This time he was not going to abuse the trust that she had ced in him. He turned and quietly said "Mum not a problem. Just give me the list with the remaining things to be gotten, and one of the guards and I will head to do that. Once I am done, I will call you."


    Handing over the list with the remaining items on it, Amanda realised that today she was seeing a different Ton. Over thest almost four months, he had started to change, mature unlike Junior who was still the same, somewhat selfish child that he had always been. While both Junior and Ton had been missing Alecia, Ton seemed to take her words, not only from when she left, but when the spoke to heart. She kept challenging her brothers to figure out what they wanted.


    Ton, in taking that challenge had matured to the point, that even surprised her and Yan Tan a few weeks ago that Alecia''s friend Sally Ge finally agreed to start dating him. Ton for over twelve months had been trying to convince her to be his girlfriend, but she had always told him to grow up.? She finally decided that Ton was worth the chance to date.? The funny thing was each time the two of them went out, Junior attempted to crash the date, but was firmly told he was not wee.


    Sally, while waiting for Ton justst weekend told her that he was different.? She said that she had tolerated him for Alecia''s sake, but she had noticed since Alecia had been in Australia Ton was standing up to Junior.? He had be a nice person rather than the self-centred selfish person that he had been with Junior pushing him. That made herfortable in agreeing to date Ton. Of Alecia''s three close friends, Sally was the easiest to deal with by far.? All Amanda hoped for was that Ton did not mess up, so Alecia would not have to choose between him and her friend.

 Chapter 638: Getting the Apartment Ready - Part 3

    <h4>638 Getting the Apartment Ready - Part 3</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    While she was considering Ton''s change in attitude was permanent, the oue of her doctor''s visit yesterday made that even more important.? As she had been unwell for a couple of weeks, Yao Tan finally convinced her to go to the doctors, and they found out she was about six to eight weeks pregnant.? As they had quietly talkedst night it would only be around six or seven weeks before she reached the point that they would befortable in announcing their pregnancy.? They both hoped that he would assist them in dealing with the inevitable childish reaction from Junior.


    In talking they realised they were lucky.? They had not been hit with disaster after disaster that Anna had at the start of her pregnancy.? Yao Tan however reminded her that she should not speak too early, but that he would support her to work as long as possible into her pregnancy until she went on maternity leave.


    The funny thing was that he said if she wanted to go back to work quickly, he would ensure the baby was ced in the XF International Staff Creche so he could keep an eye on their child.? Amanda recalled that that caused an argument, as she wanted to use the Hou Enterprises Staff Creche.? However, Yao Tan ended up winning the argument as he reminded her that it would be unlikely Hou Yi would allow his bodyguards into the building to keep watch over their child.


    Amanda realised that Tan had been right, but that meant she would have to decide that she was avoiding during her pregnancy.? Would she return to Hou Enterprises; try to move to XF International''s legal department; go and work in private practice or be a stay at home mum. Thest option was something that she did not want to really consider as it had been a long hard fight to go to university and studyw, let alone get a job.


    The idea of dealing with a baby scared her.? Yao Tan however was constantly reassuring her that he was an old hand at dealing with babies, and even joked that he had three times the work when he was younger than the triplets are now, so this should be easy. ??Despite his constant reassurances all Amanda could do is worry about how the triples would react to a new sibling at their age.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Having reached the restaurant where they told Ton they would wait, Amanda and Anna sat down, having a tea and something to eat while Ton was doing thest few purchases. Amanda decided that she would carefully question Anna about various things with her pregnancy. Yes, Tan had been through the whole pregnancy thing with the triplets'' birth mother, but she wanted an idea as to what she would be in for, from a friend.


    Just as they finished their food and drink, Ton arrived back with the bodyguard, and said "Mum, Anna, the stores have already arranged for thest things to be sent to the apartment by special courier. I called Sally, and she said ¡­"


    At that exact moment a young girl came running in and threw herself at Ton, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, before turning and saying "Madam Yao, is it nice to see you again. Ton called me and said that you might need some help for Alecia."


    Amanda stood up and gave Sally a brief kiss before saying "Sally, a pleasure to see you again. What did I tell you, my name is Amanda. When you say Madam Yao, I still go looking for my mother-inw." Amanda paused and turned to Anna, before continuing "Sally this is my friend Anna, she is married to Alecia''s god-father."


    Sally could only stutter "Madam Hou."


    Taking her time to stand up, Anna responded "My name is Anna. It also happens that I am Alecia''s husband James'' sister."


    Sally nodded, and said "Amanda, Ton asked me if I coulde and help you finish arranging most things in Alecia''s apartment. When I spoke to her Thursday, she asked me to be involved as she was worried if her father was in control the apartment would not be anything she liked. I figured it was the least I could do for her."


    Amanda nodded, and said "Lets head back so we can get most of this finished. Sally do you want toe with us?"


    "If possible."


    With that the four of them headed out to the cars that they came in. Amanda realised that this had been nned before they left the apartment, otherwise why would Ton have insisted on two cars, as they could have fitted into one car.

 Chapter 639: Getting the apartment ready - Part 4

    <h4>639 Getting the apartment ready - Part 4</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile


    Junior as soon as he convinced his father and Hou Yi to take him to the football game was ecstatic. However, that soon moved to shock when Ton said that he was staying with their mother and Anna to help them finish things at the apartment for Alecia and James. They had talked about it all week, and Ton wasing to the game with him.


    Why in the world are they getting this apartment when his father would not allow him to even move rooms within the apartment, let alone not giving in to his request that he should buy an apartment for him. Why should Alecia have an apartment and he be stuck at home. That was not fair. However, the absence of Ton might let him get what he wanted from his dad, as he was a pushover.


    When they arrived at the stadium, Hou Yi took them to the Hou Enterprises Corporate Box. Junior was surprised as despite XF International having a box, he knew that today it was being used for entertainment purposes and he was resigned to having to share the box with others. Surprisingly the Hou Enterprises corporate box was empty. Thank god Uncle Yi knew how to make sure that he had a good time and took him somewhere without interruptions. That was going to make the task easier.


    After arranging for food and drink to be brought in Hou Yi wandered over to the balcony door and headed out to watch the pre-game entertainment, leaving Yao Tan and Junior in there.


    Tan turned to Junior and said "Your Uncle Yi knows that you want to talk to me about something and said that he would leave us alone for a few minutes. Now what is it Junior?"


    "Dad we need to talk about living arrangements."


    "Junior we have already had this discussion. But let me tell you something you do not know, as your Uncle Yi has just told me.? While he and Anna have given the renovated apartment to Alecia and James as a wedding gift, it has constantly annoyed me.? Apparently though they have offered to pay your Uncle Yi for the apartment as Alecia still has money left from that your grandparents gave you for your sixteenth birthday."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "That means you your buy me an apartment, Dad."


    "Junior I have told you this before, I will not be buying you an apartment. Your grandparents are backing my up on this, and you cannot ess your Trust Fund for that purpose. I was going to do it for Alecia, as she has demonstrated an ability to manage her money."


    "But that money Grandma and Grandpa gave us was for our dreams¡­"


    "No Junior it was not. It was, and they clearly told you this, a challenge to you to see if you could manage money. My grandparents, your great grandparents gave me the same challenge. In my case, I used that money for you three, and then went from there. I have never regretted my choice and it proved to your great-grandparents that I was responsible enough. Demonstrating that to them let them release enough money that has paid for you education, and with the help of your grandparents allowed me toplete mine.? I have earned what I own, and even to get to the position your Grandfather was willing to promote me through thepany and take it over.? As to my trust fund from your great-grandparents I cannot ess that until you turn eighteen."


    "But that means in a few months you can buy me an apartment."


    "Absolutely not. What have you done with the money your grandparents gave you? You spent all of it to follow a sporting dream that you knew was out of your reach and convinced your brother to help fund your dreams as well. He was lucky Alecia convinced him to hand over some the money to her to invest, and that is now under my control. He has said he me to keep control of it for some time."


    "But mum said you should buy me an apartment given Uncle Yi was giving one to Alecia."


    "Junior, your birth mother has no idea about what is important. And I can tell you if you had an asset like an apartment within weeks, she would have convinced you to hand it over to her.? She is trying to manipte you for her own wants and desires."


    "But she loves us dad."

 Chapter 640: Getting the apartment Ready - Part 5

    <h4>640 Getting the apartment Ready - Part 5</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Yao Tan could not believe the audacity of the damn with of a birth mother of the triplets.? She had been able to manipte the boys.? Ton however had started to see through her, but Junior was still open to her maniption for her own enrichment.


    "Junior will always be your birth mother, but to put it bluntly she does not love you for your siblings.? For her, you, Ton and Alecia are simply a source of money and status.? If she had her way when she fell pregnant with you, she would have had an abortion, and the only thing that stopped her was her age meant her parents had to consent to the abortion, which they refused to do.? Throughout the pregnancy sheined you were ruining her life, and he only thing that saved you from being hurt in the womb was the money I gave her."


    "When you were born she was determined that the three of you should be put up for adoption, but I used the money from your great-grandparents to pay her to surrender her parental rights to me along with a yearly amount to support her until you turn eighteen.? I did that as thest thing I wanted for the three of you was for her to fall on hard times.? You do not realise in addition to that how much money I have paid her.? Every time she visited you, she caused trouble until I paid her to leave, I had to pay her at times when she threatened to show up to stay away and I had to pay her to allow Amanda do adopt you as you all wanted."


    "Amanda has been the constant in your life not her.? More importantly if you are realistic, you will realise the only time that you hear from her is when she wants something.? I only allowed her into your lives because you need to know who she is.? Do you know when she heard about Alecia''s marriage and your Uncle Yi''s gift, she contacted me and demanded twenty million dors US plus an apartment in New York and here."


    "She said that she needed to be around for her daughter and future grandchildren.? I had to remind her that she had given up her parental rights when you were born, and I allowed her in your lives as she would always be your birth mother.? Do you not realise that you only started this business about me buying an apartment for you after I refused her?? I know from the phone logs that she called you, and I suspect that she has put you up for this."


    "I am willing to offer you the same deal I offered Ton.? If you can demonstrate to me you can make mature choices about your education, realistic career choices, and meet the birthday challenges, I will buy am apartment in the building that you can live in by yourself.? I will hold it on trust until you can demonstrate you can manage it, your finances and make appropriate decisions regarding your birth mother. ?Once you do that the apartment will be transferred to you."


    "But that is unfair dad."


    "Junior it is not. Alecia has done that, despite me struggling with the fact that she ckmailed me into marrying at such a young age.? In the next couple of weeks, she will join XF International to take a simr career path as me, in starting at the bottom, heading to university to study and working her way up through thepany.? Ton has told me that he will head to university to earn a degree he can use to support himself until his artistic career can support him."


    "All you want to do Junior is pursue your sporting dream.? Come to me with a n for not only pursuing your sporting team but an alternative if that fails.? Your grandparents and I are not here to fund you for ever, as you must stand on your own two feet.? Plus, you know the family history, unless you can demonstrate the ability good choices and do that you will get no ess to the family wealth."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "Dad¡­"


    "Do not use tone with me Junior.? I will do something more than what I have done for Alecia and Ton.? Until you finish High School, if you keep up with your homework and strive for good results, you will work for three afternoons in my office. ?While my assistant will be your supervisor and direct your work, I will sit down with you after a month to start working with you on that n and continue to work on it with you, provided you continue to do that.? But you must be realistic it may fail, and you need to be willing to adapt and follow alternate paths.? Assuming you do well, after your eighteenth birthday we will have this discussion again."


    After a few seconds silence, Junior spoke "As long as we do the n in the first week dad.? A month is not fair to wait, and you cannot expect me to reach Alecia''s marks."


    "Junior all I have ever asked of you academically is to achieve your best, so why would it be different now. I will agree, but you fail to meet the deal, there is no more help from me, and you have the same deal as Ton."


    "Fine."


    There was a roar from outside and Hou Yi stuck his head back inside "Come on, we are here to watch football, so get out here. Junior, if you can meet your dad''s deal, I will help you with a gift, but you dad is the judge as to whether you reach the deal."


    Yao Tan and Junior headed out and sat down to watch the game. The staff came out to make sure that then had the food and drink they wanted throughout the game.

 Chapter 641: Getting the apartment ready - Part 6

    <h4>641 Getting the apartment ready - Part 6</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    At the time Hou Yi, Yao Tan and Junior were leaving the stadium after the game, Anna, Amanda, Ton and Sally returned to Alecia and James'' apartment to finish arranging it.


    On walking around Sally noticed some bare walls and asked, "Should there be something on the walls?"


    Ton turned and responded "To not worry.? The framers have not finished the photographs and paintings of mine that are to go on the walls.? They will not be done until Wednesday and will be brought over and hung."


    That shocked Sally.? While she knew Ton liked photography and painting but was surprised that Alecia was willing to it in her apartment. "You are kidding me?"


    "No. Those paintings in the lounge of my family''s apartment that you like are all my work.? Dad also hangs some of my work in the XF International office, and over thest three months six of the paintings he has had there have sold to other businessmen.? While each one has not been for arge amount of money, it has been good that my work has been appreciated.? I even had one request me to do a matching painting to the one he purchased in a different tone."


    "Why did you not tell me?"


    "Sally, how long has it taken you to agree to be involved with me? Thest thing I wanted to tell you was that I was an artist. After Alecia left, I started to realise that sporting dream I was pursuing was Junior''s dream, not mine.? I simply went along with it because I wanted to do with things with him.? I also realised that while I love my art and I have some talent it will not be enough for years, if ever to make a career out of it."


    Pausing for a few seconds, Ton continued "I will pursue it as a hobby until that time, but I need to be an adult. Alecia said to me one I needed to grow a pair and be an adult rather than simply being a child relying on Dad. I have persuaded Dad to help me get a job within the art department of XF International on a part-time basis which will allow me tobine things, plus I have been epted toplete a business and fine arts degree once Iplete High School."


    "Ton why?"


    "Sally, I just need to be myself, rather than being influenced by Junior and Alecia too much. This is me. And if I was realistic, if I did not start making the changes for myself, you would not have agreed to go out with me." After pausing, Ton continued "Now we need to finish this, so that can go and join Mum and Anna while they are waiting for Dad, Uncle Yi and Junior to return from the football game."


    "Fine, why though did you not join them?"


    "Because I wanted to spend time with my girlfriend, rather than my brother." Ton moved in and gave Sally a quick hug, before pulling back to continue what they were doing in making things ready in the apartment.


    Some twenty minutester they were finished, and to get to Anna and Hou Yi''s apartment, they headed downstairs to take the lift specifically up to it. As they were shown into the lounge area where Anna and Amanda were quietly sitting Butler Ge asked what they would like to drink and eat.


    As Ton and Sally sat down, Amanda turned and said "Thank you Ton. I am assuming everything is now ready for James and Alecia?"


    "Just the artwork and framed photos to be delivered and the kitchen to be stocked. The former, mum will be delivered in Wednesday, once the framer can finish framing thest painting and thetter ¡­"


    Anna interrupted "Do not worry about that. Butler Ge will arrange that with our staff to happen Friday as it makes no sense to do it earlier."


    Amanda quietly said "Speaking of Friday Anna, as Alecia and James are staying with us Thursday and Friday night, we figured a family dinner at our ce to wee them back. Say about 6pm for 7pm?"


    "Assuming that is OK with Yi, I have no issues."


    "Sweetheart, are you using my name in vein?"


    "Yi never. Come here at sit down."


    Trailing Hou Yi and Yao Tan, who quickly moved to their wives was Junior, who Ton and Sally saw had a quick look of unhappiness cross his face with the couples there. Sally headed over and quietly spoke "Junior, I know you have issues with Melissa and Jessica. The fact that they have even refused to have anything to do with me since a few days after Alecia left proves they are not worth worrying about. The right person wille along for you."


    After giving him hug, Sally continued "And remember I am not taking Ton from you. He will always firstly be your brother, whether he is involved with me in the future or someone else hew will always be your brother. Now, stop being sad as you know Ton and I have said most of the time we are happy for you to hang with us, as you are my friend as well."


    Junior felt a little relieved with that, but the fact that it as couples all around still made him feel somewhat alone.

 Chapter 642: This is a disaster

    <h4>642 This is a disaster</h4>


    Monday


    Lu Jingho awoke and realised that Jane had left him alone in the bed.? Ever since thest court date, she had been totally restless.? She had been working so hard to address the situation caused not only by that brat of a son of his statement and handing over the footage.? How in the world did he raise such a stupid son to not only betray him but hand over the best piece of ckmail to bring down Hou Enterprises?


    After getting ready he walked down and headed to the study.? It was a day that they had to deal her senior partner.? That was not a pleasant day, but it was a necessary thing.? Thank goodness he had everything under his control.


    As he walked in, he could see Jane hard at work with herptop open and documents spread over the desk, totally immersed in her work.? As she had not realised, he had entered the room, he moved over behind her and slipped his hands into her dress and started caressing and pinching her breasts.


    As she tilted her head, she realised it was Lu Jingho behind her and she reached up to pull his head down for a kiss, before gently pushing him away.? That stunned Lu Jingho, she was always willing to abandon the work for pursuing some pleasure.? Something was wrong.


    "What is it Jane?"


    "This situation is heading for a disaster.? That damn video that your son handed to the police is difficult to deal with.? The other idiots in the office wanted to argue with me that it was useless to try and deal with it.? I decided to engage an expert to go through the footage frame by frame to see if we can discredit his statement on the matter.? The funny thing is that there were a few frames when he turned the camera it showed his crotch area.? He was aroused by what he was watching.? That does not match up with his statement, in that he said he was forced and disgusted with what he filmed."


    "The lying brat.? So, what have you nned?"


    "The expert is preparing a detailed report for us to identify the frames, and a few other minor issues that he found while reviewing the footage.? I have also located three other experts.? One for analysis of the footage and then two that can deal with his reaction.? Assuming the first expert''s view is confirmed, then we can get the technical evidence that deals with it.? That will allow us undermine him as a credible witness on the r*pe charges involving Miss Yao."


    "As you know the charges around that are the most serious of all the s*xual offences charges given the footage he supplied.? Discrediting him, minimises the seriousness of those charges, if not eliminates them as Miss Yao will not be a good witness, given she can not identify you clearly.? That is different to the bulk of the rest of the charges, as we can argue there was a level of consent with what happened, as they agreed to the contracts that created the debts and the work to reduce the debt.? That will allow me to pursue the most minor of charges rting to them and minimising the penalties on the matters we cannot eliminate."


    "How are you going on discrediting the Hou''s?"


    "That is still a work in progress.? While I have the material you provided, and that is strong, it is difficult to obtain independent evidence to support it."


    "But its strength should count?"


    "It should, but the problem is there is the argument that is it self-serving for you.? And, before you say anything, part of why you wanted me to be the leadwyer in the case is to think widely.? As yourwyer, I would be failing you if I did not raise my concerns and the problems, but that does not mean that I do not believe it.? The problem is theck of anything else I can find."


    "Jane, you need to use it to destroy them give they caused the whole situation."


    "I know, but honestly I fear that it will backfire if I use presently." Jane paused, knowing that the situation was frustrating and there was a better way to deal with things, so she was rxed to finalise matters and tidy up before the senior partner arrived.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Jane pushed her chair back and said "This is a little frustrating.? I know what we can do to make the situation better." With that she turned and quickly undid his pants and slipped her hands inside his underwear caressing his p*nis before pulling his pants down.

 Chapter 643: Family Dinner - Part 1

    <h4>643 Family Dinner - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    As they had arranged with Amanda and Yao Tan, Anna and Hou YI arrived at their apartment just on 6pm. Anna was excited to see James and Alecia for the first time since their return, as she had missed her baby brother. Yes ,she loved all her siblings, but James was always the one that she was the closest to, and having him here with her, while being a cultural shock for him, would be great.


    Walking into the apartment they were shown into lounge where James and Alecia where sitting, oblivious to anyone else. Hou Yi cleared his throat to disturb them, and as they jumped apart Alecia called out "Uncle Yi" and the same time James said "Sister".


    Hou Yi and Anna sat down, on a couch across from James and Alecia, before Anna asked, "Where is everyone?"


    "Dad has not arrived home yet, and Mum arrived about five minutes before you, so she is changing. Junior, Ton and Sally are in the boys suite finishing off some study," came Alecia''s response.


    "So how does it feel to be back."


    James and Alecia turned to each other, and with a smile on his face James responded "Somewhat unusual. Thest time I arrived here I never thought that my next return would be permanent. Who knows what the time brings."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "And you do not regret anything?"


    James gently picked up Alecia''s hand and kissed it before turning to Anna "Anna you know I do not regret anything. But for what happened to you, Alecia and I would never have met¡­"


    "And that would have been a shame for both of us." Finished Alecia. "Do not worry, Anna, Uncle Yi, we know it was the right decision for both of us."


    "How was your graduation James?"


    "Interesting, you know about mother?"


    "That Alecia ended up with an Intervention Order against her. I remember you two telling me about that. What exactly happened?"


    "Anna, it is a long story, and let us be realistic it goes back to when you and Yi came out to tell the family about your marriage."


    "That long?" responded a curious Hou YI. "What exactly is her issue?"


    "Yi, I figured you had already guessed some of it, or have at least been told about Mum''s upbringing?"


    "I have, it was described as being cult like."


    "That puts it mildly. While Dad is religiously conservative, Susan being close in age to Ben and Adam was lucky when she was young to escape most of mum''s edicts. Ben and Adam''s maternal grandparents had her stay with them when Ben and Adam went to visit, and Susan was treated as their granddaughter."


    "As Anna and I are younger than them they did not seem to take as well to us as Susan. Her father, as Anna likely told you ingrained into his children roles for women and men. Women were designated to be subservient to men, who were the head of the house and controlled what their women did. She left that environment as her first husband, Susan''s father died early."


    "Susan''s father was someone handpicked for her by her father and belonged to the same religious group. When she met our father while he did not belong to their religious group, our grandfather deemed him suitable, given his religious conservatism. Cutting a long story short, in their marriage, our mother started to find her voice and controlled what happened in the home, bringing up Anna and I differently."


    "Anna was from an early age, despite her intellect trained to be a homemaker, I was expected to learn to go and earn an ie to support my family. Our maternal grandfather tried when Anna was about 21 or 22 for force her into an arranged marriage.? Despite what I think of Lu Jinhu, and calling him a b*stard is mild, at least she was with him."


    "He convinced mother that he would treat her right which in the end convinced her father. We all know how that turned out. She was never happy with my career choice, but I stood up to her enough that allowed me to pursue being a nurse. When Alecia and I visited Mum and Dad on our return, saying that she was annoyed would be calling Mount Everest a hill."


    "She immediately demanded that I kick, and this is her words ''the sl*t'' out of my life, as she would ruin it. That set the scene for what happened while we were there. Every chance she got, she was trying to undermine our rtionship, being verbally abusive and physically aggressive, trying to pull Alecia out of our home. Alecia, despite everything mum threw at her was calm and polite, being respectful and putting up with it."

 Chapter 644: Family Dinner - Part 2

    <h4>644 Family Dinner - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "You know the threat we issued to her at your wedding, and that kept her under control to a point.? After you left, Alecia and I sat our parents down Anna.? We told them we were moving her once I graduated.? That did not go down well with mother, and she immediately demanded we divorce and stated my role was to be the child that cared for her for life¡­"


    Interrupting James, Alecia said, "I had enough of the attitude at that time and told her that her attempted emotional ckmail was inappropriate.? I made it clear that I understood that she did not like me and indicated I epted that she was entitled to her opinion on me.? I informed her that I would not stand in the way of her maintaining a rtionship with James and as of that she would retain my respect as not only his mother but the grandmother of any future children we have.? But I stood my ground and told her that the demand was inappropriate as she should not be trying to destroy her son''s marriage."


    After seeing Alecia pause, James continued "I added to that she had to be kidding if she through trying to emotionally ckmail me would work.? I then added I would always respect and care for her, but she had no right to dictate my life. I categorically informed her I had made choices and made mymitment to Alecia which she had to respect and if she could not, she would not be part of our lives."


    "You now know result of that discussion.? Her behaviour escted to the point that the police were called.? When they arrived, she was arrested and taken to the police station where they charged her.? As they were concerned about Alecia and my safety, she was refused bail until she went before the court.? I made the call to contact ANX for awyer to be present to Alecia and myself but also went to the effort to arrange for awyer for her."


    Hou Yi interrupted "You know I would not have¡­"


    Anna pped his hand and said "Yi, he did the right thing, as in the end she is still his and my mother.? Remember myints about the criminalw here, and that it is different in Australia.? She needed representation."


    Hou Yi looked at Anna and said "I still do not like it.? She does not deserve preferential treatment for what she did."


    "Yi, sweetheart, simply ept it, otherwise I will get mad."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Hou Yi nodded at Anna.


    James added "Alecia agreed I had done the right thing, but the rest of the family had the attitude I did not need to do what I had done.? Cutting a long story short, the bodyguards my father-inw had sent, while they were on a break when this urred, gave statements to the police that detailed the extent of the ongoing issues.? The Magistrate could not believe what had been happening and made it clear that he would fast track a contested hearing for an order.? In the end mother agreed to a five-year order for both Alecia and myself."


    "After the dust settled, we went to Mum and Dad''s ce to talk.? Mum started verbally abusing me, and I made it clear that enough was enough and told her as she could not behave, I did not want to have a rtionship with her until she could treat both of us with respect.? I was surprised when Dad stood up and told her that I was right andmented that he was sick of her behaviour.? Since then, I have not had much to do with them, but ording to Susan and Ben, who have visited all they seem to do is argue, so I suspect their separation and divorce will happen soon."


    James looked directly at Anna, who was shocked at the fact that their parents were likely to separate and divorce.? "Anna, it should not be a surprise to someone who has done this work that this would happen.? You know it can happen to most people. ?And if I am realistic sister, thest thing you need to hear about is the issues with Mum and dad, how are you?"

 Chapter 645: Family Dinner - Part 3

    <h4>645 Family Dinner - Part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    "Sorry Nurse Jones," came a smart quickment from Anna. "I am doing fine, regrly being monitored by doing fine.? The court have excused me from having to be present so that has automatically reduced my stress, and if Lu Jingho pleads to the charges before the court that will further reduce my stress."


    Alecia and James looked at Anna in stunned silence at that. Anna was surprised as she understood Yao Tan was going to tell them about what was happening.? "Your dad did not tell you anything Alecia?"


    "He is being tight lipped about the situation, like he still has to protect me against everything.? That I do not need as I need to deal with what happened to me to go forward with my life.? Anna, what is happening?"


    "The court at thest court date set the matter down for final hearing.? Afterwards Lu Jingho and his legal team quickly indicated that they were willing to do a deal.? My guess is they were told about Lu Jinhu providing the evidence about what happened with you.? That is added to the fact the court ordered an independent psychiatric assessment on him.? That he did not like.? From what I understand, the argument is what he will plead guilty to and the penalty he will receive."


    Hou Yi, added quietly "And the worst thing presently is that he is arguing that he should serve his sentence via home detention.? The National Prosecutors are insistent that he has to serve jail time.? The reality is we are all waiting on that to be put to us.? But knowing Lu Jingho he will not ept anything that requires jail time let alone any significant term of home detention.? He believes that he is the victim, and Alecia unless that changes, I suspect we will all have to go to court."


    Seeing the look on Alecia''s face Anna quickly added "Alecia, do not worry.? The footage alone is enough to condemn him on his attack on you." Anna, as fast as she could quickly moved over and gave Alecia a quick hug, before retreating to sit beside Hou Yi.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Alecia, hearing that felt so relieved. It was almost 12 months since she was attached, and now it appeared that she would receive some justice for what happened. She turned slightly and rxed against James, happy that that would be dealt with so that she could move forward further.


    After a few quiet minutes, to allow James and Alecia to take in what Anna said, Hou Yi quietly asked "Alecia, how was your time in Australia?"


    "Uncle Yi, I am grateful I had the time. You know I have wanted to spend time there, and I got to. Yes, it did not involve travel, but as I soon realised, I would never have been able to see everything I wanted. I was happy, with James to spend time exploring the area around Warrnambool, and over the years we can visit and explore other areas"


    "The worst thing was the cold when I arrived. Thank goodness James made us stop on our way back to buy warm clothes as for the first few weeks I would have frozen, given I went into winter. That was liveable with in the end, particrly when I got use to the weather and it started to get warmer. But in the end, none of that mattered, the only important thing was that I was with James." With that Alecia leant over and gave James a brief short kiss before pulling back.


    Alecia then continued "The interesting thing was school. The Australian system was so different to here. They call it independent learning. Anything that relied on memory was easy, but it was really challenging to have to do the independent learning toplete the tasks. Thank goodness the teachers were understanding and gave me help to understand what was required of me."


    "The challenge though was something that I would not pass up, because it made me realise that I have a lot to learn, if I am ever going to not only be a good student but to, if I am lucky climb the ranks within XF International. One thing I know is while Dad always wants people to follow orders, he hates people that will not think about what they are doing."


    "Alecia are you cursing me?"


    Looking up Alecia responded "No Daddy, just saying some reality. How long have you been home?"


    "Just arrived. I will see everyone in a little bit of time." With that Yao Tan walked over and gave Alecia a brief kiss and hug before shaking James hand and turning and heading back out of the room.

 Chapter 646: Family Dinner - Part 4

    <h4>646 Family Dinner - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    After Yao Tan left them, Anna turned and asked Alecia "Otherwise how did you find the school?"


    "It was interesting. Being a school that goes through all school levels before university was challenging.? Here that is three different schools plus kindergarten.? However, as Hannah and Pippa also attend the school, I saw a friendly face when I arrived and at the end of the day.? After a couple of weeks, I was starting to be epted by some of my ssmates.? To them as a new girl, and a foreigner I challenged a lot of perceptions.? What made it even more difficult was being apanied by the bodyguards, who intimidated most of them.? Making those friends, made things easier with the rest of the ss and adapting to the education system."


    "James'' cement shifts in the first few weeks were such that he could not drop me off or pick me up.? The first time he did, it caused a real scene.? The school required me, during the school day, to wear my rings on a ne under my uniform.? As soon as school ended, I would always quickly take them off the ne and put them back on my finger as I always felt lost without them on."


    "My female ssmates were only paying attention to James, not me so they did not observe my actions.? Thement, as he walked over and gave me a hug, from one ssmate was that I had a handsome boyfriend, but as he grabbed my hand and gave it a kiss someone noticed the wedding band on his hand."


    "That caused some screams from those nearby and the parents noticed this.? As we were leaving, as James tells me, my smarta*sement was ''who said he was my boyfriend,'' The following day at school I found out that one concerned parent called the police and reported James for potential child abuse.? That lead to the school and I having to exin everything, as well as dragging the embassy in."


    "After dealing with that, in themon room, James and I were the focus of discussions with a number of girls.? I had to exin that James was my husband, and that made me popr with several them in the ss. ?James exined to me," James simply nodded at this, "Their issue is that they figured our ce would be great to party and drink at. That poprity did notst, as we made it clear that it was not going to happen.? Some though kept working on me to change our minds."


    "Overall, a couple of the girls I studied with, I would say have be close friends.? They helped me adapt to the differences in the education system.? The fun thing however was dancing.? I had given up studying it here, as I found it boring, but falling back into it with Hannah and Pippa made it fun again.? The only reason it happened was that they had a rehearsal for the dance tour, and no one could take them, so it fell to me, their favourite Aunt."


    "That day, one of the older girls had fallen, badly sprained her ankle and was unable to continue the rehearsal.? While the teacher was dealing with that, I was helping Hannah and Pippa correct their steps and someone spotted it.? The rest became history and given what happened they did not have to cancel the tour.? That involvement was fun, but as much as I like dancing it is not something I want to do in the future."


    "So, would you do it again?"


    "Go with James, absolutely. I love him so much and being with him is what I want and know will be my life. I know whatever we decide will be the right thing for us. Into a different education system without any preparation, no way. While it was an experience it is one, I do not want to repeat."


    Before anyone could say anything, there was a callout "Girlfriend, long time no see." Anna and Hou Yi turned and realised Sally wasing into the room ahead of Junior and Ton.


    Alecia squealed "Sally, what are you doing here? Where are the others?"


    Ton walked up and said "Those witches to a family tea. No way would that happen Alecia."


    "Then why is Sally here, if this is a family tea?"


    Junior looked at Ton and Sally, not wanting to have to deal with the fact that he was the only single person there. He observed the so sweet look passing between Ton and Sally that wanted to make him vomit. Before either of them could say anything, Amanda walked into the room, and said "Alecia I told you this was a family tea, and so it is."


    Alecia and James looked at everyone puzzled as to how a family tea could have a friend of hers there. That made no sense.


    Ton enjoying seeing the so smart Alecia trying to figure out what was meant, had to reveal in it for a few seconds, before deciding to take pity on Alecia. "Sally is my girlfriend, so it is family only." With that Ton took Sally''s hand and walked in finding a space where the two of them could sit together while waiting for Yao Tan.


    Ten minutes of chatterter, Yao Tan finally returned to the lounge, and they headed to the dining room for dinner rxing and enjoying each other''spany.


    Towards the end of the night Anna looked around the table and realised that in the just over six months since she and Hou Yi had married, her life had taken turns for the better. Here she was with good friends and family, expecting a baby with the love of her life, and she could see that her baby brother was blissfully happy with Alecia. Anna just hoped that the future continued in the same vein that it had been for months.

 Chapter 647: Job Opportunities

    <h4>647 Job Opportunities</h4>


    Monday


    While in a meeting with Uncle Feng, Hou Yi was interrupted by his mobile ringing.? As he picked up his phone, he realised it as James calling, and on answering he said "James, How can I help you."


    "Apologise for disrupting you Yi but is it possible for me toe and see you for some advice.? I am at reception in your office building and they have threatened to have me thrown out."


    "James, just wait a few minutes. I will get my assistant toe down to get you."? Hou Yi ended the call, and quickly arranged with Assistant Wang to bring James up to his office.


    Turning back, Hou Yi said "Apologise Uncle Feng, that was my brother-inw James.? He will be helpful with the remaining issue we have to deal with, as he has justpleted his nursing degree in Australia.? While I was in the US, I found out there are troubles with some of the hospitals that the American division has invested in.? The problem was the technical aspects went over everyone''s head.? Hopefully James can exin it to us."


    "I did not realise he was here.? Just for a visit postpleting his course?"


    "No.? You knew he married Yao Tan''s daughter Alecia."


    "That little princess."


    "Well that princess when James was here just after Anna was injured ckmailed her father to allow them to marry. Plus, you know she is ¡­"


    "A very smart investor. I know. You know for the purposes of protecting Hou Enterprises I see your market trades, and I know that for almost twelve months you have been helping her trade on the stock market. You make good money trading on the market, but she is better,"


    "True Uncle Feng."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    While they were waiting, they continued going through some paperwork on other matters.


    Meanwhile, at reception, once he hung up from Hou Yi James turned to the receptionist who said "Sir, you have three minutes to leave the building or Security will escort you out. People cannot simplee here and demand to see our CEO."


    "Miss, I am not just anyone. I was speaking to your CEO just then and he indicated that his assistant ising down."


    "Stop lying, now get out of this building, or I will call the police."


    James moved away thinking that arguing with the receptionist was not a good idea. As he moved towards a waiting area, out of the corner of his eye he saw the elevator doors opening and someone moving quickly to the reception desk. He could not hear what was being said, but the look of shock on the receptionist as he spoke said that this was possibly Hou Yi'' assistant.


    Once being pointed to, the man who came out of the elevator headed over to James, and said in English "Mr Jones, my apologise. I am Assistant Wang. CEO Hou has asked if you coulde with me and I will show you up to his office. Please follow me."


    Following Assistant Wang, within a couple of minutes James was being shown into Hou YI''s office. Hou Yi quickly said "Come in James. This is the Vice-CEO of Hou Enterprises Ji Feng, but your sister and I call him Uncle Feng."


    "Apologise Yi, I did not know you were in a meeting; I just came to ask for some help."


    "You are looking for some work, given Alecia has started working at XF International?"


    "Yes, I just wanted some help to contact a hospital or two to see if they had work for a qualified nurse."


    "We were just talking, and there might be something you could do here."


    "I would not want to impose."


    "Sit James," and Hou Yi pointed to another chair. "We actually need someone to help us who understands the medical field. Our American division has invested in hospitals, and while we understand the business side, the medical aspects are over our heads.? Would you be willing to do a few weeks work to review the report I have, exin things to us here and help get things in order for the senior staff members that will have oversight here?"


    "You are not just helping me because I am your brother-inw."


    "James, I am not that much of an idiot. It would be easier for me to make a call to one of the hospital''s in town that have VIP areas who would love a nurse such as yourself. At leasting here for a few weeks, you can work out what you want, and take your time before rushing into taking a job for the sake of having a job."


    "If you are sure?"


    "James, Yi here told me about your background. Any help is appreciated. While we keep an eye over various divisions, we let the expert staff run them rather than micro-managing them as it does not work. The issue is, we have generalist knowledge and need the help. Do not think it is patronising. We had been talking a couple of weeks ago in getting an outside expert in. Take the opportunity and get some corporate experience behind you before following your career."


    After pausing for a few seconds James said "I do not think I can pass it up, but before I say yes permanently I should ask my wife. But I am happy to help you out today. What is the issue?"

 Chapter 648: Struggling with why I am doing this

    <h4>648 Struggling with why I am doing this</h4>


    Thursday


    Jane Gang left her business office having dealt with the senior partner on the case.? While she was alwaysfortable in her own s*xual activities having to cooperate with him and his demands always felt demeaning.? Unlike Lu Jingho, he was a beast.? He simply wanted his own s*xual gratification rather than it being a mutual experience.


    The only benefit was that he was not looking too close at matters.? He was getting his pleasure and epting the rmendations of the case while believing he had control.? The sooner that she could resolve the matter, get her revenge and leave the firm the better.


    On sending Lu Jingho''s driver home, she advised him that she would take a taxi to the care facility he had been taking her to and one home.


    Sitting in the taxi on the trip there, Jane rxed.? Over time, Lu Jingho had stopped being concerned of the visits and had no problem with Jane making this trip when she wanted to.


    She headed straight towards David''s office and walked in David was engaged on the phone.? Jane simply sat down on the couch waiting for him to finish.? A few minutester, David ended the call and said "Jane, you are a little worried.? What is it?"


    "You know me too well David.? While I know in the end the case will end up in a jail erm for Lu Jingho, it is somewhat frustrating that I cannot achieve what I would for any other client, the best possible oue.? The problem is that he is the cause of his own downfall.? He wants to think he is smarter than everyone else, but in trying to do this, he forgets that he deals with other people and they do not always do what he ns.? Is son being a case in point."


    "Lu Jinhu, that idiot.? He always has been known for not being able to control himself, so why would you not be surprised that he is a problem.? But that is not the real issue, is it?"


    "David!" Jane squealed in surprise.


    "As I have told you, I know you too well.? It is not really work is it?"


    "No.? I feel like I am starting to sink a little.? I need a reality check from you."


    "Jane, I always told you that I would be here for you, but you have to remember I have constantly expressed my concerns about your path.? What is troubling you?"


    "Stop preaching at me ¡­"


    "I am not preaching, I just wanted to remind you of the concerns I have expressed since you told me what is happening.? Remember a concerned shared is something to be more easily ovee.? What is bothering you?"


    Sighing Jane stood up and moved over to where she knew David had the alcohol hidden in his office and poured herself and David a whiskey each before heading back, handing him one ss and sitting down before taking a sip.


    "Two things.? One, I just will have to deal with is the addiction to the s*xual activity that he is giving me ess to.? That is something that I like, and when I make my move ess to that will end."


    "You will just have to do what you have done in the past.? I do not like that but I respect your own choices in that respect.? But you already know that.? Come on, tell me the real issue?"


    "Spoilsport, you know I like to make you feel guilty, and you are not giving me that opportunity."


    "Come on, be serious with me.? While I know you have some freedom toe here, in the end you have to be time conscious otherwise Lu Jingho will be suspicious."


    Signing, Jane took another drink, and looked at David before saying "I know he will go to jail and trigger the get out use for me.? The question is when do I trigger it and what do I do with the money?"


    "Personally, I believe you should use your get out use quickly upon his jailing.? What is happening there is not healthy for you in the long term.? You also need to tell the absolute truth when you trigger it, because you need to be clear on your motives for him to understand he has been yed and why.? As to the money, use it to support people like Belinda, and tell him that as well.? Make it clear that it was never about money for you, it was about causing him hurt like he did your family."


    "True, I went into this knowing I did not want the money.? Can you start on what is needed to that purpose for me?"


    "I will.? Nowe on and have dinner before you head back.? You need to rx and be happy before you go back to the ce that is ultimately stressing you out."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬

 Chapter 649: Justice coming closer - Part 1

    <h4>649 Justiceing closer - Part 1</h4>


    Friday


    As he was wrapping up his work for the day at 4pm to head home to meet Anna before going to the business/family dinner with King, Lizard, Snake, lion, Shark, Croc and Tiger, Yao Tan, Amanda, the triplets and James his mobile rang. He noticed that it was Alister Nang calling.


    "Alister what can I do for you."


    "CEO Hou, I have some news. Today, in the absence of the victims there was a mention of the case by Mr Lu''s legal team before the court.? The current issue is once the matters that can be withdrawn by agreement are all resolved is the final penalty.? As the National Prosecutors and all the victims are pushing for jail time and Mr Lu is pushing for home detention early an indication from the court was sort as to the range of suitable penalties in the matter."


    "I put forward the suggestion of your wife, which interested the court.? The Judge has sent the National Prosecutors away to see if the proposal is viable and directed that we all need to obtain clear instructions from all the victims we represent was to what they would see as eptable as a bnce if that was imposed.? Further, the court directed that the court ordered psychiatric report on Mr Lu has to provide the court with direction as to the impact of a jail sentence on any mental health condition they determine he has."


    "Interesting.? What is your view?"


    "I really have no idea what will happen, but it may be the way to bnce everything and prevent all victims having to go to a contested court hearing which will do none of them any good."


    Hou Yi paused, considering what Alister had said, and asked "When do you think you will have further news Alister?"


    "If we are lucky sometime in the next two weeks." Alister paused and said Please do not take this the wrong way, but I had previously spoken to everyone else I represent as the charges where they are victims are more serious than that you, Madam Hou and Hou Enterprises."


    "Alister, I have no concerns.? You know I trust you to handle the case in our best interests as well as the best interests of everyone else you represent.? You are honest enough to tell us when there is a conflict between our positions, and for it to be dealt with.? Can you please keep me up to date with what is happening, and try not to call my wife.? Her obstetrician is worried about stress impacting her, so if I can avoid it I want to make sure there is no issues for her."


    "I will."


    After Alister ended the call, Hou Yi stopped and paused. Anna was right in turning her mind as to potential penalties. Sometimes thinking out of the box is good. He was just hoping that they would have a resolution sooner rather thanter. While her check-upst week indicated that she was OK to continue to work, her stress levels given the issues at the start of the pregnancy still gave him rise for concerns.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    That made him realise it would be about three months, and they would have their babies with them, if both survived. Who would have thought twelve months ago, that this would now be his life? Married to the woman he loved, and they were expecting their first child. Sometimes fate can be awful, but in his case, ?it has given him a wonderful life that he never expected.


    Just as he was finishing up, there was a knock on the door, and in walked James. Hou Yi asked "James how has the week been?"


    "Interesting. Alecia was right I needed something to ease myself into working here. It seems that your executive is starting to get some idea of the medical industry, but it is taking him time."


    "Language not an issue?"


    "It can be, but we do move to English when needed. I would guess it will take a few more weeks to get totally there." After a brief pause James continued "And thank you for arranging a call from the hospital where Anna was treated before. The Clinical Head was interested in having me work in the VIP area or with foreigners that are in for treatment. We have decided for me to go in next week to talk. Working here for a bit of time is fine, but ¡­"


    "You really want to work as a nurse. I get that, like your sister you have a passion for what you want to do. The problem is Anna realising that she will have restrictions on her for the time being and in the future."


    "And she is not taking that well."


    "You are right. Pursue the hospital option if it suits you. But keep in mind, we are in the process of setting up an on-site medical facility for staff, both to allow for medical treatment and deal with emergencies here. The headquartersplex employees between casual, part-time and full-time staff around three and a half thousand people. In the end, we know keeping our staff happy and healthy is important and if providing on-site medical facilities benefits staff, it benefits us. Do not feel obliged simply because I have raised it."


    "Yi, just knowing there are options is a good thing. I really do not want you to feel obliged to create something for me."

 Chapter 650: Justice coming closer - Part 2

    <h4>650 Justiceing closer - Part 2</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Looking directly at James, Hou Yi continued "James I am not that altruistic. I make decisions for business reasons not simply to please my wife. The medical clinic for staff has been in process for three years. We had to get over all our regtory hurdles before we could even work on creating the facilities on site and linking with hospitals for necessary urgent transfers and then have all that approved. Thest of all of that was finalised about six weeks ago, and we have advertised for administrative and medical staff. The only thing I would do is tell human resources to employ you if you were interested, but from thereon, you would have to like all other staff prove that you can keep the position."


    "I will consider it. Now Alecia as she was heading off to XF International was talking about some tea tonight with family friends?"


    "Let me just say you are in for a treat tonight. These friends call Alecia ''princess'', your sister ''empress'' and me ''the toff''. You will get some name within a couple of minutes. I assume you father-inw told you about where he lived with the triplets when they were young?"


    "All he said was it was not the best inner-city neighbourhood at the time, but it was what he could afford and ensured that he was not travelling for hours to get to work and school."


    "That is the best way to describe it. These gentlemen were petty criminals when he and the triplets moved into the area, but the intersecting of their lives turned them around, and they founded their own property investment and developmentpany. They view Tan, the triplets and now Amanda as their family, and consider your sister and I the same. Despite their background they are generally good natured although we can end in business conflict, but that does not change the fact that we are friends."


    "Something was also mentioned about a wedding present?"


    "Damn it, your father-inw is a menace. They have given Alecia shares in theirpany plus either a few apartments of part-ownership of a building they have developed. As none of them have children yet, they take the triplets as their children. And before you ask some are married, some are not and their leader, who we all call King, is a widower."


    "Does Ton and Junior know about that?"


    "Absolutely not, and Tan and I have told them all not to say anything. You know the current issues particrly with Junior."


    "Trying to force an apartment to be brought for him? I know. Alecia told him to prove that he deserves it and earn it before asking. The look on Junior''s face said if he could have, he would have it hurt my wife. Apparently, he is like his birth mother in demanding items like that. She sounds like someone who I do not want to meet."


    "Hopefully you will escape that. Around four years ago when she came back and tried to force her way into the triplet''s lives Tan told here were to do.? She then came to me and tried to force her way into my life to get to them.? She demanded money from Tan and I to disappear.? We refused and it was not pleasant.? In the end I agreed to pay her what she asked for but she failed to read the agreement she signed for the money.? I have been for years dripping it out to her each month.? She keeps pushing for all the money at once, but the agreement does not allow it, and in fact prevents her from demanding money from Tan or me.? She uses the children for that, and Junior is the most vulnerable to that maniption."


    "Tan knows about what I have done, but Amanda and the triplets do not, and I want to keep it that way." Hou Yi paused "Nowe on, we need to get home as we are due to meet them at Mama and Papa''s restaurant in a couple of hours for this tea. That will take you to the neighbourhood where they lived when the triplets were babies."


    cing thest few papers in his briefcase Hou Yi walked out of his office with James behind him, telling Assistant Wang to finalise the work and head home. Hou Yi had his fingers crossed this weekend would not be interrupted to sort out a couple of matters like his Saturday night was. That disrupted Anna, and she did not need that.


    Forty-five minutester, just as the car that dropped them off was pulling away, a second vehicle stopped, and out stepped Alecia. Spotting James, she ran straight into his arms and gave him a kiss before turning to Hou Yi and saying, "Uncle Yi, good to see you."


    Leaning over and giving Alecia a kiss on the cheek, Hou Yi said "Alecia, good to see you. How about when we go to this dinner, we take the one car?"


    "Sounds good Uncle Yi. What time do we need to leave?"


    "Say in about an hour. We will call you as we leave and meet you down here."


    James said "Absolutely." With that he took Alecia''s hand and they headed into one elevator while Hou Yi needed into the elevator that went directly to the apartment.

 Chapter 651: Justice coming closer - part 3

    <h4>651 Justiceing closer - part 3</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    As he exited Anna was waiting in the foyer. "Yi what time do you call this? You told me that you would be home at 4pm. It is almost five."


    The angry undercurrent in her tone made Hou Yi realised that Anna was not totally happy "Anna, I was trying to ensure that I should not have a disturbed weekend likest weekend."


    "So, you know not being able to work every day is driving me crazy and ¡­"


    "You need me home. Calm down, you know I am CEO of arge multinationalpany, not everything goes to n, and if I am wanting to take paternity leave closer to you giving birth, then I need to do what I have to now." Hou Yi turned to Anna with a pleading look in his eyes, which immediately caused Anna tough.


    As he started to move closer to Anna, Hou Yi responded, "I am d I can make youugh." And then leant in for a kiss. As he pulled back, he continued "I told James and Alecia we would call them when we were ready and head out for the dinner together."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "You know I pity James; I do not know who is going to be the worst tonight, Tan or the others. At least they all like me, you on the other hand ¡­" with that Anna giggle further as she stepped away. "Now hurry up and get ready, so we can head down to wait for Alecia and James." With that Anna put her hand out and signalled to Hou Yi to hand over his briefcase. Taking the hint Hou Yi headed up to their suite to get ready with Anna following him to finish getting ready.


    Meanwhile, as they entered their apartment, Alecia turned to James and gave him a passionate kiss. While she missed helping keep on top of the housework that she had to learn in Australia, having Uncle Yi''s staffe in and tidy up the apartment each day did make life a little easy, and would be better once she started University and James was settled into whatever job he decided he wanted to do.


    As she followed James to their room, Alecia spoke "James, Dad was saying he knows a couple of people at some of the hospitals in town and a private medical clinic. He has said if you want, he can pass on your details to them about a nursing position. You know thest thing I want is for you to regreting back here."


    James stopped, and turned around "Alecia, we have had this discussion, I will never regret marrying you. Whatever happens in the future happens, but we know we love each other and that is all I need. Yes, we are luckier than most young couples, we have a home given to us as a gift, you are a savvy investor and you have the money your grandparents have set aside for you. The home is important, and the rest does not matter, but it would be the same wherever we are. I will take your father up on his offer. Yi has offered to help me with a hospital and as Hou Enterprises apparently are opening an on-site medical facility for staff so there is a possibility there as well. You know I will find something; it just has to be the right something."


    Alecia reached up and ced her hand on his cheek. "James, I just worry as I am the one forcing you to uproot your whole life."


    James turned his head, and kissed Alecia''s palm "Alecia, I asked you to change your life for me to finish my study. We have simplye back for you to go to university. From there we can make our decisions. It is our life and it will be what we make it. And let us be realistic, given everything my mother put you through, and we both know we have not told Anna or anyone else of even half of it, thest thing we want is being anywhere that she can easily get to us. She refuses to get on a ne, so the only way she can get here is a long ship journey, which she will never do. Hopefully after a few years she ms down enough that Australia bes an option for us. But we both know that we can fly there for visits, and some wille here to see Anna and us, so I am not cut off from them."


    James paused for a couple of seconds, and contend "Nowe on, we need to get ready for this dinner. Just something Yi said concerns me ¡­"

 Chapter 652: Justice coming closer - Part 4

    <h4>652 Justiceing closer - Part 4</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Alecia looked directly at James, knowing that she needed to calm James down. "Do not worry, they all love me and want me to be happy. You do that, and that is what will matter.? Just be ready for the grilling that they will give you before they realise that."


    "If you are certain. By the way, Yi suggested that we all go in the one car, and I said yes. When he and Anna are ready, they will call ande on down."


    Alecia was a little annoyed, as that meant that they had to race to get ready. "James, you should have said something. You better use the bathroom attached to one of the spare rooms so we will not bete."


    James looked at Alecia with pleading eyes as he wanted to shower with her.? The look she gave him made him realise that that was thest thing she would agree to, given the desire she had to be on time.


    Forty-five minutester James received a call from Hou Yi, and he quickly indicated that they would meet them downstairs in five minutes for them to head out for dinner. As he ended the call James called out "Alecia,e on we need to get going. I told Yi we would meet him and Anna downstairs in five minutes."


    "Coming James." As Alecia walked out of their room James realised that the more casual clothes that she had suggested were appropriate were fine. He was just grateful that this was family and friends tonight, as Alecia looked cute in her clothes and he knew that when they finally arrived home they woulde off as quickly as he could manage it.? He could still not realise that Alecia had married him, and that he still could not get enough of her. Taking her hand, James gave it a brief kiss as they headed downstairs.


    As they exited the elevator, Hou Yi and Anna exited another elevator, and James decided that he could not wait to tease her a little. "Looking good darling sister" was his quick response in a sweet sing song voice.


    Anna immediately realised that James was in a mood to make fun of her all-night, and she was going to hit that on the head as soon as possible "Bite me James, I do not need you being like this tonight."


    "Sis, I though biting you was Yi''s job, not mine."


    "You twit," responded Annaughing. Thank goodness she thought that James still had his same sense of humour. She needed his joking around at times, simply to keep her sane and grounded. Yi never really wanted to stir her up and gave in so easily to her. James at least knew her games and would never let her get away with being totally stupid and crazy, despite how she was feeling.


    Alecia, however moved in and gave Anna a brief Kiss, before quietly saying "Uncle Yi, Anna, let us get going. Thest thing I want is to bete as apparently Mama and Papa are going all out for this."


    "Alecia, why in the world are we going there, when we could have ¡­"


    "Uncle Yi, you know I love going there for a meal. It is home as much as dad''s apartment is, and our apartment is. I just want to befortable when I introduce James to everyone¡­"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "Hopefully King will not decide that we all have to go the back way to their, for want of a better term ''club''."


    "Yi, damn it do not mention that ce, the first time they took me there, was when I was on crutches, and they carried my part of the way while taking me through alleys," came Anna, remembering the first time she met them.


    "Anna, they only do that to people they care for. Most people are forced into their building through the almost clinical business entrance. Feel privileged. I remember my first time when they took Junior, Ton and I there when we were about 6 years old. Snake had been roped into baby sit us while Dad was doing a University Exam. We were all so scared, but the boys soon thought it was a fun game."


    As they continued talking, everyone climbed into the car, and they were driven towards Mama and Papa''s restaurant. On their arrival they were shown into a private room, where Snake, Lion, Shark, Tan, Amanda, Ton, Sally and Junior were waiting. Alecia, spotting Snake, ran over and threw herself into his arms calling out "Uncle Snake¡­"


    "Damn it princess, calm down." With that Snake carefully moved her away to look at her. "You seem so much happier than thest time I saw you."

 Chapter 653: Justice coming closer - Part 5

    <h4>653 Justiceing closer - Part 5</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Looking directly at Snake, Alecia knew that she needed to stand her ground early as the night would end up being a disaster. She turned to James and signalled him toe over before responding "Uncle Snake, I am." When James arrived by her side, Alecia continued "This is my husband James. He is the source of my happiness and is Alecia''s sister."


    Snake turned and said, "So Empress we have you and the Toff to me for our princess going away."


    "Do not me me. You think Yi and I moved quick. Alecia within less than 24 hours of meeting James, ckmailed her father into allowing her to marry my brother and he gave in. These two moved quicker than the rest of us."


    "I do not know, if you and the twerp Lu Jinhu had note here, our princess would still be our princess to spoil."


    "Snake, would not have happened, she would havee here and married me, so it was inevitable that they would have met at some time."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Before anyone could say anything else, there was a noise at the entrance of the room, and in walked King, Croc, Lizard and Tiger. King quickly said "Snake, you were meant to wait for us to arrive to start the interrogation."


    "Uncle King, you promised me that you would not do anything nasty."


    "Princess, he dared marry you without meeting us. We are entitled to interrogate him to determine if he is good enough for you." King looked at Alecia with a calm, almost unreadable look on his face.


    "Uncle King, NO! I love him and he loves me. I am happy, and that should be what concerns you. As I told dad, if you cannot ept him, then you will not be in my life."


    King looked at Alecia and realised that she was deadly serious. The look on her face reminded him of histe wife, when they married. Her parents, the rest of her family and friends hated him. They considered him a thug who had no prospects and would simply drag her down. She epted his past and support him in pursuing the dreams he had with his friends for their future.


    She supported him in changing his life, which ultimately led to the founding of Seven Shades, and the rapid expansion of their business. From simply flipping of units and houses, to small developments, to therge multi-billion-dor developments that are now a feature of their business. The first time she ran into Alecia here when Tan had brought the triplets in for a rare meal, changed their lives.


    He found a family that did not judge him, and like his wife believed in him and encouraged their development. The only thing he was constantly regretful about was that they never had their own children. His wife always told him they had time, and then to lose her before they could have a child. Now Alecia, Ton and Junior were the children that they would never have, as would the baby that Anna is having and any future children that she and Yi and Tan and Amanda have.


    King sighed, and noticed at the door, Mama and Papa were leading in their staff to bring in their first course. Thank goodness Alecia had decided on here, as everyone knew what they would be getting as a meal. At least most people in higher society did not know about the food here, otherwise the ce that they all knew would quickly disappear.


    "Fine Princess, but we will be having some discussions, and we better like the answers?"


    "Uncle King, you can ask questions, but do not take it too far," came a determined response from Alecia. It was obvious to everyone that Alecia would only allow things to go so far tonight.


    Croc thought that King, if he was not careful would push Alecia out of everyone''s life. None of them had children, some by choice some simply because it had not happened, and the triplets were as much their children as they were Tan''s, given the hand they had in raising them when they were little. He decided that he needed to have a work, and quietly whispered "King be careful, you know Alecia is too much like her father. Push her too far and she will cut all of us out of her life. None of us want that."


    King nodded his head and turned while everyone started to eat their first course. During the next ny minutes while everyone was enjoying the meal, discussions were kept light and friendly, before King suggested that they head back to their private club.

 Chapter 654: Justice coming closer - part 6

    <h4>654 Justiceing closer - part 6</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Hearing those words, James was worried. Given what everyone had been telling him earlier in the night, this could end up being an absolute nightmare. It was obvious from observing the people he had not met before in that none of them were happy that he had married Alecia. They seemed to believe that he needed all their permission to marry Alecia. While they needed Yao Tan''s approval for their marriage, he would have waited twelve months and they would not have needed anyone''s approval.


    As the exited the restaurant, James'' fears that things could turn worse intensified, and he say both Hou Yi and Yao Tan tell their bodyguards to wait here. That was scaring James, as goodness knows what would happen. Alecia however paused and grabbed James Hand, gently pulling him along, while quietly saying "Stop worrying. It is quite safe here James, plus this the area we live for much of our early years."


    James, however kept a constant look around being careful to ensure that he was safe, and more importantly Alecia was safe. Within a minute of leaving the restaurant, they turned and headed down an alleyway, twisting and turning to the point that James soon lost his bearings as to where they were, until they arrived in front of a door, and King pulled out a key opening the door, and ushering everyone in.


    James was shocked at what he had walked into. It was a real private club area, somewhere to really rx. Alecia sat down quickly, and James decided that the safest ce was next to his wife. There was no way, given how much Alecia was adored by everyone that in her presence anyone would hurt him.


    After drinks were handed out to everyone, King turned and fired at James "Tell me why in the world should I be happy you married our princess?"


    "Sir, were you not told, Alecia proposed to me ¡­"


    "Who gives a care, now answer my question" spat out King. Watching King, Yao Tan, Amanda, and Anna were wondering how quickly the fa?ade would crumble. Over thest few months, with all her interactions with King, despite this gruff exterior when it came to her and Amanda, she knew if they were safe and happy then in the end nothing mattered. The same would go for Alecia.


    "Uncle King, James is right, I proposed and ckmailed dad. He was given two choices, let us marry or we would simply wait until I turned eighteen and marry but we would not have a rtionship."


    Anna realised that they were going to go over the same ground as had been talked about again and again. She just decided that she would sit and watch the fun until those seven heavies were happy. There was something else that they all needed to talk about, and that would simply wait until everyone was ready.


    Anna turned briefly and observed Amanda. Interesting, she had a fruit juice like her. Anna paused and thought does that mean that Amanda is also pregnant? How would the triplets take that? They likely would be eighteen years old and they would have a baby sibling. Anna decided though that was not a question that she was going to ask Amanda today.


    Anna turned back, and just quietly watched the fun for twenty minutes, until James and Alecia had seemed to satisfy everyone about their marriage.


    Lizard turned to Yao Tan, and then asked "What is this I hear about that b*stard Lu Jingho striking a deal? He deserves to rot in jail for what he did to the princess."


    Sitting beside James, Alecia tensed up. Even now, almost twelve months after what happened, the memories at time were such that it felt like it was yesterday.


    James immediately felts Alecia tensing up and he knew why. While as time passed the days were getting easier and easier for her to cope with. However, it took something simple to make her relive what he knew was the most awful event of her life. James slightly moved and pulled Alecia into his arms, and whispered "Do not worry, you will get the justice that you deserve."


    "James, I cannot deal with this."


    "Alecia, I will be here, I think everyone needs to have their say, and you need to say what you think. You have let everyone else make the decision for you, and in the end will that be the justice you want?"


    "But I cannot deal with having to go over it."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬

 Chapter 655: Justice coming closer - Part 7

    <h4>655 Justiceing closer - Part 7</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    James paused, really trying to figure out what to say so he leant over and gave Alecia a brief kiss before speaking. "Alecia, you know my view, that he deserves thirty-years for what he did to you let alone any sentence for what he did to his other victims. Personally, I would love to see him locked up for life."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Alecia looked at James, and simply sunk into his embrace, not knowing what to say. James just let her do this, as this was not a conversation she wanted to be involved. As he tuned back into the conversation that everyone else said he heard Ton say "He deserves never to get out for what he did to Alecia let alone his other victims." Sally sitting beside him simply nodded.


    "True" was the short sharp response from Junior.


    Everyone started to debate what the penalty was, but James decided that this was a conversation he did not want to be in. He simply settled in and kept Alecia in his arms turning off from the conversation.


    Anna, meanwhile, was interested in listening to the debate with everyone. Getting Lu Jingho as much time in jail a possible was what everyone wanted. The problem was a sentence with only jail was not going to get Lu Jingho to agree if he did not have a chance at home detention. The quickness in wanting to reach the deal made her wonder. Did the psychiatric report they arrangede up with a condition they did not want public? That would not surprise her as something seemed to be missing.


    As she turned to look at James and Alecia, she noticed that they were off in a world of their own despite being surrounded by everyone. They did not care. After looking at James'' face Anna realised that James was not happy. All he was doing was looking down at Alecia, looking like he was checking that she was alright. Anna paused and thought what was happening.


    Hou Yi, noticed that Anna had taken herself out of the conversation and turned to look at her. He quickly noticed that she was observing James and Alecia, who from what he could recall since they started talking about the penalty for Lu Jingho had taken themselves from the conversation.


    Watching his brother-inw, he soon noticed the look on his face. He remembered with everything that happened with Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, that he at one point in time observed a simr look on his own face. The most important thing was his wife and protecting her from any harm. Hou Yi leaned over and whispered to Anna "He wants to protect Alecia. This talk is hurting her, and neither of them want to have to deal with that."


    Anna looked at Hou Yi and quietly asked "How do you know?"


    "I was the same then everything first went down with you. Your brother loves her and wants no harm from anyone toe to her. Can you end this conversation quickly as I know there is something else that those seven want to talk to us about."


    Anna loudly said "Look we all want him to face jail. The thing none of us want is for Alecia to have to go through a court case, as he will try and tear her apart."


    That drew a number of nods from around the room, and Hou Yi continued "I think you know about this Tan, but Anna when we spoke to Alister suggested something whiches from her Australian''s experience as the way to structure the penalty, but might get that idiot to agree. A sentence of at least thirty years, half of it to be served in prison, the difference between that fifty percent and two thirds of the sentence served by way of home detention before he is eligible for general release. But everything relies on him being of good behaviour. Any bad behaviour means that he cannot get out of jail or will go back, with additional jail time to be served without a chance of getting out before the end of the sentence."


    "That makes it easy for him," said Shark. "He will not pay for what he has done."


    "He will. We all know how much of a maniptor he is, and the deal with clearly spell out what will see him progress along. But more importantly he is likely to agree, as it gives him something of what he wants. What everyone else is saying is jail and jail only. You all need to think outside the box and look at what is more important. He needs his punishment and Alecia and his other victims do not need to deal with him in court."

 Chapter 656: Justice Coming Closer - Part 8

    <h4>656 Justice Coming Closer - Part 8</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    As Anna finished, she looked directly at James, who was nodding. James quietly said "Anna is right. Thest thing that Alecia needs to have to go into court to deal with him."


    Alecia overheard what Anna and James said, and lifted her head from his chest before turning and looking at everyone "You all want to figure out the penalty he should get viewing that it will help me. You all seem to be forgetting that nothing will take away what he did and the emotions I have to deal with each day. James gets that, as he must see it daily. Dad, Ton and Junior you always shut yourself off when I was hurting, now you want to see him punished. Let alone the rest of you."


    "Yes, I love you, but do you really think a penalty will take away all that hurt. It will not. But Anna is right thest thing I want to have to do is to face him in court. He tried to intimidate me at the birthday party, but Uncle Yi and Dad with James turned the tables on him there. Plus, since he has been charged, he was dragged everyone back and forth to court while purchasing his way out of most of the charges. How all you want me to go to court to satisfy what you want as a penalty." Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "No way do I want that. It achieves nothing for me, as I need to focus on me and moving forward with my life. I started that journey when I met James, and I need to continue it. The thing is in the end he is nothing, and letting the matter go back and forth in the courts only allows him to seem important. While I would love that he never gets out of jail to hurt someone like he has hurt me in the future, but a deal takes away his importance in the court proceedings. I need apromise not a sentence to satisfy what you all see as necessary."


    As Alecia reached the end of her speech, she knew that it had exhausted her, so she sagged back into James'' arms. James leant down, and quietly whispered "Are you sure you are OK?"


    Turning Alecia simply nodded. Despite everything, she knew everyone here loved her and wanted the best for her, but she wondered did her message get through. Yes, her thoughts were jumbled but hopefully the underlying message of getting a deal, so she did not have to see him got through.


    Everyone else in the room however was simply looking Alecia taking in her words. There were a few minutes of silence with no one knowing what to say. James, was staring at every one of them. Alecia did not need this, and he wanted to protect her from it, despite being realistic that he could not shield her from everything.? Their time in Australia had shielded both of them from the reality of the criminal situation here until now.


    Eventually, Lizard turned and spoke "Apologise Alecia. We want him in jail, but we should have realised ¡­"


    "Thank you, Uncle Lizard." Alecia said quietly.


    James added "Does everyone understand. We just want this over, as it is something we do not want to linger on."


    After a round of nods from everyone in the room, Alecia turned to King and said, "Now Uncle King, Dad when I arrived back gave me an envelope from you."


    Sheepishly King responded "Yes Princess, so ¡­"


    "Why in the world did you give me that? A small gift would have been appropriate, but the shares and the real estate that is too much."


    Ton and Junior sat there in shock. But before they would say anything King continued "Princess, you know that none of us have children, and while it might happen for some of us for others it will not. But meeting you, your brothers and father''s when you came to the neighbourhood changed our lives from where we were headed to where we have gotten. We have ensured that there is something for the three of you when you marry, provided the Bug and the Toff here find each of your spouse''s eptable. That is yours, and boys the same condition will apply for you."


    James realising that Anna wanted to argue, put his finger on her lips before saying "All we can do is say thank you, but can you please take care of it for us for the future." James, when they realised the gift had suggested to Anna that this was the best way to handle the gift, as based on what she had told him about them he knew they would not ept the gift back.


    The discussion however soon drifted off to more pleasant matters before about an hourter everyone decided to leave and head home. On the way back to the apartment, James turned and said, "That was an experience."


    "At least it was pleasant James. The first time Tan introduced me to them, I believe the triplets were two of three they scared me to death. Despite business issue, for Tan they are true friends," replied Anna.


    As they chatted the trip back to the building quickly passed before they each headed to their apartments.

 Chapter 657: Christmas Plans or Christmas Pains? - Part 1

    <h4>657 Christmas ns or Christmas Pains? - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday


    On entering the hospital for her appointment with the obstetrician Anna turned to Hou Yi and said "I cannot believe you. You let me, forget about ensuring my siblings and the children had Christmas Presents and then you go behind my back and arrange then without telling me.? Then you let me panic before you tell me what you have done."


    "Anna, sweetheart. Before they returned James called me and asked did, we want him to arrange for Christmas Presents for everyone, so you did not have to have then sent.? I just gave him money to buy them.? I figured that this was the best option otherwise we would have to arrange and get them to everyone which may have been problematic."


    "You took my fun away. I love going shopping for the children especially at this time of year, now I cannot."


    Hou Yi observed that Anna had a sulking pouting look and could not help butugh.


    "What in the world are youughing at, hubby?" There was an angry but somewhatughing tone behind Anna''s words.


    "Sweetheart, you look like a child that has had their favourite toy taken away. While Christmas is not big here, there are still people you can buy for. Your brother, Alecia, Tan, Amanda, the boys, my family and Jodie and her husband. And remember next year we will have our own children that you can spoil to your hearts content."


    With that, Hou Yi leant down and gave Anna a brief kiss.? They were interrupted by a voice "I though you got enough of that at home. And you are going to be parents soon."


    Anna pulled away, turning before saying "You brat, baby brother. I do not know why I put up with you."


    Teasingly James responded, "Because you love me, that is why."


    "I am annoyed with you. You conspired with Yi and spoilt my Christmas fun. And by the way why are you here?"


    "Spoiling your Christmas Fun. Never, I just helped organise a few things beforeing here. Alecia and I were shopping for everyone or Christmas so doing your shopping why would it matter. At least this year there will be no going overboard with presents."


    "Brat"ughed Anna.


    "But I am your baby brother brat, so you cannot disown me. And by the way I am here for two reasons. Yi asked me toe along, in case you get news you do not like, but also to see if there is anything medically your obstetrician wants looked out for and afterwards I have a meeting with the head of nursing about potentially a job."


    "So, you intend to nurse in a hospital?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "Just looking at my options sis. Alecia has said that she will support my decision, but I have not decided. Even your husband has offered me a position as a nurse in thepany run employee clinic. I just need to explore what is options are open before I make a decision." After a brief pause James continued "Now we need to get you to this appointment, so do not keep dying."


    The three of them, under the watch of the bodyguards headed to the obstetrician''s office. As they arrived they were greeted by a member of staff and after a practice nurse took Anna''s observations they shown into an office, but with an apology offered as the obstetrician had been with another patient who had given birth overnight and he would be a few more minutes before he would be back.


    Sitting chatting among themselves, James realised that Anna, at about just over six months pregnant was extremely frustrated, particrly at her favourite time of year Christmas, being so far from everyone. Since he had been back James had observed how tired Anna was getting. Yes, she loved work and wanted to be there but at the same time the question had to be asked about how much it was in her interests to continue to work.


    Despite not being a qualified midwife, he remembered his cement work in maternity and more importantly the lectures Rosemary had given him before returning about what to look for. Damn her, she would when she came out around a month before Anna''s due date make her life a misery, but at the same time Anna would need a friendly face with her. Despite his qualifications that was something he did not want to do, as in the end Anna was still his sister and her giving birth was images he did not want to see.


    The other thing, and this was something he would have to quietly talk to Hou Yi, and his father-inw is the uing anniversary that Alecia had to get through. That would be a difficult day.

 Chapter 658: Christmas Plans or Christmas Pains? - Part 2

    <h4>658 Christmas ns or Christmas Pains? - Part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Before James could say anything to Anna or Hou Hi the door opened and he heard "CEO and Madam Hou, I have to apologise for beingte¡­"


    The words from whoever entered suddenly stopped when James realised, he must have been observed. Hou Yi spoke up "Doctor, this is my brother-inw, James Jones."


    "CEO Hou you know that I have my patients and their spouses in my offices."


    James now was feeling somewhat incensed at thements "Doctor, I am a qualified nurse. I asked my sister and brother-inw to bring me along as I needed to talk to you."


    Looking at the doctor, James realised that there was a level of shock across his face, so James continued "I guess you are surprised that I am a male nurse. I have just finished my nursing degree in Australia and obtained my registration there. My wife is from here so we have moved here so she can be with her family."


    After James spoke again, the level of shock seemed toe from the doctors face "Apologise. It is rare to see a male nurse¡­"


    Anna frustrated wanted to get this appointment over, and decided to speak. "Come on gentleman, we are here for a reason ¡­"


    "Sorry Madam Hou. Just let me review your test results and observations." With that the doctor turned to theputer on his desk, and after a couple of minutes said "Everything seems fine Madam Hou ¡­"


    "Excuse me doctor, but my sister will not say anything, and I suspect my brother-inw will keep silent simply to please her. I am a medical professional and I will not simply to keep my sister happy risk her health nor that of her baby. I am aware that you have already restricted her work hours, to three days per week plus another that she can work on charitable work. But I have observed her extremely tired and exhausted, stressed and somewhat out of breath at times. She had childhood asthma, but I do not think it is that."


    Hearing this the obstetrician shot a look at Anna, before continuing "Madam Hou why did you not say anything?"


    Anna, angry with James, shot him a look as if to say just you wait, before saying "Doctor, I am not overdoing it. I have been working to finalise a few things so that I can lighten my load. The matters areplicated and maybe that is why I am somewhat stressed¡­"


    "Madam Hou, I am going to cut you down working by half a day a week, but you will being in each week, and I am slowly going to cut down your working hours before you have to stop. I have gathered for you working is important, but we will not be risking your health. And, CEO Hou, Mr Jones if you feel that there are any issues, please call my office and let me know. Plus, CEO I will send my report to your Human Resources Department."


    "But¡­"


    "Madam Hou, there will be no arguing. I have always made it clear that your pregnancy is risky, and I will do what is necessary to protect you and your child, even if that is not what you want. Now I do have to chase you our as I am already behind seeing patients today and unlike most of them you have a nurse around to support you if there is an issue."


    Anna shot James another look but the three of them stood up and left the office. As they made their way downstairs, Anna turned to James and said "You b*stard. You are my brother and you told the doctor that. You know how hard I have worked to get my career and you want to ruin it."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "Grow up Anna. You are soon to be a mother, and presently you are not looking after yourself. You have Yi wrapped around your finger and despite him being aware of thepany policy he will not deny you anything. If I have to be the bad one, I will be, but you will thank me for it, as otherwise I will call Rosemary and you know she will be worse than me."


    "That is not fair threatening me with her."


    "Anna it is not a threat it is a promise. Now get yourself out of here. I have an appointment with the head of nursing, but Yi, can Ie and see youter?"


    "Not a problem. Come up when you arrive."

 Chapter 659: Christmas Plans or Christmas Pains? - Part 3

    <h4>659 Christmas ns or Christmas Pains? - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Heading in the opposite direction to Hou Yi and Anna who were leaving to head to Hou Enterprises, James asked reception for the directions to the director of nursing''s office. When he arrived, there was a young woman on duty outside, who was surprised to see a young man asking to speak to her boss.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    A few minutester the door of the director''s office opened, and James was quickly ushered in. Siting as directed when the door was shut James said, "Thank you for taking the time to see me."


    "Mr Jones, it is my pleasure. Yes, your brother-inw might have forced the rmendation with the head of medical services for me to see you, but after I had your information and was able to verify it.? I can easily say I have no issues. You are clearly a well-qualified nurse, despite having only just graduated and we cannot pass up the opportunity to meet someone who would easily fit within the hospital. Do you have an idea about specialisation?"


    "As to specialisation no. At this point of time in my career me intention was to spend a couple of years working as a general nurse before making that decision."


    The conversation turned to discussions of a potential job position for James, and at the end of the conversation that followed for the next half an hour James thanked the Director of Nursing before leaving the hospital. James knew his decision and decided that he needed to speak to Alecia firstly. Before heading to Hou Enterprises he firstly headed to XF International.


    Before he arrived, given what had happened the first time he went to Hou Enterprises he called Yao Tan to smooth his way into the building. Yao Tan promised him that he would see that he was brought to his office and arrange for Alecia to be there so they could talk.


    On entering XF International James headed to the reception area and said, "My name is James Jones, CEO Yao is expecting me."


    The receptionist who had just gotten off the telephone from the CEO''s office, said "Please wait a minute sir. Someone will be here from the CEO''s office."


    James just moved to one side, and a minute or soter an elevator door opened and out stepped Yan Tan, who immediately came over to James before embracing him in a hug. He turned to the reception desk, and quietly said "Please take note. This is my son-inw. If hees in, he is to immediately be shown to my office or whoever he requests to see."


    As they turned to head to return to Yao Tan''s office, they both over heard someone on the reception desk say "I thought CEO Yao''s daughter was only seventeen, and she is married to that hunk? You have to be kidding me."


    As they entered the elevator Yao Tan turned and said, "Do not worry, I will have Alecia help you shut them up when you leave."


    "Thank you."


    The rest of the trip to Yao Tan''s office was in silence, and as they entered Alecia threw herself into James'' arms and gave him a kiss. While wanting to be indulgent to his daughter Yao Tan decided to y the heavy father and boss with his daughter "This is uneptable Behaviour at work Alecia."


    Pulling back, Alecia said "Daddy, we are in your office with the door shut and you allowed me toe here so do notin."


    Jamesughed at his wife''sments, and slipped out of his arms, seeing that there was a couch, and sat down, before saying "Thank you, dad. I actually wanted to talk to the two of you about something before I talk to anyone else."


    Yao Tan observed the look on James'' face and realised that his son-inw had decided about his career at this point in time. It was difficult to determine what that would be. He just hoped that it was a decision was something that he could live with. His wife was still not willing to quit working at Hou Enterprises particrly as his father-inw, his Vice-CEO, was doing everything to prevent her from joining the Legal Department. Thest thing he wanted is for his son-inw also to work there. Yes, he was Hou Yi''s brother-inw but he did not need Hou Yi to gather his family around him. At least his daughter knew the right thing.


    Alecia turned and said "You have made a decision about a job? Are you certain?"


    "I have. I have spoken to several the hospitals that both you, sir and my brother-inw contacted. They all offered me a job, those with a VIP ward there or in a general ward. It all was interesting, but ¡­"

 Chapter 660: Christmas Plans or Christmas Pains? - Part 4

    <h4>660 Christmas ns or Christmas Pains? - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    "It is not what you really want?"pleted Yao Tan. "You want the certainty of being at home rather than nursing shift work?"


    James responded looking between his wife and father-inw. "True. I knew when I started studying; shift work would be part of my career, so it was never an issue for me.? Now I have wife I have to consider, plus I am in a new country where English is not the firstnguage.? Yes, I have been undergoing anguage crash course, and I canmunicate better than even I expected, I still have a long way to go.? Let alone dealing with the technical side of nursing in anguage that no one would im that I am fluent in.? That could be critical in a hospital situation when I may have to deal with people who do not speak English or in an emergency.? That could be a disaster for the patient.


    "So, you are looking at Uncle Yi''s offer?" quietly questioned Alecia.


    "If neither of you object. It appears to be the right job for me at this exact point in time, and it would mean that I would generally have normal working hours, with the asionalte night or weekend."


    Yao Tan, frustrated, looked at James and remarked "You know I find it concerning that he has my wife working for Yi as she is worried about what my father-inw would do if she worked within our legal department, and now it looks like my son-inw working for him."


    "Daddy, that is unfair," responded Alecia in a somewhat whining tone.? Both Yao Tan and James looked at her and burst outughing given the look on her face.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    James leant over and gave her a brief kiss on the cheek before whispering "It will be alright.? He is only stating the obvious."


    Alecia, blushing at the affection James was demonstrating in front of her father, cleared her throats and said "Daddy, I already know from talking to people since I have started here that you are looking to emte the idea that Uncle Yi has for a medical treatment system for staff of thepany.? Ask him how long it has taken him and Hou Enterprises to get to the point that they are now recruiting staff.? That is the time you would need to start the same thing here.? And think about it in the future, James would have the experience in working for Uncle Yi and could in the futuree here as a senior staff member when you do have it running."


    Yao Tan knew Alecia was right.? He knew that Hou Enterprises started preliminary nning for the medical facility for staff over eight years ago, firstly having to sell the idea to staff before the serious regtory nning steps were taken.? It was not onlying to fruition under Hou Yi''s direction.? If he did the same here at XF International, it would take at least five or six years to reach the same point.


    After pausing Yao Tan said, "It is your career James, but I want your promise that you will consider when we get our simr facility up and running properly here that you wille and work at XF International. I would prefer my son-inw working for me rather than his brother-inw in the long term."


    James looked at Alecia who nodded and said, "I can promise you that." After another short pause he asked, "What is this about some pre-Christmas charity function tonight?"


    Yao Tan knew more about this than Alecia, so quickly jumped in. "The various local children''s charities have picked up on the Western idea of Christmas and over thest few years have held a joint fundraising auction prior to Christmas.? They auction various gifts, experiences and services that have been donated.? Last year we arranged for a walk on role for the sessful bidder in a show that our entertainment division was producing.? Like everything donated, despite not being hugely valuable in and of itself, but everyone bids like anything for the items making the night a big sess. ?In addition to the auction, everyone who attends is asked to bring small gifts for boys and girls in the age ranges for babies; up to three-year-old; four to six-year-old; six to nine-year-old; ten to thirteen year old and fourteen to eighteen. Nothing expensive, as they are usually children in dire financial situations but something to make them feel special at this time of year. So, are you going toe? "

 Chapter 661: Christmas Plans or Christmas Pains - Part 5

    <h4>661 Christmas ns or Christmas Pains - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Nodding to Yao Tan, James turned to Alecia and said, "I guess I will need to go shopping for those gifts then Alecia?"


    "Can you?? I had totally forgotten about it until Dad mentioned it yesterday as I was leaving work."


    "Not a problem." James leant over and gave Alecia another brief kiss on the cheek before adding "I better head over to Hou Enterprises to finalise the arrangements with Yi so I can do that shopping."


    As he went to left, he firstly shook Yao Tan''s hand and Yao Tan turned and said "Alecia show your husband out before heading back to your work. The girls on reception decided to voice their opinion about you not deserving someone like James. I will wavepany policy for you to show them."


    Grinning, Alecia turned and took James hand as they walked out. She had only been here days, and every time she came in and out the reception staff decided that she was someone to target.? Being her father''s daughter, she knew full well that she could not fight back to damage the familypany as it allowed her to get this job in the first ce. However, there was no way that they should be allowed to covert her husband, and her father was giving her permission to deal with that immediately.? "Thank you, Daddy."


    As they exited the elevator reaching the building lobby James still had a good grasp on Alecia''s hand. As they reached the reception desk, Alecia stopped and gently pulled James hand. He immediately turned around, knowing full well that his wife was ready to y some games. "Darling, I do not know how you convinced dad ¡­"


    "Sweetheart it was you. Now I must get going and you need to head back to work. Being the boss''s daughter does not get you a free pass to spend time with me. I would love it if would as there are plenty of ces, we could go¡­"


    "Get your mind out of the gutter." Alecia grabbed James face, and he allowed her to pull it down for a passionate kiss. James cooperated as he missed being easily able to do this with his wife. Reluctantly he pulled back and Alecia said "Being the boss''s daughter does allow me to kiss my beloved in the building. By the way, if I could I would go with you."


    Laughing she stepped out of James'' reach with a cute look on his face that drewughs from James, before he said "Just you wait until tonight then¡­"


    "I cannot wait. Now go."


    James stepped closer to Alecia and gave her a brief kiss before saying "Goodbye" and turning to exit the building.


    As James was leaving, Alecia turned and looked at the reception staff and said, "What are you looking at?"


    One staff member had the guts to say, "Little girl you could not have such a hunk, leave him be for women who know what he wants."


    "Really? You have no idea, and you want to try and break up my marriage. How long do you think you will have a job here is you hurt the CEO''s daughter or his son-inw," came a sarcastic response from Alecia.? "You have no hope at trying to get him. Leave him be or I will be saying something to people¡­"


    The same woman could not help herself "Let the games begin little girl. I always get what I want, and I will win. You have no skill or idea about keeping a man like that. He needs me."


    "Fine, trash. You have no hope. My husband loves me, has given up a life toe here for me, and let me be realistic he has already told me that when we have children in the future, if I want to continue to work he is willing to be the stay-at home parent for them. You think he will leave me, dream on."


    Alecia turned and headed back to her cubby hole, while sending a text to her father about what happened. She hated going to her father for every little issue, but this was about the image that thepany would present to the world.? Those women, had no reason to covert her husband, and she would use the power as the CEO''s daughter she had to bring them into line.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬

 Chapter 662: Christmas Plans or Christmas Pains? - Part 6

    <h4>662 Christmas ns or Christmas Pains? - Part 6</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Twenty-five minutes after leaving XF International James was being shown into Hou Yi''s office. As he entered James saw a worried look on Yi''s face, and all he could do was ask "Yi, what is it?"


    That shook Hou Yi out of the thoughts he had. He paused and turned to James "I have to tell Anna something."


    "What is it? Why are you concerned?"


    Hou Yi paused before answering "James, there is something Anna and I had not said, as it really did not worry any of you. You knew Lu Jinho married Yang Lin?"


    "Anna told me about it."


    "Well Yang Lin was about two months pregnant at the time."


    "That cheating b*stard."


    "Yang Lin gave birth to twin girlsst night. It has been announced by her family, and I need to tell Anna about it before she hears it from someone else."


    "Call her and get her up here so we can tell her. I can talk to you about what I need to after she has settled and gone."


    Hou Yi picked up his phone and called Anna. His call was answered by Jodie who indicated Anna was on a teleconference with ANX which would be about another hour before it ends. She confirmed as soon as the teleconference was ended, she would have Annee up.


    After ending the call Hou Yi said "James she is on a call and will be a while. What did you want to talk to me about?"


    "I have made my decision about what I want to do work wise, and Alecia is OK with it."


    "You decided which hospital you want to work at. Who do I need to call?"


    "Your human resources department. I will take the offer of a job here if it still avable."


    "You are sure? You are not settling?"


    "Yi, I know you offered it in part to me because I am your brother-inw, but as I realised in speaking to the hospitals while I have the technical skills, and they may be better than much of the staff employed in various hospitals I am still struggling with the technicalnguage despite the leaps and bounds in mynguage development. That will be dangerous in an emergency. The job, as you offered it to me will not have those risks and based on what you have told me it will be generally in line with Alecia''s hours and study."


    "Given you are sure, let me make a call."


    With that Hou Yi telephoned the Human Resources Director asking him toe to his office, as well as via email requesting Assistant Wang get the Medical Director of the staff medical facility here.


    Within ten minutes both were in Hou Yi''s office, and some twenty minutester the procedures were allpleted for James''s position. As Hou Yi''s phone rang, James and the Medical Director were talking through the practicalities as to James'' position while the Human Resources Director was leaving his office.


    Five minutester Anna arrived up at Hou Yi''s office, and observing that this was the Lady Boss, the medical director excused himself, inviting James toe in during the next couple of days for them to further talk and sort out his roster.


    Anna, as the door shut, turned to James before saying "You decided to take the job offer?"


    "Absolutely Sis. While I have had a real crash course in thenguage and can hold most conversations in the medical field I struggle technically. I would be a risk to patients in a hospital setting in an emergency. Here, however that is not going to be a real issue. Plus, more importantly, I can keep an eye on you ensuring you behave." James had a smirk on his face when he finished.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "Bite me James ¡­"


    "No, you can bite your husband that sounds disgusting for me to do it."


    Hou Yi watching then banter between his wife and brother-inw knew that despite how much they loved each other they were being childish. "Come on you two, or do I need to find a babysitter for you being as childish as you are."


    Anna and James turned around and together said "Get a life, and get use to it," before bursting outughing.

 Chapter 663: Christmas Plans or Christmas Pains? - Part 7

    <h4>663 Christmas ns or Christmas Pains? - Part 7</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Anna turned looking at James and Hou Yi before saying "Seriously, why am I here. I have a lot to do given my working hours have been cut."


    "A few things. We have that charity event tonight ¡­"


    "Speaking of that Yi, where is the best ce I can buy gifts for it. I only found out about itst night and neither Alecia nor I have done anything."


    "I will get Assistant Wang to line up a personal shopper to help you at M Mall with that."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "Thanks."


    "My darling husband," came a sugary response "Do you really want the whale I will be in a maternity dress to go?"


    "Stop being silly Anna, you will look fine. Plus, Phillipa and her parents are here for Christmas. They had this nned before her grandfather died and decided to still follow through with it as it will be thest chance they have."


    "When did you find out?"


    "I received a message from her about an hour ago confirming that they would be there. Now to get to the more serious matter. Given how annoyed with me you were about the Christmas presents, I figured I neededpany to tell you something else ¡­"


    "You better not want to ruin my Christmas or ¡­"


    James, knowing how important Christmas was to Anna responded, "You better not Yi. If you are, let me know as I am leaving."


    "Calm down," responded Hou Yiughing. "Between the Yao family, my family and those seven idiots we always have a big Christmas. It started out for the triplet''s sake to give them normality where we put everything else aside, but it now is an excuse for a quiet day together. This year it will be at the ancestral home, but before you go out running to buy gifts for each other the rule is the triplets can get a gift, and then you buy a gender-neutral gift for what I understand you all call a Kris-Kringle. The Triplets gifts can be no more than 150 US dors and the Kris Kringle gift no more than 50 US dors. We always work the value in US dors so that if we buy something in travelling the value is constant."


    "Party!" responded Anna.


    "To quote a Christmas Carol Yi ''You better watch out, you better not cry,'' with her behaviour. My darling sister is Christmas mad and you will have to cope with it."


    "Spoilsport."


    "Call me spoilsport all you like. Do you rememberst year? You had everyone awake at 4am, and by 10am we were all ready to kill you. You wanted presents open early and then were militant in what we did."


    Anna simply stuck out her tongue at James, and Hou Yi could not help himself but tough.


    After taking a deep breath, Hou Yi spoke "Seriously Anna, there is a more important thing I have to let you know. I heard that Yang Lin gave birth to twin girls overnight. I just thought you needed to know in case someone wanted to make an issue of it."


    James observed Anna, who despite having a look of sadness pass over her face due to that cheating ex said "Well, we are less than three months before we have our child. Why would I worry about their children, when ours is more important? At least we have our heads held high, our baby was conceived when we were married, not while cheating on our partner. But we better be nice and send a small gift. Take the high moral ground."


    Hou Yi nodded, and Anna quickly said, "I better get back to my office, so I can finish on time."


    When she left James turned and said, "That turned out better than I expected."


    "James, you know your sister, I am betting she went back to her office and is crying. Go enjoy your day and we will see you tonight. Just let me deal with your sister as she will otherwise hide how she is feeling."


    The two of them left Hou Yi''s office, James stopping to speak to Assistant Wang, who was making the shopping arrangements for him, and Hou Yi who headed to the legal Department. As he exited the elevator, he walked past everyone trying to get his attention and headed straight to Anna''s office. When he could see into Anna''s office, he observed that he was right and walked straight in and gathered Anna into his arms, ignoring Jodie who had been trying tofort her telling her everything would be alright.

 Chapter 664: Christmas Plans or Christmas Pains? - Part 8

    <h4>664 Christmas ns or Christmas Pains? - Part 8</h4>


    Wednesday, continued¡­


    When she stopped crying she said "Yi, I know it is selfish to think about only me, but knowing they have not had issues with a pregnancy, and two children when we both know that one of our babies will not survive past a couple of days."


    Wiping the tears on Anna''s face Hou Yi said "Anna, my love.? Do not worry about them."


    Turning and looking at Hou Yi Anna responded "I should be grateful for their actions, as I would not be as happy as I am now.? You know you and our children will be my life, but the consequences of his cheating and what he did still hurt, and that is something that will not go away."


    Giving her a kiss Hou Ye responded "Hurting you is something he never deserves to be forgiven for, but we have to remember we would not have what we have had and our bright future without what they did, let alone the maniption of my father and grandfather."


    "I forgot about that¡­"


    "Those two told me a couple of weeks ago, they never nned to give over thepany to anyone.? All they wanted me to do was to look out for my personal life and be open to finding the woman I would love and marry.? When they told me that I wanted to kill them, but they were right.? All I had done was focus on thepany to the detriment of my personal life.? Their gambit made me open to looking at it.? It was due to their actions that when I met you, I knew what I wanted.? But we have talked about the dilemma I faced and what my choice did.? In respecting your rtionship, it caused you to suffer unnecessarily."


    "Yi, when we met, I was not only still blind to my rtionship I would never have given you a chance.? We would not have what we have now, so do not me yourself for anything.? It was all part of some mastern to get us to where we are and to appreciate each and everything we have."


    Anna paused, and wrapped her arms around Hou Yi''s neck pulling him down for a kiss.? They both forgot that they were in Anna''s office and passionately kissed each other for a few minutes, before Anna pulled back struggling for breath before saying "I wish we were in your office as we could disappear into your apartment space and take this a bit further¡­"


    Laughing Hou Yi responded "Anna, I do not know what to say."


    "You will spoil me now and always into the future, as you love me so much."


    "True, but I know that will be a two-way street."


    Anna, paused, looking at her husband with the deep love she knew she had for him shining in her eyes, before saying "Now get back to your office.? We both have a lot to deal with before tonight."


    Chuckling Hou Yi stood up and headed out of Anna''s office saying, "See youter my love."


    Later that Night, at the Charity dinner, Anna was deep in discussions with James and Alecia about Christmas when she had a tap on the shoulder.? As she turned around, she noticed it was Phillipa and her parents and she squealed "It is so good to see you," before giving her a hug.


    Phillip responded "Based on what your husband told me I expected to see you in a corner in tears?? Yet here you are happy about life."


    "Why would I not be happy.? I have a husband who loves me, and I love back, and we are expecting our first child.? My past, is that, but we are dealing with it as we both know it will be with us forever, but at the same time it has gotten us to each other."


    "What a change in attitude, Anna."


    Nodding Anna introduced Phillipa and her parents to James and Alecia.? Watching the shock on James'' face was well worth having not pre-warned him about the titles Phillipa and Lady Amelia held.


    Phillipa, after seeing the look on James'' face added "Your sister is only trying to get at both of us.? Petty revenge for me letting their Royal Highnesses corner her at my grandfather''s funeral."


    "Nothing allows me revenge for that mydy," responded Anna dropping into a curtsey.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Lady Amelia added "Forget about it.? This is likely to be thest Christmas we can really rx.? We were going to canceling but my father left a letter telling me toe and enjoy Christmas here this year as things change in the years toe."


    The six of them stood chatting until Hou Yi, Amanda and Yao Tan came over to join them and they headed inside for the dinner and charity auction.

 Chapter 665: We have no choice - Part 1

    <h4>665 We have no choice - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday


    Sitting in the Study, having slipped away from Lu Jingho Jane Gang sat pondering the wealth of evidence that had been given to them Friday afternoon.? While she just about had everything, she could use to discredit Lu Jinhu''s statement and the video footage the National Prosecutors provided more damning evidence that had onlye into their hands in the previous week.


    They had anticipated the gambit about analysis of the video footage, and their expertsbined with a further statement from Lu Jinhu was able to deal with the one issue that they could raise with it.? But even worse was the other statements obtained.? Firstly, from hotel staff that confirmed his slipping away from the function and the length of time he was absent.? However, the worst piece of evidence was the statement from the one person Lu Jingho had always reassured her that would not turn against him.


    Having spent Friday afternoon, and to prevent the distractions of the fun activities at the Mansion even Saturday working to try and figure out how to deal with this, Jane hade to the conclusion that she had no option but to rmend to Lu Jingho to strike a deal on all the charges quickly.? That was confirmed with discussions yesterday with other members of the team.? The worst one to deal with, naturally was the senior partner, as he wanted s*xual activities in his office before agreeing to discuss anything.? However, his conclusion was the same as everyone else.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    As hiswyer, she always had to ensure that she could achieve the best oue for her client.? That meant she had to rmend to him that he strike a deal as quickly as possible on the matters.? While that went against her instincts as awyer her ultimate responsibility always is to look after the best interests of the client.? Striking that deal would ensure the minimisation of any jail time let along any other penalties for him, and that was in his best interests.


    The oue of that professional decision, as she knew would have personal impacts.? The oue was that sooner than she had nned she would have to forgo all the pleasures that her rtionship with Lu Jingho had given her or given her ess to.? But, at the same time it benefited her need for revenge with what happened to Belinda.? She could bring about the Lu''s financial destruction through triggering thepensation use in her registered rtionship agreement with Lu Jingho as soon as she wanted after his jailing.


    She always knew that that financial destruction would be a petty revenge for the damage Lu Jingho had done, but some revenge was better than nothing.? The only thing was to finalise the arrangements with David to the charity in Belinda''s name to manage the money and help people like her.


    As she was deep in thought Lu Jingho walked into his study and could observe that his lover who had abandoned their bed was not only deep in thought but troubled.? She had no reason to as they were in control of the situation and he would get what he wanted, freedom from the matters, and a pretty woman with a matching s*xual appetite as him in his bed and under his control for years toe.


    "Why did you leave.? You know we had ns to stay in bed for the day given you abandoned me yesterday."


    "Speaking of yesterday ..."


    "Forget it.? You were stuck dealing with matters rting to my case.? It should be a good Christmas as you have worked hard and we have gotten rid of so much, and the bulk of the rest of the charges will be thrown out."


    "Speaking of that, it may not be as simple as you think."


    "Jane it will be.? You know we have the evidence to show that all this is a conspiracy against me, and that so-called evidence from my son can be discredited.? All that leaves are a few minor matters, and none of them have any significant penalties attached."


    Jane was frustrated.? Lu Jingho did not take the hint that there was a looming disaster in the case.? "Sit down.? I need to be serious for a few minutes.? You either need to listen to me and ept what I have to say, or I have to call some of the other members of the team. We spend most of Friday and all of yesterday getting to the point of this rmendation."


    "That you want me to sue Hou Yi and Hou Corporation.? Bring it on.? He deserves to go down, and I will get what I always should have had."


    "No."

 Chapter 666: We have no choice - Part 2

    <h4>666 We have no choice - Part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued...


    Exasperated, Jane paused and said "We have to be serious, but I think we need to wait until I have someone else from the firm here because we otherwise will go in circles.? More importantly, you need to have your lovely wife join us for the meeting as what I have to say will impact her as well.? Give me say two hours to have someone here."Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Lu Jingho, having not only heard the sharp no from his lover was worried about what was to happen.? "Fine, make the call but I need something from you before the meeting."


    Fully understanding what he wanted, and realising that she needed it as well, Jane made a quick telephone call while Lu Jingho made the arrangements with his wife.? When he returned to the study and on hearing the door shut, Jane turned around, quickly dropping the dress she was wearing to the ground before moving over and freeing Lu Jingho''s erect p*nis from his pants and taking it into his mouth.? Quickly bring him to the point he e*acted in her mouth was heaven.? She needed that.


    Coming down off his peak, from Janes cleaver mouth, Lu Jingho picked her up and took her over to the desk where he sat her andmenced caressing her body while kissing her, arousing her and using his mouth to enable her to reach her peak before he was ready to thrust into her.


    As Jane came down from the pleasure that Lu Jingho''s actions had given her, she looked at a clock and realised that they only had twenty minutes before people would arrive for this meeting.? Slipping down off the desk, she picked up her clothes, and headed out the door saying "We only have about twenty minutes.? I am going for a quick shower, and I suggest you do the same while someone gives the study a quick clean for this meeting."


    As she left the study, Jane gave the direction to the staff members waiting around, and hurried upstairs to her so-called assigned room and slipped into the en-suite to quickly bathe and change before returning downstairs five minutes before the scheduled meeting.? Just as she settled back into the study to look at the documents, she was disrupted by the staff advising of the threewyers she had requestede to the Vi for this meeting.


    On them being shown in, seeing that she had the opportunity to speak quietly Jane said as soon as the door was closed "Gentleman, this will be the most difficult task with this case.? I have already attempted to exin the situation to Mr Lu, but he has his own views.? He will not take the blunt assessment we reached yesterday when reviewing everything that the National Prosecutors dumped on us."


    Feeling brave one responded, "So you want us for backup."


    "Actually no.? I need you to exin the conclusion we reached, and I will then support it.? I have worked out that there are ways to tackle this situation, and this is the way here.? Now, between the three of you work out who will be the person to speak, as the Lu''s will be here any minute."


    Jane tuned out from the chatter, and as the door opened and the Lu''s walked in, she noticed the three of them had made an agreement.? Knowing protocol, the three of them introduced themselves, and paused until the Lu''s had sat down on the couch.


    Jane nodded, and the elected male spokesman, said "Mister and Madam Lu, Friday we received a whole package of evidence in rtion to the matters against you Mister Lu, which changes things dramatically.? The authorities, when we questioned them about the matters involving you Madam Lu said that these are not priority, and we can therefore continue to slowly resolve matters."


    Lu Jingho, hearing this had a worried look pass across his face.? Jane had attempted to tell him something earlier and he was more worried about their private rtionship rather than business.? Before he could say anything, his wife asked, "What is it?"


    Having received the question needed, the spokesperson walked the two of them through the material and the conclusions they had drawn over the next thirty minutes or so.? Jane added "We have no choice, given all of this to rmend a plea to everything and striking a deal that will get you out as soon as possible.? It is obvious that the prosecution authorities want to see you locked up for life.?? That we can avoid, but only with a deal."


    Lu Jingho sat there stunned.

 Chapter 667: We have no choice - Part 3

    <h4>667 We have no choice - Part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued...


    Lu Jingho could not believe who had turned on him.? They were about saving themselves rather than staying quite to protect all of them.? Those rats, they deserved everything that woulde their way.? "No damn way am I going to pay for their lies.? I do not deserve to go to jail."


    Taking the professional route Jane said "Mister Lu, fifteen of us assessed this Friday and yesterday and reached the same conclusion.? Fighting, with this evidence makes it impossible to defeat the charges in any short time frame.? To discredit them all it will take years, which is time we do not have."


    "That is not what I want to here," spat out Lu Jingho.? There is no way he would plead to anything as he knew he did not deserve jail.


    Jane could see the argument that was about to happen.? It was one that they had previously, and it always ended up the same.? "Let me put this another way.? We have A, B, C, D and E all providing evidence about a specific incident.? On that incident we may be able to discredit A and E, but not able to do anything about B, C and D on that matter, but have discredited them with respect to other matters.? The problem will be on the incident the evidence of A, B, C, D and E will all be epted."


    "They are discredited, therefore how can I fail."


    Shaking her head, Jane moved over and whispered "Remember the deal.? You get what you want, but in doing that you have to agree with what I propose on the case."


    She moved back, and added "Mister Lu, we have to be realistic.? The time to discredit all the witnesses will take us at least three of four years to gather every piece that we need.? We have a few months only.? We could only discredit a few witnesses, but the other witnesses would rehabilitate them as their evidence will be consistent with that we cannot."


    "And before you ask, we may be able to get a couple of months dy in the hearing, but not the time we need.? Then you have the additional risks that contesting the matter gives you.? The court can impose each sentence on top of each other, giving you no chance to get out.? Negotiation, to get multiple matters covered in the one charge, and as to the sentence will minimise the time and ensure that you get out of jail.? We can push as to how the sentence is served, and we will have sentences that will run together not one after another."


    "Mister Lu, Miss Gang is correct.? Yesterday, the conclusion everywyer that reviewed the material indicated that fighting will now guarantee you spend the remainder of your life in jail.? Negotiation will result in a sentence that sees you free at some time.? The only thing will be how that sentence is to be served.? That is the question we could not resolve, as we concluded that it would be just as likely that you would serve the sentence in jail as it would be by home detention," responded one of the malewyers.


    Defeated, Lu Jingho slumped on the couch, before saying "So your advice is deal, to give me a prospect of some normal life at the end of the sentence?"


    Jane responded, in a defeated tone as well "Yes.? We know it is not what you want but bncing out getting out of jail at some point in time against never getting out, we all believe you would take the former rather than thetter."


    Lu Jingho, quietly said "I guess I have no choice, just get me the deal that ensures I spend as little time in prison and most of my sentence is home detention." He motioned to Jane, and as she bent over, he whispered, "You used them?"Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    Jane responded "Absolutely, you were not willing to listen to me, so I had to use them to get you to understand the reality of the situation.? You owe them something today.? Before you ask all are single, and I would suggest that you send them for a treat for a few hours to the shop as a treat and arrange for girls for them."


    Lu Jingho nodded, and picking up on the signals Madam Lu said, "Miss Gang, I know you are the mainwyer for my husband, but I would appreciate if I could get your help to arrange for tea for everyone."


    Jane nodded and followed her out the door.? As they shut the door, they could hear Lu Jingho say "Gentleman, Miss Gang has said that I owe you foring here on a Sunday, particrly given what you did yesterday.? She correctly identified that I was not willing to listen to what she had to say, and I needed a reality check.? I know that you will receive your wages, but I need to give you something else as an extra treat."


    Lu Jingho put up his hand to prevent any of them saying anything, and continued "You can say no, but if you would like there is a certain shop here in town that is exempted from the normalws regarding s*xual activities.? You do not have to go, but if you would like a treat I can arrange for you to ess their services for a few hours as a means to say thank you.? But if you opt not to take that, I can arrange something else."


    The three of them looked at each other.? They had all heard rumours from wealthy clients of a particr s*x shop where thew as to s*xual activities never applied, and now they were being offered the opportunity to get into the fabled private area.? Who would forgo that opportunity?? Together they said, "We will take that offer."

 Chapter 668: Their Christmas Mirical - Part 1

    <h4>668 Their Christmas Mirical - Part 1</h4>


    Monday


    Anna was awoken from a deep sleep when Hou Yi''s mobile rang. She sat there and heard Hou Yi say "Alister we will be there in a couple of hours. I will let James and Alecia know, but you need to call CEO Yao and the others you represent."


    When Hou Yi hung up on the call, he quietly said to Anna "Can you let James and Alecia know that we have been requested to be present at the court in a couple of hours."


    "Could we be looking at a Christmas Miracle?"


    "I am hoping, but Alister indicated that the National Prosecutors are giving nothing away."


    "Fine I will call James and Alecia." After pausing Anna turned and said "Did you not have a meeting this morning? Someoneing from Country Y?"


    "I am going to have to reschedule that meeting. Chester Yao representing Jax Corp, and before you ask, he is not rted to Tan, travelled here for the meeting today.? I hate to do this to him as his partner, who previously survived cancer has had it return and I did not like asking him to travel here in the first ce.? Now, make that call and hurry into the shower.? I will call him and exin the situation."


    Anna nodded, and picked up her phone and called James who responded when he eventually answered, "Darling sister, you better have a good reason for the call, or you are dead."


    "Shut up you idiot. We just received a call from Alister Nang asking all of us to be at the courthouse in a couple of hours. Good enough reason?"


    "If that b*stard is pleading guilty it is. Call us when you are ready to leave."


    "Will do," and with that Anna hung up.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    As she ended the call, Anna heard Yi on his call "Chester, I am not trying to get out of this meeting. You know we want to resolve the deal with Jax Corp, but I have no choice. We have been requested to be at court in a couple of hours ¡­"


    After a pause, Hou Yi continued as Anna was heading into the walk-in robe "It is that matter. We have no choice. As I have no idea how long this is going to take, we need to reschedule this in the new year, but I wille to you.? I remember you telling me your sister has just returned from years overseas and with Phillip''s cancer diagnosis let me make one of ourpany jets avable to take you home, so you are there for Christmas."


    Hou Yi looked up and observed Anna walking into the en-suite, and after hearing Chester Yao, he continued "OK, let us put everything on hold. I wille to you in the new year, say the third?"


    Another pause, and he said "OK, got that. I will let my assistant know and see you then. Tell your brother Andrew and do not deny it your boyfriend Phillip I will take you out for meal once we finish the deal."


    After Chester ended the call, Hou Yi put his phone down and headed to the walk-in robe. He was hopeful that what they were all hoping was the case. Twenty minutester Anna came out of the en-suite and Hou Yi as he was heading in told Anna to arrange for a quick breakfast for them so they could get going to the courthouse provided Alecia and James were ready.


    Anna alerted Butler Ge as to their breakfast needs and as she heard Hou Yi switch off the shower, Anna called James and alerted them that they would be about twenty minutes to head with Anna confirming that she would call him as they were getting in the elevator.


    Twenty-five minutester, Anna and Hou Yi met James and Alecia waiting for them. They climbed into the two waiting cars and headed to the courthouse arriving forty-five minutester. Given thete call, there was little media waiting outside the courthouse and they were quickly escorted into the courthouse where Alister took them into the room where Yan Tan and Amanda were waiting for them.


    As soon as the door was shut, Yao Tan turned and said, "Why in the world have we been brought here Alister?"


    "CEO and Madam Yao, CEO and Madam Hou, Miss Alecia and Mr Jones, I received a call from the National Prosecutors and a deal has been done. Before you arrived, they briefed me on the penalty My Lu has agreed to, but the condition on this was as many victims as possible were at court to sign off on the deal. Between all thewyers were arranged eighty percent of all victims and those who were not avable are in the process of being spoken to by telephone."


    James, immediately asked "So, do not keep us in suspense, what is the penalty?"

 Chapter 669: Their Christmas Mirical - Part 2

    <h4>669 Their Christmas Mirical - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    Alister looked directly to James and then around the room, before saying "Mr Jones, you are quite blunt."


    "I am still learning thenguage, but I know enough to understand what is happening. However, my sister is awyer, and I know all the games they y. Not do not beat around and tell us what the penalty is. It is Christmas and we want to be anywhere but here."


    After talking a breath, Alister decided he had no option but go through everything. Thest thing that he wanted to do was do this, but in the end, there was no option.


    "The penalty he has agreed to isplicated, but in the end the National Prosecutors determined that there needed to be some measure of individual justice attached to the charges, as well as an overall penalty."


    Realising that they were being messed around, Hou Yi snapped "Alister, we do not need to know the intricacies of what the situation is. I am guessing that there will be some jail time involved with the charges we are the victims, but what is the overall sentence? It is Christmas and we do not want to be here too long."


    Alister had to pause and reorder his thoughts. In his mind he had worked out a speech to give to everyone and given that he was being cut off he had to quickly rethink. "In the end the overall penalties imposed are a fifty million fine, an amount of one hundred thousand per victim paid aspensation, a ban of five years once released from prison in acting as apany director but aplete ban from any role at Lu Corporation.? The finalponent is jail time."


    "Overall the sentence is thirty-five years in prison. He must serve a minimum of seventeen years in prison before, and this is on the basis that he is of good behaviour, he can serve the next six years by way of home detention.? The remaining time is to be served in themunity but on the proviso that if he is not of good behaviour, he will return to jail for the bnce of the sentence." Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬


    "It waste afternoon, yesterday, when his team approached the National Prosecutors for a deal.? Normally the timing would not matter, but as the courts this time of year close for two weeks, as a result of the discussions the National Prosecutors contacted the presiding judge for guidance on a plea as to what would generally be eptable, given Lu Jingho''s team were pressing for only a sentence of home detention."


    "Apparently, the Judge was blunt and said that a deal had to include at least seventeen years jail time and involved a minimum sentence of thirty-five years.? As part of indicating that, he told the prosecutors to make it clear that if he took the matter all the wat to the contested case and was convicted, he would receive a life sentence with no chance of release."


    "My information was, less than an hour after that was ryed his legal team contact the National Prosecutors with the proposal but added a couple of provisos.? Firstly about the victims being here to sign off on the deal, not just their legal representatives and secondly that the jail sentencemences after Christmas to allow him to spend a Christmas with his baby granddaughters."


    There was, a few seconds silence around the room, before Alecia spoke "You know, I actually feel if everyone is getting some justice with that sentence. While I would like to see him spend thirty-five years in jail, a deal means that I do not have to have the whole situation and my new life dragged through the legal system.? The other victims will have the same relief.? Regarding Christmas, that does not worry me, as this will be the only Christmas he can freely spend with the child while Christmas has its magic."


    There was nods around the room, before Alister said "OK, so is everyone happy to sign the agreement?"


    A chorus of yeses came around the room, and Alister handed a summary page with space for the necessary signatures. Once it was signed, he turned and said "The judge apparently will have the victims present in thergest court room and address everyone before going into the court room where Lu Jingho and confirming the sentence before releasing a summary of the verdict to the media. Just wait here and once we know when he wants to speak to the victims, I wille and get you to go into the court room."


    Alister turned and left. Once the door was shut, Alecia quietly said "You know we have gotten a Christmas Miracle. I thought we would end up at a trial, but this result is one of the best Christmas presents any of us could receive. He will be out of our lives for years toe."

 Chapter 670: A Christmas Gift - Part 1

    <h4>670 A Christmas Gift - Part 1</h4>


    Tuesday


    Hou Yi was woken up with a loud bang in their suite and turned on a bedside light noticing that it was only 5:30am, and that the light was on in their walk-in robe. He quickly got up and walked to the robe, and saw Anna surrounded by a box and immediately asked "Are you OK. What has happened?"


    Anna justughed. It was Christmas Day and she wanted to make the most of it, being the first Christmas with Hou Yi, and their only Christmas without a child.


    "Yi, I am just getting ready for our Christmas celebrations. We have to enjoy the day."


    Hou Yi simply groaned realising that James was right. This was going to be one painful day, with Anna in full Christmas mode and hence his warning from James not to let her call them before 10am.


    "Anna, sweethearte back to bed. We still have most of the day, and you forget that Christmas tends not to be as important here for everyone as it is in Australia¡­"


    "NOT important, Hou Yi you better change that view, Christmas will be important." Yelled Anna.


    Hou Yi winced at the sound of his wife''s voice. Christmas was important, but thest thing he wanted if Anna to decide that she had to disturb everyone and ruin the surprise that he and James had arranged.


    "Anna ¡­" came Hou Yi quietly


    "Do not Anna me, husband, you better change that attitude." Interrupted Anna still angry.


    "How about apromise sweetheart. It is not even 6am. Come back to bed for a couple of hours, please. As most of the staff have young families I arranged for us to have a brunch at 10.30am to allow them to spend the early part of the morning with their family.? They will also prepare a light dinner for us to re-heat after we return from the ancestral home, where we are due between 1pm and 2pm for ate lunch.? How can we ruin Christmas for the staff?"


    "Fine," responded a dejected Anna pouting after replying, but she headed back to their bed. Hou Yi, before turning to leave, reached into where his underwear was, and snuck out the first of many little Christmas gifts he had for Anna, a one-off bead that Pandora made for him after paying a fortune for it. Most people would thing that it was nothing and that he should have spent a fortune on a piece at Fengs.


    Despite the money he spent at Fengs and other top end jewellery stores even on his travels, for jewellery for Anna, most of it remained unworn in the safe. ?All she wore was the pendant and earrings matching her rings, a simply couple of chains, a pendant with her birthstone and matching earrings, pearls, her watch and most importantly her Pandora bracelets, most importantly their bracelet. Making her happy and it being something she wanted was the most important thing.


    As he returned to their bed, he said "Sweetheart can you close your eyes and hold out your hand?"


    Anna turned and looked directly at him and noticed a slight sly smile on his face so opted to cooperate. Once Anna hadplied with his request, Hou Yi sat down on the side of the bed, and ced the small box containing the bead in her hand saying "Merry Christmas my darling. This is the first of our lifetime."


    Feeling the box ced in her hands, Anna opened her eyes, and opened it before being greeted with a bead for her bracelet. Stunned, Anna simply opened her mouth. For thest few weeks he had been trying to convince her to go to Fengs to pick out pieces of jewellery, but the sneak, he picked something perfect for Christmas. Suddenly tears started toe from her eyes.


    Hou Yi, shocked as his wife was crying, failed to pick up how happy she was and simply gathered her in his arms, rubbing her back before asking "What is wrong? I am sorry I upset you?"


    Anna realised that he misread the situation. Damn it, he was great at business, but he would at times misread her feelings. How contrary he was. Pulling back slightly Anna responded "Darling, it is perfect, you know me too well. I have never seen a bead like this."


    Looking at Anna in her eyes, Hou Yi responded "You had me worried for a minute. As to the bead, I contacted thepany who own Pandora and the finally, after a lot of persuasion agreed to make this one-off bead for you"


    Carefully cing the box on the bedside table, Anna reached up with both hands and gave Hou Yi a kiss. Mindful of what the obstetrician told them during thest visit, Hou Yi gently pulled back, and carefully moved around the bed, before hopping back in and gathering Anna in his arms, before returning her kiss, and saying "Let us go back to sleep."


    Anna snuggled in his arms and quickly drifted back to sleep, with Hou Yi watching her. He was just happy he convinced her to return to bed andid down beside her, drifting back to sleep himself.

 Chapter 671: A Christmas Gift - Part 2

    <h4>671 A Christmas Gift - Part 2</h4>


    Tuesday, continued ¡­


    The next thing either of them knew was that there was a knock on the door, and they heard Butler Ge call out "Young Master, Young Madam it is 9:45am, when you told me young master to wake you."


    Once they stirred from their sleep, Hou Yi called out "Thank you Butler Ge, we will be down in about forty-five minutes." With that they both got out of bed got ready and headed downstairs. As they arrived in the dining room, they were greeted by James and Alecia, with James calling out "Merry Christmas."


    Anna looked between James and Hou Yi realising that these two had something nned. Pouring Anna an orange juice, Hou Yi said "I have something for you, sweethearte with me," before turning and heading back out of the dining room towards the cinema room. Anna followed with James and Alecia behind her. As they entered the Cinema Room, Anna noticed that the television was on, and it appeared it was set out for something.


    Hou Yi was over with the technology and despite not being able to see the screen Anna could see he was doing something. Anna stood there watching him, rather than paying attention to the screen, which soon to James and Alecia changed to show the link to the Media Room that had been set up in Anna and Hou Yi''s house on the farm just before they returned. In the room the two of them could see the children and they held their finger over their mouth to give them a message to be quiet. Surprisingly they all sat quietly, and no sound could be heard.


    When Hou Yi stood up from being hunched over the technology, James and Alecia took their fingers away from their mouth, and all the children yelled out to Anna, who still had her back to them "Merry Christmas Aunty Anna."


    Hearing this Anna turned around, and saw that her siblings, their spouses, her nieces and nephews and even her father were all in the one room, before hearing Ben yell out "So we have the Christmas Queen stunned. If we had known it was this easy to have you quiet on Christmas Day, we would have done this years ago."


    Adam added "True, it would have meant much more peaceful Christmas."


    One of her nephews, and Anna could not work out which one added "But Aunty Anna makes Christmas fun."


    Anna sat down on a chair, and simply looked at the screen. Her husband, brother and Alecia had pulled off another Christmas surprise. She had realised on going to bedst night that it would not be the same this year at Christmas, but those three and everyone back in Australia simply made her day. Yes, she was a third of the world away, but seeing everyone made her feel like she was there.


    All Anna could do was respond "Merry Christmas."


    That was enough to start a long conversation, and Hou Yi, quietly moved to the door and called Butler Ge for him, as arranged to serve their brunch here so that they could eat while talking to Anna''s family. Almost an hourter, after having a st interacting with everyone, everyone in Australia indicated that they needed to get moving so they could visit their inws.


    Once the tele-call ended, Anna turned and said "You three, how in the world¡­"


    Alecia turned "Anna, Uncle Yi has the money to help do this, but we wanted to do something special for you, and in respect it also is for James since neither of you are in Australia with your siblings for Christmas. This, you will remember more than a gift, you love your family, even your mother despite what she likes and her refusal to be there. We simply asked everyone to help."


    A couple of tears slipped from Anna''s eyes and the firstly gave James and then Alecia a hug, before giving Hou Yi and hug and kiss. "Thank you, it was perfect."


    Alecia nodded, and James quietly said "Sorry, we have to leave, we agreed to spend the afternoon with Alecia''s family. Enjoy your day Anna."


    James and Alecia quietly exited the Cinema room after the connection was turned off, and Hou Yi turned to Anna "Are you happy with that surprise?"


    "I cannot believe it.? That has made my day, being able to see and talk to them."


    "I figured it would, nowe on we need to head off to the ancestral home for the arranged family Christmas with everyone.? You will enjoy yourself."


    Anna nodded, and as they left the Cinema Room, Butler Ge was there with Anna''s handbag, and Hou Yi''s wallet and phone. After wishing the staff Merry Christmas and sending them on their way, they headed to the Ancestral home for the afternoon before returning home.

 Chapter 672: A Christmas Gift - Part 3

    <h4>672 A Christmas Gift - Part 3</h4>


    Tuesday, continued...


    Having made her excuses with Lu Jingho, who was making the most of thest few days of freedom by spending it with his newborn granddaughters, Jane was driven to the care facility and told the driver to head home and she would eventually make her way back to the vi.


    Yesterday after court had been a reality check for the Lu''s, particrly Lu Jingho when the consequences of what had happened at court.? She, however, was in two minds about the sentence.


    Walking inside the facility, she headed towards the rear of the main building to head to David''s home.? As she exited the door, David was waiting for her.? After giving her a hug he said, "What was your excuse foring here?"


    "I told Lu Jingho that my client''s family were refusing to visit him for Christmas, and I said I woulde.? He still has no idea about the situation.? But I think today ¡­"


    "The reality of yesterday and his impending imprisonment along with his newborn grandchildren are his focus today."


    "True.? He did not care what I was doing."


    "Jane, my parents havee for a quick visit.? You know they spend the day with my sister and her children, but always stop by to check on me.? When they heard you wereing they decided to wait to see you."


    "But you know we still need to talk?"


    "Absolutely, we will once they have gone."


    Quietly the two of thempleted the walk to David''s home and as soon as she entered the room Jane was pulled into a hug.? "Jane, sweetheart¡­"


    "Mum, Dad, let me breath," responded Janeughing as she pulled back.? Ever since the death of her parents, Jane realised that her only parents would be the couple who should have been Belinda''s parents-inw.


    They all headed into the lounge and sat down, went a staff member brought them in cups of tea and a light snack.? Before Jane knew it, the questions started to be fired at her.? "Why did you represent that man who killed Belinda?"


    "Mum, Dad, I have a job.? As much as it pains me to have done it, as awyer I cannot let my personal feelings dictate my work.? But I promise you in the new year I will visit you to talk about it, because it is something I do not what to talk about today.? Let us talk about more pleasant things."


    "I actually agree with Jane, Mum and Dad.? I see you so little and let us just enjoy the time before you head back to finish spoiling my nieces and nephews."


    Having clearly deflected the conversation away, David and Jane spoke to his parents for thirty minutes before they indicated that the needed to leave.? Once they were gone, David dismissed the staff for the bnce of the day, and he and Jane settled to talk.


    "Truthfully Jane, how do you feel about the whole situation?"


    "Conflicted.? In some respects, I do not want him jailed¡­"


    "As you want the s*xual life that he gives you.? Jane, I know you too well and could tell this would be an issue."


    "True.? But at the same time, that has, despite being pleasurable, always been my secondary objective."


    Hearing Jane pause, David said "Your problem is that professionally you regret where the case went and would not have gone forward with the deal if you could have avoided it but want to bring him down financially."


    "How in the world¡­?"


    "As I said, I know you well little sister.? Knowing you so well, I have gotten that charitable body set up to deal with the money when you are ready to act.? I agree ruining him financially will be good to see, but in doing that work I have found out someone else has been working to bring him down as well."


    "What!? You said nothing?"


    "Jane, it would have coloured your legal judgement.? When I found out who was acting, I spoke to them about the situation¡­"


    "Who was it?"


    "Hou Yi.? And before you say anything in talking to him and looking at what has happened with the case, I believe him.? He started acting behind the scenes to deal with Lu Jingho for his wife.? He is not stupid, and as acted in a way that has undermined Lu Corporation and the flow of money through making legitimate business decisions.? He is not an astute businessman for nothing.? As he told me the businesses linked to the illegal activities that he uncovered with his investigations, he knew they would be dealt with in this case.? The funny thing was he told me about the background of the conflict between the families.? Given what I understand from my parents about what Lu Jingho was like as a young man, viewing the family staff were his s*xual toys to use and abuse the conflict makes sense."


    "What!"


    David sat and exined in depth the conversation he had with Hou Yi.? By the end Jane realised to a point that Lu Jingho had manipted her in terms of her view about Hou Yi and his wife.


    After some small talk about other matters, David said "When are you going to use the agreement to get your financial revenge?? What will you do when you do?"


    "I will wait a few weeks for him to settle into the prison system, but in the meantime, I am going to move to a new ce, this time in my birth name rather than my adoptive name, making it a little harder for people to locate me. ?I will leave the firm and take some time to think about what I want to do."


    "Promise me you will take that time."


    "I will." Nothing the time, Jane said "I need to leave, but when I act I will let you know."

 Chapter 673: One Final Trip - Part 1

    <h4>673 One Final Trip - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday


    Hou Yi turned to Anna, and quietly said "Anna, I have a trip to make tomorrow to County Y. It is only for twenty-four hours, and when we had the appointment with your obstetricianst week, he indicated that it would be OK if you wanted toe, as the flight will only be about an hour."


    Anna paused and realised that even in the twelve days since Christmas things had changed. Her appointmentst week with the obstetrician saw her work hours reduced to two days, with an hour reduction of her charitable work hours to half a day a week. She was also informed that she could only work for three more weeks in total before having to go onto maternity leave.


    Thement that she made to Hou Yi as they left was this would drive her insane, but as Hou Yi told her it was only for a few months, and when she was ready she could go back to work, but more importantly she could work with the designer and make the final decisions for the finishes for their Vi. As Anna realised it was something and while Hou Yi as using it as a way make her not feel as frustrated, getting everything right for their home would be perfect. Yes, the apartment was home, but in the end, it was Hou Yi''s home first, not their home until she was able to re-decorate it. The Vi would be their home from the start.


    Anna turned and said "Sounds like a good idea. I am guessing there will be some opportunities for shopping?"


    "Have you been talking to my mother and aunt?"


    "Well I need some new clothes, and I want to pick a few things up for the baby."


    "There will be. Chester Yao''s sister Lexi is a designed and she has returned to continue her business there. I will give him a call and see if she could help you out."


    "Absolutely, given that I am only in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday''s at the moment, it sounds like a good idea."


    "OK sweetheart," said Hou Yi giving Anna a brief kiss before continuing "Let me make a couple of calls. I was going to leave early in the morning, but how about we head off this afternoon, and you can rx when we arrive, and we will return tomorrow night."


    Anna nodded, and headed out of the room, asking Butler Ge to pack clothes for the two of them for a couple of days away.


    Three hourster, as they sat down in the ne and belted in for the flight, Anna, leaned her head onto Hou Yi''s shoulder and drifted off to sleep before they even took off Anna was asleep. Hou Yi wondered if in fact this was a wise decision, however the obstetrician indicated that it was OK.


    He had quietly told Hou Yi Anna would need a few distractions as she was so use to working full time, and being restricted without these would stress her out.? That was something he reminded Hou Yi needed to be avoided as much as possible, particrly as the obstetrician informed me, if her stress levels did not reduce she would likely head intobour early.


    After that discussion he had to call Rosemary and tell her what the obstetrician was saying. Rosemary due to Anna''s pre-arranged birthing n had been speaking regrly to the obstetrician and there she said that they had already made ns as to when she woulde across.


    As the pilot was getting ready to descend into City K, Anna suddenly woke up, and it was obvious to Hou Yi as she awoke that she was full of energy. Once theynded the immigration officials from Country Y boarded and their immigration procedures were quickly finalised. Hou Yi, to Anna''s surprise handed over both her new passport from Country X and her Australian Passport. She hadpletely forgotten that since her return from Phillipa''s grandfather''s funeral she had her new passport issued.


    Quickly they were whisked to their hotel in the centre of City K, apanied by the bodyguards that they had brought. On being shown into their suite at the hotel, Hou Yi turned to Anna and said "I hate tond this on you, but given we are going to head back tomorrow after I finish all the meetings and you are done with shopping, Chester suggested that we have dinner tonight. We have been invited to the Yao Family Vi, as apparently the family are safety concerned as Lexi was kidnapped just over a week ago. She was quickly recovered, but they are not going out of a night-time for safety reasons. Chester said dinner was casual and stressed no dressing up."


    Anna nodded, and quickly went into her case and found a change of clothes before heading into the bathroom, leaving Hou Yi standing there. He decided to confirm the dinner arrangements with Chester.

 Chapter 674: One Final Trip - Part 2

    <h4>674 One Final Trip - Part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued¡­


    Ny minutester, Anna and Hou Yi arrived at the Yao Family Vi. Anna quickly realised that the Vi, like the Hou Ancestral Home was in an area of City K where the elites lived.? As they descended from the car, both Hou Yi and Anna were shocked to see what clearly appeared to be a military vehicle sitting among the cars in toe forecourt.


    Anna turned and asked, "Is someone in the Yao Family in the military?"


    Hou Yi said "There are three Yao siblings. Chester, the oldest, heads Jax Corp''s entertainment division. You might remember he was the head of the delegation that you and Alecia met for us in Hong Kong. The middle sibling Andrew is the CEO of Jax Corp. Before you ask, Chester never wanted to be the CEO, and Andrew did."


    "Lexi is the youngest and only daughter of the family.? As I told you is a fashion designer. She was married and widowed at a very young age and has a young son. ?From what Chester has informed me, she was not able to cope from the death of her husband, a few weeks after her son died.? Chester assumed custody of him, allowing Lexi, who at the time of his death was only eighteen, to study and start her career.? I understand she was regrly back visiting her son but returned home around six months ago."


    "As far as I know neither Andrew nor Lexi are married.? Chester is gay.? When he was younger in ordance with family expectations he married, but he divorced his wife a few years ago.? I only met her once and calling her a witch is being extremely polite. The love of Chester''s life is his childhood friend Phillip Rong, the CEO of JL International. Phillip''s brother is in the army, but as far as I know he was disowned by his family when he joined the military and has never been back.? Phillip, Chester let me know has recently been re-diagnosed with cancer."


    "That is good information to know."


    As they were shown into a room where three men where.? Once she recognized and based on what Yi had told her she realised this was Chester Yao.? With him were two other men. ?One had some simr features to Chester, which Anna presumed was his brother Andrew, and another man, who appeared unwell andbined with Chester''s reactions Anna guessed he was Phillip Rong, they heard yelling and a crash. This caused all three men to wince.


    The next thing both Anna and Hou Yi heard was "Matthew Rong, you might be a colonel in the military, but you have no right to interfere in my life. Get out of here before I have you thrown out and arrested by the police," followed by another crash.


    Chester walked over, and after shaking Hou Yi''s hand and kissing Anna, said "Apologies, Lexi has just been told something that she does not want to hear. She is so used to being in control of her life, and this has taken it from her. I just pity Matthew presently, as he is the one in the firing line as he had to tell her."


    After another crash, a military officer walked into the room. Anna saw that as soon as he spotted her and Hou Yi the already tense man, tensed up further. Andrew responded "Matthewe in."


    "Phillip, Chester, Andrew, I was hoping to stay, but Lexi is not getting what the situation is. She has no choice and Phillip, your friend the president, can confirm that to any of you. She is trying to argue against thew of thend. While my superiors are willing for her to live here, at my vi or at my on-base amodations, due to her attitude, I am only giving her thest two choices.? Two of my staff will be here to apany her soon."


    He took a deep breath and continued "John already knows about the situation and when she called him before he told her the police cannot interfere. If she tries to go to any other location other than those three or our Family Vi Phillip, her studio, Dominic''s school or your offices during the day, all her choices will be removed, and she will be taken to my on-base amodations. And the three of you know¡­"


    "We cannot interfere. You have told us that repeatedly in thest week and a half, brother and we will not. Just remember Lexi presently hates you as of it all."


    "Phillip, I know, but she has to get her head around things." There was a brief pause, and he turned to Anna and Hou Yi and said "I have to apologise for interrupting your greeting everyone CEO and Madam Hou. I had nned to stay but things have changed." With that Matthew Rong turned and left the room and they quickly heard the military vehicle start up.

 Chapter 675: One Final Trip - Part 3

    <h4>675 One Final Trip - Part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued¡­


    Hou Yi turned looking at all three men, before Chester turned and said "Do not worry. Lexi forgets her past and what she and Matthew had nned.? None of us knew about this until just recently.? But as we have told her in thest week and a half, she cannot change things, so she must get use to her new reality.? She does not want to face that and the three of us have decided that we will not interfere."


    "Plus, at the moment I do not need the stress of those two," chipped in Phillip Rong.


    Something clicked for Hou Yi. Thew here in Country Y with respect to marriages for military members was different to that for everyone else. Any staff they sent to this country were soundly briefed as to how marriages could ur for different ranks and the consequences of causing trouble that impacts on the marriage of a military member. "A military marriage?"


    "I knew you were not dumb. That is why I sent Chester here to see you just before Christmas,"


    Andrew said. "Now apologies Madam Hou in your condition we should not have you standing."


    Just after they had sat down and handed drinks, in stormed a woman, who Anna immediately determined had to be Lexi Yao. She had more feminine features that had simrities to her brothers.


    Not observing Anna and Hou Yi were there she angrily said "You three, you are not doing your job and protecting me from that maniac. He keeps insisting that we are married, I have no options, I cannot get a divorce unless he agrees and that I can only go to limited ces, or I will be detained on the military base. He is a liar, and you all know I want nothing to do with him. I will see youter as I am heading home, and if he tries anything I am, I hate to say it my brothers, leaving the country. He will not mess up my life."


    All Andrew and Chester could do was shake their heads, so it was left to Phillip to respond "Lexi, calm down. I spoke to President Dong yesterday to rify the situation.? What Matthew has told you the absolute truth. I would guess your name is already gged at immigration so trying to leave is impossible. Calm down. I will try and convince Matthew that you can stay at my vi as well as the other options you have been given. Thest thing any of us want is for you to be forced onto the military base."


    "Your brother can go to hell Phillip. I love you, and you are the best thing for my brother, but his time in the military has made him arrogant, demanding and controlling and he has no right to control me."


    Sighing Andrew said "Lexi, Phillip is right calm down. And I think you need to apologise to our guests."


    At that moment Lexi noticed Anna and Hou Yi in the room and had the grace to blush recognising the scene that she had created. One thing her parents had always drummed into her was not to cause a scene in front of visitors, and she had done that. "My apologies for that¡­" and she then squealed observing that Anna was pregnant, before turning to her brothers "And you did not tell me that she was pregnant. You idiots."


    "Well Lexi we asked you could you help her shop tomorrow, and by the way that is an approved activity" which saw a dark look pass over Lexi''s face "and you said that you would take the wife of our guest shopping while we were talking business. You cannot back out now."


    Before any response could not happen, they were all called into dinner, and as Anna and Hou Yi followed the Yao siblings and Phillip Rong, they noticed two young military officers came into the house. Hou Yi leaned over "Lexi Yao is in for a hard time if she thinks that she can fight against this military marriage."


    Despite the turmoil before their dinner, the rest of the evening passed on well, before Hou Yi and Anna took their leave and headed back to their hotel.

 Chapter 676: One Final Trip - Part 4

    <h4>676 One Final Trip - Part 4</h4>


    Monday


    Anna apanied Hou Yi to Jax Corp where they were met by Andrew and Chester Yao in the foyer. Anna looked around, and saw Lexi running over to them. It was obvious she was angry but seemed to calm down somewhat when she came close to them.


    Lexi turned and said, "How many hours do we have for shopping you three?"


    Andrew responded "Be back here by three. No ditching the bodyguards at all Lexi, or your ability to do anything will be restricted, if not by Matthew by us. You know the dangers."


    After sticking her tongue out at Andrew Lexi said "Fine. Who is picking up¡­"


    Chester responded, "You know sister that is always arranged, calm down and go."


    Taking Anna''s hand Lexi pulled her away from the men, who headed into their series of business meetings. Having spoken to Hou Yi they had this morning worked through a few issues for the meeting Anna knew that this was for a shopping centre development here in City K. Yao Tan knew about the meeting and had signed off that he did not consider it to be part of the joint venture. Hou Yi promised her that he would call her if it became necessary during the meetings, but otherwise enjoy herself.


    Followed by her bodyguards, and a few new people who Anna assumed where the bodyguards assigned by Chester and Andrew Yao, they headed out and were soon in a convey of cars. Lexi turned to Anna, and said "I figured we would head to a shopping mall first, have lunch and as my design studio is closer to Jax Corp headquarters we could end up there before I have to have you back to Jax Corp given our curfew."


    Having picked up fromst night and this morning that Lexi needed someone to talk to Anna said, "Could we sit and have a drink before we do some shopping?"


    Lexi nodded, and when they arrived at the Shopping Mall, she quickly took Anna to a quite Coffee shop, where drinks were arranged, along with something to snack on. Anna turned and asked, "Are you OK?"


    "That is a question I should be asking you. I am guessing you are about seven months pregnant, and you came on a business trip with your husband. I remember when I was that far along. It was even a struggle to get out of bed, let alone do anything."


    Not remembering what Hou Yi had told her, Anna asked "You have a child?"


    "A son. He was only a few weeks old when my husband died, and I was not in a state of mind to care for him. Chester agreed to be his carer while I got myself together, and I left the country and headed to France here I studied design. I was back frequently to spend time with him, but I never felt like returning."


    "Around two years ago I was ready to return, but it took eighteen months to shift my business here and I returned permanently six months ago. Since then while I have been the main carer for my son, he spends part of his time with his Uncle Chester as Chester has always been the primary male figure in his life." Lexi paused, then continued "When are you due?"


    "In about two months. This is thest time I am going to be able to travel before I give birth, and before you ask, we decided not to know the sex of the baby. We want a surprise. Now, can you answer my question?"


    "You are determined. Cutting a long story short, just after Christmas, a group of us had a dinner where we found out Phillip''s younger brother Matthew had been posted to the military base here. He came with Phillip to the party, and towards the end of the night Phillip and Chester ditched us. Understandable as Phillip is having his third cancer battle, and they wanted to spend time together."


    "I agreed as my vi is near the vi Matthew was given by his grandparents to drop him home, as he did not have his adjunct nearby. We were kidnapped by terrorists and to protect me" Anna noticed when Lexi said protect me she used her hands to indicate that they were in quotation marks "he agreed to go through what I simply took as a sham marriage, after iming when we were kidnapped he was my fianc¨¦."


    "The joke was on me, as given the ceremony was performed by a religious minister licensed to perform marriage ceremonies and Matthew''s rank thew of thend despite the absence of any official paperwork considers us married and the paperwork waster issued. Thew here also says that for military marriages there are penalties for those who interfere with the marriages of military members and that the non-military spouse cannot get an official divorce without the approval of the military member. And there is more ¡­"

 Chapter 677: One Final Trip - Part 5

    <h4>677 One Final Trip - Part 5</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Realising that Lexi was getting angry, Anna put her hand on her arm and said "Forget about him for the moment. Let us enjoy the day, but my advice, is go with the flow. I was messed about by my ex, but in the end, it led me to the love of my life. You had that with your first husband," Anna saw a strange look that passed across Lexi''s face that made her wonder if that was the case but Anna understood that was a question she did not want to ask "and who know what your new marriage will bring. Plus, being nice can help you manipte him when you need."


    "Sneaky, you think like awyer"


    "I am one but let us have fun."


    Three hourster, Lexi and Anna were sitting in a restaurant having a light lunch when Anna''s phone rang. She immediately noticed the caller was Hou Yi. As she answered Anna said, "Checking up on me?"


    "Just seeing you are OK."


    "Worrywart, you have seen how much I have spent today already¡­"


    That brought a round ofughter from Hou Yi "It is nothing, you deserve it. Plus, it is fine, you do not do this often, unlike my mother and aunt ¡­"


    "Who you control. I know, that is getting old. And before you ask, we are having lunch before we head to Lexi''s studio. Everything OK?"


    "Now who is worrying. You know me and business."


    "Well get back to it. I want to go home as soon as you are finished."


    "Yes Sweetheart. Promise me though if you are too tired, you wille back here. Do not let Lexi bully you into anything."


    "Yi darling, when does anyone but you bully me into things." With that final retort, Anna hung up on Hou Yi before he could say anything.


    Lexi quietly said, "He is worried about you?"


    "Understandable. There have been a lot of things going on that have impacted me during this pregnancy, and I think that worries him."


    "We can head back if you want."


    "And give him the pleasure, let alone have your leash pulled for the day. Forget about it. I am quite willing, if it is not risky aiding and abetting you frustrating that arrogant husband of yours. It is fun messing with people who think they know everyone."


    Lexi saw a look in Anna''s eye that made her realise that if Matthew was in front of them, he soon would be brought down verbally by this seven-month pregnant woman. That would be something she would pay to see.


    "Come on then, let us head to the studio. I have a few things you might like there."


    Twenty minutester, they were in a small building Anna estimated was about five minutes'' drive from Jax Corp. As soon as Anna entered, she realised the seriousness of Lexi as a designed. On one wall was a photograph, which Anna remembered seeing in one of the shops in M Mall. After thinking for a few seconds Anna realised the name, LY "You own LY?"


    "That is my second baby. Hence why it took me eighteen months once I made the decision to return. Moving the design headquarters was an issue."


    "Damn, if I had known I would have ditched the mall and simplye here. I love your stuff and have a number of pieces in my wardrobe."


    "That is the praise that I like to hear. We have a new release of maternity wear clothing about to go out. Let us go and have a look if here is anything you would like." Lexi then motioned to Anna to follow her into an area where she was passed item after item.


    After ny minutes of trying on clothes Anna selected three pieces and when she offered to pay for them Lexi turned and said "Forget about it Anna. You have been here today to listen to me venting. I needed that today. Now I just have to work out how to handle the mess that is my life."


    "You know I am a call away if you need to talk. I need friends around me. Yes, I love my inws, who treat me better than in particr my mother ever did, and my brother and his wife also are near me, but they have her family as well. All the friends I have are a couple of co-workers, one of which is the mother-inw of my brother, and I would like to add you to that group."


    "Absolutely. Plus, you can help me work out how to deal with that so-called husband of mine. Deal?"


    Anna took a step in and hugged Lexi, before saying "Deal. Now you have to promise me that when I give birth you will be there."


    "With bells on. That idiot who wants to control me can go jump!" Looking at her watch, Lexi realised that they only had ten minutes to get back to Jax Corp otherwise her brothers will make one call which will literally send out the army.


    When they entered the foyer of Jax Corp, Chester and Andrew Yao along with Hou Yi were waiting for them. After farewells, Anna and Hou Yi left Jax Corp to head back to the airport and headed home.

 Chapter 678: Getting out of the job

    <h4>678 Getting out of the job</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Meanwhile, after Christmas closure of the firm Jane returned to the office tomence her full-time position here.? Walking into her office she wondered how long it would be until the partner''s determined to terminate her employment.? Would it be hours, days or weeks?


    Ten minutes after she arrived, there was a knock on the door and in walked her senior partner.? Having been taught by the Lu Jingho, Jane not only had jamming equipment, she had also located recording equipment that would still record despite her jamming equipment.? She knew she had to protect herself from whatever happened.


    As she turned on both pieces of equipment, the senior partner shut the door, Jane said "What can I do for you sir?"


    "You know your deal with me still applies¡­"


    "That is not something we will discuss here."


    "Do not tell me what I can discuss.? But, speaking of discussing things, along with the other senior partners we had a meeting over the weekend regarding legal staff¡­"


    "The decision was made to terminate my employment," came the resigned response from Jane. ?She knew that this would being within the firm.? Any given what she had to do with the senior partner sitting here simply to get and retain the lead on Lu Jingho''s case, despite even her own s*xual preferences it was the one thing she had not beenfortable with.


    "Most wanted to get rid of you, but as you are part of my group, they opted to leave your fate in this firm in my hands."


    With the senior partner pausing Jane observed the look on his face and knew what was about toe. ?He would require her, to keep the job, provide him with ongoing s*xual favours.? To keep representing Lu Jingho, she was happy to agree, as Lu Jingho was indulging her s*xual proclivities, but it never sat right with him.


    Continuing "Any Miss Gang given what you have done, anyone who is realistic would view that you are not suited to your position and there is not any more senior positions in the firm for you.? The obvious thing is that you should leave but I am quite willing to keep you on provided you satisfy my needs in my office."


    "Just to rify for myself, if I do not meet those needs or refuse to meet them in the future, you intend to terminate my employment?"


    "You have it correct. Those tastes that you and your now jailed lover have given me of your charms and what you can deliver to me are not going to be enough.? I need much more for you to keep your job."


    "So if I say no, how long do I have to leave?"


    "You are kidding me.? Your job will be terminated with immediate effect.? You only keep it if you perform whatever I demand of you s*xually whenever I demand it.? Get that through your pretty little head.? The only way women belong in thew is to service the men who work in it.? You manipted yourself into a position that you were not suited to, and you need to go back into your ce."


    Now ready to fire, Jane responded "Any you will be the one to put me there?"


    "Absolutely little girl and let me tell you it will be my absolute pleasure to do so.? Starting right here and now."


    With that he ripped open the blouse that Jane had on, before she could put her hands out to stop him.? Taking a couple of steps backwards, Jane pulled the torn blouse across her chest and said "Do you really want to go there.? My legally recognised lover has taught me well over thest couple of months¡­"


    Those few words made the senior partner pause, and look directly at Jane, who continued "And I have this all on film.? Your ckmail and threats, plus I know exactly where the footage and stills are of what has happened at the Lu Vi."


    "You b*tch."


    "Language sir.? Let me be realistic, if it had not been for the case, I would have left this firm a couple of months ago, because the misogynistic attitude of the males in this firm is shocking.? But let me tell you sir.? I will be leaving with a proper reference and it will be known that the reason for my leaving is that there is a mutual agreement that given Lu Jingho''s case the firm have determined that the opportunities for someone with my skills will not be avable in the firm.? You will authorise the bonus on the case for me as the seniorwyer and give me four months sry.? Refuse, sweetheart" now the tone was very sarcastic "refuse me and I will release all the material, totally ruining the firm while taking you and each of the partners for everything I can."


    The Senior partner looked directly at Jane and determined that she was serious with her threat.? There was no way he wanted that material to get out, as it would ruin him, the firm and his marriage.? With his shoulders slumping he responded "You have me cornered.? There is no way I want that material out¡­"


    "So, ¡­"


    "Your decision when you want to leave just let my secretary know." With that he turned and walked out of Jane''s office.? As the door shut, Jane could not believe how easy it was to ckmail her way out of the firm.? She sat and looked at a calendar to determine when she wanted to leave.? Her ns were to leave before she dropped the agreement bombshell on Lu Jingho, but now ¡­

 Chapter 679: Lu Jingho, my revenge

    <h4>679 Lu Jingho, my revenge</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    After pausing for a few minutes, Jane made the decision to leave at the end of the month and sent an email both to the Senior Partner and his secretary requesting an urgent meeting.? With the secretary present, the deal finalising her employment was quickly sorted.


    After dealing with a few matters, Jane headed to the prison where Lu Jingho was currently detained, with a detour via the Civil Administration Bureau to obtain a copy of their certified agreement.


    The prison authorities hated the two roles that she had with Lu Jingho, both as hiswyer and legally recognised lover as it made it impossible for them to refuse to allow her any type of visit.? She threw them, as she advised she wanted both a personal and legal visit.? After screening, they showed her into a room where Lu Jingho was quickly shown into after her.


    Jane stood up and moved towards her lover for a quick, passionate kiss before he pulled back and said "Why are you here?"


    "Two reasons, legal matters but they can wait.? More importantly¡­" With that Jane slipped her hands inside his pants and grabbed his p*nis, before slipping down the pants.? Since his jailing, Jane had missed the pleasure that he could give her and between the two of them they quickly stripped each other trailing their clothes across the room while they headed to the bed in the corner of the room.


    Aggressively Jane pushed Lu Jingho down onto the bed and leant over quickly kissing him down his chest before taking him p*nis into her mouth and started to pleasure him that way.? However, before he came in Jane''s mouth, Lu Jingho gently pulled her up before turning the tables and pushing her onto her back, before starting kissing and caressing down her body.


    As he moved down her body, Lu Jingho realised in the short time he had been here he had missed this.? The need for s*x with a willing beautiful your s*xual partner like Jane was amazing, and getting this relief so soon, he could not believe his luck as he had been informed by the authorities it would be at least three months before his wife could visit him for this.


    However, Jane was different.? They could not keep her out as she was hiswyer, and all they had to do was deal with some, even minor, legal matter Jane could have whatever type of visit she wanted.


    Neither of them could wait too long and less than ten minutester they both copsed on the bed having quickly reached their peak.? A couple of minutester Jane,ing down from her pleasure high, realised she had to make her move.? The firm''s fees had been paid, and while she liked this activity it was not her motive in the end.? Revenge for Belinda and her parents was the most important thing.? S*xual pleasure is something she could seek elsewhere, but revenge was not.


    She moved off the bed and dressed she heard Lu Jingho say "Come back and join me Jane."


    "We need to be serious for a bit of time.? You must remember that I have limited time.? Yes, they cannot watch or listen, but I have to deal with matters."


    "You have gotten out of that firm?"


    "Signed the deal today.? We predicted that he would push for more at the end of the case for me to keep the job¡­"


    "But you ckmailed him."


    "You taught me well there, so I have my deal to get out of there."


    "You have your ns?"


    "Absolutely.? I would have put up with the situation until I could get out of there, but I made sure I had everything right before I headed into the office.? I have to stay until the end of the month, and then I will leave, but I have gotten my bonuses and they have agreed to pay me four months sry when I depart.? They cannot badmouth me, but I have no restrictions on my ability to work."


    "So, what are your ns?"


    "Speaking of that, that I why I havee.? Once I leave, unless I have a position in another firm, I will not be yourwyer ¡­"


    "So that impacts your ability toe in."


    "It does, but that is not why I am here.? Did you remember properly reading the agreement before you signed it?"


    "I do.? Why?"


    "I went and got a couple of certified copy of the registered agreement from the Civil Administration Bureau.? Take one."


    Handing one, Jane picked her briefcase, and jacket while pushing the button to let the staff know she was ready to leave.? In a hard, cynical tone she said "I am terminating the agreement in ordance with its terms, sweetheart, and getting my payoff.? It will cost you big time and you deserve it for what you did to my family."


    Seeing the look on Lu Jingho''s face Jane said "You drove my sister to suicide for you abuse of her, forcing her to have an abortion and then refused the simple request of my parents to help bury them driving them to suicide ¡­"


    "Belinda¡­"


    "You now know who I am.? Enjoy your time here in prison, and just remember Karma alwayses back to bite you." Jane exited the door, leaving a stunned Lu Jingho in the room.

 Chapter 680: Reality of actions

    <h4>680 Reality of actions</h4>


    Monday, continued ¡­


    Inside the room, after Jane left, Lu Jingho sat at the desk, and started to read the document Jane provided him with.? Turning to the financial obligations within the document Lu Jingho realised that he was hit financially.? While the agreement provided that Jane got nothing if she ended the agreement, there was a provision that allowed her to get ten time the amount she would have received if he reached normal life expectancy for males plus four properties if he was jailed within the first three years of the agreement.


    The worst thing was he could not im he knew nothing as each of the financial uses were initialled and as he looked at thest use, it clearly stated that Jane had told him to get legal advice before signing and both him and his wife acknowledged that they knew this and signed without getting such advice.? That b*tch, she yed on his s*xual needs in her actions.


    Meanwhile after leaving the prison, Jane headed towards the Care Facility, calling David to see if he was in his office.? Forty-five minutester she was being shown into his office.


    Looking up David realised something was different "What is it?? What have you done?"


    "David do not worry.? Two things have happened today¡­"


    "You told Lu Jingho it was over, and you were taking your money?"


    "I have juste from the prison and have told him that.? Can you call thewyers you engaged for me to have them immediately enforce the agreement?"


    "That quick?"


    "It needs to happen that quick.? He cannot use my firm, as I am still an employee and that is a conflict.? I struck the deal to end my employment at the end of the month¡­"


    "I can tell that you are happy to be out of there."


    "Absolutely.? It is so toxic, that no woman would want to be employed there long term, and I only stuck it out as for all its faults as a legal firm there are few firms as good to have in your employment history.? I have the reason to get out of there without it looking bad, and I need to use it."


    "Let me make a call." With that David picked up the telephone and called the corporate legal firm that they used quickly advising them to act to enforce the agreement for Jane and get the money into their control for her.


    After ending the call David moved to the couch and sat down beside Jane.? "Are you certain in what you want to do?"


    "David, as I have exined to you, multiple times, since I took the decision to do this, it is not about the money for me, it is telling Lu Jingho and his family that money cannot protect you.? He used it to cause the harm to Belinda and my parents that he did, left me an orphan.? Taking that from him is karma."


    Jane looked at David and realised that he still had doubts about what she was doing.? "David, almost everything is going into the charity in Belinda''s name.? That money will be used to help and support vulnerable women, not only in the entertainment industry but wider.? All I am keeping for myself is the apartment that is one of the four properties that the agreement gives me, plus enough money to put proper headstones on my parent''s and Belinda''s graves.? I intend to sell the apartment, which is a penthouse, and buy something smaller.? The profit on the sale is the only thing I will keep."


    "But your career?"


    "David, A goodwyer will always be able to find something.? Whether it is working as awyer or in some other capacity that is the question.? Yes, I love thew, but being awyer does not define me.? My guess is that you will say that my s*xual preferences and the need to target Lu Jingho for revenge has.? That has shaped me, but you know that I care.? I have always found ways to volunteer and given money whenever I can.? Now, I just have ess to significant funds to do that.? My time will be still be there, but what otherwise happens with my life will simply happen.? Whether I stay or go in the end will only be something that I can figure out.? I have to give myself time to do that."


    "But¡­"


    "David do not worry.? You will always be my big brother, and I need that to be here.? You know I have never properly grieved for my parents and Belinda.? That is something I have to do, and maybe I can figure out what my life brings."


    The two of them simply sat talking in David''s office for another thirty minutes before Jane left and headed back to her apartment.

 Chapter 681: Someone elses revenge

    <h4>681 Someone else''s revenge</h4>


    Tuesday


    Anna awoke wrapped in the arms of her husband.? For her in that moment life was perfect, she had a husband who loved her and who she loved back, and they were expecting their first children.? Having spent the short time away as a break with Hou Yi was what she needed, given everything that had happened in thest few weeks. ?She had forgotten what taking thing easy with her husband was like.


    As she moved to head into the bathroom, Hou Yi''s mobile started to ring, and he quickly picked it up, saying "What?"


    Watching the emotions on his face, she wondered what the news that shocked him to the core was.? He quickly ended the call, and turned to Anna saying "You would not believe what has happened?"


    "Something to someone we care for?"


    "Absolutely not, but it will be pleasing to know."


    "You have me intrigued.? What is it?"


    "Jane Gang¡­"


    "What happened?"


    "You know the information I had, and we know that some of the sources were not properly legal, but we were aware that her agreement formalising the rtionship with Lu Jingho had an out use withrge financialpensation."


    "I remember, but¡­"


    "She triggered it yesterday and has engaged a legal firm to enforce the agreement.? You looked at it ¡­"


    "I did and it was watertight for her to get out given he is jail¡­"


    "True, but the interesting thing is what she has done, when it was announced.? She is asking for all the money and property that she is entitled to, but at the same time all she is keeping is a penthouse apartment and less than a million in cash.? The rest of the cash is going into a charitable trust to benefit the victims of violence.? What her intention seems to be is to use the trust to provide funding to various initiatives that already do the work."


    "I was hoping that she would do something like that, and not be¡­"


    "Totally irredeemable?"


    "True.? There was just something that always told me deep down, there was good in her and she has demonstrated that."


    Hou Yi looked at Anna, and saw something in her eyes indicating she was troubled.? "But you are not happy about his downfall?"


    "How did you know?"


    "I know you too well, my love.? I have the same thoughts."


    Hou Yi paused, then continued "You know I wanted to¡­"


    "Destroy him.? That has been obvious for months with all your business maneuvers.? But I know," with that Anna moved and gave Hou Yi a gentle kiss on the lips, and continued "that you wanted to physically hurt both him and Lu Jinhu for their actions towards me.? I am not stupid, although my actions may have at times seemed like I was not only stupid but selfish.? I know you held back on reacting physically save and except where defending yourself."


    Anna took Hou Yi''s hand and ced in on her stomach "You not only did that for me, but for our family.? Despite not saying it I knew your restrain in action was about respecting me given my career.? I do not know what I did to deserve you."


    Hou Yi, looked deeply into Anna''s eyes, and said "You are you, and I am the one who is lucky, not you."


    With a smile Anna responded "True.? But think about it.? Your legal actions, cut off support for Lu Jingho, ousting him from his CEO position, and has impacted their business to the point Lu Corporation will have to contract back to its core business.? That will minimize the money avable in the long term.? But at the same time, it also instigated the whole court process that not only saw his jailing for what he has done, but unexpectedly has seen his current financial situation impacted, by someone with their own need for revenge for his actions towards their family."


    Hou Yi pondered Anna''s words.? She was right, his need to protect her set he whole chain of events in motion, that has seen this destruction ur.


    "I actually think you are right¡­"


    "Thank you, now remember that I am right."


    "Do not push your luck," responded Hou Yi in aughing tone.? He paused and continued "But, I will have to be truthful, my father and grandfather have to be given some credit.? If they had not told such a convincing lie to me about handing over Hou Enterprises if I did not marry by their deadline, we would not have what we want, and everything Lu Jingho has done over the years would not have caught up with him."


    Anna smiled, and said "Remind me to thank themter.? Their scheming would have not seen us marry."


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel on Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 682: A Surprise Arrival - Part 1

    <h4>682 A Surprise Arrival - Part 1</h4>


    Friday, three weekster


    Sitting in the home cinema, Anna put on a movie to watch.? It was better than nothing having officially gone on Maternity leave at thepletion of the working day on Wednesday.? While it was already challenging sitting down, doing little Anna understood the reasoning.


    The interesting thing was that Amanda announced that she and Yao Tan were expecting a baby. While they had the triplets, and legally Amanda was their mother, this was their first child. Having been through her ups and downs during the pregnancy, Anna had picked up that Amanda was scared.


    Anna realised when Hou Yi and her had dinner with Amanda, Yao Tan, the triplets and James, Yao Tan seemed the calmest of everyone. ?Anna realised that there was a simple reason for this.? He had been through it all before, when the triplet''s birth mother was pregnant with them.? The difference for him was that the life of their child would bepletely different.


    Yao Tan and Amanda''s child would not want for a thing, and they both had their established careers and they knew what they were getting into.? The triplets, despite Yao Tan sacrificing everything for them when they were babies, all seemed to have their own scars. Alecia through her marriage and Ton with his girlfriend were dealing with those issues, but Junior was still stubborn. Well, only time would tell.


    As she was about to change the movie, Anna heard this voice from behind her "You are definitelyzy girl, I never thought I would see it."


    Anna turned around, and to her surprise Rosemary was in the doorway. All Anna could do was squeal in delight, before saying "What in the world are you doing here? You were noting for a few weeks. There is about four to six weeks before I am due ¡­"


    "Calm down girl. As to thatst statement, I doubt it, based on what your obstetrician tells me."


    Those few words scared Anna, and all she could do is say "What do you mean?"


    Taking a seat, Rosemary said "You know that due dates are not an exact science, regardless of what we tell you. After your appointment on Wednesday the obstetrician called me.? Your n always was unless it was an emergency delivery or yourbour progressed too quickly I was to be here.? He has informed me what he has said to you and Hou Yi but he suspects you will go intobour in the next week or so.? Slightly early, but nothing too dangerous for the baby." Rosemary paused and continued "No let me correct that babies.? And before you say anything, I have known for months you are pregnant with twins as your obstetrician told me."


    Rosemary watched Anna, and as she spoke could see that she was rxing. "Damn you for panicking me."


    "Just calm down. I am guessing being not able to do any work is driving you insane? You are so use to being busy."


    "True and True. I had simply nned to rx today, watch a couple of movies and read."


    "Perfect n, keeping quiet and calm will hopefully ensure that you have as much time as possible before giving birth. Now, what is this I hear about James working in a clinic? That damn idiot has no skills for that."


    "Grow Up Rosemary, he has the skills. When he and Alecia returned, he started the process of having his qualifications recognised here, and between Yi and his father-inw he spoke to several hospitals about the prospect of nursing there. He made the decision despite having taken huge leaps in learning thenguage, that hisnguage skills were not enough for him to work in a hospital environment."


    "I had not known until recently that around eight years ago Yi''s father started the process of developing a medical clinic for Hou Enterprises staff.? It has taken until recently not only to get the regtory approval but for the building work to be done. Unlike home where you can get the treatment on the state at little or no costs at some stage unless it is purely elective surgery, the medical system here is aplete user pays system."


    "Father Hou decided that for his staff and their families he wanted a system where they could ess the best possible medical treatment. The system has three levels. A basic level where they are simply covered for basic treatment in the clinic. Every employee gets that. The mid-range level, where for two percent of their wage for a single person and three percent for a family, to cover not only the clinic treatment, but base level hospital treatment and outpatient specialist treatment."


    "The top tier, which employees from management level upwards are required to have and all other employees can opt for, covers all medical treatment, paying four percent of their wage for a single and five percent for families. Surprisingly about eighty-five percent of employees have opted for the top level, knowing that there will not be out of pocket expenses for them."


    "Yi offered James a job in the clinic. He decided this was the best option as, unless it was an emergency, hisnguage skills would always be adequate as he continued to develop them. When we had dinner with him, Alecia and Alecia''s family on Tuesday night he said that he was enjoying it, like working in the emergency department but with him being allowed to take his time to help people. Anyway, you should not look down on him as you work in a doctor''s clinic."


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel on Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 683: A Surprise Arrival - Part 2

    <h4>683 A Surprise Arrival - Part 2</h4>


    Friday continued ¡­


    "True, but he always wanted to be a theatre nurse, and I worry he is just settling."


    "Rosemary, stop ying mother hen. You are going to be bad enough with me. He and Alecia have made their choices and we need to respect them."


    "True." After pausing Rosemary continued "Can you arrange for me to get to Hou Enterprises. I need to collect some medical equipment to enable me to monitor you, and I am guessing they will have what I need."


    "Give me a couple of minutes, and I wille with you to Hou Enterprises."


    "You should be resting."


    "Damn it, Rosemary, I am not a piece of china, ready to break. I am pregnant. Plus, the staff will not arrange any vehicle for you and withoutnguage skills try getting a taxi."


    Five minutester, Anna had collected her handbag and she and Rosemary were in a car heading to Hou Enterprises. As she sat in the car Anna felt a pain hit her, but there was no way that she was letting Rosemary know.


    Twenty-five minutester as they were heading across the foyer at Hou Enterprises towards the newly opened staff clinic, Anna not only was hit by this time another bout of pain in her back but suddenly she felt a whoosh of water. Rosemary who was two paces behind her, knew exactly what was happening. She has her suspicions in the car, as Anna''s movements showed the pain that to her trained eyes evidenced the early stages ofbour.


    With the help of the bodyguards she immediately got Anna into the clinic and yelled out for someone to get Hou Yi here immediately. Hearing Rosemary''s voice James came running yelling "What in the world Rosemary ¡­" however as he entered the room, he realised exactly what was happening. Immediately grabbing his phone from his pocket, he dialled Hou Yi and told him what was happening, and called out for someone to make calls to Anna''s obstetrician and for an ambnce to be called to take Anna to the hospital.


    As one of the other staff was helping Anna clean up and change into a gown, James pulled Rosemary aside, saying "I guess you spoke to her obstetrician as well, hence why you are here?"


    "I did after her appointment Wednesday; which I understand you were at. What did he say to them?"


    "He damn well lied, telling them everything was OK. We both know the risks for Anna, due to what happened to her. He had nned next week to admit her to the hospital for a C-section to reduce those risks."


    With that James dialled the Anna''s obstetrician, and as soon as he was on the phone handed it to Rosemary. At that immediate time, Hou Yi came running into the clinic. James, before he could force his way into the room with Anna, grabbed Hou Yi and said, "We need to talk."


    "Get out of my way James, I need to be with Anna."


    Rosemary, having ended the call with the obstetrician turned and said "No, you need to listen to James. As soon as an ambnce is here, I will go with Anna to the hospital, you two can follow." Pausing she turned to James and said, "You better make sure he knows."


    Nodding, James grabbed Hou Yi, and pulled him into another room, saying "Sit."


    "James, you are my brother-inw but do not p*ss me off today. Anna needs me with her, and that is what we decided."


    "I am not telling you this as an employee or your brother-inw, but a medical professional. Shut up and listen to me."


    The ferocity in James'' voice stunned Hou Yi into silence. What in the world is going on? He turned looking at James directly who he observed was ready to say what was going on.


    "Yi, Anna''s obstetrician has not been telling you and Anna everything. That has been because he has needed to keep you and her calm to ensure that the risks are not exacerbated for Anna. The trauma at the start of her pregnancy was such that he has always known that Anna, at least for this pregnancy would have to have a C-section to give birth."


    "The n was to admit her next week and perform it soon after. Rosemary approved this n hence why she was able toe at short notice. She wasing over the weekend anyway. Alecia and I had organised her flight and we simply changed it so she could get here today. Her waters breaking and the early stages ofbour are going to change things. But you will not only have to give consent to the now emergency surgery, but you will have to be ready to make a choice should worste to worst, whose life to they save, Anna''s or the smaller of the babies."


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel on Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 684: A Surprise Arrival - Part 3

    <h4>684 A Surprise Arrival - Part 3</h4>


    Friday continued ¡­


    "No, that is not going to happen," came out a distraught response from Hou Yi.


    "Yi, hopefully it will note to that, but you have to be ready to make the decision.? While Rosemary and I do not agree with the Obstetrician''s decision not to tell you this, I can understand it.? However, while I do not want what I would do if Alecia faced the same situation, I would preference Alecia over our child as in the end she is the most important thing.? But that should not influence you."


    Observing the distraught look on Hou Yi''s look, James after pausing said, take a few deep breaths, "I will go and see what is happening, and we will then head to the hospital."


    As he stepped out of the room, he turned to one of the bodyguards "Do not let him out of that room until I return. He needs to calm down and we need to get my sister on the way to the hospital first, because she will not cope if she sees his face presently.? Do not let the fact that he is your boss worry you, as you have to think about the Lady boss firstly, and she is inbour that will be difficult."


    Seeing the nods from the bodyguards, James headed back towards the room where Anna had been taken initially and observed that the ambnce staff were with Rosemary assistance getting ready to take her to the hospital. James nodded at Rosemary and dialled the obstetrician to confirm that Anna and Rosemary were about to leave Hou Enterprises and head to the hospital via ambnce.


    As he moved back towards the room where Hou Yi was, the doors to the clinic opened, and in walked an older man, who James heard someone call Vice-CEO Ji.


    James walked up, and said "Vice-CEO Ji, I am James Jones ¡­"


    "Anna''s little brother, right?"


    "Yes. She wasing here for a visit and has gone into earlybour. She is on her way to the hospital with our sister-inw, who just arrived from Australia to the hospital. Rosemary is a midwife, so she is safe. I am about to apany my brother-inw. I am assuming you can deal with anything for the bnce of the day and the next couple of weeks."


    "Get him out of here." Pulling a card from his pocket, he continued "This has my personal number on it, just keep me updated."


    James took the card and nodded, opening the door telling Hou Yi to get a move on for them to head to the hospital. He realised that the news he had given Hou Yi had sunk in, and he knew that there was a risk that he could lose either his wife or one of their babies. James hated to have to say that and silently was cursing the obstetrician for at least not talking to Hou Yi about the issue. Surrounded by the bodyguards, they quickly made their way out of Hou Enterprises into a car and headed towards the hospital.


    Just over five minutester the Ambnce with Anna and Rosemary in it pulled up at the hospital, and the hospital staff started to surround Anna pushing Rosemary away. However, having been pre-alerted Anna obstetrician soon arrived with his own staff, moving the hospital staff away, and having the ambnce crew immediately take Anna to the maternity ward where she was transferred onto another table and wheeled straight to theatre.


    Despite the pain, Anna realised that something was not quite right and said in a weak voice "What is going on?"


    The obstetrician said, "Madam Hou, these babies are determined toe soon. Based on thest couple of ultrasounds my early suspicions were confirmed in that we will have to do a c-section for you to give birth. I had nned to speak to you about it next week, but your little ones have no respect for ns. We need to get you into surgery now."


    "Rosemary?" asked Anna in a quiet voice, as if strength was going from her.


    "Has to be done Anna. Not the n, but when do you ever respect anyone''s ns. These two little ones have already learnt from their mother, and god help us if they learn more of your tricks. Now Yi is on the way with James and knows what is happening, so let us get you into theatre."


    Anna meekly nodded, which immediately made Rosemary worry, as Anna meekly agreeing to something was not in her nature. She was quickly taken into the theatre and as he and Rosemary had discussed Anna was given an epidural, as they both knew that a full anaesthetic would have risks that they did not want to contemte.


    As the epidural had taken effect, Hou Yi followed by James and his bodyguards cane running into the maternity ward at the hospital. One of the nurses said "CEO Hou, Madam Hou is in theatre, but the doctor has indicated that it would not be appropriate for you to go in at this time. They wille and get you when they are ready for you. Please sit there in the waiting room."


    The bodyguards quickly determined that being told no had angered their boss, and they turned looking at James as to say you need to deal with him. James, simply dragged Hou Yi into the waiting room, sat him down and quietly asked the nursing staff for help getting some tea to calm Hou Yi down.


    ------------


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 Chapter 685: A surprise arrival - part 4

    <h4>685 A surprise arrival - part 4</h4>


    Friday continued ¡­


    James said nothing when he came in with a cup of tea for Hou Yi and a coffee for himself. He simply sat there ready to deal with whatever happened, as even over thest few weeks he had realised how devoted to each other his sister and brother-inw were.


    James observed that all Hou Yi was doing was staring at the wall, in shock with what had happened and worried about what the future would bring.? He hoped that he had not scared him too much, but there was a reality that they all had to confront.? Every so often Hou Yi would utter "Why?" James felt at a total loss in what to say.


    Just over an hour after they arrived, a nurse in theatre scrubs came into the room, saying "CEO Hou could you pleasee with me." Hou Yi stood up and James immediately followed him.? Upon entering a room, James easily determined that it was the theatre scrub room and simply implemented what he had learnt in his training.? Out of the corner of his eye he observed Hou Yi meekly following the nurse''s instructions.? That was not the brother-inw he knew, but the funny thing was that he observed Hou Yi''s bodyguards outside the scrub room watching what was happening.


    After he was ready Hou Yi was taken to the theatre room, and the nurse tried to block James'' path saying "You cannot go in there¡­"


    James'' knowing the potential for what Hou Yi could be walking into said "You think I am going to let my brother-inw go in there alone, forget it. Plus, more importantly I am a qualified nurse." With that he forced his way into the theatre just behind Hou Yi.


    Seeing Jamese in Rosemary nodded to him, as if to say things were OK, and she and the obstetrician were getting ready to remove the first baby from Anna, who despite not feeling pain was looking at Hou Yi cursing him. James had to stop himself fromughing because now Hou Yi was in Anna''s firing line because she was not in control. James however did not want to watch them performing thest part of the C-Section so looked at his sister''s face and kept his focus there.


    A few minutester, throughout the theatre room there was a loud cry, marking the safe delivery of the baby. Rosemary, brought it up, swaddled in nkets and briefly ced it n Anna''s chest saying "You have a little boy. Say Hello, as we need to take him to the special care unit because he is a little early. You should go with him Yi, and we will bring the second little one when they are born along, to join their brother.? James go with him please, while we finish up here."


    Both Anna and Hou Yi smiled at their little miracle, Hou Yi gently touching his nose before Rosemary picked him back up handing him to another nurse to take the baby away. Following Rosemary''s directions Hou Yi and James left the theatre and followed the nurse to the special care nursery.


    James turned back just before he exited the theatre, realising that there were concerns not only about the second baby but Anna as well.? No wonder they wanted Hou Yi out of there.? Despite his training that was a ce he did not want to be, so dealing with his stubborn brother-inw was the easiest thing to do.


    When the baby was settled, James asked "How does it feel to be a father?"


    "I do not know. I was not expecting it for a few weeks ¡­"


    "Just take it in. Stay here, and I will go and once I know Anna is out of theatre, I wille and let you know."


    Hou Yi nodded and wanted to go but stayed focused on his son. James was grateful that Hou Yi was distracted, and returned towards the theatre, re-scrubbing and slipping back into the room. He realised that despite the tension and the fact that they had now knocked Anna out that they were working calmly and methodically to deal with what they were facing.? The second little one was being worked on by two nurses to the side.

 Chapter 686: A surprise arrival - Part 5

    <h4>686 A surprise arrival - Part 5</h4>


    Friday continued¡­


    Noticing James, Rosemary decided that she needed to get him doing something before he was kicked out by other staff. "James worry about your second nephewter.? Get over here. I need you to help keep count of the sponges. The more eyes we have on this the better."


    Nodding James moved over to do what he was requested. He realised though that closing Anna back up was taking longer than expected due to excessive bleeding. That worried him, but about fifteen minutester the bleeding that seemed to be a problem had finally been brought under control, and they were closing Anna up.


    When she was wheeled out of theatre, Rosemary quietly said "We were damn lucky. The Obstetrician and other specialists knew most of the issues that would be faced when we went in. They wanted to fight with me, but given my presence and involvement kept Anna calm, they relented in the end.? That bleeding, while partially anticipated, had us worried for some time, hence I had you get Yi out of there."


    Rosemary paused and turned to the two nurses who had been working on the second baby.? The obstetrician was speaking to them, and James was even struggling to understand what was being said.? A couple of minutester he turned to them and said "They revived the second baby and are taking it to the critical care unit.? But them, and the attendant paediatrician suspects the baby will only live a couple of days.? He will be in a lot of pain, but¡­"


    "Someone has to tell Hou Yi?" said James.


    "True, but unlike me you two are family and he is likely to take it much better with you.? He should spend the time he can with the baby.? There is a critical care suite in the VIP area, and we will set it up for the baby to head there, and that will make it a little easier for Madam Hou to be wheeled in to be with her baby before its inevitable death."


    With that the obstetrician walked away leaving Rosemary and James to look at each other.? "That whimp," responded Rosemary.? "He is leaving it to us to tell Anna and Yi the truth.? Normally Anna would remain under close observation in the maternity ward, but they are transferring her to the VIP ward earlier than normal to allow her to spend time with the second baby.? At least they can be shielded from everything."


    James, after they were changed led the way to the special care baby unit, where Hou Yi was with the baby. Moving over to him Rosemary spoke "Yi she is out of theatre. The obstetrician, based on the scans predicted the problems, but she did have a heavy blood loss. Normally Anna would have been ced into a single room here in the maternity ward to be observed before being moved to the VIP ward."


    "What about the second baby?" came the quiet question.? Hou Yi realised with Rosemary''s few words that James had been right.? He could have been asked to decide about the life of his wife or one of their babies but thank goodness he had not been asked.


    Rosemary and James looked at each other, before Rosemary spoke.? "Yi, that is the thing.? The Obstetrician had suspicions about the second baby, despite nothing being shown on the scans.? He said it was just a feeling he had, and from everything he and I had discussed I had the same feeling.? The baby took a couple of breaths in theatre, stopped breathing but the attending paediatrician and nursing staff were eventually able to revive him.


    "But and we hate to be the ones who tell you this, no one believes the baby will live more than a couple of days.? Yes, miracles happen, but I do not believe it will be the case here.? The Hospital is opening the VIP critical care unit and turning it into a paediatric critical care unit.? They will transfer both babies there, and Anna will be moved into a ward beside it.? She will be able to be wheeled on the bed to spend time with the babies, but not get off it.? We can head up to the VIP ward area to await Anna and the babies transfer there."


    Turning to Rosemary, Hou Yi''s eyes were zing with anger. The Obstetrician, James and Rosemary had kept the issues a secret. If things had gone wrong, he could have lost both.? Now he simply has to face the inevitable loss of one of their babies, which neither of them were prepared for. In a low menacing voice, he said "Why in the world did you not say anything? Neither of us were prepared."

 Chapter 687: A surprise arrival - Part 6

    <h4>687 A surprise arrival - Part 6</h4>


    Friday continued ¡­


    James, already use to seeing this said "Yi, do not get angry. There was nothing that you could do to change a thing. ?I can understand why nothing was said, as Anna''s pregnancy has always been high risk.? If you knew the problems, you would not have been able to keep it from her.? Anna knowing would have stressed her out, increasing the risks with her pregnancy, and making it more probable you would have had to make the decision about who to save.? That would have broken you."


    James paused, taking in the fact that Hou Yi''s anger at his words seemed to ebb away.? "Rosemary knew the obstetrician and the other specialists were all prepared for the potential of what could happen, to minimise the risks and ensure Anna and the babies safety.? The thing we have to do is talk to Anna about the reality for your youngest son."


    "Why him?" came the almost pitiful question from Hou Yi.? James could not believe that this was the strong forceful businessman he had always seen.? He simply was a devastated husband and father, realising he had to tell his wife a reality she would struggle to cope with and that they would be nning a funeral for one baby rather than double christening.


    "Yi, I cannot answer why.? Anything would be a guess and the specialists will have to give you that answer.? It may even trace its way back to what happened around the time she conceived.? But none of us may ever have an answer to that question.


    "More importantly you need to cease to be in control of the whole situation.? You cannot control everything all the time; you just must ept that there are situations where you have no control.? This is one of those cases, and from observing my older siblings now that you have children you will have more of those asions.? Go, be with Anna, as you need to be together."


    Nodding his head, Hou Yi moved away from James but had a quickeback "Just you wait ¡­"


    James remembered the promise that he and Alecia made to her father, and they were baring an ident, had decided despite that promise that they would wait for her toplete university before they considered having children.? However, seeing the look on his brother-inw''s face and aware of the rtionship Anna had with her inws from his interactions he knew he had a threat to give Hou Yi to snap him out of this state.? He quickly said "Continue acting like a child Yi, and all I have to do is call your parents¡­"


    That drew a stunned silence in the room.? But James knew with a look that he had gotten through to Hou Yi, so he moved away to exit the room and allow Rosemary to better exin things to him.? Once he was outside, be pulled out his phone and started to make calls, Hou Yi''s family, but his family, Alecia and the Vice-CEO he met earlier to let them know Anna had given birth/


    After talking to Hou Yi for ten minutes, Rosemary confirmed a lot of information James had said, and gave him more information.? As she finished,?she said "Yi, Anna should be in her room.? You need to head in and exin to her what the situation is with the younger twin.? I have checked with the staff and the babies should be up here in about an hour, and they want another half and hour to settle everything in.? Anna can then be wheeled into the critical care unit to spend some time with both babies."


    "Rosemary, she has been like me, so looking forward to the birth of these two babies, but now to have to tell her that we will lose one¡­"


    "You do not want to be the one to break the news.? Yi, she is my sister-inw, and do you think I want to be the one to tell her.? Absolutely not.? But if it will make it easier, I will drag James with me into the room and we will be there while you tell her.? It needs to be you, as the two of you have to deal with the reality you are facing."


    Nodding, Hou Yi exited the waiting room, and with everyone trailing behind him headed into the room Anna had just been wheeled into, before sitting beside her and picking up her hand.? James and Rosemary stood back watching Hou Yi tell Anna the reality with their younger twin.? Both could see the result when the reality finally hit home with Anna throwing herself into Hou Yi''s arms and the tearsing from the two of them.

 Chapter 688: A Surprise Arival - Part 7

    <h4>688 A Surprise Arival - Part 7</h4>


    Saturday


    Anna woke quietly, feeling the pain from the surgery but with even more pain in her heart knowing how little time their youngest twin had.? She turned and noticed Hou Yi curled up on the couch in the suite and could see in just observing him how much thest day had taken out of him.


    Having Rosemary here, to date had been a godsend.? Her presence in the theatre had been calming, but more importantly when James and Alecia had dragged Hou Yi away for a meal, it was afort to talk to someone she absolutely trusted to give her the truth.? While she wanted to argue with Rosemary about everything, as she had exined there were things that medical science could not give an answer why, and that this would likely be the case.


    Talking through the conflicting emotions, let her get to a point, that while the situation was still heartbreaking and wanted to drive her to tears constantly, she felt at peace with what would happen.? Her little boy would not continue to suffer the pain that he was in even now.


    Anna realised that she was going behind Hou Yi''s back, but while he was out Rosemary spoke to the hospital staff, who put her into contact with a local catholic priest.? While, he questioned her about Anna and Hou Yi''s faith, somehow, and Anna was still not certain on how Rosemary convinced him, he agreed toe to the hospital early this morning to christen him.


    Looking at her husband she was that he moved, and not only did it make her think of what happened after her assault when she was in a VIP ward at the hospital, but how dramatically her life had changed in thest twelve months.? Yes the death of this little one, would be a tragedy but without all the various events that had happened, she would not have the chance to be as happy as she was with Yi, the love of her life.


    Fatherhood had already changed Yi.? Anna was surprised thatst night that he kept as calm as he did when they had their discussion with the obstetrician and other specialists who came to see them when he returned.? Yes, he was angry that they had kept the truth about the situation for their youngest son secret and the risks to Anna, but he listened and ultimately calmly epted the situation.


    More importantly he was not ready to plot their destruction for their actions.? As he said when they left them for a few minutes piece before Anna was wheeled into the VIP Critical Care unit to enable them to spend time with both boys, they made a decision that was best for everyone and that it was the right decision.


    When she pressed him, Yi turned and said that he had to ept the medical opinion as to what was in her best interests, rather than feeling aggrieved for what could have been.? He was certain that if the worst hade to past and he was nning three funerals, instead of the two of them having to n one, he would not have changed the pleasure and joy that he has throughout her pregnancy, despite all the other challenges they had.


    The other pleasing part of the discussionst night was that they obstetrician viewed that Anna would not have difficulty in conceiving in the future, but they had to be aware that it would be likely that each and every birth would have its risks, likely resulting in her needed a caesarean birth each time.? That she could live with, for them to have more children.


    As the door opened and a nurse started in Hou Yi awoke.? "CEO and Madam Hou, would you like to head in to spend time with your babies?"


    They looked at each other and simply nodded.? Any time they spent with their youngest baby would be their memories of a lifetime with him.? At a signal two other nurses came in to help Anna into a Wheelchair for her to be taken in.? As Anna was carefully pushed towards the VIP Critical Care Unit Hou Yi trailed behind, watching his wife.


    After following procedures, they entered the unit, moving towards the two cribs with their babies in them.? Anna was torn, who did she spend the time with, the baby who would live or the one who they would soon bury.? In noticing Anna''s movement in the wheelchair, Hou Yi said "Anna, let us say Hello to our older son, and promise him that we wille back to him once we spend time with his little brother who will not be with us too long."

 Chapter 689: A Surprise Arrival - Part 8

    <h4>689 A Surprise Arrival - Part 8</h4>


    Saturday continued ¡­


    Anna turned looking at Hou Yi and quietly asked "Do you think the staff will put the two of them together?"


    One of the nurses heard the question, and quickly responded "Madam Hou, the paediatrician said that we cannot do that presently, but we can put the two cribs next to each other.? If the younger baby lives a couple of days, we would be able to do that."


    Hou Yi leant down and whispered, "Do not worry my love, if it happens it will happen, but at least they can be close to each other."


    Quietly they moved over to their older son, before heading to their younger son and the nurses moved the two cribs together.? Looking at the two of them Hou Yi said "No matter what they are both a miracle, regardless for how long they are in our lives."


    "True.? But we need to consider what we what to name them."


    "Have you any ideas?"


    "For our older one I thought we could name him after your father or grandfather and give him the English name Stan after my dad.? They seem to fit."


    "You know my Dad would like that.? But our younger son?"


    Annaughed and said "You want me toe up with two names.? Come on Yi, you are their father. What is your idea?"


    "Please do not thing it is presumptuous, but how about we give our younger son my name, Yi.? I think it fits him, and we give him the English name Aaron.? I read somewhere it means miraculous.? That is fitting, as from what I understand it is miraculous that he was born alive and every minute that we have with his is miraculous."


    Anna paused.? Yi had thought carefully about the English name for a least one son.?? Was she pushing her ideas onto him for both?? "Yi are you alright with the name for our oldest son? I do not want you to feel¡­"


    "Anna, both names are perfect.? Our oldest is named for their grandfathers, our youngest after me and his English name is perfect for what he is.? If we had girls, your name would have been there, along with a few favourites I had already picked out for little princesses."


    "You are sure?"


    "Absolutely.? Now before you say anything, I know about the arrangements Rosemary helped make for little Yi.? While I would have liked you to speak to me about it, I understand that it is important for you.? I would like, if you are happy, for King, Rosemary, James and Alecia to be his godparents.? We can work out little Jang''s godparentster and have a much more appropriate ceremony, not rushed like this is."


    "King?"


    "Anna, while I trust him, I want godparents for him that will remember him, and King will do that.? If I know him, he will make a massive donation to some charity to help parents that face a simr situation to us but cannot afford what we can for our children. ?Whatever he does I will match it in our son''s name."


    Nodding Anna turned back to look at little Yi.? Little Jang was in his crib beside his brother and they both were reaching out towards them.? Hou Yi, seeing this picked up the camera he arranged earlier with the nursing staff to be brought in and started snapping pictures of the two of them.


    Before either of them knew it, their time with the babies was disturbed by a nurse indicating that the priest and godparents were present.? The nurse exined that they would allow the priest in.? Normally in a situation like this the godparents would have to remain outside the room, but the hospital had agreed to allow Rosemary and James into the room given their nursing background.


    Twenty minutester, the quick and short christening ceremony for little Yi had happened, and leaving Anna and Rosemary in the room, Hou YI walked out with James to where King and Alecia were standing and spoke to them for a few minutes before returning.? As Hou Yi re-entered the room, Rosemary said "Yi, I will stay here but take her back to bed for a rest.? She is already exhausted."


    "Rosemary¡­" whined Anna.


    "Anna, no.? If you want to argue with me, I will get the nurses to get the specialists here and they will be more forceful about you resting.? You will be no good to either of your children if you get sick or fall in a heap as you are too tired.? I will stay with them until you are ready toe back in, but if there is a change, I will let you know.? And I promise I will take plenty of photos of the two of them."


    Hou Yi moved behind Anna and as he wheeled her away said "No arguments, both our children need you as strong as possible."

 Chapter 690: A Surprise Arrival - Part 9

    <h4>690 A Surprise Arrival - Part 9</h4>


    Saturday continued ¡­


    He turned and said "If things start to look worse for Aaron,e and get us.? We need to be here with him when he dies." Hou Yi observed a nod from Rosemary and continued out of the unit and took Anna back to her room where the nurses helped her back into bed.


    A little over an hourter, one of the nurses returned and disturbed the two of them saying "CEO and Madam Hou, your youngest son has taken a turn for the worse.? If you want to be with him, we need to get you there." With that Anna was quickly helped into the wheelchair and they headed to the Critical Care unit getting in as soon as they could.


    As the entered the two of them could see multiple doctors and nursing staff around one crib, with the second one pushed over to a side.? Hou Yi moved over and brought that crib close to them as they watched the staff working on their other son.? Around five minutester one of the doctors said "CEO and Madam Hou, your youngest stopped breathing.? We have been able to resuscitate him, but unless a miracle urs, he will be unlikely to live much longer."


    Hearing these words Anna could not stop the tears running down her face.? Hou Yi looked to Rosemary who had also been moved to a side, and she came over and said "Yi, it was close that we got him back.? They are too frightened to say anything.? While I am not a paediatric nurse, I can tell when someone is suffering badly.? Aaron is suffering, and as his aunt I do not want to see that happen anymore.? It is your choice, but¡­"


    Anna interrupted and said in a barely audible voice "You want us to tell the staff no heroic measures?"


    Nodding, Rosemary said "You have to decide.? Do not let any of us influence the decision."


    Hou Yi turned to the doctor and said, "Is she right?"


    "CEO Hou, we can keep doing this¡­"


    "That is not the what we need an answer to.? Is our son going to suffer if you keep reviving him?? Will he have any quality of life if he lives?"


    "We cannot answer that, as we¡­"


    Rosemary could see that the doctor was trying to avoid the question and said "Be truthful.? They need the truth to make decisions, not this trying to please them with an answer."


    "But we can keep him alive, if we do this."


    Rosemary shook her head, and asked "Is he in pain?"


    One of the nurses behind the paediatrician said, "He seems like he is in pain with what we are doing."


    Anna turned to Hou Yi and said "Yi, it makes no sense if he will continue to suffer and has no real prospects of any real life. ?Yes, I want him with us, but not if that will mean his whole life is filled with pain."


    "Are you certain?" said Hou Yi bending down to look directly into Anna''s eyes.


    "I am if you are." Hou Yi could see that Anna was determined on this.? It would break his heart to lose one of their children in such circumstances, but Anna is right he should not suffer.


    Before either of them could speak, the equipment surrounding Aaron started beeping, indicating that he was failing again.? Hou Yi and Anna moved over to their son, and Rosemary seeing that they had decided what was to happen and moved the other crib back towards Aaron.? The paediatrician attempted to push the two of them out of the way but Hou Yi said "No, if he survives it is going to be because he is a fighter, nothing heroic, just normal, but we need to be together as a family."


    Before anything could happen, Anna and Hou Yi had their sons cribs together and stood close to Aaron while little Jang kept reaching towards his brother.? They simply stood there watching the two of them, while Aaron gently slipped away.? As the machines indicated that Aaron had died little Jang let out a cry in his cribs, while Anna turned into Hou Yi and the two of them cried seeing Aaron''s end.


    Rosemary and the staff all quietly moved out of the room to allow the family of three be together to deal with the loss of their fourth member.

 Chapter 691: A Surprise Arrival - Part 10

    <h4>691 A Surprise Arrival - Part 10</h4>


    Saturday continued ¡­


    Around half an hourter, Hou Yi and Anna came out of the room, and Hou Yi asked "Can you make arrangements for Aaron please.? Please ask the funeral director to do nothing for a few days as we need to work out what is to happen."


    He continued to push Anna towards her room, where two waiting nurses asked "Madam Hou, would you like to bathe?"


    With Anna''s nod, they took her into the en-suite while Hou Yi sat down.? Rosemary walked in and asked, "Are you alright Yi?"


    "I have to be.? Anna needs me."


    "That is not the answer to my question.? Are you alright?"


    "Rosemary, we just lost a child we were so looking forward to have in our lives.? What do you think?" Hou Yi paused and said "And before you ask, I have a friend who is a psychologist.? I will get her to help us put in ce counselling."


    "You are sure?"


    "Absolutely." Hou Yi paused, knowing that they had asked so much of Rosemary, and to help them out she had left her husband and children in Australia "Can you tell your family what happened?"


    "I will.? But Yi, I need to head home soon.? Anna will need her life to bet back to as normal as it can be.? If everything is fine, I think Tuesday will be the right day for that.? Can you arrange a flight back for me?"


    "I will but promise that you talk to Anna firstly.? She needs to understand your reasons."


    Rosemary, responded "I will, but make that call."


    Hou Yi nodded and wandered off pulling out his phone and started to make some calls.


    After the nurses brought Anna back to her bed, Rosemary sat down and discussed her leaving with Anna.? While she was disappointed in her going home, she understood the need to head back.? The children had just started back to school, and Rosemary had agreed to return to working at the hospital.? After settling back into bed, Anna quietly drifted off to sleep.


    When Anna awoke, she saw Hou Yi sitting on the couch asleep.? He seemed to sense that she had woken up and stirred looked to Anna, and asking "Are you alright?"


    "As best as I can be given everything.? And you?"


    "The same." Hou Yi looked at his watch, and continued "My parents, Grandparents and Aunt will soon be here.? I suspect that everyone else will start to descend on us today."


    Hou Yi observed that Anna had a look of horror on her face, and said "I do not know if I can cope¡­"


    "I feel the same Anna, but we have little Jang as well.? He is as much our son as much as Aaron was.? We cannot let him suffer as all we want to do is grieve for Aaron.? We have to do both."


    Anna paused and realised exactly who he had been talking to.? "You have spoken to Phillipa."


    "True, but she only told me what, in the end, I simply knew deep down.? You know this as well."


    Before Anna could retort, the suite door opened and in came Hou Jang, Du AnLing, Leng Xi and Hou Yi''s grandparents, all excited about the next generation that they had briefly seen in the special care unit.? Anna and Hou Yi sat down and talked to them about the names and what had happened with Aaron.? As they were talking his grandmother said "Why do you not have little Yi cremated, and when you have little Jang''s christening you have his ashes there.? By then, hopefully you will know what you want to do with them."


    Anna and Hou Yi looked at each other, thinking that the proposal seemed morbid, but maybe it would let them grieve and be willing to let go of their little miracle that spent so little time with them.


    After his family left, other visitors started to drift in and out, including Rosemary, James, Alecia, Amanda, Yao Tan and Jodie all made their way in and out of the room.? The day was constantly full of conflicting emotions, celebrating little Jang, but wanting to mourn Aaron.? At the end of the day, the paediatrician indicated that he was happy for little Jang to spend some time in the ward with Anna, but not all the time.? It seemed to both Hou YI and Anna that he was making rapid progress, if this was the case.


    As the nurses took little Jang away at the end of the day, Anna and Hou Yi drifted off to a fitful sleep, dealing with the conflicting emotions that they had.

 Chapter 692: A Surprise Arrival - Part 11

    <h4>692 A Surprise Arrival - Part 11</h4>


    Sunday


    Unlike Saturday, the medical staff were willing to allow people toe and go from the room, and it was quickly obvious that everyone wanted to spend as much time with them as they could.


    At one point, as Hou Yi lifted little Jang from Anna''s arms after she had given him a cuddle and fed him a bottle, she whispered "You know how much I love everyone, but I wish they would give us a little space.? I need time to deal with our loss of Aaron, and I cannot deal with that if they are here."


    "I know, and I feel the same sweetheart.? Let me talk to them.? I suspect as they did not get to meet Aaron before he died, being here with us and little Jang is their way to cope with his death."


    Before Anna could respond there was a knock on the door and a nurse entered saying "CEO and Madam Hou, there is a Lexi Yao and a Matthew Rong here wanting toe in."


    Anna nodded. When she had a moment of quite yesterday, she had telephoned Lexi to let her know not only had she given birth, but of Aaron''s death.? Anna was simply happy that Lexi had been able to keep her promise. The interesting thing was that she was apanied by the man that in their recent conversations she knew was detested.? Anna wondered if she could have a little fun with Matthew Rong.


    As soon as they entered the room Lexi ran straight over to Anna, to give her a hug, and hand her the bag in her hands, while Matthew simply stood in the background. Hou Yi wondered what in the world was going on, and moved over quietly speaking to the unexpected guest, while Anna was talking to all the women.


    "Colonel Rong, a surprise to see you."


    "CEO Yao, Lexi promised your wife she woulde and visit, but given the situation I had toe with her."


    "Do you need me to arrange a hotel for you?"


    "Actually no, I have a meeting with local military leader''s tomorrow morning, so we are staying on the base tonight visiting officer amodation. I should be a couple of hours to Lexi wille back to re-visit Anna before we leave."


    Hou Yi realised that he did not want to talk, and simply headed back to sit near his wife. Matthew however looked at the scene before him and wondered would he and Lexi ever be so happy and have a child. Despite everything he loved her as much as he always had, but to her he was public enemy number one.


    Hou Yi observed that Lexi, unlike everyone else was quickly able to draw a smile from his wife, who was still hurting from Aaron''s death.


    In talking to Anna, Lexi made ament "Anna, Aaron was a miracle, but he was not with us for long.? Remember him for what he was, your son, rejoice in the time that you had with him, mourn him and make sure your other son knows about him.? You have a few memories that you will be able to give Jang about the time he had with his twin before his death.? For my son, I cannot ever give him that about my first husband, as due to something stupid he had not been with us in the days preceding his death."


    Hou Yi in hearing that, realised that Lexi was right, they had treasured moments with Aaron, and that was something that they would be able to share with Jang and their other children.


    Anna responded, "How did you get so wise?"


    "Anna, while I have not lost a child like you, my first husband died tragically three weeks after Dominic was born.? Due to conflict between us, he spent little time with Dominic and that is something that I will regret as I have little to tell Dominic about him.? You are not like that." Lexi paused and then continued "Now before we move onto more pleasant topics there are a number of things in that bag, including two christening gowns.? Could I suggest that Aaron is buried in one."


    Seeing Anna''s nod, the two of them drifted off into other discussions, while Hou Yi turned to Matthew and said, "Lexi seems to understand."


    "She does.? I only know information second hand, but apparently her first marriage was not pleasant, but despite everything she regrets not having the memories of him with Dominic to share.? I guess you have those memories, so being able to share them is important."


    After a few minutes, Anna decided that she would have her moment of fun and in a sugary tone said, "Yi darling, I have decided that I need some girl time, and to be realistic I do not want a military officer around me."


    Seeing the smirk on his wife''s face, Hou Yi realised that she was about to argue with Matthew Rong.? However, before he responded Matthew said "Madam Hou, I will leave my wife in with you, as I guess you have had enough of my presence." He turned to Lexi and added "Do not think that means that you can leave here without me knowing.? The guards that have apanied us due to the threats will remain outside and escort you to the military base where we are staying tonight in visiting officer amodation."


    Responding to his retreating back Lexi added "Just you wait Matthew Rong." Anna could not help butugh. ?It seemed that she may have found a verbal sparing partner worth her efforts!


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel on Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 693: A Surprise Arrival - Part 12

    <h4>693 A Surprise Arrival - Part 12</h4>


    Tuesday


    Anna, after Rosemary helped her get ready was ready to temporarily leave the hospital for Aaron''s funeral.? She never thought that the joy of knowing that she and Hou Yi would have twins, now was reced by the knowledge that today she was burying one of them.


    When she had dealt with a couple of familyw cases in Australia where her clients said burying a child was the hardest thing that they had ever done, she thought they were lying.? They were right.? Just the thought of Aaron, who she had carried and given birth to, who for whatever reason was taken from them the day after his birth lying there in a coffin ready for this service felt crushing.


    Anna turned and looked to Hou Yi, and she observed that he had not noticed that she was looking for him.? In all their time together, she had never seen him look so broken.? Before she could say anything, he looked at her, and she could see the tears ready to spill over in his eyes.? As she said "Yi¡­" they spilled over, and he moved over to gather her into his arms.


    After they simply sat there hugging each other for a few minutes, Hou Yi quietly said "I never thought that we would ever have to do this.? I know I am happy we have little Jang, but to be burying my namesake¡­"


    "It feels so crushing.? I know." Anna paused, and said "After talking to Phillipast night, she said the psychologist the hospital arranged was right.? We still have a son that needs us, and we need to be there for him.? Welling on his dead twin in the end will hurt him, and we cannot do that."


    Having heard the conversation, Rosemary said "That is right.? I have a nephew who needs his parents.? In my time nursing I have seen in different ces parents having to deal with the loss of a child.? It is never easy, but something every psychologist I have spoke to about it has said, remember the time you had together, and the fact that you had them in your life for the time you did.? That makes things easier to get through.? Plus I have the cutest photos of little Jang and little Yi, reaching out for each other in their cribs.? Now, we need to give little Yi his send off.? That he deserves."


    Anna rested her head on Hou YI''s chest and sobbed for another couple of minutes, and as he lifted her head up and they looked into each other''s eyes, they knew that they were dying the inevitable.?? This they needed to do.? Hou Yi, helped Rosemary settle Anna into a wheelchair and they headed out from the suite downstairs surrounded by bodyguards to head to the funeral parlour where family and friends they had invited were gathered for the small service before their son would be cremated.


    As they arrived, all Anna could see was the waiting media, and the shing of cameras on the car windows.? As Hou Yi squeezed her hand, Anna turned and quietly said "We need to deal with them, otherwise they will not let us do this in peace."


    Hou Yi, knew Anna was right, but the feelings of loss were still so raw.? He had since they found out Anna was expecting twins looking forward to not only their birth, but to bringing them home together.? That was a dream that could never happen now, and it hurt so much.? He leaned over and gave Anna a brief kiss, and squeezed her hand again, before responding "I know.? Normally the press does not bother me, but today I just wish they would disappear."


    Rosemary sat there watching the two of them.? Yes, it hurt that she lost one of her nephews, and unlike them she had known that this was always a possibility, but it seemed to be hurting them deeply.? That, despite everything was something she would never know.


    Before anyone could say anything, the bodyguards opened the doors, and Rosemary slipped out quietly and into the funeral parlour while the press focused on Anna and Hou Yi.? As he stepped out, Hou Yi turned and carefully helped Anna out of the vehicle, and as they moved away from it they bodyguards surrounded them, while the press were continually throwing questions at them.


    About halfway from the car to the entry Anna paused and turned before saying in a sharp aggressive tone "Please leave us alone.? We know you all want a story, but we are here to farewell one of our twins who was taken from us too soon.? Would any of you with children want everyone trying to get a story from you if you were in our position."


    Hou Yi, trying to hold back the tears added "You all might think that I am ruthless all the time, but never with my family.? Leave us alone.? Eventually Hou Enterprises will provide a press release about the situation to you, but we will notment further."


    As they turned to finish walking in, one journalist yelled out "CEO and Madam Hou, Young Madam Lu Yang Lin has made a statement that while this has nothing do to with her or the Lu Family, the result of your repeated actions against the Lu family and Lu Corporation mean that that this is what you deserve."


    Hou Yi turned around.? His immediate thought was that b*tch, using this tragedy to ce herself in the spotlight and harass Anna.? "I will say this once," responded Hou Yi in an aggressive manner "We did not deserve this, our deceased son did not deserve this, nor did his surviving twin¡­"


    Anna, grateful that Yang Lin decided to be b*tchy and harass her interrupted and said, "Which one of you said that?" Suddenly the press turned and looked at one member, including the television cameras.? "Thank you for that information.? I hope you cooperate with the police when theye to speak to you about her breaching the order of protection I have."


    With than Anna turned, and grabbed Hou Yi''s hand, gently tugging him along with her.? As they entered the funeral parlour for the hardest time they could ever face as parents Hou Yi said "Why did you stop me?? She deserved what I was about to say."


    "Yi, my love.? If she was in front of me and said that she would pay.? But you forget, I still have the orders of protection to prevent such harassing behaviour, and if she thought she could use the press to get at me, she is sadly mistaken.? I will always use thew, rather than stooping to her level, no matter how much I would love to do so."


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on Webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel or to Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 694: A surprise arrival - Part 13

    <h4>694 A surprise arrival - Part 13</h4>


    Friday


    With the help of the nursing staff, Anna finished getting ready for her departure from the hospital.? Despite the paediatrician''s initial view that Little Jang would have to spend at least another week in the Hospital, after Aaron''s death he started to move forward in leaps and bounds, to the point that he coulde home with her.? When he informed them of this earlier this morning on his rounds, the paediatrician said "It was almost as if he was suffering because his twin was suffering and when that ended he was able to rx and let his body do what it needed to."


    As she looked at Hou Yi he was cuddling little Jang while videoconferencing with Rosemary on his phone and she heard thement "I cannot believe he is being let go home."


    Anna moved over and said loudly "Well Rosemary, I am his mother and you know¡­"


    "How stubborn you are.? Anna, that is a mild view as to your personality at times."


    Hou Yiughed and added "And she can be stubborn at times, but at the same time¡­"


    "You would not change a thing about her, and she would not change a thing about you.? Damn it you two are so sugary sweet, it makes me want to run to the dentist, despite how much I love you," responded Rosemary in aughing tone.? "Yi, on a more serious note, thank you for organizing my flight back, while I would have liked to stay with school only having started for the year here, I needed to be back quickly.? I have shown everyone a few photos of little Yi, but they asked could you video call us on Sunday so everyone can see little Jang."


    "I will do Rosemary.? And thank you for being here with us."


    "True, darling sister.? I felt safe with you around and despite everything ¡­"


    "You do not me us.? Anna, Every time I saw you or spoke to you throughout your pregnancy you were so stressed, so I can see why nothing was said, as you may not even have Jang to take home.? Now go you two, and we will talkter, but you better send me photos soon."


    "Will do" responded Hou Yi before ending the call.


    Anna turned to him, and asked "Are you alright with what happened?"


    "I can deal with it. Since little Yi''s funeral I have had the time to think and spoken to several the specialists.? It hurts what they did, but if I take an outsider position, I can understand it.? But how do you feel?" by the end Hou Yi''s tone was gentle towards his wife.


    "I feel furious about them keeping us in the dark, but as it was exined to me yesterday with how I was I could have gone into an ever more prematurebour and we could have lost both.? That I do not believe I would have survived.? I just have to focus on Jang and our positives, but¡­" Anna choked up and started to cry again.


    Hou Yi, simply took her hand in his free hand and said "I know.? All I want to do is cry for him and his short life, but we still have the future we were nning although somewhat different.? We have each other, we have Jang, and we will have children in the future."


    Nodding Anna reached over and carefully took Jang from Hou Yi''s arms and gave him a cuddle.? Unsurprisingly for her as soon as he was in her arms he looked to be fed, which not only had herughing, but Hou Yi as well.


    While Anna was feeding Jang, Hou Yi''s mobile rang, and he answered it "Uncle Feng, what can I do for you?"


    Anna internally shock her head.? Despite all his promises of taking paternity leave Hou Yi, during the day was burying himself in work at Hou Enterprises.? As Uncle Feng told her when he snuck in for a visit yesterday, it seemed like work was his means to cope with Aaron''s death.


    Hearing that Hou Yi paused, Anna called out "Uncle Feng, tell that husband of mine to leave you to deal with thepany matters at least for a few weeks."


    Despite the noise, little Jang did not stir, and very quickly Hou Yi ended the call, and turned to Anna. "You should leave things be Anna," came his sharp short response.


    "Yi, you told me that you were going to take paternity leave for two or three weeks, and leavepany matters to Uncle Feng.? Jang is only a week old, and this week other than when you took the time for Aaron''s funeral you have spent most of the week at thepany.? If you cannot take paternity leave, how can you expect lower level staff in thepany to take it."


    Hou Yi shook his head and responded "Anna, there are matters ¡­"


    "Do not go onto me about things that only you can deal with.? While you have been here of a night-time, and I have needed that, having your Mother and Aunt as well as friends around me has not been enough.? I need you with me."


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on Webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel or to Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 695: A Surprise Arrival - Part 14

    <h4>695 A Surprise Arrival - Part 14</h4>


    Friday, continued¡­


    Anna shook her head then continued "Stop using work to avoid dealing with Aaron''s death.? I need you with me to help me, and importantly Jang get through the next few weeks, and dealing with little Yi''s death as a family.? Plus we are meant to move into the Vi in the next couple of weeks."


    Hearing how angry Anna was, Hou Yi said "Anna¡­"


    "Do not Anna me."


    "You forget you were not due for a couple of more weeks, and I was not due to take paternity leave for a fortnight.? I have had to deal with matters, yes, but¡­"


    "But what?"


    Knowing that Anna had identified his avoiding behaviour Hou Yi said "You are right, I have been using that need to address work to avoid things but given that I should not have to go into the office, I will not.? I promise."


    "You better not go back on that promise." With that Anna realised that Jang had finished feeding, and she handed him to Hou Yi while she finished sorting herself out.


    Hou Yi, stuck his head out to confirm to the staff Anna was ready to leave and a nurse came in with a wheelchair to take Anna out of the room towards the car.? A couple of the bodyguards came in to collect their personal items and surrounded Hou Yi, who was carrying Jang, and Anna as they moved out of the VIP ward and to the car.


    As they arrived and Anna was helped into the car, she settled in to carefully strap Jang into his car seat while Hou Yi climbed in beside her.? As they went to leave, Anna said "I promised Uncle Feng, yesterday when I saw him." Hearing hose words a dark look passed across Hou Yi''s eyes, but Anna continued "That when we left the hospital, we would bring little Jang to see him briefly before we head home."


    "Anna we should go home."


    "Yi, no.? You know the staff will want to catch a look at Jang, so visiting Uncle Feng briefly will allow that without any real issue.? We can then head home, and there will be no pressure on either of us from the staff or Uncle Feng."


    Hou Yi, knew that there were some papers that he needed to sign, and Uncle Feng had said that he would send them to the apartment.?? Going in would get than done quickly.? He nodded and the bodyguards shut the door.


    As the car pulled away, Anna leant into Hou Yi and they simply sat there quietly holding each other''s hands watching little Jang.? Before either of them knew it, it was over twenty minutester when they arrived at Hou Enterprises.? As the door was opened, Anna saw that the bodyguards had already set up the pram for Jang to be ced in.? Hou Yi climbed out, and after unbuckling Jang, Anna handed him to Hou Yi, who settled him into the pram as she climbed out of the car.


    The three of them walked into Hou Enterprises'' foyer, and it was quickly obvious that as soon as they had arrived, the office grapevine quickly let people know that they had arrived, and were bringing in the new heir for Hou Enterprises into the building for the first time.


    As they moved away from the entry, Anna could see Jang was awake and she ced her hand on Hou Yi''s hand to stop him moving with the pram.? She quietly said "Yi, the staff want to get a look at Jang.? How about we take him out of the pram and carry him but take it with us in case he is ready to sleep."


    Hou Yi, payed attention and could see a significant number of staff members watching them.? She was right, the staff wanted to see Jang, and given Aaron''s death, they still had to have the confidence that Hou Enterprises would continue.? He leaned over and carefully picked up Jang, while signalling to a bodyguard to bring the pram along with them.


    Anna trailed after Hou Yi, who moved towards staff members, to show them Jang.? To the first inquiry about taking a photograph Hou Yi quietly said no, but it was quickly obvious to both him and Anna that the staff catching a glimpse of Jang, were as enchanted with him, as they were, despite Aaron''s death.? Anna could easily see that Hou Yi was proud to have brought his child into thepany, and staff remarked on this.


    Jang''s reaction was surprising.? He took all the noise and the camera shes without reacting.? When they finally reached the lifts, Hou Yi, carefully ced Jang back into his pram, and they entered and were whisked up to the CEO Level where they were met by Assistant Wang, who looked down into the pram before saying "CEO Hou.? I know you did not want to deal with it previously, but the small meeting room is full of gifts for you and Madam Hou and the young master here from staff and other businesses.? What do you want me to do with it."


    Hou Yi simply responded "Not now," and continued down the corridor pushing Jang in his pram.


    Anna paused not believing Hou Yi.? He was still hurting too much from Aaron''s death to deal with it.? But it needed to be done.? "Assistant Wang gather all the cards and send thank you cards out for everyone.? Can you make a list of everything received, and I will tell you what we will keep and what can be donated to charities as we do not require it."


    "Yes, Madam Hou," came the relieved response.


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on Webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel or to Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 696: A surprise Arrival - part 15

    <h4>696 A surprise Arrival - part 15</h4>


    Friday, continued ¡­


    Anna moved and quickly followed Hou Yi, who was entering Uncle Feng''s office.? As she entered, she noticed they had disturbed a meeting that was urring, but no one seemed concerned, as Uncle Feng had moved quickly to the pram and carefully lifted Jang out for everyone to see him.? Hou Yi, was standing there with a happy, prideful look on his face as Jang was being observed by the staff.


    Before either of them could say anything Uncle Feng said "Why did you not let me know you wereing?"


    Anna quickly responded "We did promise we woulde and see you when Jang was released from hospital, and that was a surprise to us today.? But I do not think anyone here is too concerned about the interruption to your meeting."


    That received nods of agreement from those in the room, who spent a few minutes fussing over Jang, while Hou Yi quietly pulled Uncle Feng to one side.? Anna tuned out from the conversation while she simply stood there watching those in the office fuss.? Anna, eventually turned and Hou Yi was no where to be seen, and Uncle Feng quietly said, "He is in his office signing the documents he needs to deal with."


    Nodding Anna, turned and carefully removed Jang from the arms of the executives and returned him to his pram, before heading to Hou Yi''s office.? As Anna arrived, Jang loudly indicated that he was hungry again, and seeing that Hou Yi was on a telephone call she moved into the suite attached to his office, and sat down to feed Jang, before tidying him and herself up.? As she ced in back into his pram, he was almost asleep, for which Anna was grateful.


    Leaving Jang in the suite she headed back to Hou Yi''s office, and he was ending a telephone call.? On seeing Anna, he said "There is still a lot to do.? Take Jang home and once I am done I wille myself."


    "Yi, you are meant to be on paternity leave.? Thepany will not fail if you are not in the office.? Trust the senior Executives and Uncle Feng for a couple of weeks."


    "There are only things that I can deal with."


    Anna, feeling somewhat exasperated with Hou Yi in an angry but quiet voice so not to disturb Jang, said "Yi, do not make me ¡­"


    Before she finished Uncle Feng who had entered the room said "Call your mother, aunt or grandmother.? Anna have you not learnt yet that that threat does not work with him when ites to business." Anna could hear theughing undertone in his voice, and he continued "The threat that works with business is that his father and grandfather will step back into thepany.? Despite all the control they have given you Yi, they control the majority of thepany''s shares.? They told me to tell you, once little Jang was released from the hospital if you did not take at least three weeks paternity leave they would act to force you to take leave."


    "Do not threaten me, Uncle Feng."


    "Yi it is not a threat.? You and Anna have been through so much in thest week.? You need the time together.? We both know how your father and grandfather will use thepany to control you, but theirst tactic resulted in you and Anna marrying, and that you do not regret."


    "True¡­"


    "You need to have little Jang settled, and deal with the loss of little Yi, or is it Aaron as Anna seems to have called him?"


    "Uncle Feng, Aaron was the English name I gave him as of its meaning," responded Anna.


    "Go.? You will regret it if you do not."


    "But¡­"


    "Yi, go.? You are on three weeks paternity leave.? If there is something that I cannot deal with I will let you know.? You need to trust me and the senior executives that we will do the right thing for thepany."


    "But those meeting next week."


    "Yi stop being stupid. You encourage everyone else to take paternity leave when their children are born. Set an example for everyone in thepany. "


    Seeing the determination on Uncle Feng''s face, Hou Yi decided he would not argue today, bute in on Monday. Hou YI helped Anna stand up and moved over taking the pram and carefully wheeling it out into his office. He was greeted by Assistant Wang, who handed Anna a folder before saying "Enjoy your leave boss. I will see you in just over three weeks."


    As they left, Hou Yi pushing Jang, he knew by the looks of the senior executives they would do everything to prevent him froming back before the end of his paternity leave. Damn it he was the CEO and he needed to be there, but he knew that Uncle Feng would already have his whole family on side.


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on Webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel or to Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 697: The Karma Bus - Part 1

    <h4>697 The Karma Bus - Part 1</h4>


    Thursday, three weekster


    Hou Yi had been awake for over an hour. He had spent time simply watching Anna sleep, and when little Jang started to stir, he moved and picked him up quietlyforting him while using the new equipment in their suite to make him a bottle of form and then feeding it to him.


    It was getting easier to be with Jang, as he was getting more and morefortable with dealing with their loss of little Yi.? Yes, it still hurt, and having spoken to counsellors that Phillipa and Anna urged him to see, he would only ever find it easier to deal with, it would be something he would never get over.? That fact was something that he had only gotten his head around in thest few days.


    The paediatrician, when they took Jang inst week for a review, was pleased that he was already starting to meet milestones as would be expected.? He quickly learnt though that he had created a huge problem when he asked the question about it being alright for Jang''s feeding to be a mix of form and breast milk.


    Anna quickly responded that Jang would be fed breast milk at this time, before the paediatrician could even get a word in.? She was angry at him that he had even suggested the possibility.? The paediatrician made it clear that while Anna was right, the breast milk, given the circumstances of the birth would be the best for Jang, there was nothing wrong in supplementing that with form.? He made it clear to them that is was as important that they got their rest and depending on his demands Anna may not have been able to express enough to meet that need while she was sleeping.


    Since then, Hou Yi had started to develop a morning routine.? He would quietly get out of bed, leaving Anna sleep make Jang a bottle of form, and feed him.? Anna had been managing most of the night feedings, but he had seen that she was getting tired and needed help.? Doing this first thing of a morning was one way he could help, but the second was the conversation he was going to have with Anna today, given he would be returning to work from his paternity leave on Monday.


    Sitting on the couch, he quietly spoke to Jang while he was taking his bottle, however unbeknown to him Anna had woken and saw the scene in front of her.? While she had an objection to Jang being fed form, seeing the interactions between Hou Yi and their son, was worth going against her personal feelings.


    As she reached just behind the couch that Hou Yi was sitting on she said "I should have taken a photo of this, the two men in my life so quiet together."


    "You are not angry?"


    Anna, quickly moved around and sat beside Hou Yi before saying "Yi, you know my view about this¡­"


    "But you do not want to argue as long as it is only asionally.? You do not have to tell me that.? You have said it time and time again." Hou Yi observed Anna''s face and said, "Seriously Anna, we have to have a discussion, but." Looking down he realised Jang had finished the bottle, so he said, "How about you finish with Jang, while I tidy my mess and then we have the discussion."


    Without giving Anna a chance to argue, he carefullyid Jang in Anna''s arms and mover over to where he had spilt powdered form to clean up.? Yes, they had staff, but this was their retreat from the world, and he wanted to limit their need to enter the building.? Less than ten minutester, Anna had ced Jang back in his cot, while Hou Yi had selected a fruit juice for each of them from the small refrigerator in the room.


    As they sat down, Hou Yi handed one ss of fruit juice to Anna, and before he could say anything Anna said, "What is it you want to talk about?"


    Taking a breath, Hou Yi quietly responded "While I do not want to have an argument with you Anna, we need to get serious.? We love Jang, and want to be there for him, but we are both wearing ourselves out, particrly you.? You can get angry, but I have organized for nanny interviews for this afternoon.? Unlike a lot of parents, we can afford the help we need, and we will get it in ce.? Importantly that will give you options.? You can return to work when you want, or if you want to do things, you can without having to worry about Jang.? Plus, more importantly you can get sleep of a night-time."


    "Yi, I want to care for our children¡­"


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rigths that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel on Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 698: The Karma Bus - Part 2

    <h4>698 The Karma Bus - Part 2</h4>


    Thursday, continued¡­


    Hou Yi, quickly continued "You will be there Anna. Taking care of yourself, is just as important for Jang as being there all the time for him.? You cannot do everything all the time."


    "But you are going back to work, and you are not worrying about your rtionship with him."


    "I am.? While we have the money, I also have an obligation to every staff member.? I need to be there for them, and thepany as well.? Jang will not suffer for me returning to work, nor when you do so in the future.? It is about options, and¡­"


    "That is what you are asking me to consider." Seeing Hou Yi nodding, Anna continued "I will consider it, but I need to feel that the person is the right person, not just someone we choose because we have interviews."


    "Absolutely.? You need to be happy with whoever is selected, as they will be in Jang''s life, and potentially with us for years toe."


    Anna quickly leant over and gave Hou Yi a kiss before snuggling into him as they sat quietly on the couch.


    After around fifteen minutes of peace Hou Yi''s mobile rang, disturbing not only them, but startling Jang, who started to cry.? As Anna picked him up, she was Hou Yi answer his phone and ced in on speaker, before saying "Hello Alister.? I have you on speaker.? What can Anna and I do for you?"


    Anna realised the sudden waking caused Jang to dirty his nappy, so she moved over to change him again.? On the phone Alister said "Apologise for disturbing you CEO and Madam Hou, but I wanted you to hear this from me before you are confronted by the press, given what has happened in thest month."


    Hou Yi, worriedly said "You have me worried.? I though all the criminal matters had been finalised.? What is it?"


    "The national prosecutors called me around 8pmst night, but I did not want to disturb you.? My associates are calling CEO and Madam Yao, Miss Alecia and your brother Madam Hou, as well as the others we represented."


    "What has Lu Jingho done?"


    "Apparently when he arrived in prison, he tried to use his money to control what was happening, but since thest time Miss Gang was in and seen him, and the news came out about her taking millions from him, he has gotten worse, but the criminals in prison¡­"


    Anna with her background could guess where this was going, and interrupted "The normal prisoners, or as many of my colleagues in Australia called them the Ordinary Decent Criminals, did not take that too well to someone who hadmitted sexual offences against children, teenagers, but still they are legally children.? They reacted to him badly."


    "Correct Madam Hou.? The authorities tried to hide his offences from those within the prison, but it was impossible.? While they tried to shield him to keep him safe his own actions made sure he was front and centre of everything."


    "Well Alister he has the pathological need to control everything, so why would his behaviour be any different inside prison?"


    "That was always the worry for the prison authorities, and to be realistic there were little options as to where he would be sent to serve his sentence.? But, cutting a long story short yesterday, in trying to throw his weight around he upset the wrong person¡­"


    "And those in the hierarchy of prisoners did not take his actions too well, if I am understanding what you are trying to say Alister.? That is nothing unusual.? I always reminded my clients when they went to prison to be careful, as they had to take care of their own safety.? Just because you may have a status on the outside does not mean that you have a status inside prison."


    "You are correct Madam Hou.? But and details are still not clear at this time, the other prisoners did not take what he did this time well at all, and a shiv was pulled and he was stabbed multiple times.? And before you say anything, Madam Hou he was taken to the prison hospital and given the seriousness of the injuries he was immediately transferred to a nearby hospital for surgery."


    "So, he is there recovering.? Lt us just hope he does not use this to argue that his safety cannot be guaranteed in prison therefore his sentence should be served by home detention.? That will have everyone manipting the situation to get that, rather than the prison sentence they deserve," came the harsh quick response from Anna.? There was no way that she wanted that b*stard to get out is serving most of his time in prison.


    "That is not going to be a problem.? The injuries were so severe that he died in hospital from the injuries suffered.? The national prosecutorsst night informed all legal representatives of what had happened, and the prison authorities informed the Lu family.? They will hold a press conference at midday to announce his death."


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rigths that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel on Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 699: The Karma Bus - Part 3

    <h4>699 The Karma Bus - Part 3</h4>


    Thursday, continued¡­


    Anna and Hou Yi simply sat there stunned.? How in the world did this happen?? Yes, he agreed to a sentence, but in the end his victims would be left with little justice.? He served so little time for his actions.


    Alister continued, "And while it does not impact you in any way, thepensation orders made against him are not enforceable against his estate, unless action had been taken before his death to enforce them.? The problem for the victims is that while the applications were lodged, they rank behind other creditors of the estate as there is not judgements topel the payment."


    "So, I am guessing they will likely receive little?"


    "If anything."


    Hou Yi could see this was worrying Anna "Alister, let thewyers for the other victims know if there is anything, we can do to help them we will try.? But our son needs out attention." With that Hou Yi ended the call and sat the phone down.


    They paused and looked at each other, Anna cuddling Jang in her arms.? Hou Yi said "Well I guess that is a spectacr way to avoid having to pay for your crimes."


    "It is, but we need to work with those of us who have the money and arrange something for the victims with nothing.? They stood up and said that he was not going to get away to what he did to so many girls.? Some took the money and folded but others decided he needed punishment, and they should not lose out for doing what ultimately was right." Anna paused and continued, "I do not know why, but I feel sorry for Lu Jinhu losing his father like that."


    "Anna¡­"


    "Yi, regardless of what he did do me what he did resulted in us marrying and neither of us want for that not to have happen."


    "True, but I will not forget how much he hurt you Anna.? He does not deserve to be forgiven for that." Hou Yi learn over and gave Anna a brief kiss before saying, "Now we need to hurry up and start getting ready as the nanny interviews will start soon. ?Phillipa even suggested we consider a Nond College trained Nanny and through her contacts was able to find three that were willing to consider the position.? Two of them agreed toe over for an interview today, given I have paid all expenses."


    "You want the best?"


    "Absolutely.? Jang deserves it, but only if they fit.? There is no pressure Anna, as they have to fit our family."


    Seeing Jang had fallen asleep in Anna''s arms, he carefully lifted him out and said, "Now go and shower."


    Just as Anna finished getting ready, her phone rang, and she quickly picked it up, noticing it was James.? "What do you want baby brother.? You almost disturbed your nephew."


    "You know the news?"


    "Yes, Alister called us this morning.? How is Alecia about it?"


    "Like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders.? No matter what I had said, she was still worried but now she seems rxed."


    "And you?"


    "d.? It made me think about what Ben would have said¡­"


    "He was hit by the karma bus?"


    "You have it in one.? He had no conscious, did not care who he hurt in his pursuit of his own selfish desires and he ran into something than meant he had no control, and paid the ultimate price."


    "So how are you going with Alecia working and now having started University?"


    "It is somewhat strange.? Her work hours have dropped, but there are times believes she is drowning in coursework.? All I can do is be there for her. ?But it appears she has made a couple of close friends already in the course ¡­"


    "You feel shut out from what they are doing at times?"


    "A mind-reader.? What do you think I should do?"


    "James, you have it right.? She needs support from those who love her.? Being younger than everyone you are studying with already makes you and outsider, and she will do everything else that she can to fit in.? Get to know those close friends and make sure you have a supportwork around her, but just be there and help her out as much as you can.? In a worst case, talk to the university.? I was lucky with my schrship that I had course counsellors who make sure that I had thoseworks around me as I was only sixteen when I started university, Alecia despite being a year older will need them."


    "When did you get so smart?"


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rigths that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel on Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 700: The Karma Bus - Part 4

    <h4>700 The Karma Bus - Part 4</h4>


    Thursday, continued¡­


    Anna realised that James was attempting to mess with her and quickly replied "I have always been smart.? Tell Alecia is she needs to speak about the challenges just call me." Anna paused and continued "When are you working today?"


    "I have a half day starting at lunchtime.? Why?"


    "Yi wants us to employ a nanny to help care for Jang, and I need help ¡­"


    "You want some support?"


    "True, Yi otherwise will not pay attention to what I say¡­"


    "Anna, he has for months let you walk over him.? All because he did not want to add to your stress and impact your pregnancy.? Do you think he will risk hurting you simply to force something on you?"


    "James, despite all the issues we have with mother, she managed to work full time and care for five children with only dad''s and Adam and Ben''s maternal grandparents help.? Why should I not be able to care for my son?"


    "So, we get to the heart of the problem, you want to emte mother.? Anna, you have apletely different sense of our childhood.? I remember when I was in Grade 3, her hitting and verbally abusing you simply because you had fallen at school and gotten a grass stain on your uniform.? She called you an ungrateful brat who made her life difficult by not being careful, and then forced you to handwash the uniform with a scrap of soap, before using a towel to try and dry the uniform for school the next day.? Do not try and emte her.? Be the best you and work with Yi, to be the best parents you can.? Remember you have the money to hire help so do it."


    "But Mum¡­"


    "Anna, you know what she is like.? She should not be your role model.? Look to our siblings and their spouses, who put their children first.? The work together regardless of what they are doing and have a supportwork of not only each other and family, but carers that they can call on, and what are they all like as parents?"


    "Great.? None of our nieces and nephews are spoilt brats."


    "That is what you want.? Children who are generally well behaved, not causing trouble, but enjoy being a parent.? Alecia and I are waiting for children, but I can tell you I will emte my father-inw in being willing to sacrifice myself for my children, rather than our selfish mother who ultimately only cares about herself, not her children."


    Anna turned and observed Jang starting to stir "James, Jang is waking so I need to go and deal with him."


    "Promise me you will remember what I said."


    "I will." With that Anna ended the call and moved over towards Jang, who had seemed to drift back to sleep.


    As she sat down, Hou Yi came out of the ensuite and said, "I gather you were talking to James?"


    "Yes.? Could you do me a favour for these interviews?"


    Reluctantly Hou Yi said "Depending on what it is?"


    "Could you arrange for James to have the day off to be with us for the interviews.? He has the medical knowledge that we can use to test the potential nannies about first aid and the like.? That would make me morefortable."


    "Give me ten minutes, but head down and I will bring Jang with me."


    "Thank you.? By the way, when are we moving to the Vi?"


    "Jang has another paediatrician appointment tomorrow, but given we are over thirty minutes closer to the hospital, and James is only downstairs, I feel morefortable being here in case there is a problem for him.? But, if the paediatrician is happy, we could think about the move in the next couple of weeks."


    Nodding, Anna checked Jang before heading downstairs.


    By the end of the nanny interviews, Anna was grateful that she had convinced Hou Yi to arrange for James to have the day off to be with them for the interviews.? It quickly allowed them to eliminate all but three of the potential nannies, the two Nond trained nannies, and one locally trained nanny.


    After James left, Hou Yi turned to Anna and asked, "If there a standout for you or are you not sure?"


    "Yi, you know I want to try and do everything, but after going through that process I am not certain what to do."


    "You can consider what you want, we can look to interview more potential nannies.? Time is with us, but as I said it has to be your choice."


    "In other words, you are going to indulge me?"


    "Absolutely.? Now my darling do you have a answer?"


    "I liked the second Nond trained nanny, as much as the locally trained nanny, but ¡­"


    "You are not certain?"


    "Yes.? What about you?"


    "My thoughts are the same, but one interesting thing was the locally trained nanny indicated that she would have no problems if she shared the job.? The benefit with her is that we can make sure Jang grows up multi-lingual, but¡­"


    "You like the idea of a Nond Nanny." After pausing to think Anna added "How about we get the two of them here, talk to the two of them, see how they interact with other nannies.? That may allow me to reach a decision on whether or not they are the right fit for me."


    "Anna, you are in control.? We both know that despite my good intentions in the end you will be the one who interacts more with the nanny than I will, simply because of business demands, so the person in the end needs to be right for you, not solely my preference."


    ------------


    From the Author (and those reading this on webnovel will be annoyed about this).? Due to ongoing piracy of my work on various websites each chapter now will contain this information.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel app that is avable in the iTunes Store or the Google y App Store, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The humble author of this original story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel App.? If you have the time, could you also please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it, either directly or through ament on any chapter of this novel on Webnovel.


    The author to those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online of through one of the Webnovel apps, wants to thank every one of you for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.

 Chapter 701: Christening - Part 1

    <h4>701 Christening - Part 1</h4>


    Sunday, six weekster in Australia


    Anna was stressed; Little Jang absolutely hated their flight here to Australia, despite following everything that his paediatrician said to do for the flight.? While, she initially believed the decision to employ the two nannies they liked from the initial interviews was a significant waste of resources, the two of they were wonderful in dealing with Jang''s tantrums the whole flight.? Thank goodness for that as despite the flight being on the Hou enterprises ne, his reactions were distracting enough for everyone.? Goodness knows what he would have been like on amercial flight.


    Neither she nor Hou Yi had been able to thank them enough for dealing with Little Jang''s behaviour on the flight, and they arranged for the two of them to have a few days leave to see some sights in Australia, as neither of them had been here before.? Anna figured with everyone around at their Australian Home, she and Yi could cope for a few days without them.


    The problem was Little Jang was not cooperating and had kept her awake until about 3am.? Georgina came in and offered to deal with him so she could have a few hours'' sleep.? When he was fretting as he was, it was always heartbreaking to leave him, but as Georgina said, today would be challenging and she needed some sleep.


    Anna''s movements however disturbed Hou Yi.? He woke up and quietly observed her without her noticing his actions.? Despite all the reassurances, and her instinctive knowledge of the situation she still med herself that she had a part in Lu Jingho''s death due to her maniptions early in the case.? His words of reassurance did not stop her doing that, but Phillipa had seemed to get through to her finally yesterday, particrly considering the concerns that the obstetrician and others had that Anna''s mental health was going downhill from that and the loss of Aaron.


    He was surprised that Phillipa had not only agreed to be a godparent but had been able to travel to Australia as there was a lot going on for her with the family estate.? But her presence was calming for Anna, which was important.? The interesting thing was all the godparents she had convinced him Jang needed.? Phillipa, Uncle Feng, Yao Tan, Amanda, James, Alecia and surprisingly Lexi Yao.? Ever since they first met, Anna had a friend who was impervious to the twisting of people Anna did.


    As Hou Yi moved more he looked at the time and said to Anna "Sleep for a little longer.? You need it." He leant over and gave her a brief kiss, before she snuggled back under the covers and drifted back to sleep.


    For Hou Yi, as he settled in the dining area, he focused on reading emails that hade in overnight that needed addressing.? He needed the break, but ever since Lu Jingho''s death, businesses had been hectic.? His death in prison distorted the reaction of the public.? They had forgotten about his crimes, and despite the leaks of his in-prison behaviour public maniptions were such that the me for what happened was directed at him and Anna.? He had, thank goodness been able to shield Anna from that, because she would have med herself for that even more.


    It had been hard work with the public rtions team to deal with the negative impacts on the business but ten days ago, help came from the most surprising direction.? Lu Jinhu had, with the permission of prison authorities, and after speaking to Alecia, agreed to make a public statement.? The details of what he had done to his own son including his coerced behaviour and the viciousness of the assessment of his father had turned the tide of public opinion.


    He knew he was going toe clean today about the interactions with Lu Jinhu as he had given him a gift to Little Jang, and the interesting discussion he had when it was provided.? It seemed getting free of his father and Yang Lin, he realised what he had done and was remorseful for the harm he had done.? That made Hou Yi realise that in the end, there was some good still in Lu Jinhu but he had to figure out his own future.


    He slipped out of bed, quickly showered and moved out of the room to let Anna sleep.? As he headed into the kitchen, Adam and Ben had arrived in after milking.? Hou Yi asked to have a quick discussion with them, as he knew he needed a sounding board to determine how to raise the issue of Lu Jinhu with Anna.? Their initial reaction was exactly as Hou Yi predicted.? They wanted to kill Lu Jinhu for what he wanted had done over the years to Anna, but when he exined what he had done that desire lessened a little bit.? But as they both agreed when they heard everything Anna needed to be told the whole truth, and Lu Jinhu''s actions as hiding things would only be hurtfulter.


    As the morning drifted on, everyone slowly came into the casual dining area for breakfast and Anna finally made her way into the room a little after 9:15am, to find everyone gathered there waiting for her.? Little Jang was being passed from person to person, and he was happy with all the attention that he was receiving.


    Susan responded seeing her sister "Well hello miss sleepyhead, we wondered if you were ever going to join us,"


    ------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at Webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on Webnovel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 702: Christening - Part 2

    <h4>702 Christening - Part 2</h4>


    Sunday, continued¡­


    Anna quickly retorted to Susan, "Stow it Susan, you like a Sunday sleep-in so you cannot talk.? Plus, little Jang there kept me awake most of the night."? This drew a round ofughter from her siblings and their spouses as they all knew Susan liked her weekend sleep-ins, even on camping trips unless she was working.? Normally no one would have got her out of bed today before 11am, but today was a special day.


    Observing his youngest daughter Stan Jones could see how happy she was, despite something bothering her.? She deserved the life she had with Hou Yi, a husband who adored her and was willing to spoil her, a beautiful baby, and the ability to pursue what she wanted.? That was, after the rtionship with Lu Jinhu, something that he was and would always be grateful for.


    He had, throughout her life allowed Meredith to cause constant trouble for Anna.? He would not call her on her behaviour as he loved her so much, and he did not want to risk their children''s home life hence his allowing her behaviour that impacted Anna.? He dismissed the behaviour and the impact on Anna, until Meredith started to cause trouble for Alecia.? Alecia did not deserve that, and it made him recognise Anna did not deserve what he allowed Meredith to do.? That encouraged him to obtain legal representation to deal with separation and eventually a divorce.


    That process made him see Meredith was only concerned with money.? Alecia offered to loan him the money to pay off Meredith and deal with his legal fees, on the promise Anna and Hou Yi were not told, which he agreed to.? She epted the deal a couple of weeks ago, which he was grateful for. The only thing he had to do was obtain an intervention order to protect himself as of her threats during the proceedings to protect himself.? Now he had to simply work to rebuild his life.


    Turning back, Stan said "You are talking about my youngest grandchild. He is an Angel and would not do that."


    "An Angel?? Dad he was a devilst night and determined that I would not get sleep."


    "Anny you were like that as a baby so¡­"


    "What goes aroundes around.? Dad, I know your philosophy." Hou Jang and Du AnLing were confused at theughter and once Hou Yi exined what it meant to them they joined in.


    As the conversations drifted on, Anna moved over, and sat down beside her father, and as everyone around them was talking, she had to ask the question for weeks she had been itching to ask her dad "Are you happy?"


    "Anna, you know me I would not have given up on my marriage unless your mother had taken me past breaking point. Her attitude when you and Yi told us about your marriage had me there, but I was willing to give her onest chance to change her attitude and treatment of you. This resulted in lots of arguments, which became worse after James and Alecia came here. I told her if she kept pushing, I would end the marriage.? The final straw was what she did that resulted in Alecia getting her intervention order.? That was not deserved.? Eventually I was able to give her what she wanted to walk away, but before you ask I made sure I protected myself from her behaviour."


    "You know we can arrange for a house to be built on the property for you, if you want?"


    "Do not worry, James and Alecia have let me live in their house here, until I can figure out what I want."


    "Is she behaving otherwise?"


    "As you know, sweetheart, I simply let her always do what she wanted during our rtionship as I could not stand the private arguments if she did not get her way. When I walked out because of her behaviour, I took immediate steps to deal with the matter, but you can guess what happened."


    "She and her father started harassing you."


    "I knew you were smart.? They kept at me about the requirement for me to remain in the rtionship and harassing me about everything and anything, to the point mywyer had be get an intervention order to prevent the ongoing behaviour.? My only worry is that she and her father will turn up today and disrupt the proceedings."


    "Dad¡­" came a cry from Anna.


    "Anna, Yi knows, and he has arranged for additional security to prevent disruption from her.? Do not worry, she will not ruin the day for you.? Be happy and enjoy it."


    As Anna nodded, Stan leant over and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a hug before saying "Now, go be with your husband, as despite it being a happy day, dealing with Aaron''s ashes will be a challenge for all of us." Anna got the message, and stood up moving to sit beside Hou Yi, and leant over resting her head on his shoulders.


    As she settled Hou Yi asked, "Are you alright?"


    "Absolutely.? I am a little tired."


    "You need to let us help you with Jang, while the Nannies are having their break.? Promise me that."


    "I will, but you know it will be hard habit to break."


    The conversation around the table drifted to various things before everyone headed off to get ready to head into Warrnambool for a light lunch before the Christening at 1pm, being performed by the same minister at Christ Church that performed their formal wedding ceremony, as they believed it wouldplete a circle for them.


    Anna, and Hou Yi were grateful as the ceremony progressed that there was not a problem, until there was a loud noise at the back of the church as the christening was ending.


    ------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


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 Chapter 703: Christening - Part 3

    <h4>703 Christening - Part 3</h4>


    Sunday, continued ¡­


    At the sound, everyone inside the church turned and saw Meredith Jones and an older man force their way just inside the church.? Hou Yi''s bodyguards quickly moved in to prevent them getting closer to everyone inside the church.? Anna, James, their siblings and importantly Stan Hones immediately realised who was with Meredith, her father.


    Anna quickly signalled to one of the bodyguards to call the police as of the disruption, and James knowing of the intervention orders Alecia and his father had against his mother and Anna against their grandfather, he telephoned the police to exin the breaches that were urring.


    Anna in seeing her grandfather, was scared what he would do, given his actions thest time they were in the same room together, and while gathering little Jang into her arms she carefully picked up Aaron''s ashes and moved into Hou Yi''s arms.? That was safe.? Hou Yi, in observing Anna''s reactions knew that there was something going on, and further motioning to the bodyguards, they moved to shield them, his parents and everyone else.


    Meredith seeing the bodyguards preventing her getting close to the ceremony started screaming about how rude it was to exclude her as the baby''s grandmother from being there.? With her father they then started yelling about how wrong the christening was, how it should have been and about the total inappropriateness of the godparents.? After a couple of seconds her grandfather then added Ann had no choice as he was the one who should dictate what happened as his great-grandson would be leaving immediately with him as no one present other than him could determine what was right for him.? He then started to move towards Anna.


    To everyone it was clear that he intended to snatch Little Jang from her arms, but the bodyguards moved quickly to grab him before he could get too close to everyone.? Seeing what her grandfather was doing, Anna started to shake in Hou Yi''s arms, and Phillipa observing Anna was scared moved in quickly to firstly take Aaron''s ashes and then Jang from her arms for Hou Yi could draw her in closer tofort her.


    A few minutester the police arrived, and James having been wary that both his mother and grandfather would show up to cause trouble today pulled out copies of Alecia, Stan and Anna''s intervention orders and showed them to the police, who quickly arrested them and removed them from the church.? The remaining police officer quietly said "We need you to pleasee to the police station to make statements about what happened."


    Hearing this, Anna quickly shifted from being scared about what was about to happen, into being what she was trained to be, awyer.? "Absolutely, but we need to finish here and have one other matter to see to before we cane."


    "And you are?"


    "In the order, I believe you have a copy of my name will be Anna Jones, but I have married and now it is Anna Hou.? We need to finish the christening of one of my son''s, and we intend to spread the ashes of the other that died just after his birth.? Can you wait until after that?"


    Anna could see the conflict on the police officer''s face, but the shock of the fact that they would be dealing with the ashes of an infant was something he was not expecting.? Anna continued "We are not avoiding this, but as an officer of the court I can promise you we wille and make statements once we have done that."


    Hearing Anna''s statement the shock moved from the police officer and he said, "And you work where?"


    "I am employed by ANX Lawyers in Melbourne but currently am on secondment overseas.? We are here because I grew up in Warrnambool.? I can put you on contact with the senior partners of ANX if you wish to rify my employment."


    "If you can get there as soon as possible please, we would appreciate it as we have to determine what is to happen."


    Seeing that he was not going to move Anna the police officer reluctantly left the church, and the minister finished the Christening ceremony, before they all headed out to the cemetery to ce half of Aaron''s ashes in the niche wall at the Warrnambool Cemetery.? While Anna had wanted to spread the ashes on the property, as her father had said, they may sell the property in the future and this would make it difficult for anyone to continue to pay their respects to Aaron, but cing them at the cemetery would mean that they had somewhere they could always go.


    After finishing that short ceremony, everyone headed towards the police station to make the statements that the police would need.? Having paid attention to the officer''s names on entering the police station Anna requested to speak to the officer who remained behind.? When the police realised the number of people to take statements from, they were shocked.? Initially the police wanted to only take a minimal number of statements and obtain further statements when required but realising the number of overseas people they knew the statements needed to be taken then.


    While others started to make their statements to the police, Anna asked one of the bodyguards to grab herptop, which for some unknown reason today she had them ce in the car, from the car, and sat starting to type up her statement, to save time.? Hou Yi sat with her, and once she finished her statement, she started working on his Statement, before emailing both to the police officer for printing and signing.


    As they were leaving the police station, what happened today finally sank in for Anna.? She could not believe her mother, ruining little Jang''s Christening as she was angry about not being invited.


    ------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


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    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 704: Back in Action - Part 1

    <h4>704 Back in Action - Part 1</h4>


    Monday morning


    As Anna awoke and dressed to head to court this morning, she recalled the call from the policete yesterday.? Given the disregard that her mother and grandfather showed for the Intervention Orders and the attitude when being interviewed by the police, they were refused bail and had to go before the Court today.? They viewed the threats to her, and Little Jang''s safety were significant if they were not detained.


    While she was still involved in the matters before the court, for Anna it was in some wayforting.? This was a legal environment that she knew and could deal with.? It held logic to her, rather than the system she had been in for months.? If followed a process and feltfortable, plus she knew that she would be able to influence the oue, which back home was something that she could not do.


    As she reached into the cot to pick up little Jang, Hou Yi stirred in bed, and said "Give me enough time to get ready as I want to be with you today."


    Moving over to Hou Yi, Anna leant down and gave him a kiss before saying "Well hurry up, we need to be at court by 9:30am."


    Hou Yi knew that Anna was distracted and said, "Well the longer you are here the longer it will take me to get ready."


    As she headed out Annaughed and responded "Well someone is frustrated¡­"


    Recognising that Anna wanted to mess with him, Hou Yi responded "Who is to me for that."


    Anna paused at the door to their suite and said "Me," quickly leaving and shutting the door behind her.


    Anna headed to the casual dining area; she could not believe how Georgina had excelled herself.? Just after she had settled Jang into his highchair Georgina entered the room, and Anna said, "Georgina could you sit down."


    "What is it?"


    "How are things going with your ex?"


    "Anna, I have to thank you.? Giving me this job and putting me in contact with your colleagues at ANX.? It has made a huge difference.? His arguments about him being able to provide the better home were dismissed by the courts.? They made an assessment about what both of us could provide, and with your affidavit in support, details of what happened in Hong Kong, our family situation and most importantly for me this job and decided that the best thing was that Alice remained living with me but limited his time with her."


    "How do you feel about it?


    "Relieved.? Following the advice of your colleagues I also detailed in my court material the money I had paid to him over and above the financial settlement as well as his non-payment of child support.? From what I am told it was extremely unusual, the court made orders in regarding that and other money I gave him requiring him to pay me but also imposing a condition that he cannot return to court for anything with respect to Alice unless he has paid the money to me."


    "I bet that did not go down well."


    "No.? As the judge made the order, he yelled out about how unfair such orders were as it denied his rights as a father, and that the court was blinded by not only my money but your money as well.? That ended up with the judge warning him if he continued, he would be in contempt of court.? That shut him up, but after we got out of court he continued, and has tried to appeal the decision.? The appeal hearing is pending, but ¡­"


    "My colleagues are sure that the decision will stand.? They will do the best, and do not worry about the legal fees as we will pay them.? Yi and I care for our employees, and while you are one, you are someone I can trust, and I am willing to back you and make sure your legal fees are paid.? He has messed with you too much, and¡­"


    Hou Yi interrupted "You cannot forgive his witch of a wife for what she has done.? Anna, you are too predictable, when you feel someone is wronged you want to avenge that." Turning to Georgina, he said "Georgina, Anna says we can trust you and so far, you have done a wonderful job managing our home here, so we will make sure that your legal fees are paid.? That is the least we can do as we have asked you to alter your arrangements for us and be a live-in housekeeper."


    "Thank you.? Now, I better get back to the job you pay me for."


    Anna responded "Georgina, there is no worries about this.? You are doing a wonderful job so far."


    Nodding Georgina quickly left the dining room, and as she did Hou Yi said "You wanted to know what was happening with her case.? Anna, can you let things go?"


    "Yi, looking back I held a grudge against her for the wrong reasons, and I want to ensure that the right thing happens for her."


    "Anna, focus on today.? ANX have sent reports to me as to the court oues for Georgina, on the basis we are paying her legal fees.? They also emailed you them, so stop pushing her for information when there is a neutral source."


    "Spoilsport, you know I¡­"


    "Like to push to get the information directly.? You forget you are on maternity leave."


    "So, I am still awyer."


    Smiling, Hou Yi replied "You will never change, and thinking like awyer means you push everyone for information."


    "But you love me for it."


    Shaking his head Hou Yi added "Sometimes I wonder why, but I know I will love you to the day I die."


    Anna turned and said, "Me to," before allowing Hou Yi to give her a quick kiss.


    ------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at Webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on Webnovel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 705: Back in Action - Part 2

    <h4>705 Back in Action - Part 2</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    As they were eating breakfast, James and Alecia who had already eaten and gone for a walk returned, and everyone else drifted into the casual dining area for breakfast.? When Anna and Hou Yi stood up to leave, Du AnLing said "Leave Little Jang with us, as you do not need the distraction."


    Hou Yi, before Anna could say anything said, "Thank you mum, that is a relief." With that he hurried Anna out of the dining area, with James and Alecia following them.? As the car they were in headed into Warrnambool Anna turned to Hou Yi and said "Why¡­"


    "Anna, a court is not the ce for Jang.?? Plus, you need to focus on legal matters without the distraction of Jang as your mother and grandfather will try to mess with you."


    "But¡­"


    "No buts Anna.? We both know everyone at the property can look after Jang for a few hours, plus the Nannies are due backter today, so stop worrying and focus on being awyer, rather than Jang''s mother for a few hours."


    "Or¡­"


    Hou Yi leant over and whispered in her ear "I will not indulge you likest night, given Jang was off our hands until around 1am when he wanted a feed.? When have we really had the chance to indulge in each other without any worries about things?"


    Blushing Anna responded "You meanie.? That was amazingst night, and you want to hold back on me?"


    "Well¡­"


    Leaning over Anna gave Hou Yi a quick but passionate kiss before responding "I can tease you so much that as soon as we get back you will not be able to do anything other than hurry me back to our suite."


    "We will see."


    "I hope so," quickly retorted Anna with a smile on her face, as she brushed her hand across Hou Yi, resulting in him tensing slightly, before she leant over and rested her head on his shoulder.


    After around twenty minutes, Anna realised that they had reached the area of the court.? Having previously told the bodyguards that they would struggle to get parking near the court, the car stopped and let them off.? Along with James and Alecia, they headed apanied by six bodyguards towards the court building where they met Stan before heading through security and into the court building.


    Anna quickly advised the court staff that they were present, and as everyone sat down, she slipped into the courtroom, to speak briefly to the Police Prosecutor that would handle the matter on the police''s behalf.? After a brief discussion, she headed out to find thewyers who would be appearing for her mother and grandfather to discuss the matter.? Both were adamant that they would not only fight the charges but the applications to vary existing orders and new orders. ?That did not surprise Anna, and as she walked out after the quick discussion, she realised how much she missed being in court as an advocate. ?It challenged her and made her feel as is she made a difference, in case for her.


    Sitting down with everyone, Anna quickly exined what was happening, and that they simply had to wait until the court called the matter.? It was just on 11am, when the matters involving her mother and grandfather were called into court.? Following Anna, Hou Yi, James, Alecia, Stan and their apanying bodyguards headed into the court room.? Anna pointed to everyone where they should sit, and she headed to bar table where the police Prosecutor and the Lawyers for her mother and grandfather were sitting.? As her mother and grandfather were brought into the dock, Anna could see the look of anger and aggression pass over their face.? They med her for this situation and were ready to take it out on her.


    Seeing her at the bar table, the Magistrate immediately inquired of Anna, who she was and who she was representing.? Exining her situation to the court, she could observe that the Magistrate was angry that he has having to deal with aplicated family situation.? However, Anna could detect that he was willing to listen to the matters.? As her mother and grandfather opted to contest the criminal matters they were left until after the police application for intervention orders were dealt with.? Anna was expecting this as the police would want to know the intervention order situation before adopting a final position on bail.? After hearing from the police and thewyers for her mother and grandfather on the intervention order, the magistrate looked to Anna, and she stood up.


    "Your honour, I hate to be in this situation with my mother and grandfather in the dock, but the situation is bing intolerable. ?My grandfather, in storming into the church yesterday breached a previous intervention order that required him to notmunicate with me ore within 50 meters of me."


    "The circumstances in which that order was granted urred when he attempted to interfere with a familyw case where I was one of thewyers assigned by my firm to represent a woman, who left the her husband which belonged to the religious group my grandfather was the elder of.? Without passingment on those circumstances the court believed that it needed to protect me to prevent any allegations being directed of perverting the course of justice¡­"


    ------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at Webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on Webnovel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 706: Back in Action - Part 3

    <h4>706 Back in Action - Part 3</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    From the dock, her grandfather interrupted "That is a damn lie.? You were doing actions you had no right to do and all I was doing was telling you the wrongness in your behaviour, as I should as your elder."


    Anna paused further as she could see the magistrate was angry at the interruption.? However, knowing her grandfather she made her statements because he would not be able to stop himself in reacting.


    The Magistrate turned and said "Sir, I will give you and your daughter one warning.? You do not interrupt these proceedings.? You havewyers representing you, and they will speak for you, not you."


    "Well I want to speak, so I do not want that so-calledwyer.? I need to be heard and her lies need to be stopped now."


    "While I will encourage you to retain yourwyer, you are entitled to make that decision about your representation, but if you interrupt again, you will be removed.? Do you understand?"


    "That is not fair, but as long as she does not lie, I will do that."


    Turning back to Anna, the magistrate nodded, and she continued "My mother ining breached orders protecting my father and my sister-inw which I understand this court granted.? They are both here in the court." ?Anna paused, and continued "They forced their way into Christ Church where my husband and I were holding a private christening service for our son Jang, as well as a funeral service for our other son Yi, who we call Aaron, who died a couple of months ago the day after his and Jang''s birth.? After the service we interned part of his ashes in the niche wall at the cemetery so he would be here with his Australian family, with the other part of his ashes returning home with us."


    "That, despite the presence of my husband and my bodyguards frightened me.? They are around us as of my husband''s business but neither of them demonstrated any respect for us in not inviting them to those ceremonies let along the court in breaking the orders, whether they agree with them or not.? I know my grandfather was clearly exined the terms of the order and his ability to contest or appeal the conditions on it as the magistrate when it was imposed made that exnation in court in front of me."


    "And before anything is said, I am fearful that my mother will increase her behaviour targeting me, and my husband and my property here in Australia without the order.? That is in addition to his familypany investments here in Australia, which at thest count amount to around fifty billion dors and growing.? The nature of thepany structure is that my husband and I control over sixty percent of thepany shares jointly and the rest is controlled by other family members.? We could withdraw that investments if it bes necessary for our and that investments protection from my mother and grandfather.? In speaking to my sister-inw and father, they are concerned that without the amendments the police are seeking to their orders that her behaviour will continue.? As to the application regarding my grandfather, I seriously believe that further control is needed on his behaviour."


    "Mrs Hou, in terms of the police applications, what do you and your client''s say."


    "As to my father''s order, he is now living in the property my brother and sister-inw own, as when my parents separated, he let my mother remain in the family home.? That is now his residence.? As to my sister-inw''s order, the address needs to be altered to the address that will be reflected in the police applications regarding me and my son.? Additionally, and it may be a tricky order for the court to have, is that the restriction of being within the distance of that property must only apply when my sister-inw, my son and I are at the residence.? My older half-brothers, being the son''s from my father''s first marriage, operate a farming business on the property and a nket restrictions impacts their ability to invite her to be at the property.? The orders are needed to protect us and prevent ongoing actions that they have demonstrated with their actions yesterday.? And before anything is said about me not being in Australia since my marriage, I fell pregnant quickly and it was a risky pregnancy, as evidenced by the death of our younger child one day after his birth.? The one trip we made here after I fell pregnant was broken into flights of no more than 4 hours length with breaks between each leg."


    Turning to the Dock the magistrate said, "What do you have to say sir?"


    "Other than everythinging out of my ungrateful granddaughter''s mouth is a lie, that the orders are unnecessary.? When she was given the order against me, it was simply a targeting of the religious group I belong to due to our beliefs.? The court should not be granting an order simply she does not like my beliefs.? The court should simply throw out the order, as it should never have been made, plus tell the police to abandon the charges against me."


    Anna sat there not wanting to react.? She knew that the religion card would be yed by her grandfather, so she should not be surprised.


    After her grandfather sat down, he turned to her mother and said, "Your father has opted to represent himself in these proceedings, what do you want to do."


    Anna could see her mother, was bing the meek woman her religious background told her to be, and said "I want to dismiss mywyer, and have my father speak on my behalf.? He is better at this than I am."


    ------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at Webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on Webnovel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 707: Back in Action - Part 4

    <h4>707 Back in Action - Part 4</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    Anna could not believe her mother, ying the pitiful woman.? She was pandering to her father, which meant that this church would be paying for their ultimate representation in the case to push their agenda.


    Anna quickly stood up "Your honour, please do not see this as presumptuous, as I know you are about to tell my mother that only she or herwyer can represent her.? If, at this moment she wants my grandfather, her father, to speak on her behalf neither myself nor those who I represent will object, as long as they are both at a contested hearing represented bywyers."


    "Mrs Hou, you know the rules of court."


    "Your honour, allowing that will speed up the case, rather than causing unnecessary argument."


    The magistrate turned to the police prosecutors who said, "If the victims are satisfied, while we do not like it, for the sake of getting through this matter to allow us to deal with other matters."


    The magistrate, while not really wanting to do this, quickly realised that Anna was trying to get the proceedings dealt with.? "While I am reluctant to allow this, as neither the police nor Mrs Hou object, I will allow it for today only.? You both need representation as the case progresses."


    Anna''s grandfather with a smug look on his face, believing he was in control, started to speak again "As to the application for an order against my daughter by my granddaughter, that is totally unnecessary.? She is rarely in the country, and as she has already said she and her husband have bodyguards, and they can protect her against any imaginary threat from my loving daughter.? The same applies to my granddaughter-inw.? From what my daughter says, they both are rude and disrespectful to her, and their actions have destroyed the marriage that was the centre of her life.? Why should the court waste time and money on something that ispletely unnecessary.? As to the order regarding her husband, I was with her when the situation urred that resulted in that being made.? My son-inw refused to allow her to speak or try and save their marriage and herments were directed at his actions there, not specifically a threat to her.? She agreed to the order simply because she believed it was necessary to try and save their marriage.? It is again unnecessary."


    Anna, sitting their listening to what wasing out of her grandfather''s mouth could not believe him.? As soon as he finished Anna stood up "Your Honour, while my sister-inw and myself do not live permanently in Australia, as significant portions of our family are here we will be spending periods of time here.? My husband and I intend, subject to businessmitments to spend four to six weeks a year at a minimum here let along times we are here for business purposes.? My brother and sister-inw intend to do the same.? The orders are necessary to protect us here, because as she has already demonstrated by turning up to a private ceremony that she was not invited to, she does not respect the court.? The same for my grandfather.? As to my father, the changes that are sought are reasonable."


    The police prosecutor stood up "Having heard what is said, Mrs Hou''s is right.? Both her and the younger Mrs Jones, while not residing permanently in Australia need protection from the behaviour of both defendants in the dock.? The amendment to increase the distance and a new residential address for Mr Stan Jones is reasonable in the circumstances."


    Pausing, the Magistrate said "I have had the opportunity to read the applications and heard what is said in respect to the orders sought or sought to be amended.? As both defendants wish to contest the orders, without your agreement, I will make a new order in the conditions sort by the police for your Mrs Hou against your mother but leave the existing orders in ce until a contested hearing.? How long do you expect a contested hearing will take?"


    Anna quickly turned to the police prosecutor and after a discussion she stood up, and said "Our preliminary view is that it will take at least a day, possibly two days."


    Before the Magistrate could say anything, her grandfather stood up and said "More likely three to four days.? As I said these orders are driven by the religious hatred that my granddaughter, granddaughter-inw and son-inw have.? We need to put that information before the court.? And no orders are necessary."


    Slightly shaking his head, the magistrate said "I understand that neither defendant''s want the orders in ce.? The existing orders will stand, and as there is an infant involved the order for Mrs Hou against Mrs Meredith Jones is necessary, regardless of how long they are in the country and when they are next in the country.? Mrs Hou, when you areing into the country you need to let your mother and grandfather know at the address that appears on the order.? Mrs Alecia Jones, you need to do the same.? Can the court staff indicate how long of a wait for a three-day contested hearing?"


    The court registrar said "The earliest avable time is October for three straight days"


    "Fine, book those days, I do not want to waste people time in bring them back to court where it is not necessary.? But the orders will all be extended until that hearing if they are due to expire in the interim.? However, if there is an agreement to resolve the matter the parties can have the matter listed earlier."


    "Mrs Hou, is there anything else you want to say?"


    ------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at Webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on Webnovel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 708: Back in Action - Part 5

    <h4>708 Back in Action - Part 5</h4>


    Monday, continued¡­


    "Sir, I suspect the question of bail on the criminal matters will be sought.? If you are going to grant bail, could thepliance with the intervention orders be part of the conditions.? If you do not need me, can I be excused?"


    "The question of bail will be a matter I will deal with; however, you can be excused."


    Anna quickly moved away from the bar table, and as she looked at the dock where her mother and grandfather were, she felt scared about the looks they were giving her.? Following her lead, everyone left the court room.


    As they moved out of the court room, Anna found a ce to sit down and said "We need to wait for copies of the orders, but that was predictable/"


    James turned and said "Predictable?? How in the world can you say that Anna?"


    "James, we know what grandfather is like.? He is so focused on his religious beliefs and unless you agree with him you are anti-religion.? There is no point in arguing the situation, but the court had to understand the need for the existing orders to remain, and more importantly the orders to remain.? The police did that regarding Dad and Alecia''s orders, so I had to deal with the two for me.? The magistrate quickly got that neither of they respected the existing orders and helped each other breach them.? He could see, as I spoke that I did not trust them to stay away, hence making the orders necessary.? Most importantly in allowing him to be their spokesperson the court was able to understand his unreasonableness.? Hence the oue."


    "You ¡­"


    "Cleverwyer.? James, it is knowing your opponent, and Grandfather is predictable due to his religious beliefs."


    "Now, once the court gives us a copy of the orders we need to go.? The Police prosecutors have assured me they will email me what is necessary in rtion to the matter in the next couple of weeks.? I can handle it.? The only surprising thing was that mother did not react, cursing me, telling the court that only grandfather could teach Jang right from wrong, and the like.? She knew not to issue the threat to take Jang from Yi and I in court as that would make the situation worse."


    James simply stood there shaking his head, before Alecia said "So, what does that mean?"


    "We have orders to keep them away from us, and the court will hear a case where evidence is presented by our for the order and by them for why the order is not necessary.? I will arrange for ANX to arrange a barrister for the contested hearing and work with them to prepare the case.? What happens with it will be in the hands of the court but if they continue the path, what caused the original orders to be put in ce will be back in, plus everything that mother has done to me.? We only have to show it is more likely than not that the events urred, and that their behaviour will not be stopped without the order.? Easy.? The remaining thing about our fears will rely on our evidence.? Again easy.? Do not worry, I have it under control."


    Before anyone could say anything, a court official came and handed to Anna the new orders, and they left court.? As Anna and Hou Yi settled into their car, Anna snuggled into Hou Yi, who said "You enjoyed doing that?"


    "Absolutely my love.? I love being in court and I have missed doing it."


    "You know I am proud at you; you achieved a result for everyone."


    "Did you doubt me?"


    "Never.? I know you are capable, and I am guessing that it is helping you make up your mind about returning to work."


    "Absolutely, but that will be a few months down the track.? I want to spend time with Jang before I do so." Anna turned and whispered in his ear "Now, when we get back to the house if everyone is still willing to take care of Jang, how about we head back to our room.? I believe you owe me more of our indulgence fromst night."


    Hou Yi turned Anna''s head gently and quickly kissed her, before pulling back and whispering, "Absolutely my love."


    With that he picked up his mobile and called his parents, asking them would they be willing to keep Jang with them for a while, while they rested in their room. ?They quickly reassured them they wood.


    Thirty minutester, they arrived back at the property, and after giving Jang a brief kiss and cuddle they left him with his grandparents and headed back to into their suite.? As soon as the door was closed and locked behind them the quickly removed each other''s clothes throwing them across the room.? Anna said "Yi, I cannot wait, I need you now."


    With those words, Hou Yi pushed Anna back against the door and helped her wrap her legs around his waste as he thrust into her quickly, resulting in them both reaching their peak quickly.? As they came down from the quick high Anna said, "Yi that was a perfect appetiser, but we should take this to bed and take our time."


    "Anna, you are so tempting, and you know I cannot restrain myself."


    "Who cares about restraint, let us enjoy ourselves.? Who knows how long we have before someone decides Jang needs us."


    "You know that is not my priority at the moment."


    "Mine neither."


    Hou Yi swept Anna into his arms and carried her to their bedying her down carefully before joining her there to continue their activities for the next couple of hours, savouring their time alone expressing physically how they felt for each other.


    ------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at Webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on Webnovel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 709: Anniversry - Part 1

    <h4>709 Anniversry - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, several weekster


    Ever since they had employed the nannies, Hou Yi rarely allowed Jang to sleep in their room.? As he kept reminding Anna, they paid the nannies to be there to care for Jang and letting the two of them have time to themselves was important.? While Anna always wanted to argue with him that it was important, they were there for Jang, every time he reminded Anna that in leaving him with the nannies gave them time with each other she would blush.


    However,st night he relented and gave into Anna''s demands.? She quietly said that she wanted the two most important men in her life with her in the morning when he awoke and told Hou Yi he would receive his reward that night for letting her have her way.? It was only after a brief pause that it clicked with Hou Yi that it was the anniversary of them obtaining their marriage certificate.


    A significantly important date, and almost missing it due to being busy at work was sending him into a spin.? How could he have almost forgotten the day that marked the happiness that he had.? Married to the love of his life, and having such a beautiful child.? While thinking about Jang, it was still touched with some sadness of having lost Aaron so young.? Like Anna, despite him having his name, they always called him by his English name, Aaron, due to its meaning.


    As he sat watching his sleeping wife, Hou Yist night had felt guilty in calling Assistant Wang to book a restaurant for tonight, and to arrange for flowers to be sent to Anna throughout the day.? He knew at some stage he would need to leave work and visit Fengs to pick up the Eternity Ring Assistant Wang was emailing them aboutst night.


    Turning away from Anna, he could see Jang just starting to stir in his cot.? He was still surprised that he was sleeping through most of the night.? As he moved over to pick him up, he could still not believe that this little person was their child, and despite everything he had been through, he was not overly demanding.? ording to the nannies, he was a pleasure to care for.


    After changing Jang''s nappy, he carefully headed back to their bed to wake Anna up.? Just thinking about things made him feel sentimental.? Carefully sitting down, he leant over and gave Anna a kiss to wake her, and allowed Jang, who was now wide awake to pat his mother''s cheek.?? As she started to move, he carefully moved back slightly, and saw that she awoke with a smile on her face, as she drowsily said "What a wonderful way to wake up, with the two most important men in my life at this time with me."


    Smiling at that, Hou Yi said "Happy Anniversary darling."


    "Happy Anniversary, Yi.? Now are you¡­"


    "Do you need to ask.? I will spoil youter, but we need a little family time before real life intervenes.? All I ask is that you be ready for a night out tonight, without Jang.? Just let the nannies know we will be at the apartment rather than returning here."


    "You know I want to be here in case something happens with him."


    Hou Yi smiled and quietly said "How do you expect me to spoil you, if we are worried about Jang and not willing to let the nannies do their job?? And we are only a call away if there is any issue."


    Pausing Anna, "You better spoil me, or ¡­"


    "Threat''s Anna.? You know they do not work."


    "But¡­"


    "No Buts.? I gave in to you when you were pregnant as of everything else, but do you think you can manipte me all the time¡­"


    "If you want to have your fun¡­"ughed Anna.


    Shaking his head Hou Yi said "I do not know what to do with you sometimes¡­"


    "You just have to love me."


    "That is a given, and it better be a two-way street."


    "It is.? What happened twelve months ago was meant to be.? Who would have thought, despite Aaron''s death we would have all the happiness that we have, and we have a lifetime to look forward to." With that Anna leant over and gave Hou Yi a quick kiss before taking Jang from him and settling into his arms.? When she wasfortable, she quietly said "This is perfect."


    Kissing Anna briefly on the head Hou Yi said "It is."


    Before either of them could say another word, Jang started crying and looking for Anna''s b*east.? Laughing Hou Yi said, "Our son knows how to spoil the moment for his parents."


    Giggling, Anna said "He does seem to have that timing, but I better feed him." Resting in Hou Yi''s arms, Anna quickly opened her pyjama top and Jang immediately fastened himself onto Anna''s b*east and started feeding.? Neither of them was willing to speak, and just looked down at him while he had his fill.


    As Anna tidied herself up, Hou Yi took Jang, and changed him again, before calling the nannies for them to collect Jang, and get him ready from the day.? While he loved having Jang with them, he did want to spend a few minutes alone with Anna before heading into the office.


    As Jang left with the nanny, Hou Yi headed into the en-suite where Anna had drifted.? On entering he realised Anna had no idea that he was there, and he quickly undressed before moving into the shower and carefully pulling Anna into his arms, before moving his hands to carefully start to caress her b*easts.


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at Webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on Webnovel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 710: Anniversary - Part 2

    <h4>710 Anniversary - Part 2</h4>


    **warning this chapter contains material not suitable for those under the sage of 18 years**


    Wednesday, continued


    Anna immedeatly melted into Hou Yi''s arms allowing him to caress her b*easts for a few minutes before turning to take his face in her hands and kissing him moving her tongue inside his mouth, causing Hou Yi to moan.? As she pulled away, Hou Yi moved her back against the shower wall.


    As she reached the wall Annamenced caressing Hou Yi with him reciprocating as they continued to kiss.? When Anna''s took his p*nis into her hands, caressing it, Hou Yi moaned "Anna, if you keep going, you will finish me so soon."


    Quickly retaliating Hou Yi, moved his hand down and quickly inserted one, then two fingers in Anna''s v*gina while the water continued cascading over them.


    As Hou Yi started to move his fingers Anna let out a loud moan of pleasure, saying "Yi, do not tease me¡­"


    "Tease you, my love, never but pleasure you absolutely¡­" before he quickly started to move his fingers in the way he knew would have Anna quickly reach her peak, while he moved to take her left b*east in his mouth and started to use his tongue to caress her n*pple.? As he felt the first wave of her peak on his fingers Hou Yi started to suckle her b*east drawing further moans from Anna as she went over the edge.


    Using his fingers Hou Yi, kept Anna at that point for a couple of minutes before removing them, and taking them to his mouth before cing them into his mouth, with Anna widening her eyes.? As he removed them from his mouth Hou Yi said "Delicious, but that was only the appetiser Anna."


    Giggling, Anna said "An appetiser Yi, more like frustration.? I need you so much now."


    "Do not be impatient Anna, you know waiting ensures the best."


    "True, I had to wait for you toe into my life at the right time.? Now less talk, you promised me that you would spoil me for our Anniversary, and you are not¡­"


    Hou Yi, quickly leant in and kissed Anna inserting his tongue into her mouth, moving it in and out mimicking what she knew he would doter.? While they continued to kiss, both Anna and Hou Yi moved their hands over the other''s body caressing and arousing the other.? Hou Yi, sensing that Anna was moving back to her peak, he quickly moved and helped Anna wrap her legs around his waist before he thrust into her v*gina.


    As he thrust into her Anna pulled back from their kiss, and said "You better not be teasing me Yi, I need¡­"


    As he continued to thrust into her v*gina, Hou Yi responded "No way Anna, I need you too much to tease you."


    As Anna groaned out "Yes", Hou Yi thrust into her deeply that caused her to start to o*gasm again.? Feeling her doing this was enough to tip Hou Yi over the point of no return where he thrust harder and quicker into her.? As Anna reached her peak for a second time, moaning out again "Yes" Hou Yi followed her over the same precipitous.


    As they started toe down, Hou Yi eventually slipped his p*nis from Anna, and helped her ce her feet back on the shower floor, before picking up Anna''s favourite shower gel and starting to rub if over her body.? Anna located Hou Yi''s shower gel and started to do the same.? Over the next fifteen minutes, they helped each other shower revelling in their post s*xual bliss as they did so.


    Eventually Anna quietly said "No matter how much I want to either stay here of have you join me in bed, Yi you need to head to the office¡­"


    Hou Yi groaned, at the images that immediately went through his mind of the things that they could do on their bed and responded "Do not give me ideas.? I have no option but to go into the office for meetings today, but tonight..."


    "Are you sure that you can keep your promises?"


    "Absolutely, you better get some rest today, before tonight."


    As she moved out of the shower and grabbed the towels throwing one to Hou Yi Anna said "You better keep that promise, my love or I will not let you forget it." Anna quickly moved out into the walk-in robeughing at Hou Yi''s reaction.


    As the two of them moved back into the suite Anna noticed sitting on the coffee table was a small gift bag, a vase with red roses in it, and a light breakfast.? As Anna sat down, she started to count the roses, but was interrupted by Hou Yi who said "There are ny-nine roses in that vase." Realising the message he was sending with the roses Anna blushed.? Hou Yi continued "Now open your little gift.? There is more toe."


    Reaching into the bag, Anna pulled out a box and as she opened it, she noticed ?Yi had gotten her some Pandora Jewellery.? For all the money he could spend on her, he knew that she liked simple things.


    Seeing her eyes, he said "I decided you would like a few things for your bracelet.? I asked and was told you have the Sparkling Family Tree Charm to represent the growth of our family, which will continue on, The Family Forever Charm for you to realise how important you are to me and our children, and the Little Boy Charm for Aaron so that he will be with you in spirit always."


    Hearing this, tears started to roll down Anna''s face.? Seeing this, Hou Yi said "Sorry I upset you¡­"


    Shaking her head Anna responded, "You have not upset me, it is the perfect gift."


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel.? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at Webnovel /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on Webnovel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 711: Anniversary - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 711 - Anniversary - Part 3</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hou Yi looked at Anna relieved at the reason for her tears. ; He thought he had upset her. ; ;"You had me worried that I had upset you."


    "Never, when you have taken the time to be thoughtful about the gift. ; You know I do not like anything too fussy or expensive. ; They were perfect." Anna paused and said "Yi, if you dy too much Uncle Feng will be annoyed with me¡­"


    "Uncle Feng messaged me earlier and said that he could look after thepany while I spent the day with you, and I so want to¡­"


    Realising what this would mean, Anna responded "Yi, absolutely not. ; Jang has routines, part of which is you saying goodbye and going to work. ; I am slowly working adapting him to me not being here all the time, and I do not want to ruin that. ; Plus, what message does that send to the staff."


    Hearing the determination in Anna''s voice, Hou Yi knew that he could end up in an argument with her, and that was something he did not want on his Anniversary. ; "Ok, but you need to walk me to the car and promise me you wille to the office early so we can enjoy our afternoon and evening."


    Anna nodded and walked outside the vi with Hou Yi, as he climbed into the waiting car to head to the office. ; Just after he pulled out the driveway, another car drove in and stopped right in front of Anna. ; Quickly Du AnLing climbed out and spotting Anna she said "I see my son has no sense. ; He has gone into work, rather than spending your Anniversary with you."


    Anna, held in augh and said "Mother, I told him to go in. ; Little Jang¡­"


    "Speaking of him, where is my little sweetheart?"


    "With the nannies. ; We have started routines with him, and ¡­"


    "Forget about his routines for today, he ising with me."


    Anna paused before saying "Mother, I know you love him, but¡­"


    "No, you are not going to take away our fun. ; We all decided he needs to spend today and tonight at the Family Vi, rather than being here so you can spend time together. ; If we have to the nannies cane."


    "Is this Father and Grandfather''s guilt speaking over their tactic of threatening to give away Hou Enterprises to force Yi''s hand?"


    "You still want to carry a grudge about that?"


    "It created the opportunity for Yi and I to meet, and to have what we have now, but at the same time it gave Lu Jingho thoughts that created a lot of hurt for me, and that neither of us are ready to totally forgive yet." Anna paused, and continued "Come on in and we can have a tea and talk some more before¡­"


    "You will let me take Jang with me."


    "Let me think about it." Anna turned and headed inside with Du AnLing trailing behind her. ; After quietly speaking to the staff Anna headed out into a courtyard taking a seat under some shade, and Du AnLing sat down across from her.


    Carefully observing her daughter-inw Du AnLing realised something was troubling her. ; Thest thing either her or her son needed today was anything worrying then. ; "Anna, what is troubling you?"


    "How did you know something was wrong?"


    "Despite the fact that you and my son have only been married a year, some things about you are easy for us, who love you, to see. ; So, what is it?"


    Taking a deep breath, Anna steadied herself before saying "I am feeling guilty about wanting to head back to work. ; Jang needs me, and with everything that has happened I do not want to leave him."


    Du AnLing looked at Anna. ; She always thought that Anna would want to be a stay at home parent, like her, once she had children and care for them with the help of nannies. ; Then she thought harder. ; Anna was highly skilled, and the few times she had seen her in action within the courts she knew she had talent. ; Was it fair for her to have to remain home as a parent? ; The family certainly had the money to allow her to work and ensure that Jang was appropriately cared for, and she and the rest of the family would love spoiling him.


    Before she could answer they were interrupted by the staff bring out their tea, so she waited until they left, and said "Anna, in some respects I am the wrong person to ask. ; I was happy to be at home with Yi when he was young, and it never entered my mind that I could or was able to return to any form of employment. ; I enjoyed, and still do, the charitable work I do, but that only takes a little of my time. ; Call me old fashioned with my view but I believe that mothers should be the primary carer for their children and remain home with them. ; But I know that is not the way of the world now, even for people that have money like us. ; What do you want?"


    Anna was surprised. ; She knew the old fashioned beliefs about parenting still ran wide here, and was not surprised that her inws had them, but having her mother-inw acknowledge that now things were different made her know the saw her as something more than just a mother who had only one responsibility. ; She was someone that had multiple facets to her being.


    After taking a sip of her tea, Anna said "You know I would have thought your view would have been that I should remain at home with Jang and care for him with the help of the nannies, and otherwise do my charitable work."


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with Webnovel. ; If you are not reading this novel at  or through the Webnovel apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to Webnovel under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at Webnovel at /book/12549428906857405 or through the Webnovel Apps. ; If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to Webnovel including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on Webnovel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through Webnovel either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work. ; I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 712: Anniversary - Part 4

    <h4>Chapter 712 - Anniversary - Part 4</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Du AnLing, observing Anna, responded "Anna that is not you.? Yi fell in love with the whole person you are, and that includes the hard nosewyer that I have asionally had the p_l_e_a_s_u_r_e of seeing at work.? I would be disrespecting him and you, if I was not willing to consider what you want.? So, what do you want to do?"


    Anna, hearing those words realised that she had had a wonderful mother-inw, someone who cared about her, rather than her own wants.? That was the stark contrast to her own mother, who ever since their return home from Jang''s christening in Australia had been sending constant emails and attempting to contact her.? She had not learnt, and her constant emails to her ANX emails were enough for the police to charge her..


    Standing up, Anna quickly moved and gave Du AnLing a hug, before sitting back down.? "You know I need to hear that.? My own mother, as I have realised, treats me like something she can control.? It is no wonder that I fell into a rtionship with Lu Jinho, because I was so use to it.? You just made me realise that you love me for being me.? That I need.? And more importantly you are more a mother to me that I believe she will ever be."


    Anna looked over at Du AnLing and noticed that she was tearing up "Please do not cry, I did not want to make you sad¡­"


    "I did not realise how you felt."


    "It is the truth, mother.? You have made me realise what being a parent is about, and that is what I want to ensure that I give Jang, and any other children Yi and I are lucky to have."


    "All you have to do is your best, that is all any of us can do as a parent," responded Du AnLing.? She then paused and noted that Anna was already avoiding answering her question.? "Anna, stop trying to distract me.? My question still stands.? What do you want to do?? You should make the right choice for you, not what you think we what you to do, as you know Yi will support your decision, as much as you support the decisions he makes."


    Laughing Anna said "Well that was not true this morning.? He wanted to stay at home and I harassed him to head into the office, finally using the argument that him staying at home simply for his anniversary was not a good message to send to every all the Hou Enterprises employees worldwide, but I promised him somethingter."


    Shaking her head Du AnLing said "You little ckmailer.? Yi will do whatever you want¡­"


    "Well not everything."


    "True, since you have given birth, he has finally developed a backbone when ites to saying no to you."


    "I liked those days where he let me do what I wanted, but do you know there was a reason?"


    "Because he wanted you to be secure as he feared you would leave him?"


    "No.? You know the issues I had and still have problems with psychologically as of what Lu Jinho did in our rtionship." Seeing Du AnLing nodding, Anna continued speaking "The obstetrician, along with Phillipa and everyone else that was around me, dealing with my pregnancy and mental health, were concerned that if Yi pushed me too far, I would fall apart psychologically with a resulting impact on an already risky pregnancy.? They told him not to stress me out, hence what he did.? It was that same reasoning that they told neither of us about the problems with the pregnancy or the likelihood that we would lose Aaron quickly after birth, because they were worried about what would happen to me, if I found out."


    "Not knowing about Aaron made both of us angry, as we could have been prepared for what happened, but with time having gone on I can understand this.?? When I was dealing with legal matters where I had information, I knew would be harmful to the client''s I minimised what they were told, telling them only the necessary information.? After time psed, I could see what they were doing and have epted it, Yi however still is angry about that as he believes he could have found a specialist somewhere in the world that could have saver Aaron."


    "Reaching that understanding has me realizing that I want to return to work, in a few months.? Not full time, as I want flexibility with Jang when I want to, and for us to travel with Yi when we can."


    "Then go for it Anna.? The two nannies you have are great, and you always know you have us for support.? Plus, you can tell that son of mine if he wants to argue with you, that he will have me to deal with.? Just promise me one thing."


    "What?"


    "You never give up on what you are passionate for as a career.? You have skills and choices, and I do not want you to seem limited by expectations in society here for women.? Do not let others, even me, influence what you do, as I believe that will sell your and Yi''s rtionship short."


    "Thank you."


    Pausing Du AnLing looked at Anna and with a smile on her face said, "We do, however have something important to do today."


    Seeing the look, Anna was worried, and asked "What?"


    "Well it is your anniversary, and Jang wille back, with the nannies to the family vi tonight, so you and Yi can spend the night together.? But that means, if I took your understanding of your earlierments, we need to go shopping for some special items before you meet up with him."


    Anna immediately understood what D AnLing was referring to and said in a shocked tone "Mother!"


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with .? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at at?/book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on .


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 713: Anniversary - Part 5

    <h4>Chapter 713 - Anniversary - Part 5</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Anna stood there with her mouth open wide.? She could not believe her mother-inw.


    "Anna, Yi is my son, but I remember the early years of my marriage.? My inws allowed us to appropriately celebrate special events together while they took care of Yi for us.? Now, I am doing the same thing for you." With a grin on her face she added "And more importantly I can spend LOTS of Yi''s money, without argument."


    "Still a shopaholic?"


    "Of course.? I just do it more effectivelly now, getting more but spending less.? Your first wedding anniversary is a special asion and it has to be appropriately marked.? I know the perfect ces to visit, and I wille and take Jang to spend the night with Grandma, Grandpa, Great-Grandma, Great-Grandpa and his favourite Great-Aunt."


    Gently hitting her hand on her head Anna said, "And we simply have to worry about the consequences of your spoiling him."


    "Of course, that is what grandparents do, and parents have to deal with the consequences of that," came theughing reply.


    After finishing their drinks, Anna quickly checked on Jang, before heading out shopping with Du AnLing.


    A few hourster when they arrived back at the Vi, just before Du AnLing left with Jang and the nannies, Anna turned to her and said, "Thank you."


    "What for.? I should be thanking you.? You have made Yi so happy and given our family this precious little one.? All I ask if for you to be yourself and keep Yi happy." With that Du AnLing lent over and gave Anna a brief kiss on the cheek before sweeping out of the Vi with Jang and the Nannies trailing behind her.


    As she arrived in their suite Anna found the efficient staff had already brought the shopping bags in and had case open with clothes for them both to spend the night at the apartment being packed in there.? The staff member asked "Madam, what did you want me to do with the shopping."


    Pointing at a couple of bags, Anna said, "Pack those into the case, but otherwise they can be packed away, except that one," Anna pointed to another bag "Which I will use now."


    Picking up the bag she indicated, Anna moved into the en-suite to shower again and change.? Dressing she could not believe what she had allowed her mother-inw convince her to wear.? On finishing dressing, she looked in the mirror and could see that Du AnLing was right.? she was dressed to tempt her husband to leave work and spend the bnce of the day at their apartment.


    Anna left the vi and settled into the waiting car for the drive to Hou Enterprises.? She leant her head back and drifted off to sleep, only waking when they reached Hou Enterprises, and quickly climbed out and headed inside to go up to Hou Yi''s office.


    As it had been a few months since she had been in Hou Enterprises she could see the staff were watching as she moved through the building and eventually exited the elevator and headed towards Hou Yi''s office.? As she reached Assistant Wang''s desk, where he stood up and said "Madam, the CEO is in a meeting, but I suspect that he would not mind if you went in."


    "How long has his meeting been going?"


    "A while, it should be close to finishing." Pausing, he said "But there is something that I think you need to read before I hand it to CEO Hou." With that be picked up some papers and handed it to Anna.


    Rather than immediately heading in, she sat down on a chair in Assistant Wang''s office and started to read what she was handed.? By the time she finished it, she was surprised, but as she said to herself anything involving Lu Jingho should not surprise her.? It was from Jane Gang and exined to all the precipitants her background with Lu Jingho, the rtionship they had, and what was happening with the money she received by the ending of that rtionship.? Making sure the victims received their court orderedpensation was generous, as well as setting up the charity to help people like her sister.? Anna could see her motivations were never about money herself, it was about making Lu Jingho hurt like he had hurt her family, and that was fitting.


    Additionally, there was a separate doc_u_ment that showed a chain of correspondence with the localw society and the authorities to determine if her action in her representation of him was appropriate and cleared her of any wrongdoing.? As she analysed the correspondence that oue did not surprise her.? All her observations were that she had been zealous representation of her client, it was just that the evidence against Lu Jingho was so overwhelming in the end, she got the best possible oue for him.


    Finally, there was a short letter indicating that she wished everyone the best in their recovery from what happened, but due to the case and her notoriety she was leaving the country and would be unlikely to return save and except for short visits.


    On handing the doc_u_ments back to Assistant Wang she said "Do not hand them to my husband until tomorrow¡­"


    "Do not hand me what until tomorrow?" Came a voice from behind Anna.


    "Just something regarding the cause of lots of problems for us, but it is not worth worrying about today."


    "You should havee in.? I¡­"


    "Yi you were in a meeting, and I suspect if I hade in I would have distracted you."


    "A wonderful distraction¡­"


    "Come on, let me go in with you now."


    Nodding, Hou Yi turned to Assistant Wang, and said "Do not disturb us until I tell you otherwise," before turning and gently pulling Anna into his office before shutting the door.


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with .? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at at?/book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on .


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 714: Anniversary - Part 6

    <h4>Chapter 714 - Anniversary - Part 6</h4>


    ** note that this chapter contains material that is not appropriate for those under the age of 18**


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    On shutting the door Hou Yi noticed Anna had some tears in her eyes and said, "What is it Anna?"


    "You know when I woke up a year ago today, I had no idea what was going to happen, but¡­"


    "It was a change for the better."


    "Absolutely. As Phillipa has drummed it into me over time, admitting what had happened to me and working through all the emotions it has caused has gotten me to now.? It all turned on a moment of fate and has led me to you and our life.? I cannot regret a thing that has happened, because I have you and Jang, and we had Aaron for the brief point in time we had him for."


    With that Anna sat up and took Hou Yi''s face between her hands. The fact that they had at the bnce of the day without having to worry about Jang, despite being in Yi''s office was something Anna wanted to take advantage of, and gave him a passionate kiss, quickly working her tongue inside his mouth.


    Hou Yi, sensing what Anna wanted to do, and if he was realistic what he wanted, pulled back from Anna, and moved quickly to lock his office door, while saying "There is no way I want any disruptions."


    When he turned around, Anna had already undone the dress that she had on and dropped it to the floor, leaving on the new bra and underpants she had purchased.? Hou Yi''s eyes opened wide, and he swallowed a couple of times.? As she moved closer to him Anna said, "Do you like?"


    After pulling himself together, enough to say something Hou Yi responded breathlessly "I do.? A new purchase?"


    "Well what did you think I would be spending money on today, other than making it enjoyable for the two of us?"


    Hou Yi, moved quickly and pulled Anna into his arms, giving her a passionate kiss, while running his hands over her body, while she was trying to undo his jacket, tie, shirt and pants.? Sensing her difficulties, he pulled back slightly, lightlyughing and said, "Do you need some help?"


    "You have to ask?"


    Very quickly Anna had his p*nis in her mouth and using her mouth and tongue c_a_r_e_s_sed it to the point he gently pulled her up and positioned her so she could plunge herself down onto his erect p*nis while he c_a_r_e_s_sed her b*easts.? Without much effort the two of them tumbled over their peak of p_l_e_a_s_u_r_e and copsed into each other''s arms.


    Hou Yi gently pulled back from Anna, and said, "We need to shower and get dressed.? I have booked a wonderful dinner for us¡­"


    Wanting more Anna stretched on the bed, pushing her b*easts towards Hou Yi and in a sultry voice saying "You know, at the moment all I want is you¡­"


    Hearing the words from his wife echoing his own thoughts Hou Yi g_r_o_a_n_e_d, before saying "We could have a repeat of this morning in the shower before heading out for dinner.? I want to show you off on our Anniversary, and we have the apartment to ourselves tonight¡­"


    Getting the drift of what he was hinting Anna squealed "Yi!"


    "Well, sweetheart, you started it¡­" responded Hou Yi, who has he quickly exited the suite and returned into his office to gather the clothes they had left strewn there earlier could only shake his head.


    Anna slowly moved off the bed, and before either of them could react, Hou Yi''s mobile started to ring.? Cursing, he located it, and called out to Anna "I better take it, it is Yao Tan."


    Anna was curious.? Just a couple of days ago she had been talking to Amanda on the phone and she told her she could not wait to give birth, although in the background Yao Tan was telling her she had no idea what she was in for.? Anna could not help herself but tough, as despite Tan having been through the process over seventeen years ago and having some idea, his knowledge was old.


    Quickly Hou Yi ended the call and said "Amanda has gone intobour.? Tan promised me he would call us after she had given birth but made it clear that we are to enjoy our anniversary.? He said, and Amanda was agreeing in the background, they would kill us if we put our celebrations on hold today, so do not even ask."


    Hou Yi had to shake his head as Anna was slightly pouting, and he moved over and taking her hand gently pulled her into the bathroom, adding "We can continue what we were doing, and have a shower together."


    "You are insatiable."


    "You are no better, my love."


    "But¡­"


    "You love me"


    "Sometimes I wonder why¡­"


    "No need to wonder, I am your world." With that Hou Yi gave her a kiss and the maneuverer their way together into the bathroom, forgetting about the world and carrying on with their previous activities in the shower.


    When they finally left the shower and changed, Anna moved into the office and sat down on the couch.? As Hou Yi sat beside her, she turned and quietly said "Do you realise twelve month ago when I crashed into you, and we agreed to what could only be described as a crazy, but as we know unnecessary, n how much our lives would change?"


    Picking up her left hand Hou Yi gently kissed her rings, before looking at Anna in the eyes and saying "I hoped, and dreamed, but could never have expected the roller-coaster ride we have been on.? Yes, lots of happy memories, the loss of Aaron, and dealing with the consequences of what Lu Jinhu did to you and what his father did to the both of us.? Nothing that we can regret."


    With his words, Anna had tears rolling down her face, and Hou Yi reached up before gently wiping them away, before standing up and helping Anna up, before unlocking his office door and heading out, taking the bag Assistant Wang handed him.


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with .? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at at?/book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on .


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 715: Anniversary - Part 7

    <h4>Chapter 715 - Anniversary - Part 7</h4>


    Wednesday, continued¡­


    Twenty minutester the car pulled up outside a small, non-descript building.? Anna followed Hou Yi and on reaching the door?he said "I have a surprise for you.? The Civil Administration Bureau have this area for people who want to reconfim the issuing of their marriage certificate.? I arranged this and the official who did it will be here for the ceremony.? Some of our family is waiting inside."


    Anna cried out "Yi ¡­" before cing her head on his c_h_e_s_t.? He was going all out to mark the first twelve months of their crazy life journey, by bringing their family in for a specialmemeration.


    Heading inside, she saw not only Yi''s parents, grandparents and Aunt, but Jang with local nanny in a pram, James and Alecia, but most surprisingly her father.? "Yi?"


    "While I could not get your whole family here, and some of our friends are missing for the reasons we know, I wanted to make this as special as I could, and your father could some."


    Hou Yi walked over to Stan Jones and gave him Anna''s hand before saying "I hope, despite all that has happened in thest twelve months you are happy for your daughter and I to be together."


    "Yi she is so happy, and there is no way I will do anything to hurt her any more that what my own selfishness has previously done."


    Those simply words, started Anna crying.? Seeing them, Stan said "Anna, do not cry.? Your life journey has brought you here.? All I want if for all of my children to be happy."


    Anna? threw herself into her father''s arms crying out "Daddy¡­"


    Hou Yi stepped back leaving Anna to hug her father, and quietly James moved up behind him and said, "You made her day."


    As Hou Yi opened his mouth to respond to James, Anna turned around and said "Yi,e on I want to do this right now." Hou Yi could only shake his head, but walked over to Anna, and the two of them moved to where the official was standing and went through the process for the reconfirming of the issuing of their marriage certificate in front of their family.


    For them, there was no hesitation, no sense of a business transaction, it was a truemitment for their lives, with part of their family around them.? As they turned at the end of the ceremony, unseen by anyone the official slipped out of the room.? Hou Yi and Anna were quickly embraced by their family, before the nanny brought Jang over to them to cuddle.


    Being in the arms of his mother, Jang started to search for Anna b*east, drawingughs from everyone.? Anna moved over to the side and sat down to feed Jang quietly.? As he finished Anna handed him back to the nanny and quietly asked "Where is ¡­"


    "The other nanny, Madam Hou.? We drew straws as to who woulde here, and the oue was that it was me.? We decided you and CEO Hou need time alone and can care for the little master for tomorrow as well.? That is our gift to you." Pausing she moved Jang in her arms and said, "Now let me deal with the young master, and go and enjoy yourself."


    After the nanny left anna, Alecia came over and sat down beside her saying "Anna, Lexi Yao said she would have loved to have been here but figured that these would be something you liked. She does not design men''s clothes, but for a special asion like this for a friend she said you deserved it."


    Before Anna could respond, the quietness was broken by Alecia''s mobile ringing. She ced it on speaker and said, "What is it Dad?"


    Yao Tan''s voice came over the phone "Today is not going to be a double celebration, as Amanda has given birth to your baby sister and brother."


    "Thank you, dad," responded a teary Alecia, looking at James. "Do you need me to let Ton and Junior know?"


    "I will call them. And I am guessing you had the phone on speaker, so everyone there knows?"


    "Correct Dad."


    "OK everyone, Alecia and James you are allowed toe and visit today, but no one else until tomorrow."


    There was an echo of yes responses, before Alecia ended the call and she and James quickly left to head to the hospital.


    As they left, Du AnLing turned to Hou Yi and Anna, before saying "Now go you two.? Anna your dad is staying with us, and Jang will be safe.? Enjoy the rest of the day ande and collect him when you are ready.? And before you say anything, we have the nannies who can help us."


    Taking the advice of their family, Hou Yi and Anna left the venue, and headed back to the apartment, where a meal was waiting for them.? Neither of them really tasted the meal but they quickly ate the meal, for it to be taken away, and the staff were dismissed for the night.


    As soon as they knew they were alone, Hou Yi walked Anna outside, and they sat down looking out over the city.? While Anna was distracted Hou Yi, handed her a jewellery box and said "While I know you hate fussy jewellery, I wanted to give you an eternity ring, to show you that I want you as my wife for life." With that he opened the box and slipped the ring onto her finger, before kissing her rings and adding "Now, while I would love to stay here observing the city, you and I both know we want to keep enjoying the activities we hace scattered throughout the day."


    Blushing Anna squeaked our "Yi" before he swung her into his arms and carried them to their suite, for a night of p_l_e_a_s_u_r_e.


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with .? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at at?/book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on .


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 716: A surprise and an Angry Father - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 716 - A surprise and an Angry Father - Part 1</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Forty minutes after leaving the ceremony, Alecia and James arrived at the hospital. On heading in they lowed at each other and realised almost eleven months earlier they had made promises to Amanda and Yao Tan about not having a child before they had been married for two years.


    James realised what was happening before Alecia had any idea that she was pregnant.? When he finally confessed a few weeks ago they had thest couple of weeks discussing what they would do.? James kept telling her that while he would love to have their child with them, in the end he would support the decision that she made that she feltfortable to decide.


    Alecia had been tossing up whether at just eighteen when she gave birth that she wanted to be a mother. Thinking about her earliest memories, she remembered how difficult it always was for her father being a teenage parent. He had to struggle, and he missed out on so many opportunities that his friends and contemporaries had.


    Realising the thought that had crossed his wife''s mind, James turned before they headed into the hospital and said "Alecia, you know my position. Yes, I would love for you to decide to keep this child, but the decision is yours and yours alone. I will support that, and I am happy to be the one that cares for our child to allow you to study and work. But I can ept if you decide to terminate the pregnancy. We have all the time we want to have children."


    Alecia leaned over and gave him a brief kiss. "Thank you, my love. You do know how torn I am. Little Jang is Anna''s blessing, but I just do not know."


    James simply nodded, and took Alecia''s hand in his, squeezing it to reassure her that everything would be alright. Despite Yao Tan''s insistence that they needed bodyguards, they had both gotten through to him that they did not want them unless there was a threat, and he finally had epted that.


    Unlike when Anna gave birth, Amanda was in the VIP area rather than the maternity ward. When they were shown into the room, two things drew their attention. The first was the scene of Amanda and Yao Tan, dozing together on the bed cuddled in each other''s arms and the two cots with the twins in them.


    Being careful not to disturb Amanda and Yao Tan, then moved over to the cots, and Alecia looked down at her new siblings, her little brother and sister. Her sister opened her eyes and looked directly at Alecia. James realised that she was about to start making a noise so quickly picked her up handing her carefully to Alecia, while he picked up their brother, and motioned to Alecia to head to the couch.


    As they sat down, Alecia turned to James and said "My love, I know my decision. I am keeping our baby."


    "Are you certain?"


    "I would not say that it I was not. These two make me understand what it needs to be."


    Still cuddling her little sister, Alecia slightly moved and rested her head on James, but this disturbed both babies who started making noise, waking both Amanda and Yao Tan. Yao Tan, when he was his daughter and son-inw holding his new children immediately had a vision of a period in the future when the two of them had their own child. Damn, being a grandfather was something he hoped would not ur for a few years yet.


    Amanda said, "When did you arrive?"


    James responded "A few minutes ago. We just decided we needed a little cuddle with these two, and you looked like you needed the nap you were having." Seeing the movements of his little brother-inw, James knew that he was wanting feeding. He stood up and walked over to Amanda quietly handing her the baby before saying "This little one is hungry."


    Amanda looked puzzled. The nurses said someone woulde and help her to b_r_e_a_s_tfeed the babies, but that was not nned for a while. Quietly asking, feeling embarrassed to do so "James what do I do?"


    James knew that this was going to be weird. ?"Amanda simply put him to your b_r_e_a_s_t. Most babies instinctively willtch on. I will get one of the nurses to help you, as I really do not feelfortable."


    With that James headed to the suite door and spotted a nurse, quietly exining what was needed.


    On walking back in, he could see that Yao Tan had taken their little girl, and was standing with Amanda, but a few secondster three nurses came in, took the baby from Yao Tan and chased the three of them out of the room.


    Once they were in a quiet space, Alecia figured that it was the best thing not to dy, and said "Dad, we have some news for you."


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with .? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at at?/book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on .


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 717: A surprise and an angry father - part 2

    <h4>Chapter 717 - A surprise and an angry father - part 2</h4>


    Wednesday, continued ¡­


    Hearing those words filled Yao Tan with dread, but he had to ask, "What is it?"" praying it was not what he was fearing.


    With James squeezing her hand Alecia said, "I know the promise we made you and Amanda, but I aming up three months pregnant."


    "Damn it Alecia, I did not need to know that," responded an angry Yao Tan. "You will be having a termination, no arguments as you will be keeping your promise."


    "No, it is our decision and I will not be having a termination."


    That response immediately fired up Yao Tan. There was no way his first princess was going to be a mother at eighteen. He yelled "No you will not. You are under eighteen and I will immediately authorise a termination and you will have no choice."


    Having made her decision Alecia was not going to have a debate with her father. This was her and James'' decision, not his. "No way Dad. Yes, this pregnancy was not nned, but ever since we found out we have been considering what we will do. You have no say in that, it is a decision for my husband and I."


    "No way youngdy, you are not yet eighteen and I have the right to insist that you have a termination."


    "I am married, and there is no way that you can do that. You try that and forget about a rtionship with us and our family. We have made our decision and that is that." James squeezed Alecia''s hand again to send the message to her he would support her no matter what. "Let me put it to you differently, would you have appreciated anyone trying to forge Amanda to have a termination of my two beautiful siblings."


    "No."


    "So why expect it of us."


    Noticing the determined look in his daughter''s face and the obvious joy in James'' face with Alecia''s decision Yao Tan''s opposition crumbled. This was what they wanted, he just hoped it was not going to impact his daughter''s career options. Dejectedly he gave a sigh, as it was inevitable that between the two of them, they would dy anything until Alecia turned eighteen and he could do nothing.


    Realising that his father-inw was giving up fighting with them James responded "We will manage. I know you have the creche at XF International, and I suspect that I can have the baby with me at work if necessary. And as I told Alecia, I am happy to be the primary carer for our child so she can study and work if that is what she wants."


    Alecia wanted to change the discussion "We can talk about thister. What are my sibling''s names?"


    "We thought we were having two girls, and was going to name the eldest Che, but we had no boys'' names picked out. That is something we are still considering ¡­"


    "Dad," yelled Ton and Junior as they came running in.


    "So, what are our two sisters like?" asked Junior.


    "Boys it is a sister and a brother, and your mother is in with the staff for a few minutes, before you can meet them."


    Junior looking at his father knew that there was something else going on. He did not look impressed. "Dad, there is something else, what is it?" He was worried that there was something wrong with either of his new siblings or Amanda.


    "Ask your sister," spat out Yao Tan.


    "What did you do to make Dad angry Alecia. This should be a happy day, with our new siblings."


    James and Alecia looked at each other, and Alecia quietly said "I guess I will have to tell you before I tell mother. I have told dad already." Junior and Ton looked at each other and with the few seconds of silence wondered was there something serious. James nodded at Alecia, who continued "Well you have two new siblings today, and in about six months you will have a niece or a nephew."


    Ton stared at Alecia, stunned and all Junior could stutter out was "You are pregnant?"


    Alecia nodded, and Junior ran over and gathered Alecia in a hug before saying "Sis that is wonderful.? At least with your baby we can spoil it rotten before we hand it back to you and James to deal with, unlike our siblings."


    Before anything else could be said, a nurse stepped out of the room, saying "CEO Yao, you can go in, and your wife is asking for your children toe in as well." With that they all entered the room and started spending time together as a family.


    Amanda, hearing the news that Alecia was pregnant, could only shake her head.? Despite the promises that James and Alecia made when they got married, she had expected that Alecia would fall pregnant before their two-year period expired.? Her only worry was they would have two children with a niece or nephew around six months younger than them.? How could she and Tan as grandparents spoil Alecia''s baby and not do the same to their own.


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with .? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 718: Why did you Help? - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 718 - Why did you Help? - Part 1</h4>


    Saturday, three monthster.


    Rxing in the gardens of their Vi, Anna realised that little Jang despite all the issues surrounding his birth he now was meeting every developmental target he should.? Amanda was bringing the twins along, and Alecia had just gone off on maternity leave so they would be having a rxing weekend.? Importantly Lexi Yao was finally able to fly in for the weekend, away from her overprotective, smothering husband.? As Lexi would constantly say he was a pain, but she would never tell her why.


    Hou Yi, having only returned from an overseas tripst night, came out into the gardens came out with little Jang in his arms. He sat down beside Anna and handed her little Jang before saying "You have been up to a lot while I was away."


    "I know. And it makes me ready to get back to work."


    "Tell me why you agreed to help out that b*stard?"


    "Yi, his little daughters are innocent. When I heard Yang Lin attempted to smother one of them while out in public and the children were immediately taken away, you know I felt sorry for them."


    "So, you told me."


    "They deserve better than what she tried to do. Lu Jinhu, despite all his faults seems to be a caring,petent parent.? He is also quite determined to do the right thing when ites to hismunity work.? He has started producing lists and the like not only for our charitable initiative, but for the one he started with Yang Lin.? I decided not to turn that help away, as he wants to make a change with his life."


    "Talking to him once Yang Lin''s behaviour became known, he had no idea what she was doing, as she did everything to avoid him find out about her abuse of the children.? His email to James, was to ask me not to help him, but act to protect his daughters.? I was sceptical, but when the prison authorities allowed me in to speak to him, all he asked was that I went in to fight for the best oue for his children, regardless of his own thoughts."


    "Apparently, as soon as he found out what Yang Lin done, as his property is in his sole name, with the help of the prison authorities he had Yang Lin excluded from the property.? That will spark a nasty divorce battle, but I am not getting involved in that.? In the end I agreed to help the children and went to court. ?James and Alecia came with me as support."


    "As you imagine, Yang Lin imed it was that she was mentally impacted as of Lu Jinhu''s crimes, and that the children should be with her.? The court were not going for that, and I made it clear that Lu Jinhu would oppose that as his only concern was the children''s safety and putting them in her care almost guaranteed that they would remain at risk."


    "Surprisingly, James and Alecia same up with a temporary solution.? They suggested the two children could stay with them for two to three weeks for a more permanent decision to be made.? As James'' said with his background, he could monitor both children, particrly the child Yang Lin attempted to smother to see if there were any issues."


    "And before you ask, Yang Lin was not happy about that.? By this time the prison authorities finally had Lu Jinhu there and he told the court that he has asked me, who as he said has every reason to hate him to look out what was the best for them in the situation.? He must have heard the offer from James and Alecia and pointed out that them had even more reason than I did to hate him, but they were willing to help his children."


    "That triggered a tirade of abuse from Yang Lin but prompted the court to agree to a temporary cement with James and Alecia while Yang Lin and Lu Jinho were assessed.? Of course, her immediate argument is that Lu Jinhu is serving a term of imprisonment by way of home detention, but the prison authorities made it clear that this did not prevent him from being able to care for children.? Yang Lin totally ignored the criminal charges that she was facing."


    "Yesterday, I got the news that the assessments are such that the child protection authorities are, with immediate effect cing the children with Lu Jinhu, but with monitoring.? He is aware that if he does anything wrong, the children will be immediately removed from his care."


    "I bet Yang Lin was not impressed."


    "That is putting it mildly. I thought I knew men in Australia, let alone my brothers who would swear and curse like anything, but she was shocking. Abusive, and threatened the judge and that got her locked up. She is mentally unstable, and apparently a threat to her children. The judge asked me to stay after everyone else left and wanted to question me about the Australian system of making sure children are safe. The thing the judge said that stuck in my mind was that despite everything that had gone on between them and us, I was willing to help vulnerable children. That made me want to get back to work, not only doing that, but as the judge asked me if I would help out at court to advocate for children at risk."


    "Really?"


    "I was asked. I spoke to ANX, and if I want to do that, they are happy for me to be more part-time with them, but they said I had to run it by you first." With that Anna looked at Hou Yi with puppy dog eyes.


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    Due to ongoing piracy of this work, each chapter contains this notice.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with .? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 719: Why did you help? - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 719 - Why did you help? - Part 2</h4>


    Saturday, continued ¡­


    Hearing Anna exin all her actions while he had been away and seeing how she looked, all Hou Yi could say in response was "You know I cannot resist you. Assuming you finish getting qualified here, I will not stand in your way if that is what you want. Just keep yourself safe."


    Mindful of little Jang, Anna leaned over and gave Hou Yi a brief quick kiss, before saying "Thank you my love."


    "Now what is this I hear about a gathering here today. You promised me we would have the weekend when I got back. Over two weeks away, and I missed you two so much."


    "I thought you were going to reduce your travelling. But Lexi was finally able toe, even though it is under strict control for this weekend.? Tan is driving Amanda crazy, and Alecia is already feeling ustrophobic that Tan forced her onto maternity leave as soon as she hit her third trimester.? Of all the fathers or expectant father''s, you are calm and able to cope with things.? I need some girl time, and with the help of the nannies, I figured this weekend would be good for some daddy-son time."


    Shaking his head Hou Yi responded "You can exploit me weaknesses. Just do not let mypetitors know."


    "Never, now get out of here for a few hours then we can have the time we want. I just need this."


    "Fine, but Phillipa will be annoyed that she is not included in this?"


    Then came this voice, that Hou Yi had not expected "Who said I was not invited. I missed a number of things, but I had toe and handle a few things for my parents."


    Hou Yi immediately knew who that voice was. Damn it, Anna was still good at keeping things close to her c_h_e_s_t. "Pip squeak ¡­"


    "Stow it, Yi. I want to talk to your wife and cuddle the cutie in her arms, not talk trash with you."


    "Damn it ¡­"


    "Yi, has Anna not told you, do not swear around your son, he is impressionable."


    Anna, by now could not helpughing. These two when they got together, were fun to watch and thank goodness her and Yi''s marriage had not impacted their friendship.


    Hearing Anna''sughter, little Jang started to chortle in his mother''s arms. All Anna could say as "Even this one thinks his daddy and Aunty Phillipa are funny." This drew looks from both Hou Yi and Phillipa, angry at this.


    "Phillipa sweetheart," came a very English sounding voice. "You told me about your friend, but I did not expect to see something so funny right off the bat."


    "David, you and your cricket metaphors. You know I hate the game ¡­"


    "And who said the English were any good at cricket? You just get lucky asionally."


    Hou Yi, looked to his wife and then Phillipa, before turning and ring at the man who interrupted their conversation. Phillipa knew if she did not act, this could be messy. She moved over and quietly said "Yi this is my fianc¨¦ David Elder."


    Hou Yi looked stunned at this news. Phillipa had gotten engaged and not said a word. "Mr Hou, Phillipa has told me a lot about you. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for her otherwise I would never had had the chance to meet her or anything else."


    Hou Yi did not know what to say. Anna, having carefully stood up moved over and whispered in his ear "The word you are looking for is thank you."


    That shook Hou Yi up and looking at Phillipa he realised that she was the happiest he had ever seen her. Professionally she was always about to project an image, most likely due to her mother''s background and training when she was younger, but since she had been attacked, he had never seen her like this. With everything she had been through she deserved happiness, and as her friend he was d that she was.


    The only thing was that her life, rather than being split between both her cultural backgrounds was soon about the be cornered in the UK.? She had told him a few weeks ago, that her mother handing over the title to her was almost finalised, it was just awaiting the approval from the Queen.? When her parents married, as Lady Amelia''s brother was years younger than her they never expected the title would fall to them.? They made their ns, that on her retirement from her career in the UK, they would return here for their retirement years.? Yes Lady Amelia''s parliamentary career changed things, but her parents always wanted to follow up their retirement decision.


    "Yi are you going to say something" asked Phillipa. Yes, she loved David with all her heart, and most importantly before he proposed he demonstrated that all he wanted was Phillipa, not her title, her maternal family inheritance or her paternal family wealth.


    "Phillipa, this is a shock. You said nothing. You just need to let me take it in. But all I can do if offer you both my congrattions."


    "Yi, I am going to ask you something, before you go, take David with you, go out and enjoy the day, Jang can stay with me." Anna said, and paused before continuing "And no messing with him or you will have me to answer to."


    "Yes, my love. I will see you in a few hours. Take care." As Hou Yi gave Anna a brief kiss, David walked over and kissed Phillipa on the cheek.


    After they men eventually left Phillipa asked "Are you sure he will not hurt David."


    "Phillipa, he loves you like a sister, all he wants is what you want, but pity anyone who hurts you."


    Before they could chat further, in walked Amanda pushing a twin stroller with an obviously pregnant Alecia and a less obviously pregnant Lexi Yao. "Amanda, let us take these three to the nursery where a couple of nannies are, and I have arranged for us a spa day in the poolside guest house. We need spoiling while we have some girl time."


    "Thank you, Anna. Tan is driving me insane. Yes, he has done all this before, but can he not let me learn."


    "Amanda, they never listen. At least he loves you, and you know what my situation is¡­" said a despondent Lexi. "Now let us get this girls day on the road before we all get too miserable."


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    This novel is an original story of the author and is legitimately published and contracted with .? If you are not reading this novel at  or through the apps avable in the iTunes or the Google y App Stores, then you are reading content that had been stolen and illegally published in breach of both the author''s rights as the writer of this work and those rights that the author has provided to under the author''s contract with them for this novel.


    The author of this story asks you to please support her work and read this novel either online at at?/book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? If you are able, please report the illegal posting of this work to including the website you have located it on and a link to it directly or through ament on any chapter of it on .


    The author thanks those who are reading this novel through either online or by an app for essing this novel through legitimate means, and for your ongoing support to this work.? I also apologise for having to put this notice on the chapter.

 Chapter 720: Why did you help? - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 720 - Why did you help? - Part 3</h4>


    Monday


    Having had a brilliant Saturday night and Sunday with her friends, Anna awoke early wrapped in Hou Yi''s arms. ?Despite her requests he refused to allow Jang to sleep in their roomst night. ?She took a few minutes to reflect on their discussion about what she had talked about with the judge dealing with Lu Jinhu''s children. ?It was clear that he did not want her involved in that type of work as he feared for her safety.


    She loved her life here and was still grateful that ANX gave her the opportunity to keep up her Australian Legal skill set through dealing with some of Hou Enterprises Australian work, but that was not enough. ?The one thing Hou Yi did not know was that she hadpleted all her local training to fully qualify here and was awaiting the final approval to practice toe through.


    The exemption that the local authorities had given her to help Lu Jinhu''s children showed her she needed to be doing court work. ?That was her passion in thew, not being awyer who simply sat in an office. ?Taking this opportunity, not only would allow her to help children but would allow her to create a working identity separate from Hou Enterprises and Yi. ?Her love for him and their family, was not something that needed to define every characteristic of her life. ?Plus, to her it would have the benefit of allowing her to feel more connected to her new home.


    Yi was worrying about every little thing, and still wanted to protect her, but she needed to be strong. ?Thank goodness Du AnLing was willing to back her up. ?As she had said repeatedly and reinforced on Friday being awyer was part of who she was, and Yi fell in love with the whole, not individual parts of her. ?She reminded her that, if she did not take the opportunity, she would always regret it, but if she took the opportunity and regardless of whatever she did she would always befortable with the decision.


    She was right. ?If she failed to take the chance with Yi when they married, she would not be as happy as she was, nor would she have this life.? Importantly Sunday, as they were chatting despite neither Phillipa or Lexi knowing what she was talking about both told her to follow her dreams.? Phillipa also added that Yi had married her knowing how important thew was to her and in dealing with Lu Jingho despite him not being totally responsible for his downfall, he always stayed within thew.? Phillipa joked that this would have been highly difficult for Yi as when it came to people, he loved he always wanted to do everything to keep them safe.? That meant that he would always respect her career choices.


    As she sat quietly wondering how she would raise her d_e_s_i_r_e to take the job with Hou Yi, she had not realised that he had stirred beside her.? As he watched his wife, Hou Yi realised something was troubling her.? Did she want to take the job opportunity?? Did he scare her off from saying yes?? Was he being selfish?


    Pausing before he spoke, Hou YI realised that with everything that had urred in the first months of their marriage he wanted to protect her from any harm.? That, however, as he realised in thinking was his own selfish needs, not considering what she wanted and it could be impacting on what made Anna herself.


    Sitting up, he said "Anna, what is it? You know I want you to have everything you want, a life, our family and a career. All I want is you safe."


    "Yi, how far have wee in thest fifteen months? How far have Ie? We have the perfect life here, but ever since Jang''s christening I have felt like a piece of me is missing. The funny thing was, while I was interested in going back to work, I wanted to fully enjoy my maternity leave. Helping Lu Jinho''s daughters over thest couple of weeks has made me realise I have found what I need."


    "Jodie knew I was happy as the other day when we caught up, she said I was almost my previous self.? That is while she was cursing me for getting her out here and then going on maternity leave.? Then she dropped on me since I have been on maternity leave working with different staff has challenged her.? But as she said, I was a litigator, and what made me happy was being in court, rather than simply stuck in an office."


    "So, you have made a decision?" Hou Yi tried to keep the worries out of his voice, as he knew Anna had to make a decision that made her happy, otherwise he would end up trapping her in an environment she did not want, and that could harm their marriage in the future.


    "I have, I want to take the opportunity.? Part time, when I go back to work, as I can continue to work at Hou Enterprises as well.? Themercial work is a challenge and I do want to keep doing that¡­"


    "You know I will have no problem with you working part-time if ANX are OK with that."


    "Thank you, my love.? Jodie said that she would be happy to remain working for me, despite the change in what was nned for her, as that allows them to continue to build up savings to give them options when they return to Australia."


    "You have to promise me something¡­"


    Anna could see that Hou Yi was worried, and she had to see what he wanted.? "What is it?"


    "Rather than having independent offices for that work, I will make some space avable at Hou Enterprises, and you have to have bodyguards with, for your safety, particrly when you are dealing with people outside an office environment." That was a reasonable bnce.? It allowed Anna to do what she wanted but made sure that safety was not risked.


    "Yi, that is uneptable.? I have my professional responsibilities, and I cannot have bodyguards hovering around me.? Plus, how will that make the children feel."


    Feeling frustrated Hou Yi said "Anna, give me something to befortable with your decision."


    Anna noticed that this was hard for Hou Yi to ept, but he wanted to allow her to pursue her career.? "Compromise.? The office space would be wonderful.? I can also create opportunities for Hou Enterprises staff who want to be involved in such work.? When I am visiting client, bodyguards cane but they must give me space for my work.? I will be dealing with people who are hurting, and they need to trust me.? Once that trust is there, they can make the decision how close the bodyguards can get."


    While that was not what he wanted, Hou Yi could see that Anna was working topromise without going against her version of professional ethics.? "Fine, but if the bodyguards get concerned about your safety you need to allow them to be close to protect you."


    "Yi, I am not stupid.? I would override my position if I felt unsafe, but in doing this you need to let me be thewyer, who if you are realistic, you fell in love with."


    "That I am not worried about¡­"


    "Yi, do I try and change you being the businessman I fell in love with.? I know you have a ruthless side, but in being ruthless you stay within thew, as in the end you are honest andw-abiding.? I would not change that, so¡­"


    "Do not expect you to change.? There is no way I want you to change who you are.? But I failed to ensure you were safe when we married, and we know the consequences of that."


    "Yi, I do not me you, so do not me yourself." With that Anna leant over and gave him a quick kiss.


    Pulling back Hou Yi said, "You need to make sure ANX will be happy with you to do this.? If they are fine with it, I will not stand in your way provided you do what you have agreed to, and promise if you fall pregnant in the future, you will step back from it to protect¡­"


    "Any future children.? That is a given.? There is no way I want to go through what we did when we lost Aaron."


    As he went to lean into kiss Anna, Hou Yi''s mobile rang, with Assistant Wang''s ringtone, and he leant over to answer it.? Quickly finishing it, he knew he had to head into the office to deal with an emergency, rather than being able to remain with Anna for a few hours in bed.


    -------------------


    From the Author.


    If you are not reading this original novel through or the apps, you are reading pirated material, published illegally in breach of the author''s rights and those provided to under the contract for the work.


    For those who ess this novel through legitimate means, thank you for the ongoing support of this work.

 Chapter 721: Plan coming together

    <h4>Chapter 721 - ning together</h4>


    Friday, 1 weekter


    Assistant Wang looked up from his desk, and noticed Anna exiting that elevator heading towards the CEO''s office. "Madam Hou, a p_l_e_a_s_u_r_e. CEO Hou said to head into his office when you arrived. He is in a meeting and will be back as soon as he can."


    Hearing that Anna just wandered in and sat down. A few minutester the door opened and in walked Hou Yi. Setting down the doc_u_ments in his mands on his desk he headed over to Anna and sat down beside her. After giving her a brief kiss "Sweetheart, how are you?"


    "Tired but enjoying myself."


    "You promised mest week you would not overdo it."


    "Yi calm down, remember that Jang has been sick not only has he kept us awake, but he has kept the nannies and the rest of the staff awake.? You know you have not been sleeping well¡­"


    "True, but you know I worry about you."


    "And I about you. The working through the proposal with the courts ¡­"


    "You have been hating the differences in the system to Australia."


    "How did you know?"


    "Anna, when you are with me, your emotions are so clear on your face.? I can figure out¡­"


    "What is bothering me.? That is so annoying."


    "It is a talent, and I know you can figure out what is bothering me, so we are equal."


    Nodding, Anna said "True," while Hou Yi was gently rubbing his thumb over Anna''s fingers.? "Now stop trying to distract me, so I can answer your question¡­"


    "Distracting you is so fun¡­"


    Groaning Anna said "Yi, I know.? You and I both would prefer to head into your suite for a few hours, but I have meeting this afternoon and doing that would mean that I would miss them."


    "You are no fun Anna."


    Laughing Anna said "Yi, we will have time for that tonight.? Now, to answer your question The differences in the systems are frustrating, but I am slowly adapting.? The worst thing is working with the prison authorities to allow Lu Jinhu toe a meeting yesterday.? Despite agreeing to help his children, I really do not want to be around him as I still am wary of what he would do.? But, he was the best person to support the argument, that when children are at risk due to the actions of either or both parents, then their interests need to be looked after separately. After lots of discussions, and in the end the use of not only our charitable initiatives mandate, but with Lu Jinhu indicating he would ask other charitable initiatives and foundations he has been assisting while doing his home detention to fund a trial."


    "What do you think?"


    "Yi, it seems like a good idea. I just hope that I can do it justice."


    "Anna, sweetheart, just do your best and that will be what is needed. Now what resources do you need?"


    "Yi, Lu Jihnu said he would set up a proposal, including costs.? He knows that you have offered some space here for an office but suggested thatwyers around should be sounded out to see who would be interested in being involved.? I was going to suggest we could see if staff here were interested, and if you would be willing to fund their involvement.? That type of thing is called Pro Bono work in Australia and is seen as a way to help those who need it but could not otherwise ess legal help."


    "I have no problem, but can I suggest at the next board meeting we open it up for discussion, to see what those within thepany think."


    After a brief pause, Anna said "Makes sense. Now how is the new legal department head settling in? Is he coping with the two idiots. I would have thought you would have gotten rid of them."


    "Anna, there is no way I want the former director and his interim recement out there potentially harming Hou Enterprises. Keeping them here under contract minimises the risks to us. I made sure the new director not only had the opportunity to speak to them so they could say what they wanted, and he has asked multiple questions. He also knows, given what they did, he must work hard to earn my trust.? The reports I have had so far is that he is a much better departmental leader than either of them were."


    "That is what I heard. Before I came in, I spoke to Human Resources abouting back part-time. I start Monday, and you know we have all the care arrangements sorted for Jang, two nannies, and your mother and aunt are also there for him."


    "You know I ¡­"


    "Do not say it.? We have had these discussions multiple times, and you always knew that I woulde back to work eventually.? Yes, I love Jang, and love being there for him, but as I have realised that simply doing that will ultimately not be fulfilling in the long term for me.? I need to remain involved in thew."


    "Fine, sweetheart, but just remember I want you to be safe."


    "I know mister overprotective husband, I know.? You know it is the same for me,"


    "Unlike you,¡­"


    "I know I attracted trouble at the start of our marriage, you did as well so stopining."


    Before anything else could be said the catering staff came in with a light lunch for them to have before the board meeting.


    Anna, while Hou Yi started to read the papers for the board meeting slipped out for her meetings about the representation of children.? Not long into the meeting, Anna realised that despite everything people were willing to listen and consider alternatives with keeping children safe.


    From the Author.


    If you are not reading this original novel through or the apps, you are reading pirated material, published illegally in breach of the author''s rights and those provided to under the contract for the work.


    Please ess this novel through legitimate means, either on at /book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? The author would also appreciate if you can report the illegal posting of this work to or through ament on a legitimately essed chapter including the website name and the link for the posting.


    For those who ess this novel through legitimate means, thank you for the ongoing support of this work.

 Chapter 722: A birth and another pregnancy

    <h4>Chapter 722 - A birth and another pregnancy</h4>


    Three monthster


    Having been woken by Jamesst night telling them he was taking Alecia to the Hospital; all Anna could do was sit in Jang''s room and watch him sleep. How much had life changed in just over eighteen months. She had married Hou Yi, they have their little Jang, lost Aaron, James was married and about to be a father, her parents had split, and her father had finally made a life for himself away from her mother''s oppressive influence.? Let alone what she was achieving with the trial for vulnerable children in the court system.? In its short time it was already making a difference for them.


    Having epted what had happened with Lu Jinhu and his father, it was easy now to move forward with her life.? Yes, she still had emotional setbacks but these were not as debilitating as they had been.? As all the counsellors kept telling her, and which Phillipa reinforced, she would never fully recover from what happened, she would be the best she could be.? Yi, made sure that this was the case.


    Surprisingly working with him during the early phases of this trial showed her that Lu Jinhu was changing and had epted his own past actions.? He knew that she would never forgive him, and as he kept saying he would not expect that as he had caused so much harm, he was happy that she had the life she deserved.


    He alsomented that the death of his father and the separation from Yang Lin showed him that he needed to escape where he was headed.? He needed to be responsible for his own actions and show his daughters how someone should behave, treating people as they wanted to be treated and respecting thew.? The only problem he still had was that Yang Lin was using the children as weapons against him.? Anna, however representing the children put a stop to that, and the court banned her from seeing them presently as of the bruising they had when she returned them to his care after herst visit.


    At this time, those two little girls needed Yang Linpletely out of their lives.? Her action was showing the importance of the trial, to protect children when they are the victims of parental violence to have their interests looked after separate from that of their parents.? The work was challenging, and she was loving it as it continued to change perceptions within the legal system."


    "Why did I know you would be here?" said Hou Yi walking into Jang''s nursery.? Anna was aware that the travel for him between the Vi and Hou Enterprises was more challenging than that from the apartment.? They knew when she was pregnant with Jang and Aaron it would never be practical for young children.? But it would always be a special ce.? It was where they consummated their marriage, where Jang and Aaron were conceived and most likely the baby the obstetrician told her she was pregnant with yesterday.


    "You are often here too my love."


    "True, but I guess with James'' call you could not sleep. Come back to bed, and he will call when Alecia has given birth, and everything is OK."


    "I know, but for some reason I needed to be here. I just hope Tan copes when she does in bing a grandfather."


    "He is not my sweet. James, Ton, Junior and I decided the other night to take him out and Ton and Junior had to hand over a "Grandfather" gift¡­"


    "Dare I ask?"


    "A walking cane, and let us just say the look on his face¡­"


    "Was a sight to behold?" Anna paused, and quietly said "Yi could you sit down."


    Hou Yi, hearing a somewhat scared undertone behind Anna''s words was worried. For thest few days he had wondered if something was going on for Anna. Had she reached a point she was regretting what had happened since they got married. That was something he did not want to contemte. He sat down, simply because Anna asked and looked at her.


    Anna observing Hou Yi realised that he was scared about what she was to say. She was not going to dy "Yi, I had a review appointment with the obstetrician yesterday. He had some news for me." Anna stood up and moved over to Hou Yi picking up his hand and cing it on her stomach, before saying "I am pregnant again. They think I am around a month along."


    Hou Yi heard the words, but he was in utter shock. They had not spoken about having more children, but this was so unexpected. He quickly stood up and took Anna in his arms and gave her a kiss, which was disrupted with Jang squealing as his parents were totally ignoring him. Hou Yi leaned into his cot and picked him up cuddling both him and Anna, saying "Our extended family is about to expand, and soon our family will. Jang, your little sister or brother is here" with that he ced a hand of Jang''s on Anna''s stomach "inside mama."


    Jang looked at Hou Yi and said "Mama, Papa?"


    Before anything could be said Hou Yi''s phone rang, and he handed Jang to Anna, before answering it and cing it on speaker. "James, how is everyone?"


    "Yi Alecia and our daughter are fine. I called Yao Tan and Amanda but the hospital has told me that they will only allow Yao Tan and Amanda in today¡­"


    "James do not worry. You and Alecia take care and remember that I will be paying you back by spoiling my niece rotten."


    "You better not Anna, now I am already getting evil looks here, so we will talkter."


    ------------


    If you are not reading this original novel through or the apps, you are reading pirated material, published illegally in breach of the author''s rights and those provided to under the contract for the work.


    Please ess this novel through legitimate means, either on at /book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? The author would also appreciate if you can report the illegal posting of this work to or through ament on a legitimately essed chapter including the website name and the link for the posting.


    For those who ess this novel through legitimate means, thank you for the ongoing support of this work.

 Chapter 723: Success

    <h4>Chapter 723 - Sess</h4>


    Six monthster


    Under Hou Yi''s careful observation a seven-month pregnant Anna carefully stood up and walked to the podium after being invited by the government officials to speak about the trial representing children victims of parental violence.


    Hou Yi was so proud of her.? Here was his wife, a woman when they married who was only confident in dealing with thew, to this powerful strong woman who was willing to take on the establishment and challenge the status quo to make things better in her new home.? The respect that she had been able to garner in such a short time was amazing.? People, now when she said something was wrong were willing to listen to her articted opinion, and respect it regardless of whether they agreed with her position or not/


    More importantly ANX were happy.? She not only was still able to handle a portion of Hou Enterprises Australian legal work here, but they had gained prestige here for their support of what Anna was doing in the legal profession.? For them, it resulted in them receiving significant international corporate work frompanies here, they not only opened an office here they had no problem that her work for them was reducing.? As the current partners said to him, just the other day, she was worth so much in terms of advertising, they were willing to amodate what she wanted to do.


    Hou Yi, knew that being involved in thew was what Anna needed.? It made her be everything he always knew that she could be.? Even the local universityw school had approached them to see if she would be a part-time lecturer.? As he made it clear, it would be Anna''s choice alone.? That was the one thing he had learnt since the trial began, Anna would always make the right choice for the right reason and he now did not question her decision making if she was happy with it.


    Leaving his thoughts, he turned, and Annamenced her speech.? "Ladies and Gentleman, I have to thank the government for inviting me to speak, but also at the outset thank my husband and family for allowing me to be involved. I am not going to waste people''s time going through a lot of my history to get to this point. I gained my university degree in Australia and practiced as awyer in Australia. While my work was varied, most people would call me a litigator. I represented people in court, before judges. The system there, was extremely different to the system that faces people here. There the judges sit and listen to what people like me are able to get before them to listen, they are more passive people, than the judges that we have in the system here who question people and are active in trying to get to what is the truth in a case. That is all based around the foundations of their system. Neither is right, neither is wrong, they both have their faults and benefits."


    "But as I found here, while there is a tendency of wanting agreements reached in matters, simply to make the system effective, there can be a hollowness. But that, is nothingpared to what can happen in the Australia system where after the court process the person is found not guilty and there is no penalty."


    "However, one thingmon, and it would be throughout the world, is that children are precious. They need to be safe and secure. What has prompted us to get to this point in time, was a request from thest person that I ever thought woulde to me. Lu Jinhu has every reason to hate me, given our past, and the fact of my involvement in the matters that led to him receiving sentences of home detention under deals."


    "As someone said to me, I was the cause of his misery. But he decided that in the end I was the one person who he could trust to have the right motives ining in to represent his twin girls, when their mother was before the courts for hurting them. I remember the look on the judge''s face when I came in and said that I had been asked, despite not having my local qualifications finalised to be there to ensure the best oue for them."


    "The process, however, when it came down to a fight between parents, made the judge realise that the right step had been made for someone to be there for the children. That led to the decision locally to push for a trial program, where children victims of crimes perpetrated by their a_d_u_l_t family members, regardless of their age, had their ownwyer not paid for by the family who had the sole purpose to represent their best interests."


    "The initial funding, in part came from multiple courses including my husband and my Charitable initiative, that created by Lu Jinhu and Yang Lin, and surprisingly the charitable foundation established by Jane Gang.? The key for everyone who provided the funding for the trial was to help and protect children. ?All thepanies involved in funding the trial provided help in some way, allowing legal staff to volunteer time without loss of wages, administrative support, of just money to help others to do that.? The Local Law Society, received many offers to be involved from local practitioners"


    "In the past six months, not only has the scheme been established and running for almost five months, there have been multiple children helped and the priority of ensuring their safety has always been at the forefront of actions undertaken.? The trial is maintaining its objective to help them, and thepanies and charitable organisations involved in funding it intend to do so.? They see there is great benefit to society for it to continue, as children are the future of society.? It is, in some respect a pity to me that I am stepping back from frontline work with the scheme until a few months after I give birth.? I will, remain involved behind the scenes as this is too important to fail.? Now, I know that government officials are here to talk about their intention with the scheme, but more importantly¡­"


    Anna paused dramatically and then ced her hand on her pregnancy bump "This little one is telling its mother they want her to shut up and sit down as they are sick of her voice, pushing an agenda.? As I keep telling him or her, they are lucky, and not all children are so they have to put up with their mother being passionate about other children as it will make a difference for all."


    After hearing a round ofughter Anna stepped back and sat down while the government officials in attendancemenced exining the government''s next phases in the trial in forming a team that will step in to protect children when no actual crime is easily provable. Sitting there listening, she was proud about how her pushing them over thest few months had made them realise that just dealing with those hurting children criminally was not enough, there had to be within reason means to be proactive to ensure children remained safe. Given what hade out about Yang Lin''s actions to her girls they knew if this had been in ce at that time, they girls would not have been exposed to all her violence.? This progress made Anna proud of her achievements to date.


    From the Author.


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 Chapter 724: Another birth and a new career direction - Part 1

    <h4>Chapter 724 - Another birth and a new career direction - Part 1</h4>


    Six weekster.


    Anna was sitting down chatting to Alecia who hade for a visit with her and James'' little angel who they all nicknamed Rose.? Both of them were well aware that she had her daddy and her uncle Yi twisted around her finger, let alone her maternal grandfather and unless Ton and Junior.


    Anna stopped and thought about thest few weeks, having been off on Maternity leave again. Unlikest year with their celebrations for their wedding anniversary with coincided with the birth of Amanda and Yao Tan''s twins, this year was quiet. Her obstetrician after the announcement had given her two options. She stayed at home and rested, or she would be put into hospital, as they wanted her to go as long as possible with this pregnancy.


    Alecia, had taken to being the one spending time with her, simply to reduce the boredom, given Amanda had returned back to work when she went off on Maternity Leave. Thank god though for the nannies, and Yi''s family as she would have been driven totally crazy.? They all tried to make things as easy as possible for her to allow her to remain at home as long as possible before being admitted to hospital.? Anna knew that this was likelying in the next few days.


    "Anna, what are you thinking about" came Alecia walking. "Rose is in the nursery with Jang and the nannies, but I thought something was bothering you the other day when I was here."


    Pausing before responding "Alecia, I was thinking how much things have changed in just over 2 years. Here I am happy, with Yi and Jang, and our new addition toe any day. James and you met, married and have Rose, but I really do not know what I want to do?"


    "Anna, remember what you told me when I started having the problems at University when my pregnancy became obvious. I faced harassment and discrimination but as you told me I must forge my own path for what I want. That challenges James and myself, to the point there are days I question why we married. But all it takes is a look from him, or a cuddle with Rose and my doubts go away. We were meant toe into each other''s lives when we did. The challenges will always be there, but we both have what we want. The funny thing is that James is having to push me at the moment to return to university. I want to spend the time that I can with Rose¡­"


    "Alecia, you sacrificed for James to finish his studies, now he wants you to have your dream."


    "I know Anna, but the I do not know if that is what I want now. My family is the most important thing."


    Pausing Anna thought about that. Alecia was right family was the most important thing. "Alecia, The choice is yours but remember that your dad, Amanda, the boys and the twins are your family as well. Can you see yourself not wanting to be involved in XF International?"


    "Actually no, despite all my feelings about the situation, I want to be involved in thepany, I want to make my way through and while not expecting it want the opportunity to take over thepany if I ampetent enough in the distant future."


    "Alecia, is it the timing of things? Is that the problem?"


    "Possibly. Dad was able to work, study full time and care for us, and I feel a failure that I cannot."


    "Alecia, remember when your dad returned to study, he had worked a couple of years to support you and when he went to university you, Ton and Junior were five years old. That makes a difference. Can you talk to your university about possibly only taking a couple of sses this semester, lessen the load particrly as Rose is so young?"


    "I tried but they refused. They said I either had to study full time or leave. The only reason they did not enforce thisst semester was I had just given birth, and my impression is that they would have been portrayed as heartless to insist that a new mother had to quit university as soon as she gave birth."


    "Are there other options? Can you study on line?"


    "I contacted other universities, and they all are the same. I either must study full time or cannot be there. Only one offers a few on-line courses but that is not until myst year."


    "Had you looked at Australian options? Universities there have on-line courses that maybe you could take. ?Due to your and James'' marriage, and the fact that you have resided in Australia for about six months over thest two year, it should make it easier for you to get in to one there.? Australia Universities have no problem with people studying part time as they understand some people must work and others have familymitments."


    "It is possible they will give you credit for what you have already studied here. Then, when you are ready in the future, you can re-apply here and they possibly will give you credit for those studies, or alternatively the Australia University may be able to arrange for you to study some courses on campus here.? All you have to do is ask, and you know James and I can help you make some of the inquiries."


    "I had not thought about it. It has just been so overwhelming, and James has been so busy given he has be head nurse ¡­"


    ------------


    From the Author.


    If you are not reading this original novel through or the apps, you are reading pirated material, published illegally in breach of the author''s rights and those provided to under the contract for the work.


    Please ess this novel through legitimate means, either on at /book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? The author would also appreciate if you can report the illegal posting of this work to or through ament on a legitimately essed chapter including the website name and the link for the posting.


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 Chapter 725: Another baby and a new career direction - Part 2

    <h4>Chapter 725 - Another baby and a new career direction - Part 2</h4>


    Six weekster, continued ¡­


    Anna simply shook her head.? Looking directly at Alecia she said "Alecia, you idiot he would never be too busy for you and Rose. You know you are the centre of his world."


    "But I hate to ask him."


    "No, you need to talk.? Not talking will only cause problems."


    Anna saw a look passing over Alecia''s face and realised that the rumours that she had been hearing about Alecia and James having issues were true.? "Alecia, I would be right in saying things are difficult for the two of you?"


    "How?"


    "How did I know.? I know my brother, I listen to things, and I can read people.? Thetter is simply part of my job. ?What is it?"


    "I love him, but I sometimes wonder¡­"


    "If marrying and having Rose at such a young age was the right decision for you?? Do you love James?" seeing Alecia nodding, Anna continued "You love Rose, that is obvious.? But do the two of you talk?? Have you told him how you feel about the situation?"


    "No.? It is too hard."


    Shaking her head, Anna decided to be proactive and picked up her phone calling James.? As he answered she said "Baby brother, get over to my vi now, without argument," before hanging up the phone as she did not want an argument.


    As she ended the call Alecia angrily retorted "That was not necessary Anna."


    "Alecia it was.? Thest couple of weeks when James has visited he had worried about your marriage, you are also worried.? I am not a marriage counsellor, just a stressed out heavily pregnant woman who wants her brother and sister-inw to talk about what is bothering them, not dragging her into it.? Plus, if I know your father and Amanda, anyints you have made to them has drawn the statement talk.? I am just making sure that it happens."


    "That is just mean Anna."


    "Not mean, practicable.? You two love each other, that is so obvious, and issues can be worked through if you talk about them.? Rose can stay in the nursery with her cousin Jang until you have had the discussions you need.? It does not matter how long it takes, as otherwise the two of you will remain miserable."


    Alecia looked at Anna and said, "How did you about my parents?"


    "Amanda told me.? They are stressed presently given¡­"


    "Sophie''s health.? I know.? The doctors have worked out what the issues are with her heart and are consulting internationally for treatment options.? Apparently, the best option, is to have surgery¡­"


    "That Amanda told me just yesterday.? They have a few options for the surgery, in the US, Europe and Australia.? She asked me for my suggestion¡­"


    "James too.? He told her go to Australia as they could do the surgery at the Royal Children''s Hospital in Melbourne.? As he said, his family can be there to support them, but¡­"


    "They could take a break at the farm if needed.? I told Amanda if that was the option chosen, that our apartment in Melbourne was avable for them, along with the farm if then needed a break.? How are the boys taking it?"


    "Ton and Junior are taking it in their stride.? Paul, and goodness knows why we all call him by his Western name, but it seems to fit him, does not understand what is wrong with his sister, and reacts to Sophie''s cries and theck of attention that he gets.? Ton, Junior James and I try to make up for that where we can, but there are times he only wants Mum and Dad, and that is challenging.? Hopefully the surgery will resolve Sophie''s health issues and things can get back to normal for them."


    "I jus wish we could help more¡­"


    "Anna you are pregnant again¡­"


    "Being pregnant does not prevent me helping."


    "But a risky pregnancy does darling sister, and you know this pregnancy is risky, just as your pregnancy with Jang and Aaron was.? Now why did you want me here," came the voice from behind her.? While she knew the voice, as she turned Anna could see James standing behind her.


    Quickly Anna responded, "For you and Alecia to talk.? I am sick of the two of you using me toin about your problems, and not talking to each other." Realising that James had arrived too quickly Anna then added "Howe you are here so quickly."


    "As to thetter, I was on my way.? We will talk, but Amanda said to me the other day, that for some reason she feels that you are losing your passion for practicing thew.? What is that about?"


    "James, I have lived and breathed thew since I got admitted to university when I was sixteen. My maternity leave with Jang, made me start to question what I wanted, and returning to work afterwards, along with my involvement in the trial made me realise that practicing thew is not everything I want.? I want to make a difference here.? Yi and I have spoken about it, and I have resigned from ANX.? They, of course are rejecting it presently as they want me to re-evaluate the situation when I finish maternity leave this time around and determine if my priorities remain changed."


    "I am, and Yi if fine with this, not going to return to Hour Enterprises.? But I am not leaving thew.? The local university has offered me a teaching position in theirw school, and I am wanting to take that."


    "When were you going to tell everyone about it?"


    "Stop getting short with me James.? At the present it is only in the nning stages, but with two children, I really do not feel that I can be effective in thew now." Signalling to the waiting staff, tea and coffee were brought out, and Anna Said "The two of you need to talk.? Start talking here, before going.? As I told Alecia, Rose can stay here."


    Anna stood up, and as she started to move, she felt the pain she felt when she went into Labour with Aaron and Jang.? Turning back, she quietly said "Sorry to ruin your chance for a discussion, but I need you to call Yi and tell him to meet me at the hospital and arrange with the staff for me to be taken there. "


    "You have gone into Labour." James shook his head and looked at Anna.? From what he observed Anna was right, she had gone intbour, and this was throwing the obstetrician''s ns for her admission and her inducementter.? This little one was determined to spoil those ns.? Alecia, understanding what was happening, quickly picked up her phone and called Hou Yi, while James started making the arrangement for Anna to be transported to the hospital.? As she was being taken away by the ambnce, James and Alecia called out they would stay here, until they knew what was happening.


    Just as the ambnce doors were shutting Anan yelled "You better talk, or I will kill you when I ¡­" Before she could finish the paramedics shut the ambnce doors, leaving James and Alecia standing there.


    As they headed in, Alecia turned and said "We better have a discussion, or Anna will¡­"


    "Kill uster.? Let me check on the children, while you call Yi''s parents and then my father to let them know what is happening."


    James leant down and gave Alecia a kiss on the cheek before heading in the direction of the vi nursery, leaving Alecia to make two phone calls, letting both her father-inw and Uncle Yi''s parents know that Anna had gone intobour and was on her way to the hospital.? She headed back outside and told the staff when James returned to tell him where she was.


    Waiting for James, Alecia knew Anna was right.? They had to determine what they wanted for their marriage.? The holding pattern that had dictated their lives for thest few months could not go on, as it was hurting them, and more importantly Rose.


    As he walked out to find Alecia sitting in the gardens and said, "My love, what is it?"


    "I know James, but I have been worried about it for weeks."


    "Nothing is an issue if we talk about it. Even most of your friends thought we would split before we reached two years of marriage and look at us."


    ------------


    From the Author.


    If you are not reading this original novel through or the apps, you are reading pirated material, published illegally in breach of the author''s rights and those provided to under the contract for the work.


    Please ess this novel through legitimate means, either on at /book/12549428906857405 or through the Apps.? The author would also appreciate if you can report the illegal posting of this work to or through ament on a legitimately essed chapter including the website name and the link for the posting.


    For those who ess this novel through legitimate means, thank you for the ongoing support of this work.

 Chapter 726: Another Baby and a new career direction - Part 3

    <h4>Chapter 726 - Another Baby and a new career direction - Part 3</h4>


    The following morning


    Hou Yi, sat looking at Anna. Unlike when Aaron and Jang were born, this little prince did not cause as many problems for Anna or the hospital staff when he was born.? The only thing was giving birth had exhausted his wife and he remembered that he almost lost her when Aaron and Jang were born due to the bleeding she had.? He knew within he needed to have a discussion with Anna, when she was recovered as to whether they would have more children.


    As they already knew children''s lives were precious but ultimately, he was selfish and wanted his wife with him for as long as they could be together.? Looking over at the sleeping little prince, while his legal name would be Ting, given Anna was happy with a family name he wanted an English name for their prince. And had spent time searching the inte for names meaning prince.? He was leaning towards Brendan but would not make that decision without consulting Anna.


    Ting, was determined that he was not going to allow his mother to rest, and started to cry, immediately waking Anna.? Noticing Yi there, she said "Hand him to me Yi, I guess he is hungry."


    Shaking his head Hou Yi, carefully picked up Ting and handed him to Anna, before sitting beside her.? Quickly, Anna had manoeuvred Ting so that he couldtch onto a b*east and started feeding.? While he was feeding Anna asked, "Have you an idea on his English name?"


    "I did some research. ?Jing''s English name was a tribute to his maternal grandfather, Aaron''s was because he was a miracle to have even been born alive.? I thought, as our children will be our little princes or princesses, that a name meaning or connotating prince would be appropriate.? Of the names with that meaning, Brendan is my favourite."


    Looking down, Anna realised Yi was right.? Their children would be their little princes or princesses, and that seemed fitting.? "Brendan it is.? You know I had in mind, because I was so certain we were having a girl Amirah as a name.? Not English, but Arabic, with a simr meaning.? We just have to save that for another time."


    "True.? But we have something else we have to think about.? James and Alecia stayed at the Vi until my parents arrived, and once Jang realised you were not around he stated to drive them and the nannies crazy.? When I told my parents you had given birth, the told Jang, and ever since then he has demanded he has toe and see his brother."


    Shaking her head Anna responded "He is just as demanding as his father.? You know no one will have any peace until hees¡­"


    "But you need to be able to deal with him when he arrives."


    "Yi, you know as well as I do that Jang can be excitable, but he is good when we tell him no.? Let hime.? I am hopeful the doctors will let Ting and me go home tonight¡­"


    "Take the time to recover.? It is not as if we cannot afford for you to spend the time here, if the hospital do not need the space."


    "You want to pamper me."


    "I do, we have two living children under two.? Yes we have nannies, but you still want to be there for them¡­"


    "As do you." Pausing Anna said "Yi, I know it is early but how about asking Steve and Mandy to be two of his godparents.? We made choices as to Jang''s godparents, more about our need for people near to us, or helping us.? This time, I do not want family, I want friends, and they are two of your close friends.? Do you think they will do it?"


    "They will, if they know what is good for them." Hou YI paused, before continuing "You know one call I received earlier ¡­"


    "From the president, he wants an answer as to his job offer, while at the same time offering his congrattions on Ting''s birth."


    "A real politician, being nice on one hand and on the other pursuing his agenda.? I have, due to a matter spoken to him three times in thest week, but as I kept reminding him you were in thete stages of pregnancy, and even now you need to recover before considering his offer.? But he figures as you have given birth you are able to give him his answer."


    "Yi, the think I find strange is why a politician wants a businessman''s wife with no political experience to fill a senior government legal position."


    "As he has constantly told me, he has been so impressed with how you have worked with the trial for children, that he wants you to take the position. He knows that regardless of anything you will be honest and not even let our rtionship interfere in the work you do."


    "But he wants me to move to the capital. That will not happen, you and the children are the most important thing to me."


    "Anna sweetheart, I think he has gotten that. When we offered his congrattions, he made it clear that he was happy for you to work from here, video-conferencing with the capital and only travelling there when absolutely needed."


    "Do you think we can trust him?"


    "Anna he is a typical politician, but an honest one. I would trust him, but I would make sure it is in writing."


    "Can you cope with a wife going into politics? Will that impact thepany?"


    "Anna, no. Hou Enterprises is stable. We have dealt with those internally trying to destabilise thepany, and the threats have well and truly gone externally at this time. The only future threat might be Lu Corporation but given what you have done I suspect Lu Jinhu would do what he can to prevent it.? We both know that Lu Corporation currently is a shell of its previous self, as they have had to sell off international projects and re-focus domestically on a couple of key areas simply to deal with all the damage that Lu Jingho did before his death.? It will depend on who is the CEO at the time when that rebuilding finally pays dividends."


    "You have your suspicions on who that will be, don''t you?"


    "You know me too well.? The current CEO, for the money hungry family members is not making the profits they want.? I suspect they will push Lu Jinhu to step in, as they will want money over any thanks for rebuilding thepany.? And Lu Jinhu will not be so stupid, as in the end he now owes you, not only for himself but his daughters."


    "Speaking of them, I cannot believe that the court in the end when Yang Lin tried to get custody and overturned the pre-nuptial agreement gave her nothing."


    "Well she deserved it, particrly given what hase out. Now, what do you want to do? I can put the president off for a few weeks, to allow you to recover."


    "Yi, you know I had really reached the decision a couple of weeks ago. The idea of working as awyer, with Jang and Ting does not tempt me as much as I though it would. This allows me to make changes, and I have already demonstrated that I can do that with the trial program here, that has impressed so many within the country."


    "Then you have your answer. You know I will support whatever you decide. We simply have to be careful so there can be no political blowback on you for what Hou Enterprises do."


    "You have my board resignation anyway. There is no way with just on eighteen months between our children that I could stay on the board, this decision seals that call. "


    "I will make the call and pass on the message but confirm that you will not formally take up the position for three to six months. You need to recover."


    "Thank you, Yi.? You spoil me so much, and from a chance encounter we have made such a dramatic change in our lives in just over two years."


    Leaning over Hou YI gave Anna a brief kiss and said, "We are so lucky."

 Chapter 727: Epilogue - Anna and Hou Yi

    <h4>Chapter 727 - Epilogue - Anna and Hou Yi</h4>


    20th wedding anniversary


    Anna and Hou Yi awoke in each other''s arms, knowing so they could have the morning to themselves Jang, Ting, Zhi and Ning had spent the night out. Ting, Zhi and Ning at the Ancestral home with Hou YI''s parents.? They all said that they wanted to spend as much time with their grandfather as possible as the doctors now only gave him weeks to live with his cancer.


    Jang, while having spent the early part of the evening there, had gone to spend the rest of the night with his fianc¨¦e, the youngest of Lu Jinhu''s twins, Grace.


    As Anna looked at Hou Yi, she said "What a wonderful twenty years we have had. Did you ever expect we would be here?"


    "Sweetheart, dreamed yes, but I never thought it would be possible. Do you regret anything?"


    "No, we have four lovely children, you have continued to maintain a great familypany.? The more surprising thing is that my career charge after Ting''s birth has been even mor fulfilling that I dreamed possible.? I never thought shaping thew, rather than practicing it would be as exciting." Anna leant over and gave Hou Yi a brief kiss before, leaning back.


    "What are you thinking about my love?"


    Laughing, Anna responded "You know me too well.? I just was thinking about Jang and Grace''s engagement dinner the other night."


    "What did that b*stard do?"


    "You still thing he is like that?"


    "Absolutely.? I will never forgive him for what he did to you."


    "Yi, you have to get over the past.? I will never forgive him, but remember when Tang, Grace, he and I disappeared for about twenty minutes?"


    "I wondered where you had all gone."


    "Lu Jinhu and I had spoken, and we decided you and his wife would not be involved in the conversation we had to have with them.? The two of us told them about our past.? Lu Jinhu held nothing back about how he treated me.? After they got over the surprise of all of that, I thought Jang would have hit him, but he was calm.? I think that is because he knows I am happy and have you the love of my life to be with until the end of our days.? Grace on the other handunched into her father about his treatment of me, and then into me about keeping much of our not so hidden past from them."


    "Well, I always thought our daughter-inw to be was smart, she has demonstrated it."


    "You know, I am not really happy about their engagement but ¡­"


    "You are not going to stand in their way.? I know, how many times have you said that ever since theymenced their rtionship.? They made the decision as they wanted my father to at least celebrate their engagement before he died with them, but they both have said they do not want to get married for a couple of years.? They want toplete their studies.? Trust our son, we have brought him up, and before you say anything it has been with the help of staff, to do the right thing."


    "I know, but you know how much, despite everything I still worry about him hurting my family given what he did in the past."


    "Anna, regardless of what happens in the future between Jang and Grace, do you believe Grace will allow he father to hurt you or our family?"


    "No, Grace when we told her everything turned and outright told Lu Jinhu if he ever did anything to hurt me or Alecia in any way, not only would she cut him our of her life, she would publicly denounce her father.? She did not think about speaking for her twin Lin¡­"


    "As Lin has fallen for the tricks of her mother.? I know.? She is aggressive and abusive to almost everyone.? Jing told me the other day, that apparently Lin demands so much from her father, and he and Grace have seen her hand it over immediately to Yang Lin."


    "I just pity that girl.? She does not realise how much abuse Yang Lin put her through as a baby, and why she was protected from her ¡­"


    "But the b*tch ys on the fact she has little and uses her to get everything.? She deserved what happened to her, and if I have heard the rumours right, she is ming you for that."


    "She is, but I do not think that the situation is helped by the fact that Lin have never gotten along with her stepmother, as she sees her, her step-siblings and siblings from her father''s second marriage as the reason why her mother has been abandoned by everyone, not that she caused that to happen."


    "Anna, we need to stop dwelling on that.? Jang knows he can talk to us if there are problems, and he will.? Trust him and trust his choices.? Grace is that choice, and we should not interfere with his life¡­"


    "Yi, but¡­"


    "No buts my love.? We have taught out children to be independent thinkers and trust their judgement, so why would we not do that with their personal life."


    Before Anna could respond, Hou Yi quickly moved and stripped her of her pyjamas and soon had her screaming in ecstasy from his attentions.


    A couple of hourster, when they finally came down from their p_l_e_a_s_u_r_e high, Hou Yi turned and asked "You have been hiding something from me.? What did those colleagues of yours want with you yesterday?"


    "Yi, is there people in thepany you can trust to run if for a number of years, if you remain chairman?" asked Anna quietly.


    "Anna, you are worrying me, what have they nned?"


    "You know the vice-president has cancer and intends to step down in the next couple of weeks?"


    "Yes ¡­" responded a quizzical Hou Yi.


    "And that we had agreed that whatever is the next post I take with the government will be myst, to allow you to train whoever of the children want to take over thepany, so you can retire."


    "Yes, now stop dying what you want to ask me¡­"


    "Well, the president and parliament want me to take the position as Vice-President once the resignation is made.? That means, making you step away from thepany, as it will be the potential for a conflict of interest."


    "But the Vice-president role should not really have that much of an impact on policy, and even with all your posts to date is has never been a problem."


    "Yi¡­"


    Hearing the tone of Anna''s voice, Hou Yi said "I suspect I am not going to like what you are about to tell me?"


    "It depends.? But let me just say that when I finish, it will be the end of my career in politics here, and I will be totally grateful for that as I can spend the time with you and the children."


    "Quit stalling, you know I know you too well."


    Giving him a kiss on the cheek, Anna said "We both know there have bee rumours about the president being involved in illegal activities?"


    "Mmm¡­"


    "Damn it, I should know that you would know all about that¡­"


    "You forget Anna, I am ruthless when ites to my family and the business, but everything I do remains legal at all times.? I keep an eye on politicians simply because their actions can cause business risks.? And who do you think¡­"


    "Damn it Yi, you make things challenging for me."


    "I have said nothing, and that is the truth."


    Shaking her head Anna retorted "True, you y it close to the line at times.? But if those rumours are true and the evidencees out¡­"


    "Parliament will ask him to resign with immediate effect.? That will happen, as you know no one trusts him, even his political allies."


    "Meaning, if I take the role, I would be president¡­"


    "From immigrant to president within a little over twenty years, my love you can achieve anything."


    Pausing Hou Yi said "And of course that means that I cannot be seen to have a role in thepany, to protect the office as president.? The worst thing, is that you would have to serve out the remaining part of his term, which currently is just over another four years¡­"


    "True."


    "I get it, you need me to start the work to get in ce a new CEO now, to cover that time.? We are just lucky that thepany charter does not require us to have a family member as CEO.? It simply has that of the thirteen-person board, the family control six seats, six are from internal divisions and the remaining board member is an independent person.


    "Yi, what about Alecia stepping in. Yao Tan is years away from being ready to retire at XF International, and we both know from talking to her and James that she is getting frustrated to the point they are ready to return to Australia on a permanent basis. You have a team of capable senior management to assist her ¡­"


    "And your sister-inw loves you that she would be unlikely to say no if you ask her. More importantly your brother is so grateful for everything you have done that he will not stand in her way. Do you think I really want to mess up the rtionship between Yao Tan and myself, given what happened."


    "Yi, Jasmine''s ident was not your fault. Yao Tan failed to put boundaries on her. She always believed she could do what she wanted, and when we told her that she could note and visit us, she ignored everyone and manipted the bodyguards to allow her to head to our Vi on her own. Who could have guessed that a car would run a red light and smash into the taxi she was in. It could have been anyone in that car, you, me or one of our children. It just happened to be Jasmine. Given how lucky she was not only to survive but escape without brain injury or serious long-termplications, she learnt her lesson."


    "But he still mes me for what happened, and you know that led to the ending of the joint venture."


    "Yi, thatsted twelve years, and achieved a lot in that time, not only for the artists but Hou Enterprises. What about, we firstly talk to Alecia, and if she says yes we have an open and honest discussion with Yao Tan. By then we should know what is happening politically."


    After a brief pause, Hou Yi leaned over and gave Anna a kiss before saying "Yes my love. You know I will never be able to say no to you."


    "And I you.? My crashing into you twenty years ago, has given us the life we have.? Yes it has had its ups and downs, the loss of Aaron, the birth of our other children, but neither of us regret anything."


    "True.? The only thing I would change, is as soon as I met you I would have pushed into your life to prevent you from being hurt any more than Lu Jinhu did."


    "Let us not think about what we cannot change, but what we have.? That is the most important thing."


    "I know, and our life is the better for having each other."


    "You smooth talker.? But, I do love you so much."


    "And I you."

 Chapter 728: Epilogue - James and Alecia

    <h4>Chapter 728 - Epilogue - James and Alecia</h4>


    20th wedding anniversary


    James stood in the lounge of their apartment waiting for Alecia toe home after her meeting with Hou Yi.?? Anna, when she had gone called him and exined what was happening.


    His sister was great at keeping secrets, but this one was a big one.? However, he could see some of the motives behind their actions.? Yao Tan and his behaviour ever since the ident where Jasmine''s was injured, he had be unbearable.? He med everyone, most particrly Anna and Hou Yi, closely followed by Alecia and him.? She was a stubborn little girl, who Yao Tan never said no to.


    They had put up with the attitude, and Yao Tan''s refusal to consider Alecia for a more senior position within thepany, as Junior after years of drifting had a couple of years ago joined.? Unlike Alecia who worked her way up the corporatedder, he walked into a Junior executive position, and just three months ago Yao Tan promoted him to a senior executive position.


    Alecia was heartbroken with that.? She had worked so hard for neen years in thepany, almost costing them their marriage three times because of the stress and strain it ced on them, plus the asion when she was undertaking her graduate studies that his actions pushed her into being around a friend of Junior''s who decided that trying to ruin their marriage was fair game.


    She had said, that after Christmas this year, she wanted to leave.? That would allow her to finish up her current projects and leave with her head held high.? Now, Yi wanted to offer her this opportunity.


    Before he could think more, Alecia walked in the door, and noticing James in the lounge headed straight in.? "I am guessing Anna has spoken to you?"


    "She did.? After talking to Rose, who agreed to stay at their Vi tonight, she was able to convince Harrison and Christina to go as well, on the basis we needed to talk."


    "What do you think?"


    "Alecia, it is an opportunity, but just because is it my brother-inw, your godfather offering it to you, you should not feel obliged to take it.? But the¡­"


    "Choice will be mine, and you will support me.? James, after all my screw ups over thest twenty years I still wonder why you have remained in our marriage.? My father''s actions have put so much pressure on our rtionship, and then there is that incident when I waspleting my graduate studies¡­"


    "We both know none of that was your fault.? Yes, it caused us to have things to work through, but we did so, because we knew what we wanted, our rtionship and our marriage.? And remember that it is not a one-way street.? You have had to deal with the deployments I have taken with medical teams on joining the Military Reserve Medical Corps.? As a male nurse¡­"


    "Those more senior within the military have feltfortable in sending you into situations where they would not send a male nurse.? I know, James."


    Taking his hand Alecia dragged him to sit down on a couch in the lounge room.? Despite having the money her investments had given them, living here in the apartment where they started their life here was where they feltfortable.? After they sat down, Alecia turned and asked "James, truthfully what do you think I should do?? Take the offer, or should we go ahead with our ns to take the children and leave?? Rose could study at University in Australia and there are plenty of good schools for Harrison and Christina to go to in Australia."


    "Alecia, honestly we know you will not go any further now that Junior has joined the familypany.? The question is, do you want to be a stay-at home mother until you can develop a Business in Australia or continue on the corporatedder that you are, through taking this opportunity that Yi has offered you."


    "James, you have been the one that has sacrificed your career more than me for the children¡­"


    "And I do not regret that.? You took Maternity leave when they were born, and I have been lucky with working at Hou Enterprises Medical Centre to have a brother-inw Boss that has been understanding to allow me to be flexible in my work.? Just do not think that you have to sacrifice your future career choices for me¡­"


    "I do not know what I deserved to have youe into my life."


    "It was fate." James then leant over and gave Alecia a kiss, before drawing her back into his arms.? "I guess you do not want to make a decision today."


    "I do not, but I think if I do not it will ruin the night you have nned."


    "How do you know I have things nned."


    "James, every year you always do something special for our anniversary, why would out twentieth Anniversary be different?"


    "True¡­"


    "So, what do you have nned?"


    "Actually, a quiet night.? It has been so long since we have been to the movies, without the children, so I figured movie and dinner beforeing home to ¡­"


    "No children and the ability to totally enjoy ourselves in bed."


    "Absolutely."


    "How about we change that.? Uncle Yi said we could use the home cinema in their apartment, and the staff have the night off there¡­"


    "Alecia, I have arrangements at our favourite restaurant before the movies¡­"


    "But¡­"


    "Come on, how often is it we go out without the children?? Unlike Anna and Yi, or your father and Amanda I have not, despite the money you have made from your investments, allowed you to employ a nanny.? We have cared for the children or made the arrangements."


    Pausing Alecia responded "True, but I still think my suggestion is better,"


    "It is, but that is a standing offer which we have used in the past when we want a little quite time but will not go far from the children.? I want a romantic date with my wife, and I sshed out at the movie cinema and booked a private cinema for us.? And we will eb seeing that movie you have said for thest couple of weeks you want to see."


    "Tempting¡­"


    "We still have a couple of hours before the dinner reservations, so we could have a shower together, and who knows what will happen there."


    "You have a dirty mind James."


    "You like many of my suggestions, so what is yourint now?"


    "You ask, you are forty-two years and I turn thirty-seven tomorrow, not particrly young and stupid when ites to you s*x life¡­"


    "But you love the fun."


    "True.? But we need to make a decision on what we will do."


    "Whatever you want.? I will support your decision."


    "I really do not want to leave¡­"


    "So, take the job."


    "But what will dad think, I am abandoning the familypany¡­"


    "Forget that, he has made his choices, for his own reasons there, and if he wants to make your life difficult for taking the position, point out that you are joining your sister-inw and her husband''spany, not working for aplete stranger.? Then when everything ends up settling down in a few years'' time we can make choices, to remain or leave.? Alecia, if you want topete for the CEO position when your father steps down, having been Hou Enterprises CEO for a few years, will ce you in a much better position to take it than Junior, who is being handed everything easily by your father."


    "Are you certain?"


    "If it is what you want, grab it.? You know we can survive anything.? My mother trying to continually wreck our marriage, the stress your father through work ced on it, Junior''s friends trying to break us up, my time on deployment and even helping Ton deal with Sally''s death."


    "If you are certain."


    Picking up his mobile, James immediately dialled Hou Yi, and as he answered ced it on speaker.? "James what can we do for you on your wedding anniversary."


    "Alecia needs to speak to you, and I have you on speaker phone."


    "Uncle Yi¡­" drew out Alecia.


    "You have decided not to take the job.? Alecia as I told you, you do not have to feel obliged to take it¡­"


    "Uncle Yi, just answer me one question, what made you offer me the position?"


    "Anna suggested I should look at you for the position, but you know how I work.? In business I do not let emotions dictate what I do.? I apply logic, and make sure my decisions can be supported.? I did my due diligence before I made the offer and realised that you are quite capable of doing the job.? Junior over thest six months has taken so much credit for your work, that it has blinded your father to the truth, and you have carried on the work as you do not want to harm thepany rather than exposing it.? That tells me I can trust you to do the right thing by Hou Enterprises in taking the position.? As I exined there will be some caveats on the role to allow you to move in and do it properly."


    "You exined those to me, and after our discussions I understand those reasons."


    "So¡­"


    "James and I have spoken.? I will take the role, but I want you to do something.? I want Hou Enterprises to continue to look for someone either toe in and take the CEO position if I feel over my head or to be my deputy.? I want to be sure that if there is an issue I can step back, plus we need to be ready in case I fall pregnant again¡­"


    "I get it. But you need to tell your father in the next few days, as I suspect Anna and I will have to make some announcements in the next week or so."


    "OK Uncle Yi.? We will catch up to finalise everything the day after dad''s birthday."


    Hou Yi, took the hint and ended the call.? James turned to Alecia and said, "Nowe on, we have a shower to go and enjoy, before our anniversary celebrations."


    "You better deliver James, or I will be so disappointed."


    "When have I ever failed to deliver sweetheart."

 Chapter 729: Epilogue - Amanda and Yao Tan and FINISH

    <h4>Chapter 729 - Epilogue - Amanda and Yao Tan and FINISH</h4>


    20th wedding anniversary


    Amanda sat quietly waiting for Yao Tan to arrive home to their vi.? How life had changed.? The day that they got their wedding certificate she had such hopes and dreams about what their life would be like. ?Having waited so long for him to make the ultimatemitment to her, she believed that her life would only get better.


    The problem was that in thest few years their marriage had be hellish.? Ever since little Jasmine broke all the rules and ditched the guard before convincing a taxi driver to take her to Hou Yi and Anna''s vi.? After she and Tan told her no, she called Anna and Hou Yi to convince them to get them to change her mind.? The refused, but the child that was a stubborn as her father did what she wanted.


    Now all of them were paying the price.? Jasmine, with the physical and psychological consequences of the ident; all the other children with the protectiveness of Yao Tan; Hou Yi with the loss of his friendship with Tan who, despite him having no role in the ident; Anna with the impact on their rtionship, and most importantly Yan Tan and herself.


    The problem was that Yao Tan did not want to deal with the impacts for them.? He had made up his mind as to who was responsible for the ident, and he was not moving from that. The problem was, it had gotten her to the point that she had enough.? It was ruining her marriage, and that was something that she never thought would be the case.


    But, now in the recent past Alecia had added to the problems and the ming of everything on Hou Yi that Tan was doing.? At the time he appointed Junior, Amanda warned Tan that parachuting Junior into a position senior to Alecia, when he had no business experience nor any knowledge of thepany was thwart with danger.? While she could appreciate Tan was right in his position that he could appoint anyone as a executive if he wanted, he would not see the intra-family conflict he was setting up.? Ton, like Alecia took a junior position and worked his way up through thepany.


    Ton, however, about two months before Tan appointed Junior to his position, had told both of them he did not want to be thepany CEO.? She could still remember Ton''s words.? He knew that he was not suitable to be the CEO and said that of the three of them Alecia was the most appropriate person to be CEO after Tan.? Amanda suspected that that announcement prompted Tan to convince Junior to return with the promise that he would be the CEO eventually.? She just hoped that that would not be something that he regretted in the future.


    But given Junior was continually being promoted and Alecia was stuck at junior executive lever for thest 6 years, despite all her good work Tan blocked at every opportunity he ability to advance.? It was therefore not surprising that Alecia had taken Hou Yi''s offer.? There she had the change to take the role, if Tan was honest, she was born to.


    Amanda, turned and looked around.? Having spoken the Alecia, she offered for the twins, Jasmine and David to spend the night with them as there was no way, she wanted them around in case the fallout of the discussion was nasty.


    Amanda heard a door open, and turned around seeing Yao Tan walking in, with Junior in his wake.? The two of them were talking about Alecia having formally taken the position of Hou Enterprises CEO.


    "Grow up.? Tan, Alecia had reached highest position she was ever likely to reach working for you.? Someone else saw the potential she has and offered her a job.? And before either of you say it was Hou Yi, you forget I worked for Hou Enterprises for years and for senior positions, they not only look internally but externally.? And if they are considering someone externally, they directly approach them for the position.? Advertising is only ast resort and they rarely do that for senior positions. ?The problem the two of you have is that Hou Yi went for Alecia for CEO."


    "Well as dad has said, she never showed the basis to be promoted for six years, what makes her suitable for such a position."


    "Junior, grow up, you are talking about your sister.? Plus you have not been here for that amount of time.? Now you promised me as it was our anniversary that you would leave us alone.? So go."


    "No need to be snappy."


    "It is your father and my wedding anniversary.? You are thirty-seven years old, and while I have no problem in having my children, regardless of their age live here, we need some time alone."


    "But Dad and I have things to talk about."


    "Junior, I am asking for one night''s peace with your father."


    "Junior, we can talk about those things in the morning, your mother is right.? Today is a special day for us."


    "Fine dad, but remember what I said about Alecia and that she needs to be cut off from the family, as she abandoned us."


    Nodding, Yao Tan responded "We will talk about it tomorrow."


    Having gotten the message Junior left, and Yao Tan came and sat down beside Amanda.? Lifting her hand up he kissed her wedding ring and said "Apologise Amanda.? You know that things are upset in the office given Alecia''s decision."


    "Do not me Alecia Tan, you and I both know that you want one of your sons to take over thepany rather than your highlypetent daughter who knows thepany from the ground up.? While I will not interfere with thepany, I will tell you my opinion.? That is something that has not changed."


    "And I am grateful for that.? But why would Alecia abandon us and go and work for the person responsible for what happened to Jasmine."


    "You forget, Anna is her sister-inw and so she is working for family, as much as she worked for family when¡­"


    "She worked for me.? True, but she is ignoring what happened¡­"


    Pulling her hand away, Amanda quickly stood up and said "Tan, enough.? I am sick of this, and the constant impacts on our marriage.? Jasmine was in the wrong,? She did what she waned despite everyone else saying no.? The driver who crashed into the Taxi she was in is the one to me, not anyone else."


    "Amanda, why do you want¡­"


    "To do this on our anniversary.? Tan, I am sick of this constant ming of people you have.? Look deep.? Like Alecia, James, Ton, Hou Yi and Anna, I realised years ago I had a part to y in Jasmine doing what she did.?? Jasmine realises now what she did wrong.? The only person who does not ept their part is you.? I am sick of your choices impacting our family, friendsh_i_p_s and my life."


    "I have to hide when I see Alecia and James, Anna and Hou Yi because when I see them you be angry.? I am frustrated that over thest few years you have blocked me from having a career.? I left Hou Enterprises as ultimately me being there was not sustainable and with all the promises you gave me came to work for you.? You, however, after Jasmine''s birth prevented me from returning to my position and then did everything for prevent me getting a job elsewhere."


    "I cannot do this anymore.? Your decisions are s_u_c_k_i_n_g what makes me who I am from me.? I have allowed it, because I love you, but seeing what Hou Yi and Anna have done for each other, including Hou Yi now stepping away to allow Anna to pursue her political career I can take it no more.? I need to be me, and I am not me."


    "Amanda¡­" cried out Yao Tan.


    "Tan, no.? I need to have my say, and you need to make your choice as to what is important.? Holding onto perceived problems and crushing the life from your family, or your marriage and family.? You wonder why Ton rarely visits us.? He is sick of your behaviour.? You wonder why Alecia and James keep their children away from you, they cannot stand how you treat everyone.? You wonder why Jang did not invite you to his engagement party, but invited Alecia and I.? You cannot ept Alecia has gotten to a point that she has forgiven Lu Jinhu for what happened to her.? It is all you, not us."


    "But Amanda¡­"


    "No buts Tan.? I do not want you to think.? I want you to tell me now what is important.? Our family and importantly me, or your need to hold onto your views. "


    "I cannot make that decision."


    "You need to decide, or I will make the decision for you.? You will not like that decision Tan."


    "There is no way that I want to end our marriage.? When we got our marriage certificate you knew Imitted to you for life," came the impassionate cry from Tan.


    "So, are you willing to move forward, forgetting the past and trying to rebuild things¡­"


    "Why should I, Hou Yi caused so much hurt to us¡­"


    "Tan," Amanda looked down at the rings on her fingers and slipped them off and handed them to him.? "Then this marriage is over.? I can no longer cope in the toxic environment that you are stuck in."


    "Amanda, no¡­" cried a shocked Yao Tan.? "I love you."


    "Tan, sometime love is not enough.? It takesmitment and a willingness to adapt and deal with what life throws at us, good or bad.? Your stubbornness has ruined things."


    Amanda looked at Yao Tan, tears streaming down her face.? She did not want to be in this position, but she needed to put the children and herself before her marriage.? "This is hurting you Amanda." Responded Yao Tan as he wiped away her tears.


    "It is, but the children and my wellbeing must toe first at the moment, and for you it does not." Amanda stood up and headed to the door.


    Tan quickly moved and stepped in front of Amanda, gently cing his hands on her shoulders before saying "Will you give me a chance to change?" before picking up her hand and returning her rings there.


    Amanda took a deep breath and said "If you promise to go to counselling and work to change yourself yes, but one more mess-up that is it as I will take it no more.? I need to pursue a career.? Anna contacted me and offered me the position on her staff.? She is fine for me to work from here, and I will take that, no arguments.? Also, you need to send Junior to an overseas posting.? I love him, but he is too much like his birth mother in that he wants things to revolve around him.? Have him prove me wrong that he is suitable to be the next CEO by proving he can do the job, rather than having it handed to him."


    "That is not fair to him¡­"


    "Tan, it is.? Let him show the potential you believe he has.? Let everyone judge what he does.? Alecia will, I believe, prove that she can take your ce with being the CEO of her inw''spany for a period of times.? Junior needs to prove that he can do that as well."


    "Fine, but I do not want you working¡­"


    "Stop being so old fashioned.? Women are not simply mothers and stay at home.? For goodness sake, Anna is about to be sworn in as Vice-President this country, and her husband is all for it."


    Knowing he was backed into a corner all he could do was say "Fine, but any risk to you, you leave the job, and if Junior proves himself you do not question my business decisions."


    "Absolutely.? I am not stupid.? But you have to work hard to make our marriage work.


    One yearter.


    Anna and Amanda were sitting in the gardens of the presidential pce, having finished all their work-rted discussions.


    "Do you realise how long it has been since we have been able to simply sit and talk."


    "Madam President¡­"


    "Did I not tell you when it is the two of us sitting here as friends, it still is Anna."


    Laughing Amanda said "Well Anna, things have changed since Jasmine''s ident. ?After the choice I gave Tan twelve months ago he started to deal with matters.? I hated doing it, but it was the only chance I had to even save our marriage.? At least he did what he agreed to do, and things are getting better for us.? There is still a way to go, but if you had asked me a year ago, I would have said we would have been divorced by now."


    "I know how all the children except Junior is.? How is he going?"


    "Totally made a mess of the posting.? Tan has had to go and sort out all the problems, but the good thing that hase out of it was that Tan found out that ever since Junior joined thepany he had been taking credit for Alecia''s work, and with her at Hou Enterprises he could not find anyone gullible to allow him to do that."


    "Yi, cannot stop about how well she is doing at Hou Enterprises.? Things have not missed a beat since she joined and she has everything in ce for when she goes on maternity leave in a few weeks.? James cannot be more proud of her.? Jang, has only now decided that he wants to join thepany, but he decided that he wants to take the same path as Alecia.? Start at the bottom and work his way up."


    "Speaking of Jang, how are he and Grace going?"


    "Grace wanted him to join Lu Corporation and take the senior executive role Lu Jinhu offered him, and his refusal caused an argument.? Grace is still angry about that even now.? The funny thing is Lu Jinhu said to Jang and Gracest week when he was here to discuss the wedding that he was proud that Jang refused the job offer, as it meant that he was serious about building a career, rather than expecting it to be handed to him.? That made Grace realise that making decisions without taking short-cuts was the right thing."


    "So, how are you with him."


    "Fine, as Yi and I told him after Grace and Jang left us, that while we will neve approve of all his actions, in the end it resulted in us being together, and ultimately he marrying the woman he loved, despite the distraction of Yang Lin."


    ---------------


    Thank you for joining the journey of this novel.? I hope you have enjoyed it to the end:


    ¡¤???????? Lu Jingho got everything he deserved;


    ¡¤???????? Lu Jinhu found some redemption and forgiveness for admitting his mistakes;


    ¡¤???????? Anna was able to deal with the consequences of the abuse she suffered and came out of it stronger;


    ¡¤???????? Anna and Hou Yi found happiness, and a bnce in their marriage;


    ¡¤???????? Anna fully adopted into her new country (immigrant to president in twenty years, maybe unrealistic, but with a powerful husband and a d_e_s_i_r_e to make a difference anything is possible as it means you are at the right ce at the right time).


    ¡¤???????? Alecia and James'' marriage survived despite challenges thrown at it and found their career paths;


    ¡¤???????? Amanda and Yao Tan, had their happiness, and despite the threat of Amanda due to Yao Tan''s stubbornness, it survived


    ¡¤???????? Jane Gang achieved her revenge.? While hampering Hou Yi''s ns, it achieved his goal of preventing Lu Jingho from using his wealth to hurt others.? I did not give her an ending as I wanted her to be wandering finding what made her happy, given what happened to her during childhood.? I believe she got that eventually.


    Most importantly I want to thank all of my readers for persevering with the story of a first-time writer.? I hope you have enjoyed the rollercoaster that his has taken, and I have always taken yourments onboard (and read every one of them even if I do not respond to them).


    I hope to see you soon, reading the Solider Husband.? Anna and Hou Yi will not be forgotten and will make appearances at times (as side characters), and Lexi Yao''s story will be exined.


    Love klmorgan, 30 November 2019.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!