It ached Zeke in the chest to see his lovely wife in this position, begging like a street beggar. "Mei," Zeke knelt beside her, resting his hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to do this. It's not necessary." "Let me be, Zeke," She said sharply. "I have to do this. Don't make this harder than it looks." Anna Zhao scoffed. "This is ridiculous. How the hell does she plan to raise $80 million back?" She turned to face Zhao Long. "She's a lost cause, dear. I say we banish her from the family." Zeke stiffened. Banishment from the House of Zhao was a cruel punishment. A banished member of the family would be kicked out of the family estate... Never to return. All family funding would be cut off immediately, and personal properties like cars, lands and jewelries would be seized until the punishment is lifted. "I second that, father," Jason said, stepping forward. "Our biggest mistake was giving Mei total control over the family's investment. I won't make the same mistake twice.

Zeke and Mei stood quietly, watching as the pawn broker appraised the pile of jewelry and accessories laid out before him. There were a collection of diamond necklaces, gold bangles, four luxury designer bags, designer sunglasses and two rose-gold watches on the counter. After several long minutes of appraisal, the pawn broker cleared his throat. "These are good pieces. If they were new, the total value would amount to $250,000. However, since I'm buying them from you at a second-hand price, I'm willing to pay $150,000 for the lot." Mei frowned. "A hundred and fifty grand? That's too poor. You said it yourself they're worth a quarter of a million. Make it $200,000." "$160,000. Final offer," the broker offered. "Take it or leave it. The stock market crashed today, ma'am. You're not the only rich girl who've come here this afternoon to pawn their valuables. No other pawnbroker would offer you full price in this crisis." Mei hesitated, biting her lips. She knew he was right, but $16

An hour later, Mei was fully dressed in her finest clothes and jewelry. She had also gone through the trouble of doing her makeup. Tonight was very crucial. If she missed this opportunity, she might never get another. Satisfied with her make-up, she walked back to the living room where Zeke was sprawled on the couch, motionlessly. Earlier, she had dragged him all the way from the kitchen to the living room. By morning, he'll ask a lot of questions but if all went well tonight, it wouldn't really matter. Just then, a car horn honked outside. It was Craig's chauffeur. He had arrived to pick her up. Mei took one last glance at Zeke and muttered under her breath. "I'm sorry, Zeke.... I'll be back soon." Then she stepped out of the house, slipping into the backseat of Craig's Rolls-Royce phantom. The chauffeur closed the door after her, and rode the car away from the Zhao family's estate. * * * * Inside the chill quiet living room, Zeke's motionless body remained still on the couc

Mei's mind drifted back three years ago, to the day her mother first introduced her to Zeke. Initially, Mei was heavily against the arranged marriage between her and Zeke. She couldn't imagine how her mother expected her to marry a man like him. Zeke was a pauper. He only wore one pair of shoes and rotated the same two set of clothes every other day. Worse, he was a typical nobody. He had no formal education, no connections and no talents to his name. His only redeeming qualities was his kindness and unpolished good looks. But even those qualities weren't nearly enough to qualify him as a lifelong partner. But Mei's mother had insisted she gave him a chance. "Marry him, Mei. And have great faith in him. Zeke may not be the man you desire right now, but he'll be the man you'll need in the future. Don't give up on him." Those were Mei's mother's words. For three years Mei had honoured her mother's wish and even though she had grown to accept Zeke as her husband, she knew

The Black sedan pulled up outside the Black Orchid hotel, the tallest and most expensive building in the city. This hotel was secretly owned by the Rockechilds family. "What are your next orders, young master?" Flynn asked him as he switched off the ignition. Zeke's expression was dark. He couldn't get tonight's bitter event out of his mind. "Have your men keep eyes on Mei. I want all reports on her sent to my phone everyday." "Understood," Flynn replied. "I'll have my men carry out surveillance on her day in and out." "Good," Zeke push open the door and stepped out. His steps felt heavy as he strode through the revolving door towards the grand receptionist desk. "Welcome, young master," The receptionist, a well dressed woman bowed as he approached. "We were informed of your arrival. Your penthouse suite has been kept in order. Would you like to be served dinner in your room?" "I would prefer not to be disturbed," Zeke dismissed her with a wave of his hand before heading t