The Rise of the White Lotus

Meanwhile...

*PAK* 

A loud, resounding slap echoed across the room. Laurel Wang breathed heavily as she curled her hands into a fist while she glared at the man before her. Dylan Lu let out a faint scoff as he wiped the blood on the corner of his lips. 

"It was your idea, isn't it?" Through her gritted teeth, Laurel Wang asserted. "Did you know what you did?!?" Her tone suddenly escalated to a scream as she recalled how she has to kneel in front of her love rival. 

"Huh," Dylan Lu scoffed as he returned his gaze to the woman's hysterical countenance. "So what?" Instead of remorse, amusement flashed across his eyes. 

"You—!" Grinding her teeth, Laurel Wang raised her hand and was about to assault him with a slap again. However, her wrist was stopped midway before Dylan Lu aggressively grabbed her jaw. 

"What are you going to do then? Tell your dear daddy that you had s*x with someone who looked like the man you fantasied?" The corner of his lips curled into a chilling sneer as his grip on her jaw tightened, hurting her even more. 

"Now, not only those photos were useless but also, you spoiled my plan!" He hissed as he tossed her face to the side. Loosening his tie, he run his finger through his hair in frustration. 

Earlier, when he received the news about Lexi willing to buy the shreds of evidence for fifty million, he was in cloud nine. Although it wasn't his initial plan, fifty million was a tempting amount. Therefore, his man that contacted Lexi agreed. 

However, his thought bubble was popped after hearing that Laurel Wang was tricked. Not only he has no fifty million but also, Lexi was demanding the evidence. 

Sure, he could break the promise and change the conditions. But it would all end if he did. How? It was because Laurel Wang agreed with Lexi's condition and even blatantly lied that she was a mistress. If he suddenly changed the deal, Lexi's suspicion that Laurel Wang's involvement behind the scene would solidify. And if it does, they would have a lead to him.

Dylan Lu didn't expect that Laurel Wang would be too stupid to do such a thing. Her, surrendering her body and soul to a stranger just because he looked like Ethan Lu was one thing. But, he never actually thought that she would fall for Lexi's cheap tricks. 

Who was in their right mind to admit that they were someone's mistress? Does she think Lexi and Ethan Lu wouldn't discuss it like adults? If those two could be separated that easily, Mia Chen would have been successful by now. 

Dylan Lu was merely planting doubts in Lexi's heart. If that happened, the distrust in her heart would be easily manipulated. However, that was impossible at this point. 

Hence, he was infuriated at the woman before him. If only Laurel Wang used her head. 

"How can you be so stupid?!" He spat as he kicked the nearest chair to blow off some steam. 

Laurel Wang glared daggers at him. She could still feel his hand and the pressure on her jaw, making her heart swell from hatred. "Stupid?" Her nails dug dipped on her palms. "I am stupid for teaming up with you." She scorned. 

Not in her life, her parents hurt her. His father treated her like a treasure yet, Dylan Lu hurt her just like that. How infuriating. 

"Oh?" Slowly, Dylan Lu turned to the infuriated Laurel Wang. The corner of her eyes gathered mist as fury grew stronger and solid. "Then what are you going to do about it?" He sneered, vileness glinted in his pair of upturned monolid eyes. 

Dylan Lu took slow steps towards her. Laurel Wang instinctively stepped back. However, just as she did, her shoulder was violently grabbed making her wince in pain. 

"I ask you, what are you going to do?" His eyes widened while his grip tightened, almost breaking her thin shoulder. "Laurel Wang, if you think you can still back out, you're wrong. We're on the same boat now. If it sinks, we will both drown." Through his gritted teeth, he reminded the 'stupid' lady. 

"Don't forget, I can end your life if I wanted to." Dylan Wang leaned closer and whispered his threats before tossing her arm away. "Continue with your lies." As he ran his finger through his hair again, Dylan Lu commanded. 

For a second, Laurel Lu didn't respond as she tended to her hurting arm. Not just by words, but also, Laurel Wang realized how wrong she was for accepting his offer. 

Initially, Laurel Wang didn't bear any covetous intent. Granting that she liked Ethan Lu, however, after he saw how he looked at Lexi with those gentle eyes he only has for her, Laurel Wang stepped aside. 

She merely helped Stella Du that time so he would notice her, but to no avail, Ethan Lu's eyes didn't carry the same fondness when he looked at Lexi. But just several days later, Dylan Lu approached him. 

Of course, she didn't agree easily. Yet, "to help her decided" he arranged several projects where she could work with the Lu Corporation, where her false hope started to bloom — also, her feelings for Ethan Lu. 

And now, her decision unraveled, revealing that the man she joined hands with was a Satan incarnate. 

"If Ethan confronts you, lie. Might as well seduce him just like how wild you were with that guy." He ridiculed as he peered at her with extreme disgust. The way he looked at her, belittling her, Laurel Wang returned the mutual dislike. 

"Disgusting." She scorned. "Remember this Dylan Lu, I aim to be the Lu madam. You better reflect on your actions because I'll never let you off the hook." Laurel Wang's objectives though were the same as before, her determination now was more stable and solid. 

She not only wanted to be dotted by her beloved Ethan Lu, but now her deep urge to make this man kneel in front of her. That would only happen if she could have Ethan Lu wrap around her palms. She'll do it — no matter how low she needed step. 

"Good. Whatever." Laced with sarcasm, Dylan Lu mocked as he saw the determination in her eyes. He wasn't fazed that Laurel Wang threatened him because, at the end of the day, he has a different plan. 

All these people involved, Mia Chen, Laurel Wang, and so on were merely a diversion for a greater cause. Hence, if Laurel Wang could do what she was asked to and succeed, it would work well on his side.