The Rise of the White Lotus

Silence was the only sound they heard on the line before the beeping noise, indicating the call was cut short came. Lexi meekly scoffed as she foresaw this coming. 

"Hand it to you?" Ethan Lu arched his brow, displeased at the conclusion he has in mind. "Love didn't I—" Shaking his head, he was about to lecture and remind his ever so lovely wife of the things they have discussed numerous times. 

However, just before he could do so, Lexi sweetly smiled, brightening the obscure mood surrounding her. She then leaped towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck. 

"I know," said Lexi as she kissed the apex of his nose. "I'm just messing with them," she added as the corner of her lips curled. 

Amusement danced in his eyes as he stared at her playful wife. "Messing with them?"

"Did I mention Laurel claimed that she's a mistress — your mistress, to be precise?" 

"ahh — What?!" Disgusted to the core, Ethan Lu's face distorted just with the idea. "Are you sure?" Yet, his tone was laced with disbelief. 

Based on the projects he collaborated with Laurel Wang, it would be very unlikely of her to claim such a thing. She's a smart woman and even though Ethan Lu gets the creeps on her gaze, she remained professional anyway. 

Therefore, how could Laurel Wang admit that she was a mistress? Who would be proud to be someone's mistress? Unbeknownst to Ethan Lu, his cousin Dylan Lu had the same query. 

"Hmm, I asked, and she answered — she even knelt down and apologized for your adultery." Lexi chuckled as he satisfied her with the expression on his husband. 

Lexi told him about her arrangement with Laurel Wang. However, she didn't get to the details because they had a long day and it was time to give their full attention to the twins. 

Therefore, no scheming discussion was allowed. The reason why he was shocked to know this irking details he wished he didn't hear. 

"Anyway, I won't meet him or them. I'm just playing hard to get." Lexi humored, mischief laced in her voice as Ethan Lu heaved a sigh of relief. 

"Really?" He asked, a helpless smile formed on his lips. 

Ethan Lu was relieved that they wouldn't need to discuss and prolong another argument with his mischievous wife. After all, although he fully trusted her, still, their situation right now was much more different. 

"What's the use of our partnership if I won't rely on you?" She teased, surprisingly making him flustered. 

Lexi had been doing things on her own. Starting a company, doing this and that, not asking for his help. Although he understood that she was doing it for herself, Ethan Lu was still slightly disappointed that she wasn't relying on him that much. 

Hence, he would usually murmur his complaint: "what's the use of having an influential hubby if you don't seek my power?" Yes, his complaints were a mix of disheartened bragging. He's stating facts, though. 

"I'll hand him over to you..." She said proudly. "Whether or not he made a copy, I'm confident that it wouldn't pass Mr. Lu's hands, yes?" Lightly swaying, Lexi witnessed the gentle smile on his lips as he shook his head helplessly. 

"Yes, my Wifey." With that said note, Ethan Lu leaned forward and caught her lips within a second. 

Lexi didn't give him instruction as she knew her husband already had something in mind. Whether or not the blackmailer would agree, they had nothing to lose, anyway. 

In actuality, they were the ones who gained the most. Whether it was the fifty million or having the man in custody — it wasn't a bad trade. 

Lexi gently pushed his chest away before their kiss would deepen and could lead elsewhere. "As for that woman, I can handle her." After pressing her lips together and heaved, Lexi mused. 

"Oh," Quite displeased that she broke the kiss, Ethan Lu just heedlessly nodded his head. Well, he's good with whatever her wife's wanted, as long as it wouldn't bring her into danger. 

Moreover, he was disgusted at Laurel Wang. God knows what he would do if she ever appeared in front of him. He might as well cut ties with the Wang family. 

But, he'll leave it all to Lexi so she could show off. Well, he liked that she low key bragged about him. 

"Anyway, where's Churu?" Upon recalling someone's absence, Lexi looked around but to no avail. 

"Right, I sent her to follow Lou, but she should've been back by now." Realizing the missing being today, Ethan Lu knitted his brows. 

****

Morris Liu massaged the space between his brows. Last night was a restless night for him. Despite the minimal alcohol intake, in normal days, it was enough for him to sleep. 

However, last night was the exception. He felt some cold pressure around him, sometimes even poking his feet, hands, and face. 

Not just that, but somehow, he could hear a faint minion voice whispering in his ears. The small voice was even talking to him yet, her words were vague and nearly indistinguishable. 

He didn't believe in ghosts and was never afraid of them, but heck! The experience last night was a mind changer. 

"I really can touch him..." Not just Morris Liu was in a state of shock, but also Churu. 

She never once had dark circles around her eyes because she doesn't need to sleep. But now, she felt so haggard that her usual spotless white being had dark bags under her eyes. 

"I should stop drinking," Morris Liu murmured as he tried to brush off the idea of ghosts. He denied the unexplainable occurrence last night and blamed it all on the alcohol as he dragged himself out to bed. 

However, just as he did, Churu who was on the side was unintentionally kicked. She was tossed out of the bed causing her to squeal, "Ouch!" 

That instant, Morris Liu's distress eyes widened. He heard it again — the minion voice; he heard it again! He felt his heart raced at full speed as he clenched his jaw. 

After a second, he immediately picked his phone up and called his assistant, "Book me a room at the Grand Hotel — I'll move out."