Marked by My Stepbrother

"Wen Mian just returned to the country, and we met to catch up. I plan to bring her to your and Zhao Moxuan's engagement party tomorrow night."

Unbeknownst to them, Pei Zhiyao had already dressed neatly and walked to the doorway with an indifferent expression.

He was still impeccably turned out, haughtily aloof.

If Wen Mian hadn't been fortunate enough to see his out-of-control demeanor the night before, she might have thought she had recognized the wrong person.

Even though Pei Zhiyao had explained, the wariness in Pei Qingqing's eyes hadn't dissipated in the least.

Her gaze was fierce as she stared at a button incorrectly done up on Pei Zhiyao's shirt, and she couldn't help but clench her fists.

Pei Zhiyao was always self-composed and refined, rarely losing his poise, but now he had even buttoned his shirt wrong...

One could imagine just how wild things had gotten the previous night.

This damned Wen Mian, not having learned her lesson even after being dealt with for five years, had started seducing men as soon as she returned!

The jealousy in her heart was unstoppable, and it was nearly spilling out of her eyes.

But in the next moment, Pei Qingqing concealed the hatred in her eyes.

No matter, what use was her foxy allure, for the Pei Family had brought her back this time only for that matter.

Once the deed was done, Wen Mian would no longer be able to cling to Pei Zhiyao.

With this thought, Pei Qingqing immediately took Wen Mian's arm in a show of affection.

"Sister Wen Mian, I'm so happy you're back in the country. Rest assured, now that the Pei Family has decided to take you back, they won't hold a grudge against you for what happened five years ago."

The words were sickening to hear.

The Pei Family always had that condescending attitude. She had been the victim five years ago, yet now she had to be thankful to these perpetrators!

"There's no need, tomorrow night I..."

Before she could finish refusing, Pei Qingqing interrupted her.

"Since you're catching up with my brother, I won't disturb you further. Tomorrow at eight o'clock, don't miss it~"

With that, she playfully winked, not giving Wen Mian another chance to speak, and left, clicking her heels on leather pumps.

Watching Pei Qingqing walk away, Wen Mian's face had darkened to the extreme.

But the main culprit had left, so she could only direct all her bottled-up fury at Pei Zhiyao behind her.

"Mr. Pei, are you doing this to deliberately aggravate me? You're fully aware of the vulgar things Pei Qingqing did to me before. Why are you forcing me to attend her engagement party?!"

The revulsion and disdain in her eyes were all too apparent, and Pei Zhiyao felt a sting in his heart for no apparent reason.

It hurt a bit, yet there was also an indescribable thrill.

He gave a faint smile, admiring the way Wen Mian bristled with spikes, like he was observing a tiny, ferocious animal.

Just as Wen Mian's patience was about to be worn thin by his mockery, Pei Zhiyao spoke unhurriedly.

"I know why you've returned to the country. It's for your parents, isn't it?"

In an instant, Wen Mian's heart skipped a beat.

How could he know...

Not receiving an answer, Pei Zhiyao grew more certain he had guessed correctly.

"I can help you find out what you want to know."

Clenching the strap of her bag tightly, Wen Mian's brows furrowed deeply as if weighing the credibility of his words.

After a long moment, she looked up and spoke hoarsely, "Why would you help me?"

Pei Zhiyao merely raised an eyebrow noncommittally.

"If you want to know the answer, be there on time tomorrow night. The Pei Family is the only way for you to discover the truth."

Having dropped that line, the man strode out of the private room with long steps.

Leaving Wen Mian standing there, her fingertips trembling ever so slightly.