What to Do If I Become the Villain's Daughter

8.

The sky was a dreary gray, with snowflakes dancing like willow catkins in the wind, eventually settling on rooftops, tree branches, and the hair of passersby.

The sharp 'click-clack' of high heels echoed from deep within the alley, accompanied by angry cursing.

"Just wait until I make it big! I'll come back and buy this dump of a building to tear it down, you good-for-nothing!"

Shi Lili struggled forward in the biting cold wind, dragging a heavy suitcase behind her.

Her expensive fur coat, which she usually kept safely stored away, was carelessly draped over her shoulders. Yet her expression showed no sign of defeat.

With furrowed brows and flashing eyes, she kept turning back to hurl insults at the far end of the alley. Her bright red lipstick made her face look harsh and frightening.

The compensation money she had received from Xi Chuan's side was already squandered away.

Li Zhiyuan, who had once been so loving towards her, had suddenly vanished without a trace.

If she hadn't happened to catch the news last night, she wouldn't have known that the battle between the Huo and Jiang families involved her as well.

Remembering her daughter's identity, Shi Lili instantly straightened her back.

She took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag. Looking back over her shoulder, she cast a contemptuous glance behind her, as if spitting on her past.

She casually hailed a taxi and climbed in.

At the Huo family villa.

"Are you sure you don't want to come to the company with me today?" Huo Xiaozheng drained the last of his coffee as he walked to the foyer, his eyes fixed on Huo Ning standing nearby.

This morning, Huo Ning had woken up early. He had assumed she would accompany him to the company, but she suddenly said she wanted to rest at home today.

That simple statement had somehow pricked the conscience of the usually cold Huo Xiaozheng.

Hence the current scene.

Huo Ning shook her head. "I'll stay home for now. But I might bring you lunch later."

Huo Xiaozheng raised an eyebrow. "Which meal?"

Huo Ning pressed her lips together.

She couldn't say for sure.

Huo Xiaozheng wasn't in the mood to tease her further. Things were unsettled outside lately, so it might be safer for her to stay at home. With this thought, Huo Xiaozheng left alone.

As soon as the black car disappeared from view, Huo Ning immediately found her phone watch and dialed a number...

Not long after, a white car drove into the Huo family villa and picked up Huo Ning.

The clock struck nine.

In the solemn courthouse, Huo Ning sat in a small room waiting to be called, accompanied by Xi Chuan.

Aunt Xu had originally prepared a pink Chanel-style suit and down jacket for her today, but considering the setting, Huo Ning had opted for a simple beige sweatshirt, black leggings, and a long black down coat.

The room was well-heated, and Huo Ning's little face was flushed from the warmth.

"Ning Ning, do you remember what to say later?" Xi Chuan asked.

Given that Huo Ning was a minor, there would be no spectators at this hearing, which somewhat relieved her.

Huo Ning expressed confidence in her upcoming statement.