Shadow's Embrace

Chapter 13

The sun filtered through the windows of the orphanage, casting a warm glow over the living room where Xing busied herself with various errands. She was organizing the children's art supplies and tidying up their scattered toys, her mind focused on the task at hand. The lively chatter of her siblings echoed through the hallways as they prepared for their return from school.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Amber stepped inside, her presence immediately drawing Xing's attention. The teenager looked up, momentarily surprised by the unexpected visit.

"Good afternoon," Amber said, her tone smooth and overly polite. "Is Xuan around?"

Xing nodded, her expression neutral. "She should be back soon. Would you like some coffee while you wait?"

Amber waved her hand dismissively. "No need to trouble yourself. I can wait."

As Amber settled into a chair, Xing moved to the kitchen to prepare a snack, occasionally glancing back at the visitor. The atmosphere felt charged with an unspoken tension, the air thick with uncertainty.

After a few moments, Xing noticed Amber had slipped away from the living room. Curiosity piqued, she decided to follow. Quietly, she padded through the hallway, peeking into various rooms before finally spotting Amber entering Xian's office.

Instinctively, Xing felt a rush of protectiveness for her home and family. She approached the door, her heart pounding slightly as she listened to the muffled voices within.

"You don't belong here," she heard Amber say, her tone sharp and condescending. "This orphanage needs more than what you can offer, Xian."

Xing's brows knitted together in concern. Amber's presence had always been accompanied by a sense of foreboding, and this exchange did nothing to ease her unease. Mustering her courage, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

"Amber," she said, her voice steady but firm. "What are you doing here?"

Amber turned, her expression momentarily caught off guard. "I was just having a little chat with Xian," she said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "You should mind your own business, little girl."

"It's my business when you come here looking to cause trouble," Xing replied, her voice unwavering.

Amber crossed her arms, an amused glint in her eyes. "And what would you know about it? You're just a child."

"I may be younger than you, but I see things you don't," Xing shot back, her intelligence shining through as she assessed Amber's intentions. "I know who you are, Amber. You're the sister-in-law of Sean Laurence, and your visit here isn't just about charity."

The room fell silent, Amber's smile fading as the weight of Xing's words sank in. "You think you know everything, don't you?" she challenged, trying to regain her composure. "What evidence do you have to support such wild accusations?"

Xing stepped closer, her resolve strong. "I saw the family photo you dropped when you were in Xian's office. It had Sean's name on it, along with yours. I know exactly who you are, and I know you're trying to manipulate this place for your own gain."

Amber's eyes narrowed, a mix of frustration and disbelief flashing across her face. "You're just a child playing detective. You really think anyone will believe you?"

"I may be young, but I won't let you hurt my family," Xing asserted, her voice low and fierce. "I won't stand by and let you use the orphanage for your selfish motives."

Amber stepped forward, her demeanor shifting dangerously. "You have no idea what you're getting into, little girl," she hissed, raising her hand as if to strike.

In a swift motion, she knocked Xing to the floor, the teenager's vision blurring as she hit her head. The last thing she remembered was the room spinning before everything went dark.

---

When Xing came to, she found herself in a sterile hospital room, the faint scent of antiseptic filling her nostrils. Panic gripped her momentarily as she tried to recall what had happened. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she saw Xuan and Xian sitting by her side, their expressions etched with concern.

"Xing, thank goodness you're awake," Xuan said softly, relief flooding her voice. "We found you unconscious in Xian's office."

Xing's heart raced as memories flooded back. "Amber... she was here," she stammered, trying to sit up. "She is looking for something in Papa's office again and I know is faking her friendship with you Auntie, and I confronted her about what I saw in her last visit ."

Xian leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in determination. "What did you find out?"

"She's connected to Sean Laurence," Xing revealed, her voice shaky but resolute. "I saw a photo that fell when she was in your office. She's using this place to get to you, to us."

Xuan exchanged a worried glance with Xian, the implications of Xing's discovery weighing heavily on them. "You did the right thing, Xing," Xuan reassured her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "But we need to be careful."

"I won't let her hurt you again," Xian insisted, the fire in his eyes igniting once more. "I'll protect our family, no matter what."

As the reality of Amber's intentions loomed over them, they knew they were entering a dangerous game, one that would require all of their strength and unity to navigate.