Chapter 22: Forced to the Door

That address of "Grandfather" was undoubtedly a sign of affirmation and protection. Xia Yu was left in an awkward position, unsure whether to sit or stand, until she finally shifted aside to make room for Xia Rusheng.

Xia Rusheng sat down gracefully, positioning herself beside Old Master Lin, with Lin Yichen on his other side. The old man studied her closely before smiling. "You were beautiful before, but you look even better now. Xiaxia, take these."

Old Master Lin produced a gift box. When Xia Rusheng opened it, she found a set of jade jewelry. To her discerning eye, it was a collection of exquisite mutton-fat jade. The design was simple and antique, appearing as though it had been worn by someone, yet it had been kept in impeccable condition.

"These belonged to Little Chen’s grandmother. From now on, they belong to you."

Xia Rusheng gripped the box tightly, casting a sharp, secret glare at Lin Yichen. She had told him she would only agree to this fake engagement if he helped her reclaim her inheritance. But the inheritance was not yet in her hands; if she accepted this gift, there would be no turning back.

Lin Yichen rubbed his nose and looked up at the ceiling, as if something fascinating were written there. Xia Rusheng was so furious her face turned pale, but with Old Master Lin watching her, she could hardly refuse.

"This jewelry is so beautiful. Sister, why are you just standing there? Aren't you going to thank Grandfather Lin?" Xia Yu’s eyes were red with jealousy, yet none of these things were for her.

While cursing Xia Yu’s meddling in her heart, Xia Rusheng smiled and accepted the gift.

"Since you've accepted the gift, this granddaughter-in-law is as good as secured," Old Master Lin said with a hearty laugh. He turned directly to the Old Matriarch of the Xia family. "I’m sure you understand my purpose here, Old Matriarch. I have come for Xiaxia’s inheritance."

Xia Rui and his mother had not expected such bluntness, and the excuses they had prepared were suddenly difficult to voice.

"Although the Lin family is a military and political household, our foundation is quite substantial. The Lin family neither covets nor needs Xiaxia’s wealth. However, if she is to marry into our family, she cannot merely hold the title of a Xia family heiress. She needs financial independence to stand tall in our household. Even Little Chen’s brother-in-law brought his entire fortune with him when he married into our family. I believe you understand what I mean."

Xia Rui and his mother exchanged a glance. It was true; marrying into a wealthy family without any personal background or assets left one with no standing. Even Shen Yi had brought a significant dowry into the Xia family when she married. They had no rebuttal. To argue would be to admit they intended to seize Xiaxia’s assets, which would be a public humiliation.

"Grandfather Lin, are you referring to the money and shares my mother left me?" Xia Rusheng asked with feigned nonchalance, though she felt a surge of secret triumph. Old Master Lin’s firm stance had given her a glimmer of hope; it would now depend on whether she played her part well. "Actually, it’s not that Grandmother and Father won't give them to me. Father said the company was facing a liquidity crisis, so he borrowed them temporarily. He promised to return every cent once the company's problems are resolved."

"Oh, is that so?" Old Master Lin, noting the cunning in Xia Rusheng’s eyes, inwardly marveled at her quick wit and careful phrasing. "Chairman Xia, is Fengcheng Investment truly experiencing liquidity issues?"

Cold sweat beaded on Xia Rui’s forehead. He rubbed his hands together and nodded. "The company has indeed had some… some financial difficulties recently. With Xiaxia’s funds, I believe we can resolve it very soon."

Old Master Lin gave an ambiguous smile and sighed. "That is a pity. There is a plot of land I was hoping to persuade you to acquire. Isn't Fengcheng Investment venturing into real estate? Since the company has liquidity issues, I suppose I shouldn't trouble you."

Xia Rui’s hands froze, and the Old Matriarch’s expression shifted. Information from Old Master Lin was always gold. Real estate in City A had been booming, and missing out would be a massive financial loss. But words spoken were like spilled water; they were hard to retract. It was clear the old man had come prepared, dangling an irresistible bait. To make him back down, they would have to be the ones to yield first.

Once the point was made, Old Master Lin stopped pressing about the inheritance and the land, leaving the Xia family to weigh their options. After the meal, he departed.

No sooner had the Xia family seen the Lin family out than the Tan family arrived, causing a scene before the door could even be closed.

"Lili, you are pregnant, and yet the Xia family is throwing us out! How can they bully people like this? You’ve worked so hard for ten months to carry their grandson, and this is how they treat your family? You might be able to swallow this insult, but I certainly cannot!"

Chen Yan arrived in tears, followed by the pitiful-looking Tan Xue. The Old Matriarch had intended to throw them out, but Xia Rui’s heart softened the moment he saw Tan Xue’s sad expression.

"We don't even know if the baby is a boy or a girl, and you're already trying to use this pregnancy to stir up trouble for your natal family?" The Old Matriarch pounded the table in fury.

To everyone's surprise, Chen Yan stood tall, pulled a document from her bag, and said, "This is a private DNA fetal test Lili had done. It says it's a boy—the Xia family’s eldest grandson!"

The Old Matriarch paused, snatched the paper, and saw it was indeed a professional DNA test from a reputable hospital. It was truly her grandson!

"Good! Good! At last, the Xia family has an heir!"

As soon as the Old Matriarch spoke, not only Tan Li but Xia Yu began to act arrogant. Xia Rusheng stood to the side, calm and composed, showing no surprise—only a subtle, enigmatic smile. She noticed that although Tan Xue was also smiling, the look in her eyes betrayed intense jealousy and even hatred.

"In-law, you have nothing more to say now, do you? Lili is a hero of the Xia family. To throw her natal family out now would be too inhumane. What if she gets upset and it affects the baby?"

The Old Matriarch understood the implication, but having already promised Xiaxia, they could not let the Tans stay.

"How about this? You move out, and I will buy you another villa of the same size. Mother, what do you think?" Xia Rui asked, seeking approval from both Chen Yan and the Old Matriarch. It was a reward for Tan Li continuing the family line.

Xia Rusheng’s fists tightened slightly, but she asked with a look of naive concern, "Father, didn't you say the company was in financial trouble? My money is already tied up in it. Do we still have the funds to buy them a large villa? Surely you aren't planning to return my money only to spend it on a house for them, are you?"