"For what it's worth, I don't believe it."He looked so solemn.
"Thank you."She mounted her horse, suddenly exhausted from frustration and exhaustion."Lyra's trying to destroy me."Stupid, petty girl!Honestly, now.
"I know."His expression was cold fury."I'm handling it."
"How?You can't prove anything."
"Not yet.But she's escalating.Getting reckless.Eventually she'll slip up."He looked at her directly."Don't let her drive you away.That's what she wants."His heart was in his eyes.
It made her smile."I'm not going anywhere."
"Good."Something in his expression softened."You handled today well, and with dignity.People will remember that."
She rode home feeling marginally better but still angry.Two attacks now.The frost and the rumor.
What would be next?
Meeting with Zhao Wei
––––––––
THE ZHAO FAMILY MERCHANToffice was located on the lower level of town, near the market district but separate from the residential cliff houses.The building was solid stone with large windows displaying sample goods, including fine ceramics, bolts of silk and carved wooden boxes.A brass plaque beside the door read:Zhao Trading Company—Est.20 Years
Wren took a breath and entered.
The interior was organized and professional.Shelves lined with inventory samples, a large desk covered in ledgers and correspondence, and Zhao Wei himself standing at a cabinet, examining what looked like tea samples.
He looked up when she entered, surprise followed quickly by a welcoming smile."Wren!This is unexpected.Please, come in."He gestured to a chair across from his desk."Is everything alright?"
"Yes, thank you.I'm sorry to come unannounced, but I wanted to speak with you about...business."
His expression shifted to interest."Business?Please, sit.Can I offer you tea?"
"That would be lovely."
He prepared tea with practiced efficiency, clearly a man who spent his days negotiating over cups of it.Once they were settled, he looked at her expectantly.
