Early the next morning, Chi Chi went to the charity event at the art exhibition as planned.

Thanks to the success of the 'Winter’s End' exhibition, the Art Association was now following suit—organizing auctions and donations in a similar fashion.

Before the auction began, Chi Chi took to the stage to give a speech.

Bathed in a spotlight, the girl was now far more composed and radiant than she had been before—she shone with confidence.

After it was over, the two of them didn’t linger. They left together, arm in arm.

Back at the hotel, Chi Chi called her grandparents.

She hadn’t seen Little Rice Cake in days, and she missed her baby so much.

It was right around lunchtime. Aunt Whitney had stewed a pot of soft vegetable porridge, and Little Rice Cake was tucking in with gusto.

His little cheeks puffed up as he ate, eyes fixed on the phone screen showing his mom. His chubby hands clenched and released as he twisted his wrists—clearly longing for a hug.

'Baby, mommy can only cuddle you when she’s home. Be good, and listen to grandma, alright?'

Grandma Rivers smiled, speaking for Little Rice Cake. 'He’s been so well-behaved! Our Little Rice Cake is the sweetest—no tantrums, and he loves his food.'

Little Rice Cake beamed, almost as if he understood the praise. His two pearly baby teeth peeked out—utterly adorable, enough to melt anyone’s heart.

'Dada, dada-da!'

'Okay, mommy’s going for lunch too. Bye-bye! Wave to mommy, bye-bye!'

He could understand 'bye-bye,' so he copied Chi Chi, waving his tiny hand. The two little bells on his wrist jingled softly.

Chi Chi reluctantly hung up and headed downstairs with Xavier Foster for a meal.

The person who’d taken that photo still hadn’t been found—with so many people at the reception that night and the shooter standing in a blind spot for security cameras, they’d simply vanished into the crowd afterwards—untraceable.

Xavier Foster couldn’t shake a feeling of unease. The lurking threat was impossible to guard against. Even when they got back to the capital, their enemy surely wasn’t finished yet.

'Baby, let’s just stay at the hotel this afternoon. Charles Chase sent people to look into the photo issue, but there’s still nothing.'

'A cornered animal will do anything. We should be extra careful these next few days,' Chi Chi nodded. She had originally wanted to do some sightseeing, but there would be time for that later. Safety came first.

'Alright.' She answered obediently and focused on her lunch.

That evening, Xavier Foster called Charles Chase again. Henry Hart had reported that the company had gotten some threatening letters—they were already investigating.

It was almost funny—when had anyone ever dared send threats to the Fu Corporation before?

Charles Chase’s brow furrowed. He wasn’t all that concerned for himself. But with Yao Yao so close to giving birth, any disruptions now would be a real headache.

'Got it. You all be careful, too.'

Xavier Foster agreed and hung up.

——

Mia Moore came downstairs, pausing on the steps to listen to his call.

She felt a tightening in her belly—these days, she had frequent false contractions. Not seeing him beside her when she woke this morning, she’d come down to find him.

'Honey, what’s wrong? Was that Chi Chi calling?' She moved closer, supporting her belly, her worry plain to see.

Seeing her, Charles Chase quickly stepped over to help her sit on the sofa. 'Why are you up so early? Are you feeling uncomfortable?'

She shook her head and sat down. 'It’s nothing. Did something happen with Chi Chi?'

He hadn’t wanted to worry her, but now that she’d overheard part of his call, keeping her in the dark would only make things worse.

'Nothing much—Xavier Foster is in Country Y with her. He’ll take good care of her.'

As he gently stroked her belly, the baby twisted and kicked in his palm. 'It’s just some company problems. We’re already dealing with it. But this little one… Why is today so energetic?'

Knowing Xavier Foster was also in Country Y, Mia Moore’s worries eased.

She hugged her belly. 'Exactly—this baby is such a troublemaker. It hurt a bit just now, but I feel better now.'

With the baby due any day, her belly was high and round, and she barely slept at night. Seeing the dark circles under her eyes, Charles Chase felt a stab of guilt and concern.

'What would you like for breakfast? I’ll make it.'

They’d been staying at the old family home all week so he could look after her, with Sarah Chase and the maids helping out too.

'Hmm, I’m craving porridge. Fish fillet congee. But you can’t make that, haha.'

'Hmmph, then I’ll have the maids do it. How about some steamed pork buns too?'

'Sounds good.'

While Charles Chase went to give instructions, Mia Moore leaned back on the sofa to rest. She really had woken up too early—it wasn’t even 6:30 yet.

She gently stroked the bulge on her belly, pretending to scold, 'Baby, no more mischief! Hurry up and check out; mommy’s so tired.'

To her surprise, the baby really did settle down. Mia Moore chuckled—so good, after all.

——

But still, the unexpected came to pass.

A spear in the open is easy to dodge; an arrow in the dark is impossible to see coming. (This idiom means it's easier to guard against obvious threats than hidden ones.)

No matter how careful you are, you can’t always outmaneuver a hidden enemy.

That morning, the two came downstairs, ready to head to the airport.

The car was waiting at the hotel entrance; only hotel vehicles were allowed in this area.

The driver was putting their luggage in the trunk.

Stepping out the front doors, Chi Chi took a breath of crisp morning air and glanced up at the deep blue sky.

The past couple of days had been eye-opening for her—a journey full of reward. The thought of nine hours travel home with her husband beside her filled her with happiness.

But just as they were about to get in, the sudden roar of motorbikes echoed from around the corner.

'Look out!'

Old Third shouted. Two black motorcycles sped towards them with a deafening roar.

Xavier Foster’s first instinct was to pull Chi Chi behind him, his brows slashing into a fierce frown as he stepped backwards.

He was fast—but the bikes were faster. They were almost upon them.

Old Third leapt up and kicked hard, sending the rider flying from his bike with brute force.

But the bike, propelled by momentum, kept barreling forward—both motorcycles now aimed straight at Xavier Foster and Chi Chi.

'Zhiye!'

Chi Chi shrieked, watching the machine thunder nearer, desperately trying to pull her husband aside.

Xavier Foster grabbed her and rolled them aside together. Outside the hotel entrance was a slope and a short flight of steps.

The motorcycle just missed them, but their roll sent them tumbling down the steps.

At that moment, Xavier Foster thought only of shielding Chi Chi. He cradled her tight, cushioning her head with his hand and bracing their fall on the steps.

They finally rolled to a stop after several turns.

Regaining her senses, Chi Chi immediately looked at Xavier Foster. She’d heard his muffled grunt in that desperate moment of impact.

'Zhiye, are you alright?'

Her face was as pale as paper. Though her own body throbbed with pain, she could imagine how much worse he felt. Xavier Foster gritted his teeth, refusing to let go. He took a sharp breath, sweat dotting his brow.

'I’m fine—give me a second.'

He forced a smile, not wanting to make her worry. Pain exploded in his knee—likely fractured—but aside from that, he thought he was okay.

Chi Chi didn’t dare move, afraid any shift might worsen his injuries.

Old Third tackled the assailant to the ground, while hotel security rushed over, apologizing profusely as they restrained the man.

A crowd ran to the scene. The hotel manager called for an ambulance and helped Xavier Foster and Chi Chi to their feet, stammering apologies—the incident had happened right at their door, after all; they couldn’t deny responsibility.

Xavier Foster cut him off coldly, his mood at rock bottom.

'President, madam, let’s get you to the hospital first.'