Chapter 31: Eyes That Never Stopped Watching Her

Huo Yin was led forward by the servant, step after step.

But for some reason—something deep in his gut—he couldn’t shake the feeling of two eyes burning into his back. And then, suddenly, it hit him like a memory from the past: that same piercing gaze, back on the ship, when she’d been locked in her cabin, pleading with him to come, just once, so she could see him.

“You brought it!” he snapped, turning sharply toward the woman.

At once, Wen Xuxu’s face lit up with joy. She seemed reborn. Without hesitation, she dashed over, clutching the box of mung bean cakes tightly in both hands.

“Yin-yin… Auntie knew you wouldn’t turn her down. Don’t worry—Auntie made them clean, and they’re delicious. You’ll taste them later, I promise.”

She knelt before him, her eyes still red-rimmed from crying, but now trembling with laughter and tears at once—like a character straight out of a cartoon, childish and heartbreakingly sincere.

Huo Yin gave a cool, barely audible “Mm.”

Then he took the box and headed upstairs.

He’d never eaten something like this before.

As the heir to the Huo family, every meal, every moment of his life had been curated to perfection—luxury, precision, exclusivity. Ordinary food? He’d never even seen it before, let alone tasted it.

He glanced at the box.

It smelled sweet—honeyed, almost. Exactly the kind of thing he liked.

Wen Xuxu finally left, satisfied.

And as soon as she stepped out the door, the maid who’d tried so hard to stop her earlier slipped into her bedroom and dialed a phone.

“Miss Gu, the woman you mentioned… she really came tonight.”

“What? You’re serious? She’s actually here?”

The voice on the other end cracked with shock—and fury. The woman’s breath came fast, her tone sharp with disbelief.

“Yes,” the maid said quickly. “She said she was here to treat Mr. Huo’s illness. I saw her give him a few acupuncture needles—right after, he fell asleep. Then she handed the little master a box of homemade cakes. And what’s truly unbelievable? He accepted it. Miss Gu… who *is* this woman? Why didn’t Mr. Huo or the little master reject her?”

Silence.

Only the sound of ragged breathing filled the line—so loud, so furious, it felt like it could burn through the wires.

Gu Xia.

That’s right. This woman was Gu Xia.

Wen Xuxu… I underestimated you. You really do have a way with people. Not only did you sneak back into Shallow Bay, but now your ex-husband… and even your son… are letting you in?

Trying to crawl back into your old role as Mrs. Huo? Dream on.

Standing in the dark, Gu Xia’s eyes flashed with cold, venomous intent.

“Miss Gu?”

“Oh, nothing. She’s just a doctor Mr. Huo brought back from overseas. No need to worry, Chen Ma. Just take care of Mr. Huo. Keep an eye on the little master—make sure he doesn’t get sick.”

Her voice softened instantly—gentle, soothing, almost maternal. There was no trace of anger now. If anything, she was comforting the maid, as if she were the one being wronged.

The maid immediately warmed to her.

“I still don’t understand how Mr. Huo could’ve turned you away. You’re such a good woman, Miss Gu. With you here, everything runs smoothly—the house is clean, meals are ready, the little master has a perfect routine. How could he be so blind?”

“Enough, Chen Ma. It was my fault. I shouldn’t blame Mr. Huo.”

“My fault? The little master is stubborn, disobedient—sometimes a firm hand is needed. Don’t worry, Miss Gu. I’ll talk to Mr. Huo. I’ll make him see sense.”

With those words, the maid hung up.

And somewhere in the shadows, Gu Xia smiled.

Not a smile anyone could see.

Just a slow, chilling curve of lips—like a snake coiling in the dark, cold and full of poison. Anyone who witnessed it would’ve shivered.

—

When Wen Xuxu returned to her rented apartment, Lan Yi had already left. A warm meal sat on the table, perfectly preserved for her. The two children were already tucked into bed.

My babies… Mommy’s so sorry.

Her heart twisted. She kicked off her shoes and rushed to their room.

“Sleeping yet?” she whispered, pushing the door open gently.

“Mommy! You’re finally back!”

It was Mo Bao. He hadn’t fallen asleep.

Her chest tightened. She pulled him close, burying her face in his soft hair.

“Mo Mo… I’m so sorry. Mommy’s been terrible. I promise—once this is all settled, I’ll take you and your sister back to America. We’ll go home, okay?”

He nodded quietly. “Okay, Mommy. Don’t worry—I’ll take care of Little Mei.”

Wen Xuxu froze.

Her throat closed up.

She held him tighter, whispering promises not just to him—but to herself. She couldn’t keep doing this. They weren’t just kids. They were her children. Her heart.

Eventually, she got Mo Bao to sleep.

She stepped out of the room, shut the door behind her.

And just as she turned to leave, the little boy inside—still wide awake in the dark—opened his eyes again.

Those bright, shining eyes glinted in the silence.

“Mommy must’ve been hurt again… otherwise why would she say things like that? Bad man… why do you always hurt Mommy? Even if you’re my daddy… you can’t ever hurt her like that.”

In the darkness, Mo Bao clenched his tiny fists tight—his small body trembling with quiet fury.