The heavy mahogany doors of the executive suite clicked shut, swallowing the commanding figure of Yang Muchen as he accompanied the senior state ministers to authorize the international trading licenses.
His departure left a sudden vacuum of power in the immediate vicinity, but Chen Ying remained unbothered. Standing near the perimeter of the grand cultural exhibition, the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers washed over her midnight-blue silk gown, reflecting off the intricate silver embroidery that seamlessly encased her left medical brace.
To the passing high-society guests, she didn't look like an injured woman left unprotected; she looked like a solitary queen calmly observing her court.
