Therefore, collapsing onto Yue Linze seemed like the most appropriate course of action. However, to prevent him from simply dumping her on the ground, she needed to be swift and stylish, making sure to cling to his waist to avoid being unceremoniously discarded.

Having planned her strategy, Tao Yu closed her eyes and swayed, but she hadn't anticipated Yue Linze not only catching her but also adjusting her position for greater comfort. During this process, they inadvertently brushed against each other several times.

…It was all for the show, stay calm. Tao Yu's brow smoothed slightly.

Yue Linze activated his wheelchair and turned to leave. Yue Linying, however, was indignant. "Linze, you can't just take her away! The matter with Yanran hasn't been…"

Yue Linze shot him a chilling glare. Yue Linying choked, the rest of his words dying in his throat.

While he was still reeling, Yue Linze had already wheeled Tao Yu away. The housekeeper remained, watching Yue Linying with a conciliatory air. "The young master has a temper; please bear with him. Besides, no one knows the truth of today's events. If this escalates, Miss Zhou only has you as a witness, while Miss Tao has both myself and the young master. It's hard to say who would win."

"Are you threatening me?" Facing the housekeeper alone, Yue Linying's earlier affability vanished. His expression turned stern.

The housekeeper, however, remained cheerful. "Not at all. I'm merely looking out for Mr. Linying's best interests. After all, if Miss Tao leaves, the young master will surely follow. Then, who will help you navigate the Yue family elders at Mr. Gu's birthday banquet?"

His words struck a nerve. Yue Linying shot him a dark look before turning to Zhou Yanran. "Look what you've done!" he snapped, storming off.

Zhou Yanran's eyes instantly reddened. The memory of Yue Linze's gentleness towards Tao Yu stung. Glaring at the butler, she ran away. The butler chuckled, feigning nonchalance as he left the ravaged washroom behind.

As the wheelchair glided smoothly forward, Tao Yu cautiously peeked through her lashes. Confirming they were alone, she murmured, "Mr. Yue, no wonder you dislike walking. This wheelchair is top-of-the-line."

"Shut up," Yue Linze replied curtly.

Rebuffed, Tao Yu closed her eyes again. Back in the room, the moment the door closed, she sprang from Yue Linze's lap, resuming her elegant and gentle demeanor. "I apologize, Mr. Yue, for causing you trouble."

Yue Linze glanced at her. "Explain what happened."

Tao Yu paused, then coughed. "It's like this. Miss Zhou seems to still harbor feelings for you. She blocked my path and started harassing me, constantly insulting me. I couldn't hold back and taught her a lesson. I'm sorry things escalated, but if it happened again, I'm afraid I'd do the same."

Yue Linze stared at her, his dark eyes seeming to pierce through her facade. Tao Yu felt a flicker of guilt, but she met his gaze.

It wasn't that she wouldn't tell the truth, but the truth would only fuel Yue Linze's anger without resolving anything. It was better to take the blame and find a solution later.

Yue Linze's gaze lingered until Tao Yu, in her damp clothes, began to shiver. Finally, he said, "Go shower."

"...Yes, Mr. Yue." 

That was it? Tao Yu glanced at him hesitantly. Seeing no further objection, she quickly headed for the bathroom.

Yue Linze stared at the bathroom door for a long moment before looking away. He needed to reconsider a few things.

The moment the hot water cascaded over her, the stiffness in her body began to ease. Though early autumn wasn't particularly cold, being drenched in cold water had taken its toll. Tao Yu stood under the shower head for a long time, finally warming through. Toweling dry and wrapping herself in a bathrobe, she felt revitalized.

Then, she looked at her soaked clothes and underwear scattered on the floor and fell silent.

Half an hour later, a round head topped with a messy bun poked out of the bathroom. She looked at Yue Linze sheepishly. "Mr. Yue, could I borrow some clothes?"