The morning of the board vote dawned cold and gray.
Guàn Jǐngchén woke with Lin Yuè curled tightly against his chest, the younger man's face buried in his neck as if trying to hide from the world. For a long moment, the CEO simply held him, one hand stroking slowly down his bare back, committing the feeling of warm skin and steady breathing to memory.
Today could change everything.
He pressed a soft kiss to Lin Yuè's temple. "Wake up, baby."
Lin Yuè stirred, golden-brown eyes fluttering open, still heavy with sleep and worry. He searched Guàn Jǐngchén's face, then leaned up to kiss him — slow, deep, and full of quiet desperation.
Guàn Jǐngchén rolled them so he was on top, kissing Lin Yuè harder, hands roaming possessively over his body. He didn't speak. He simply showed him — with every touch, every kiss, every thrust — that he was still choosing him.
He entered Lin Yuè slowly, eyes locked on his the entire time. Their movements were unhurried but intense, bodies moving together in perfect sync as pleasure built in deep, powerful waves. Guàn Jǐngchén whispered "I love you" against his lips with every deep roll of his hips. Lin Yuè clung to him, tears slipping down his cheeks as he came with a soft, broken moan. Guàn Jǐngchén followed moments later, burying himself deep as he filled him.
They stayed connected for a long time afterward, foreheads pressed together.
"Whatever happens today," Guàn Jǐngchén whispered, "you're still mine."
Lin Yuè nodded, voice thick. "I'm yours."
---
The board meeting began at 10:00 AM sharp.
Guàn Jǐngchén sat at the head of the table, calm and composed on the outside, while inside a storm raged. The twelve board members watched him with varying degrees of tension. Li Wei looked almost pleased.
The chairman spoke first. "CEO Guàn, your public statement has caused significant reputational damage. The board has no choice but to proceed with the vote of no confidence."
Guàn Jǐngchén's expression didn't change. "Then vote."
The vote was swift and decisive.
Eight in favor.
Four against.
Guàn Jǐngchén was officially removed as CEO, effective immediately.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Guàn Jǐngchén stood slowly, buttoning his suit jacket with steady hands.
"I built this company from nothing," he said, voice calm and lethal. "You can take the title. But you will never take what I've created. I will see you all in court if necessary."
He walked out without another word.
---
When he returned to the penthouse that afternoon, Lin Yuè was waiting by the door, eyes wide with fear.
Guàn Jǐngchén stepped inside, closed the door, and pulled him into his arms without speaking. He kissed him fiercely, walking him backward toward the bedroom as hands shoved clothes aside.
"I lost the vote," he said against Lin Yuè's lips, voice rough. "I'm no longer CEO."
Lin Yuè's breath hitched. "Because of me…"
Guàn Jǐngchén pushed him down onto the bed and crawled over him, thrusting inside with one deep stroke. The rhythm was hard and emotional — deep, claiming thrusts mixed with desperate kisses.
"I don't care," he growled between thrusts. "I chose you. I'd choose you again."
Lin Yuè moaned, legs wrapped tightly around him, nails digging into his back. "I love you… I'm so sorry…"
They came together with raw intensity, clinging to each other as if the world outside no longer existed.
Afterward, Guàn Jǐngchén held Lin Yuè against his chest, stroking his hair.
"I lost the company," he said quietly. "But I still have you. And right now… that feels like enough."
Lin Yuè pressed a soft kiss to his collarbone, tears slipping down his cheeks.
"I'll help you rebuild," he whispered. "Whatever you need. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
Guàn Jǐngchén tightened his arms around him.
In the quiet penthouse, with his empire crumbling outside, the former CEO held the man he had risked everything for — and for the first time since the reveal, the love between them felt a little less fragile.
The war was far from over.
But they would face it together.
End of Chapter 66