Snowflakes still drifted outside as dusk approached. Where could they possibly go at this hour? Ning Yunhuan's thoughts turned to the call she'd just received, then to Lan Shiyi's mention of "the patriarch." The identity of her soon-to-be-in-laws hit her with a sudden clarity—her yet-unmet mother-in-law and father-in-law. She obediently nodded and went upstairs to change.

The car was already idling downstairs when they finished preparing. The air conditioning hadn't run long enough to warm the cabin, making Ning Yunhuan shiver violently as she climbed in. Lan Lingyan adjusted his glasses with a slight frown before pulling her into his arms. Her lips had turned blue from the cold, so he draped his coat over her shoulders.

"My parents have already arrived at the Lin family estate," he murmured. No need to ask why no one had met their flight; Lan Lingyan, who hadn't yet inherited control of his own clan, traveled by private jet when needed. His father, currently presiding over the entire Lan household, would surely command even more resources.

The mere thought of meeting her unknown in-laws made Ning Yunhuan's stomach twist. The car seemed to speed unnaturally fast under the circumstances. Though the Lin family held immense status across China, their actual residence mirrored Lan Lingyan's mountain villa—secluded within a range that required clearance just to enter.

Security checks were nonexistent as they drove through the gates. Soldiers armed with real weapons stood at every checkpoint, their expressions lethal and cold. Without Lan Lingyan's presence beside her, Ning Yunhuan might have frozen like a startled quail under their combined scrutiny.

Her past abduction by military forces left behind lingering trauma. She hunched in Lan Lingyan's embrace, fingers gripping his shirt as if anchoring herself.

"Something wrong?" He tightened the hold on her back, his voice softening when he noticed her trembling lips. "Don't be afraid," he whispered against her forehead. The steady thump of his heartbeat gradually calmed her nerves until she could finally relax enough to loop her arms around his waist.

The Lin family estate was already abuzz with activity when they arrived. Servants promptly removed their coats as Lan Lingyan and Ning Yunhuan stepped into the villa. A momentary pause in conversation ended abruptly when the pair entered, replaced by a wave of polite smiles.

Three men immediately caught her attention. The eldest bore silver hair combed back from a smooth forehead, his gaze warm despite his age. Beside him stood two middle-aged men—both in their early thirties. One had cropped hair and scholarly features, a cigarette holder clutched between slim fingers as he reclined casually in an armchair. His face bore eerie resemblance to Lan Lingyan's.

"This is taking too long," the man drawled, tapping his cigarette before drawing a slow puff. "Finally managed to get you here."

His voice carried an unsettling tenderness that seemed designed to soothe even the most troubled mind. The second man beside him—sharp-nosed with hawk-like eyes and a chilling presence—chuckled in agreement.

"Lan Clan Leader's heir has certainly proven himself," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "Congratulations on your fine choice of successor."

Ning Yunhuan had no trouble identifying the other Lan family figure present besides Lan Lingyan's father—the underworld's de facto godfather. Dressed in a striking ivory suit that made him appear like an elegant older gentleman rather than a feared crime lord, he exuded warmth through every gesture.

"Modest words," Lan Jifu replied smoothly to his counterpart before straightening. "Now then, come forward."

A path cleared instantly despite the room filling with Lin family patriarchs' descendants. Yet even among these privileged heirs of Lin Mao Shan himself, no one could match the attention lavished on Lan Lingyan's partner. The assembled nobles watched their arrival with thinly veiled resentment.

"Grandfather," "Father," and after a pause, "Uncle Mu"—Lan Lingyan offered his greetings. The last address went to Mu Shaohua, a prominent political figure whose son had recently played an awkward role in their relationship.

"Finally seeing you again!" Mu Shaohua exclaimed as he rose from his seat. "I heard your cousin Mu Jinyan caused some trouble with this woman?" He smiled politely toward Ning Yunhuan. "My poor boy doesn't know better—please excuse any offenses."

Lan Jifu's cigarette holder trembled slightly before he exhaled a plume of smoke. "Ninth Prince, why resort to such methods? Letting your hands touch that...woman," his voice darkened imperceptibly, "isn't it beneath you?"

"Such pettiness," Lan Jifu continued coldly, eyes narrowing at the other man's son. "Worthless enough to be concerned over."

Mu Shaohua merely smiled along with the others while Lin Mao Shan remained silent, his expression unreadable.

An icy voice cut through the tension suddenly: "Indeed a fine son—managing to disgrace himself so thoroughly for some woman. No shame in that coming from me."

The speaker was Lan Lingyan's mother, draped in blue fur over a white bodysuit, her wavy hair cascading like liquid midnight. The sheer force of her presence made the expensive fabric look secondary as she leaned against an armchair with a glass in hand.

Their family resemblance was undeniable—the sharp jawline and full lips identical when both women pursed their mouths. Yet where Lan Lingyan's features inherited his father's calm, this woman radiated pure dominance.

"Mother," he acknowledged flatly, though Ning Yunhuan had long learned his quiet tone signaled deep irritation.

Lin Min approached next, her stilettos clicking against the marble floor. The scent trailing behind her wasn't any common perfume but something uniquely intoxicating—wild and dangerous yet irresistibly alluring as she stepped closer in her scarlet lipstick.

As Lin family's beloved only daughter, she carried a regal aura that immediately dwarfed Ning Yunhuan's presence. Her figure, though curvaceous, seemed utterly unremarkable beside this new matriarch whose every movement screamed seductive power.

Ning Yunhuan found herself shrinking further behind Lan Lingyan as he gently shielded her from the approaching woman. "Mother," he warned through gritted teeth, "you're frightening her." The unspoken threat in his voice was unmistakable—this time, even Lin Min hesitated.