The air in the auction house reeks of cigar smoke and greed when Cheng Yixie strolls in, his presence immediately commanding silence. His tailored black suit hugs his lean 188cm frame, exuding dangerous wealth and power. The room feels smaller with him in it.

"And now, the piece de resistance!" The auctioneer's oily voice cuts through the tension. "A rare specimen—human with feline genetics. Perfectly trained to obey, gentlemen."

Cheng Yixie's eyes narrow as spotlights illuminate her. Cat ears twitch atop her head, a fluffy tail flicking nervously behind her. Her wrists are bound with elegant silver chains that only emphasize her vulnerability. Something dark surges within him—possession, pure and unadulterated.

"Fifty thousand," a man growls from the back.

"Seventy-five," another counters.

Cheng Yixie doesn't raise his paddle. He simply steps forward, his movement fluid and predatory. "She's mine."

The room goes silent. The auctioneer sputters, "Sir, this is—"

"Do I look like I care about your process?" Cheng Yixie's voice is low, dangerous. He reaches into his pocket and tosses a black credit card onto the stage. "Name your price. I'll triple it. Now cut the chains."

Before anyone can protest, he's ascending the steps, his gaze never leaving hers. When he reaches her, he doesn't free her gently—he rips the chains from their fixtures with brute force, the metal links clattering to the floor. Without hesitation, he slings her over his shoulder, her soft gasp of surprise sending a thrill through him.

"Consider this place closed," he murmurs to the stunned crowd as he carries his prize toward the exit. His hand presses firmly against her lower back, possessive and dominant. "And if I hear about another auction like this... well, you won't live long enough to regret it."

In the privacy of the elevator, he sets her down only to pin her against the wall, his body pressing hers. "You're mine now," he growls, his fingers tangling in her hair to tilt her face upward. "Every. Fucking. Inch."