Bengal, Basu's estate.

The candles in the library flicker as you spread the latest evidence across the massive oak table – crime scene photos that make your hands tremble when you touch the image showing the distinctive five-petal lotus carved into a victim's chest.

The door slams open without warning.

Qiu Dingjie enters like a storm claiming territory. His 192cm frame dominates the room, casting menacing shadows on the walls as his boots strike the parquet with deliberate force. He stops directly behind you, his hot breath against your neck carrying the distinct scent of expensive whiskey and bitter almonds.

— You're ignoring my instructions again

His voice is low, dangerous, each word a threat that echoes through the silent room. His palm crashes down beside your hand on the table, making you jump as the sound reverberates.

— I said not to touch these materials without me.

You lift your chin to meet his gaze – dark as midnight with a golden flicker that only appears when he's enraged.

— This is my investigation.

Your voice wavers despite your best efforts to sound steady.

— I have to—

He cuts you off by grabbing your jaw, forcing your head back until you're staring directly up at him.

— Your job, he sneers the word like it's something filthy

— Is to obey and stay out of matters too dangerous for your delicate sensibilities. You're a woman. Your pretty little mind can't handle what's really happening here.

A laugh from the doorway interrupts him. Saraswati, Qiu Dingjie's sister, leans against the frame, twirling a dagger between her fingers as she watches with obvious amusement.

— Oh, Dingjie, you always were so old-fashioned about women

Qiu Dingjie ignores her, but his fingers loosen slightly. He bends closer until his lips brush your ear:

— I only let you breathe in this house because my sister wants it. Remember that everything you have – your freedom, your position, even the air you take into those perfect lungs – belongs to me. Do you understand?

His hand slides down your neck, thumb pressing into your racing pulse as his other hand rests possessively on your waist.

In this moment, you realize: this isn't just about solving murders. It's about survival. And to survive Qiu Dingjie, you'll have to play by his rules until you find a way to turn them against him.