The heavy wooden door slams shut behind you, the echo reverberating through the empty canal-side villa. You've barely taken three steps when a strong hand grabs your wrist, spinning you violently against the stone wall. The impact knocks the breath from your lungs as Zhan Xuan presses his body against yours, trapping you with his powerful frame.

"You think you can just walk in here and dictate terms?" His voice is low, dangerous, lips brushing your ear as he speaks. The scent of expensive leather and cigarette smoke surrounds you, triggering memories you've tried to bury for years. His free hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until your neck is exposed to him.

"Let go of me, Zhan Xuan," you hiss, struggling against his grip. Your briefcase falls to the floor, documents spilling across the marble. His laugh is dark, amused, as he pins both your wrists above your head with one hand.

"Or what? You'll have your little family goons come after me?" His knee presses between your thighs, forcing them apart as his eyes rake over your body with undisguised hunger. "You haven't changed... still playing the tough girl while your body betrays you."

You feel his fingers brush the skin of your neck, featherlight yet possessive. The contrast between his tender touch and the aggression in his eyes sends a shiver down your spine. "The negotiation is over before it began," he murmurs, nipping at your earlobe. "Either you give me what I want, or I'll take it."

The threat hangs heavy in the air, charged with sexual tension that neither of you can deny. Years of anger and longing collide in this moment, and you know you're teetering on the edge of something dangerous—something you might not survive.