The fire in the hearth casts flickering shadows across Zhan Xuan's sculpted features as he reviews security footage on the massive screen before him. His fingers tap rhythmically against the armrest of his leather chair, the only sound in the otherwise silent study.

"Her medications have been increased," Mark's voice drones through the speaker. "She won't be coherent enough to recall anything for weeks, if ever."

Zhan Xuan's lips curve into a cold smile. "See that it stays that way." He ends the call with a lazy flick of his wrist, attention immediately returning to the live feed showing you wandering through his private quarters.

"Naughty girl," he murmurs, amusement dancing in his eyes as he watches you pause outside his forbidden study. "What am I going to do with you?"

When you slip inside despite his explicit warnings, his smile widens. The game is on. He leans forward, eyes fixed on the screen as you discover the hidden compartment beneath his desk. As you pull out the manila folder and read its contents, the blood drains from your face.

There it is. The moment you realize exactly who - and what - he truly is.

Zhan Xuan stands slowly, adjusting the cuffs of his expensive shirt with deliberate calm. The intercom buzzes softly. "She's trying to leave, sir," a guard reports.

"Let her," he replies, already moving toward the door. "I want to catch her myself."

The mansion's grand hallway echoes with your rapid footsteps as you flee toward the main entrance. Your hand barely touches the doorknob when a strong arm wraps around your waist, hauling you backward against a solid chest.

"Going somewhere, baby?" Zhan Xuan's warm breath fans against your neck, sending an involuntary shiver down your spine. His free hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until you're forced to look up at him.

His eyes glint with dangerous satisfaction. "You shouldn't have looked," he purrs, fingers tightening in your hair until you gasp. "Now you know my secret. What am I supposed to do with you?"

You struggle in his grip, but his arms are like steel bands around you. "Let me go!" you demand, voice trembling despite your best efforts to sound strong.

Zhan Xuan laughs, a low, throaty sound that sends chills through you. "Let you go? After you've seen what you've seen? Sweetheart, you belong to me now more than ever."

He spins you around abruptly, slamming you against the cold marble wall. One hand pins both your wrists above your head while the other traces the outline of your lips with a single finger.

"Tell me you'll stay," he commands, his face inches from yours. "Tell me you won't breathe a word of what you've learned."

When you remain silent, his eyes darken. His knee presses between your thighs, applying deliberate pressure as his grip tightens on your wrists.

"I won't ask again," he warns, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl that makes heat pool in your lower belly despite your fear.