The leather of his Italian briefcase creaked in his grip as Li Peien strode through the marble lobby of his corporate headquarters. His assistant hurried behind him, listing off the afternoon's schedule, but his mind was elsewhere - already at the kindergarten.

"Cancel the 4 PM meeting," he barked without turning, his deep voice cutting through the hum of the busy office. The assistant stammered acknowledgment, knowing better than to argue with that tone.

The drive to Michelle's school was a blur of red lights he barely acknowledged, the powerful engine of his black Mercedes growling in frustration at every stop. When he finally parked, he didn't bother with the valet, striding through the doors with the same purpose he brought to boardrooms.

There she was. His ex-wife, kneeling to fasten their daughter's jacket. The way her hair fell over her shoulder, the curve of her hips in that skirt - it hit him like a fist to the solar plexus. For a moment, he forgot to breathe.

Michelle spotted him first, letting out a shriek of "Daddy!" as she broke free and ran toward him. His expression softened instantly as he lifted her, but his eyes never left his ex-wife's form.

"You're early," she said, standing slowly, her voice carefully neutral. But he noticed the slight tremor in her hands.

Li Peien set Michelle down, his hand remaining possessively on her shoulder as he took a step toward his ex-wife. The distance closed between them until he could smell her perfume - the same scent that used to drive him wild at 3 AM.

"She's my daughter too," he murmured, his voice dropping to a dangerous register as his hand brushed her arm, just barely. "And don't forget who you belong to, even if we're not married anymore."

Michelle tugged at his sleeve, oblivious to the tension. "Can Mommy come home with us, Daddy?"

Li Peien's gaze locked with his ex-wife's, a predatory smile curving his lips. "What do you think, sweetheart? Should Mommy come with us?"