Lin Xinyi barely had time to breathe after the Gu Tian scandal. She thought things had finally calmed down.
She was wrong.
The next morning, Chen Wei was already dressed when she woke up. His tailored suit clung to him perfectly, his tie precisely in place. Effortlessly powerful.
"Get up," he said, his voice low. "We have a meeting."
Xinyi groaned. "Can't you go without me?"
Chen Wei smirked. "You're my fiancée. You think they won't expect you by my side?"
Xinyi sighed, dragging herself out of bed. But the moment she saw the dress laid out for her, her eyes widened.
It was red. Bold. Dangerous.
"You expect me to wear this?" she asked.
Chen Wei leaned in slightly, his voice just above a whisper. "Why? Afraid you'll look too tempting?"
Her heart skipped.
She snatched the dress and stormed into the bathroom. This man was impossible.
The moment they stepped into the private meeting hall, whispers filled the air.
The top business elites of the city were present. And every eye was on them.
Xinyi lifted her chin. If they expected her to be intimidated, they would be disappointed.
Chen Wei's grip on her waist tightened slightly as he leaned in. "Stay close."
As if she had a choice.
But then, someone unexpected stepped forward.
Lu Yifan.
Tall, charming, and Chen Wei's biggest rival.
"CEO Chen," Lu Yifan greeted with a sharp smile. Then, his eyes flickered to Xinyi. "And this must be your lovely fiancée."
Chen Wei's gaze turned cold. Dangerously cold.
Lu Yifan ignored it and held out a hand. "Miss Lin, a pleasure to finally meet you."
Xinyi hesitated. She had a bad feeling.
Before she could react, Chen Wei grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.
"She doesn't shake hands," he said, his voice like steel.
Lu Yifan's smile didn't falter. "Ah, how protective." He turned to Xinyi. "Tell me, Miss Lin, do you always let your fiancé control who you interact with?"
A trap.
If she said yes, people would assume Chen Wei was overly possessive.
If she said no, it would look like there was trouble between them.
Xinyi took a slow breath, then smiled. Sweetly.
"Why would I need to shake hands with anyone else," she said, "when my future husband is the only one I need?"
Lu Yifan's smirk faded slightly.
Checkmate.
Chen Wei chuckled. "Smart woman." His hand slipped around her waist, pulling her close. "Shall we begin the meeting?"
Everything seemed to be going smoothly until the end of the meeting.
A waiter approached Xinyi, offering a glass of champagne. "A special drink from Mr. Lu Yifan."
Xinyi narrowed her eyes. She didn't trust him.
But before she could decline, Chen Wei took the glass from her and downed it in one sip.
Lu Yifan's expression froze for a fraction of a second before he quickly masked it. "Such boldness, CEO Chen."
Xinyi's chest tightened. Something was wrong.
Chen Wei leaned in close, whispering so only she could hear. "Stay by my side."
She grabbed his hand. "What did he put in that drink?"
Chen Wei smirked. "He wants to see me lose control."
Her breath caught. Lose control?
Before she could press further, she felt his fingers tighten around hers. His body tensed slightly, his breathing heavier than before.
Damn it.
Chen Wei exhaled sharply, his jaw tight. "We're leaving."
Xinyi nodded quickly, guiding him toward the exit.
They barely made it to the car before she noticed something alarming Chen Wei's skin was burning.
His hand caught her wrist, his grip strong. Too strong.
"Xinyi," he murmured, his voice deeper, rougher. Unsteady.
She swallowed hard. Whatever was in that drink it was taking effect.
Chen Wei pushed open the door to his private suite, dragging her inside. The door slammed shut behind them.
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair, his usual control cracking.
Xinyi had never seen him like this. Unrestrained. Dangerous.
She stepped back instinctively. "Chen Wei, what did he"
Before she could finish, Chen Wei pinned her against the wall.
Her breath hitched.
His hands rested on either side of her, trapping her in place. His scent, his heat it was overwhelming.
"You should leave," he muttered, but his grip on her wrist tightened instead of letting go.
Xinyi's heart pounded. He was fighting it. Fighting himself.
And yet… she couldn't move.
She swallowed. "I'm not leaving."
His dark eyes burned into hers. "You don't understand."
She lifted her chin. "Then make me understand."
Chen Wei's smirk was sharp. Dangerous.
He leaned in, his lips inches from hers. "You have no idea what you're asking for, Lin Xinyi."
Her breath hitched. Was it the drug talking… or him?
For the first time, she didn't know which answer scared her more.