Shu Hua didn’t even know why she wanted to run. She hadn’t done anything wrong, yet her body reacted faster than her brain. Under Pei Yanzhou’s gaze, she almost reflexively spun around, intending to exit and slam the door shut.
But her movement was fast—his was faster.
The moment her fingers touched the doorframe, a shadow with an icy presence descended. She didn’t even see how he moved, only felt her wrist gripped by an unyielding force, and her body yanked sharply backward.
Bang!
The door slammed.
Shu Hua was pinned against it.
“Running?” Pei Yanzhou lowered his head, hot breath brushing her ear, voice dark and terrifying. “Scared when you see me back?”
Shu Hua’s eyes widened in panic, heart racing. She shook her head vigorously.
He pressed close, trapping her in the tiny space between him and the door. His gaze swept over her face, her eyes, then lingered on her neckline and the small dress she wore.
“Where did you go tonight?” he asked calmly. “Coming back so late.”
Shu Hua swallowed, avoiding his gaze. Her eyes darted sideways. “I… I didn’t go anywhere. Just had dinner with Yuchu… we talked a bit longer than usual.”
She tried to change the subject. “W-Why are you back so early? Didn’t you say you might stay at the office?”
Pei Yanzhou glanced at his watch, then lifted his eyes, locking them back on her. A faint curve appeared on his lips. “Early?”
He stepped forward an inch. Shu Hua could feel the heat from his chest and the oppressive rhythm of his heartbeat.
“Mrs. Pei,” he said slowly, voice cold, “it’s exactly 11:38 PM.”
His gaze swept over her again, brow furrowing sharply. “Did you go drinking?”
Shu Hua’s heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly denied it. “N-No! Just dinner… maybe a bit of alcohol smell…”
Of course, with a half-drunk Chi Yuchu pressed against her, it was impossible not to carry a trace of it.
“Shu Hua,” Pei Yanzhou cut her off, voice dropping, “don’t lie to me.”
He knew her too well. When she lied, her eyes would flit away, her voice soften unnaturally, trying to bluff her way out.
Shu Hua knew she couldn’t get away with it. She bit her lower lip, opting for a softer approach, a little guilty and appeasing, whispering, “I… I went to a bar. But I didn’t drink! Really!”
“A bar?” Pei Yanzhou raised an eyebrow. “Good.”
Shu Hua saw his expression darken further and quickly reached out, taking his hand that hung by his side.
“I didn’t do anything to betray you! I swear!”
She tilted her face up, eyes urgent, a little red around the rims. “It was Yuchu! She got dumped, cheated on by a jerk, and ran off to drink alone. She called me, crying so badly, I was afraid something might happen to her, so I rushed to bring her back home! That’s it! I didn’t lie to you!”
She didn’t dare mention the ten male models in the VIP room. Absolutely not! Saying that would be death!
Pei Yanzhou let her hold his hand. He didn’t pull away, but he didn’t respond either. He just lowered his eyes on her. After a long moment, he spoke slowly, voice unreadable:
“Are you sure… there’s nothing left out? Nothing… else you haven’t told me?”
Shu Hua’s heart raced. She shook her head forcefully, trying to make her eyes look as sincere and innocent as possible. “Nothing! Really nothing! I picked her up, took her home, and then came back directly!”
She steeled herself. She must not say more—no matter what.
Pei Yanzhou studied her: clearly guilty, yet stubbornly trying to act innocent, eyes flitting around. Suddenly, he let out a laugh—a dangerous, teasing laugh that made Shu Hua’s scalp tingle.
He raised his other hand. His fingertips, hot with warmth, gently pinched her soft cheek.
Pei Yanzhou’s hands didn’t stop. His fingers traced up her inner thighs, light yet deliberate, exploring the smooth, sensitive skin hidden beneath her dress. Shuhua’s breaths came in ragged gasps, her body trembling uncontrollably under his touch.
“Pei Yanzhou… please…” she whimpered, tears streaking her cheeks, her voice barely more than a sob.
He tilted his head, lips brushing along her jawline, trailing down to the sensitive curve of her neck. His teeth grazed her skin ever so lightly, sending shivers through her body.
“Still not telling me the truth?” His voice was deep, husky, with an edge of temptation and command. “Baby…” The word lingered, warm and intimate, compelling her to respond.
Shuhua’s mind was a blur, her thoughts scattered, almost incapable of forming words. “Wh-what truth…?”
“You tapped the male models, didn’t you?” Pei Yanzhou’s tone hardened. “All ten of them?”
Her heart plummeted. How did he know?!
“No! I didn’t! I didn’t look at them! I didn’t even glance properly! Really!” she protested, desperate and panicked.
Pei Yanzhou’s expression darkened. Not believing her, he punished her further, leaving another mark on her chest.
Shuhua cried out in pain, tears spilling freely now.
“Male models are good…” he murmured, his voice low, husky, filled with jealousy and possessiveness, “…but your husband is better, isn’t he?”
Shuhua couldn’t speak properly, only small, pitiful whimpers escaping her lips.
Pei Yanzhou chuckled softly, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
“Not talking?” His hands moved again, sliding down her waist, lifting her skirt slightly as his fingers explored her thighs. “Maybe we should try somewhere else… Haven’t tried this yet, have we?”