Under everyone's watchful eyes, the man stopped right in front of Jiang Zhi. All eyes locked onto her, the air growing thin, suffocating.
Jiang Zhi's breath hitched. Jiang Qinian still held her hand tight—no matter how she struggled, she couldn't break free. Sweat beaded her back.
Shang Chi lifted his gaze, cold eyes sweeping over their clasped hands like a blade, then cutting to Jiang Qinian.
As the company's new CEO, Jiang Qinian knew who he was. Meeting that sharp, icy stare, his heart skipped—his grip on Jiang Zhi loosened, just a fraction.
Jiang Zhi yanked her hand free, hiding it behind her back.
Shang Chi's gaze shifted from Jiang Qinian to her, unreadable. "You called me?"
A current husband, an ex—Jiang Zhi didn't want to be office gossip.
Panicking, she stepped forward. "Sorry, Mr. Shang—it was a wrong number."
Shang Chi's gold-rimmed glasses flashed with a dangerous glint. His voice dropped to a freezing murmur. "Say that again."
Jiang Qinian stepped in front of her. "Mr. Shang, sorry—my girl and I…."
Shang Chi cut him off with a glare. "Did I ask you to speak?"
A collective gasp rippled through the room.
Jiang Qinian's mouth snapped shut, his hand balling into a fist.
For all his fame as a top actor, he was no match for a powerful tycoon—one word from Shang Chi could end his career.
Shang Chi said nothing, towering over Jiang Zhi as his thumb rubbed the silver ring on his index finger.
After days of marriage, she recognized the silent demand: Answer me.
Gulping, she repeated, "Mr. Shang, it was a slip of the finger. Sorry for disturbing you."
His thumb stilled on the ring, knuckle whitening.
The gold-rimmed glasses masked his expression. Finally, he said, "Follow me."
He strode toward the CEO's office.
The executives behind him moved to follow—until Zhou Xu, Shang Chi's assistant, stopped them. "Miss Jiang… please."
Zhou Xu survived by reading Shang Chi's every cue. Jiang Zhi's denial of their marriage? It had clearly infuriated the boss.
The CEO's road to winning his wife back is long…
Jiang Zhi hesitated, but Lin Yanyan grabbed her arm. "Go—we'll handle this."
Giving Lin Yanyan a reassuring look, Jiang Zhi followed Shang Chi.
Jiang Qinian watched her petite figure merge with Shang Chi's tall, imposing frame—panic twisting his gut.
A primal instinct told him: this new CEO saw him as an enemy.
Jiang Zhi stepped into the office, closing the door behind her. Before she could speak, his low voice rumbled, "You forget easily, huh?"
She whispered, "Ah Chi."
Guilt colored her tone—she had messed up.
Shang Chi turned, backlit by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his silhouette a dark, indistinct shape.
He reached for his tie, loosening it as he advanced on her.
Jiang Zhi retreated, nearly hitting the door—when his long arm shot out, yanking her wrist. She crashed into his chest.
Before she could gasp, he scooped her up, tossing her onto the sofa.
Her cry died in her throat as his lips crushed hers, a ruthless, consuming kiss.
His familiar-yet-unfamiliar scent flooded her senses.
His broad frame pinned her down, a hand clamping her head as she squirmed.
He was relentless—parting her lips, devouring her breath.
Jiang Zhi had never been kissed like this. With Jiang Qinian, kisses had been gentle, fleeting—nothing like this wild, possessive hunger.
She froze, fox-like eyes wide as she met his half-lidded, predatory gaze.
His stare burned hot enough to scorch her.
The kiss left her breathless, light-headed. Finally, she pushed against his chest—only for him to hold her tighter, deepen the kiss.
It was almost violent, like he wanted to embed himself in her bones.
Until her face reddened, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Collapsing against him, she went limp—then he let go.
Air rushed into her lungs as she gasped, fingers clutching his black suit.
His muscular arms caged her in, dark eyes fixed on her dazed, teary gaze.
Panting, he murmured, "Remember this time? I'm your husband—even if I take you here, it's legal."
His calm tone held a terrifying weight.
Jiang Zhi's mind was still foggy from the kiss. It took a moment to register his words. "No!"
Shang Chi's thumb brushed her lips, now glossy with his kiss. "No? Afraid your ex will overhear?"
Jiang Zhi blinked, stunned.
A powerful man like him could dig up her past in an instant.
Calming down, she understood his fury.
Shaking her head, she explained, "It's not that—we're done. I just… wasn't ready to go public."
Shang Chi studied her face, dissecting every microexpression.
After a long silence, he smiled—a cold, bitter curve. "Not ready? Am I so shameful you can't admit me as your man?"
His smile didn't reach his eyes, toxic and sharp.
Jiang Zhi's heart skipped. "That's not it—give me time, please?"
Shang Chi's brow arched. "A year? Five? Ten?"
His finger traced her cheek, voice low. "I'm not a patient man."
Hesitating, she whispered, "Half a year."
Shang Chi leaned in, stopping a breath from her lips. "Half a year? I can wait… but Grandpa can't."