Chapter 36: Exposed

Every secret, for some people, will never remain a secret. Not every station is the first to publish romance, but a simple search will reveal the truth.

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Lu Huaining wrapped his arm around her shoulders. His expression was calm, even the corners of his lips curved upwards in a faint smile—a smile she despised to her very core. Unconsciously, she compared it to Chen Sang’s gentle demeanor, radiating a subtle warmth like sunlight, elegant and breezy. The more she thought, the colder her heart grew. This man, even when he smiled, was threatening.

She shut her mouth, hands covering her face. The hot, humid breath she exhaled dampened her palms. She understood it was foolish to make requests before someone so unreasonable, and he held her weakness in his grasp, making rebellion impossible.

Lu Huaining waited until her trembling shoulders calmed, then slowly moved her hands away, gently lifting her chin with a mild voice. “Xue Zuining, remember—since you cannot resist, you might as well enjoy it.”

Hearing such cruel words spoken in such a gentle tone, the tears she’d been holding back poured down in an instant. Lu Huaining raised a brow, wiped away her tears with his fingertip, and smiled, “Enough. Still crying? Your mascara’s smeared. If you become a panda, I’ll have to take you to the zoo.”

She pushed his hand away and ran to the bathroom. He laughed softly behind her, that absolute sense of control sending chills through her body. She slammed the door, shutting out his damned voice.

She removed her makeup and showered. When she emerged, Lu Huaining was standing by the window, gazing at the night view. Hearing her, he turned and approached. Recalling the afternoon’s torment, she instinctively tightened the sash of her nightgown.

He reached for her. She reflexively turned her head away, closed her eyes, her brows knotting in disgust. He scoffed, then slipped his hand inside her collar, slowly caressing her sensitive spot. She nearly bit through her lip, yet under his skillful touch, a suppressed moan escaped her lips.

Lu Huaining stroked her cheek. “What a little cat, always hiding its claws.”

Xue Zuining wanted to retreat, but then he commanded, “Go run my bath.”

She could only obey. She prepared the bath, the perfect temperature making her momentarily absent-minded. If only it were boiling—most fitting for dealing with a beast.

Leaving the bathroom, she walked straight into his arms. He adjusted her clothes and rewarded her, “Good girl! Since you’re tired, rest early. I still have work, probably all night.” With that, he strode into the bathroom.

Xue Zuining trembled with humiliation, powerless to resist. Yet as his arrogant figure disappeared from her sight, Zhang Qikun's words suddenly echoed in her mind: Give me the information, and I’ll fight for your freedom.

How tempting the offer! Her unwilling gaze unconsciously drifted toward the door. The man was bathing, and the study’s door was practically open to her!

Her legs moved of their own accord toward that mysterious territory. She pushed open the door. Moonlight bathed the silent room. Like a cat, she crept across the darkness toward the desk, her fingers gliding habitually over the still-warm printouts. By the glow of the computer, she glanced at the documents. Detailed analyses and financial flows captured her hate-filled mind.

Her legs felt weak, so she sat before the desk, desperately trying to sort her tangled thoughts.

Kunpeng Group had always been Shengtian International’s fiercest rival. Zhang Qikun and Lu Huaining were locked in a constant battle of wits. Both companies were bidding for a parcel of land. If successful, a German financier would invest heavily to expand their presence in China. The Lu family’s background was of great interest; barring unforeseen circumstances, no other company could compete with Shengtian. The prospects of this deal were promising, an excellent opportunity to build connections. No one wanted to lose, and the proud Zhang Qikun was no exception.

Rows of black text on white paper seemed to force their way into her eyes. Xue Zuining didn’t know why her memory suddenly became so acute; the dry, rigorous feasibility reports etched deep shadows in her mind. She looked up at the ceiling, the lights making her dizzy.

She hated this man who had devoured her dignity and body. She hated herself, hated her own weakness, hated her reactions to his touch. Her teeth ached from clenching. She longed to see him suffer, despair, humiliated.

According to Zhang Qikun’s plan, attacking from the career he was so proud of was likely the only way to hurt him.

She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice her hair being lifted until it happened. She looked up too quickly, twisting her neck painfully. Lu Huaining stood beside her, watching calmly, his gaze growing cold. “What are you thinking?”

He saw the fierce hatred in her eyes before she could hide it, and it set his heart ablaze. He’d always been the object of women’s pursuit—even those who knew his coldness still threw themselves at him. Yet this woman avoided him at all costs. Still, she ultimately yielded to her own body’s desire. What was the point of pretending to be aloof now?

The angrier he became, the calmer he appeared, even reaching out to gently massage her stiff neck. His gaze fell on the papers in her hands—the thick stack creased by her fingers. He remarked lightly, “Why are you holding these? Interested? No wonder you wanted to visit my study. Tell me, what are you looking for—a book? Or something else? I’ll help you find it.”