Jiang Yi asked, tensely awaiting Qin Zezhou's response. Suddenly, a warmth bloomed on her neck, a feather-light touch that sparked a jolt of electricity, rippling through her like waves from a pebble dropped in still water.

In an instant, Jiang Yi reflexively flinched, covering her neck with her hand and looking at Qin Zezhou.

His hand hovered in midair. His eyes reflected the guarded expression of the girl in front of him. Seeing her apprehension, instead of retreating, he leaned closer.

"Let's talk about the mark on your neck."

His words landed clearly in Jiang Yi's ears. Understanding their meaning, her pupils contracted. Panicked, she stood up, her eyes darting around as she blurted, "It's...it's...a bug bite."

Qin Zezhou reached out, catching her wrist with precision. With a gentle tug, he pulled her into his embrace.

Caught off guard, the young woman gasped. Her mind went blank. By the time she reacted, she had already fallen into his unfamiliar arms.

She pressed her hands against his chest, trying to push herself away, but then she became acutely aware of the restraint around her waist. His arm held her tightly. She felt his grip tighten, and she was lifted, helplessly watching as she was placed on his lap.

The intimate position frightened her. Before she could struggle, Qin Zezhou's other hand touched her collarbone. She could distinctly feel his thumb tracing its curve.

Slowly, heavily, again and again.

"Hiss."

The pressure on the sensitive spot sent a sharp pain through her, forcing a gasp from her lips.

At this, Qin Zezhou's gaze finally lifted from her collarbone, traveling inch by inch upwards until it captured her eyes.

"What kind of bug leaves teeth marks?"

He was clearly challenging her excuse.

Jiang Yi bit her lip, turning her head away, her cheeks flushed. She was embarrassed both by her exposed lie and the uncomfortable closeness of the man.

His voice continued, a low murmur in her ear.

"A man bit you, didn't he?"

His tone was light, not a question, but a statement of fact. The blush on Jiang Yi's face deepened. She bit her lip, neither nodding nor shaking her head.

"Let me guess, Zhong Lin?"

His words were like a devil's whisper, his gaze sharp as a blade. The double pressure was too much for Jiang Yi.

Unable to bear the scorching heat radiating from him, she desperately lowered her head, her hands trembling against his chest. Her voice was soft and shaky. "Mr. Qin...p-please let me go."

"What's the rush?" Qin Zezhou's arm was an unyielding shackle, holding her firmly in place. He showed no sign of loosening his grip. "You haven't answered my question."

He used a finger to lift her chin, asking again, "Was it Zhong Lin?"

Jiang Yi's eyelashes fluttered. After a few seconds, she slowly nodded.

Her cheeks were flushed, her face delicate and pink, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, pleadingly innocent.

The desire in Qin Zezhou's heart intensified.

Truly exquisite. No wonder Zhong Lin couldn't resist. He couldn't either.

That pitiful, adorable expression...one glance and he was hard.

His thumb reached her lips, gently tracing the curve of her lower lip. The rough pad of his thumb against the softness of her lips sent a thrill through him.

"Did you seduce him?"

At his words, the young woman's face turned crimson. She quickly shook her head. "No."

"No?" Qin Zezhou said. "I don't believe it. I've known Ah Lin for so long. He's always been calm and collected. And you're his stepsister, in name at least. If you hadn't deliberately seduced him, why would he do something so reckless?"