Realizing the subtle shift in her own psyche, she felt a pang of urgency. She’d endured this long; what were a few more days? She was annoyed with herself. She cared too much about Yue Linze’s feelings.

Just as she was about to backpedal, Yue Linze’s voice came through. “I’ll have the housekeeper pick you up.”

Tao Yu hadn't expected him to agree. She was momentarily speechless. “Why aren't you saying anything?” Yue Linze asked, his eyes narrowing.

“…I, I’ll get ready now. Bye!” Tao Yu hung up and excitedly searched for clothes. By the time the housekeeper arrived, she was dressed and made up.

The housekeeper smiled at her. “Miss Tao, you’re looking more beautiful every day.”

Tao Yu rolled her eyes internally. She’d been living in pajamas and no makeup. Of course she looked better dressed up.

She jiggled the chain on her wrist. “Mr. Housekeeper, please unlock this.”

“Certainly, Miss Tao.” The housekeeper approached with the key.

Tao Yu, confined for days by the cursed chain, felt a surge of relief at the prospect of freedom.

But her excitement was short-lived. The moment the ‘bracelet’ came off, a pair of handcuffs replaced it, one cuff around her wrist, the other dangling freely.

Tao Yu glared at the housekeeper. “What are you doing?”

“I apologize, Miss Tao. It’s Mr. Yue’s order.” The housekeeper looked apologetic. Mr. Yue had instructed him to cuff one of her hands, but hadn't specified where to attach the other cuff. He could only leave it dangling like a bracelet.

…Was he afraid she’d run? Treating her like a thief? Tao Yu took a deep breath, suppressing her anger. Through gritted teeth, she said, “Take me to him.”

The housekeeper gave her a worried look and led her out. In the car, he earnestly advised her against defying Mr. Yue, using anecdotal evidence to illustrate the unfortunate fates of those who had dared to cross him.

The housekeeper’s words had a calming effect. By the time they reached the company, Tao Yu’s anger had subsided considerably.

Her arrival in the lobby drew curious stares. Seeing the housekeeper trailing behind her, everyone understood. This was the legendary Mrs. Yue.

Tao Yu, unaccustomed to such attention after her confinement, felt uncomfortable under the scrutiny. She remained tense until they reached the elevator.

The moment the doors closed, she let out a long breath, grateful for her loose-fitting clothes that concealed the handcuffs. She wouldn't have had the courage to come if the handcuffs had been visible.

The elevator reached the top floor. As the doors opened, she looked up and saw Yue Linze standing there, watching her. She wondered how long he’d been waiting. The last vestiges of her anger vanished.

“What are you doing here?” she asked awkwardly.

Yue Linze’s lips curved into a smile. He took her hand, ignoring the stares of his employees, and led her towards his office. Tao Yu felt the weight of their gazes and blushed.

Back in the office, Tao Yu quickly closed the door and turned to him, holding up her cuffed wrist. “Look what you did!”

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Yue Linze captured her wrist, admiring the handcuff. It wasn't time to release her completely. Even if he relented and let her out for a while, he would confine her again later.

The handcuffs were symbolic, meant to ease the transition back to confinement, to lessen the emotional impact.

Tao Yu, unable to read his mind, narrowed her eyes at his words. She beckoned him closer. “Bend down.”