Jin Zhi barely slept that night.
Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Bai Xue's golden stare—how cold it had been when she threatened Li Shen, how gently her fingers had brushed his cheek after.
He didn't know which haunted him more.
The next morning, the office was quiet again. Too quiet.
He arrived early, hoping for some calm. But the moment he stepped out of the elevator, a sleek black package sat waiting on his desk.
No note.
Just his name written in crisp calligraphy.
He hesitated, then opened it.
Inside was a custom-tailored suit—fine grey wool, delicate pinstripes, soft silk lining. Elegant. Expensive.
Too expensive.
He touched the tag and saw the initials stitched in silver thread on the inside:
J.Z.
Footsteps echoed behind him.
"Put it on."
Bai Xue's voice was low, commanding.
He turned. "You… bought this?"
"I tailor what's mine."
His heart skipped.
She walked closer, circling him slowly. "Your posture is timid. Clothes affect how people treat you. From now on, you wear what I approve."
"But this must have cost—"
"I didn't ask for your opinion."
She stopped behind him, resting a single hand on his shoulder. Her fingers grazed the nape of his neck.
His scent fluttered out despite the blockers. Sweet. Flustered.
"Try it on," she said, voice like silk laced with poison.
He swallowed hard and obeyed.
When he emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, wearing the suit, Bai Xue was waiting with a glass of water in hand.
She didn't say anything for a long time.
Then, quietly:
"Better."
He stood there, eyes down, unsure if he should thank her or hide under a desk.
But she stepped forward and reached out—adjusting the collar gently, brushing off invisible dust.
And then her lips brushed the shell of his ear.
"Every piece of you," she whispered, "should reflect who owns you."
His knees almost buckled.
She stepped back and sipped her water, calm again, like a snake coiling lazily after feeding.
"Meeting in ten minutes," she said. "Stand by me. And speak only when I give permission."
"Yes… Alpha."
He didn't see it—but behind her glass, Bai Xue smiled like a viper in the sun.