"A gift from a friend." *What kind of friend?* Su Xue scoffed. She could use a friend like that. The bottle of CC perfume was empty, just a hollow glass vial. And that meant one thing: to get into Fu Nancheng’s bed, she would have to get her hands on that exact fragrance. Su Xue’s face twisted into a snarl. She lunged, her hand swinging toward Su Ci’s face. “You ugly freak! What right do you have to wear perfume? Take a look at that hideous face of yours! CC perfume is wasted on you!” But before the slap could land, Su Ci’s hand shot out, catching Su Xue’s wrist in a vise-like grip. Her eyes, clear and bright, lifted slowly. A lazy, taunting smile played on her lips. “Oh? So it wouldn't be a waste on you? Then by all means, go buy it yourself.” “You—! You—!” Su Xue was about to erupt, but a movement in her peripheral vision stopped her cold. The master bedroom door swung open, and Fu Nancheng stepped out. “Ah!” A cunning smile flashed across Su Xue’s face. With a sudden cry, she stumbled backward dramatically. “Su Ci, why did you push me?” Just then, a tall, imposing figure stepped between them, shielding Su Xue. Seeing Su Xue’s instant transformation and her self-directed little drama, Su Ci knew what was coming. She looked up, her gaze colliding with Fu Nancheng's cold, predatory eyes. The man stared down at her, his expression devoid of warmth. “Who told you to lay a hand on her? Apologize.” He was telling her to apologize to Su Xue. Su Ci met his gaze, her slender frame held ramrod straight. “I didn’t push her. She’s faking it. So, no, I will not apologize.” “Husband, she grabbed me! She grabbed my arm and shoved me with all her might~” Su Xue clutched at Fu Nancheng’s sleeve like a delicate, wilting flower, her voice trembling pitifully. Fu Nancheng’s gaze sharpened like a knife. His magnetic voice dropped, laced with ice as he addressed Su Ci. “Apologize now, while I’m still giving you the chance.” He believed Su Xue. Only a short while ago, she had climbed out of this man’s bed. But he was Su Xue’s husband, and all the tenderness he’d shown last night had been for Su Xue. She was just a stand-in for the night, and her fantasy would evaporate with the dawn. Now, from behind Fu Nancheng’s back, Su Xue shot her a malicious, triumphant smirk. She was betting Su Ci would break. Su Ci was silent for a few seconds. Then she walked right up to Su Xue and gave her a hard shove. “Ah!” With a genuine shriek, Su Xue stumbled and fell to the floor. It really hurt. Tears of actual pain welled in Su Xue’s eyes. Su Ci’s cool voice came from above as she looked down at her. “I’m sorry, Young Mistress. *This time*, I was the one who pushed you.” Su Xue was speechless. “Young Master, I have apologized to the Young Mistress. I’ll be getting back to my duties now.” With that, Su Ci turned and walked away. “Husband, how dare this little maid treat me like this! She’s completely out of control! You have to do something!” Su Xue trembled with rage as she scrambled to her feet. Fu Nancheng hadn’t expected that response from Su Ci either. He watched the girl’s cold, defiant figure retreat, his eyes darkening. His gaze then fell on Su Xue. A frown creased his handsome brow. Su Xue was wearing makeup, and a cloying scent of powder and perfume clung to her. Her tears were threatening to streak her foundation. But the Su Xue in his arms last night… her skin had been like porcelain. Her face bare, clean and soft to the touch. Why was the same person so different between night and day? The Su Xue of the night captivated him; the Su Xue of the day repulsed him. “Su Xue,” he asked, his voice low, “was it really you in my bed last night?”