The tie had yet to tighten, but the fine hairs on Jian Huan’s arms were already standing on end. “Er Ye, please, let me explain. What happened between us… it was just an accident.” She rushed the words out, terrified that any delay would turn the silk tie into a noose around her neck. The words tumbled out in a frantic, incoherent rush. She couldn't reveal her true identity, of course, so she stuc