"But you can save your breath. No matter who you try to seduce, none of them have the power to get you out of here." He Hanchuan’s fingers clamped around her chin, forcing her head up. Xiang Wan kept her eyes downcast, refusing to meet his. "And you? Will you let me go?" "This is what you owe Qingran." He Hanchuan's gaze dropped to her split lip, his eyes darkening. He raised a finger, the tip hovering just inches from her mouth before he scowled and pulled his hand away. Xiang Wan’s lips twisted, a ghost of a smile that never formed. Instead, a sharp sting pricked the corners of her eyes. "What's wrong?" he sneered, the sight of her heartbroken over another man grating on him. "Did your little seduction fail? Is that why you're so sad?" His handsome, chiseled features were mere inches from hers. They were so close their breaths tangled together, so close she could see the finest hairs on his skin. Countless times, Xiang Wan had dreamed of lying in his arms, of listening to the steady beat of his heart. Never once had she imagined it would be like this. Devoid of any tenderness, there was only his sharp sarcasm, a blade that plunged into her heart and came away dripping with blood. She opened her mouth to speak, but her throat closed up, tight and raw. A burn started in her nose, her eyes stung, and she couldn't utter a single word. *So this is what he thought of her? That she was that kind of wanton woman?* "Did two years in prison make you this desperate?" he murmured, his breath hot against her ear. "Willing to throw yourself at the first man you see? Hmm?" His hand slid up her slender waist, and when it reached her collar, he ripped it open. *Rip—* The fabric of her uniform gave way, exposing the faded blouse she wore underneath and a wide expanse of pale, vulnerable skin. The heat of his breath curled into her ear, but it sent an icy chill shuddering down her spine. Her gaze fell to the button that had clattered to the floor, her long lashes trembling uncontrollably. She froze for a beat, stunned. Then, a raw fury surged through her, and she shoved him with all her might. "Don't you touch me!" How could he treat her this way?! What did he take her for?