Chapter 22 – The Devil's Warning
The banquet ended in whispers and fear. Han Zixuan led Qiao Xueran out of the hall without a word, his arm firmly around her shoulders.
Back in the mansion, the silence was heavy. The city lights outside flickered through the window, painting long shadows across the room.
Xueran sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her gown. She looked like a child caught sneaking sweets — except she wasn't guilty, only confused.
Han poured himself a drink, his movements slow, controlled. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and edged with steel.
"Do you understand what happened tonight?"
Xueran tilted her head, her big eyes blinking.
"Wine bad."
Han set the glass down sharply, turning to face her. His expression was cold, but his gaze — his gaze burned.
"Not just bad. Deadly. They wanted to ruin you. Drug you. Destroy you in front of everyone."
She lowered her head, silent for a moment. Then, softly, she whispered:
"Cousins… hate me."
Han crossed the room in two strides, crouching in front of her. He grabbed her chin gently but firmly, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"Listen to me. From now on — you never eat, never drink, never step outside without me or someone I trust. Do you understand?"
Xueran's lips parted. For a heartbeat, she wasn't the fool, wasn't the fragile child everyone believed. A glimmer of sharpness flickered in her gaze — but it disappeared as quickly as it came.
She nodded, her voice soft, almost pitiful.
"Scared… tonight."
Han's breath hitched.
He exhaled slowly, pressing a hand to her hair, smoothing it down with uncharacteristic gentleness.
"Then sleep. I'll stay."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Hug?"
For the first time that night, his lips twitched into the faintest smile. He pulled her against his chest, wrapping her in his arms.
"Sleep, little fool. With me here… no one can touch you."
And though she closed her eyes and leaned into his warmth, her mind was racing.
Because Qiao Xueran knew one truth very well:The closer he held her, the easier it would be… to destroy him later.