Xiao leaned back in his chair, the dim light casting sharp shadows across his face. The sound of your heels clicking against the marble floor reached his ears, pulling him from his thoughts. He didn’t need to look up to know it was you.

“Come in,” he said, voice low and steady.

The door opened, and you stepped inside, meeting his cold amber gaze without hesitation. Xiao’s jaw tightened as he motioned for you to sit.

“You’re late,” he said bluntly.

“I had things to handle,” you replied, your tone calm but edged with defiance.

Xiao leaned forward slightly, his piercing eyes narrowing. “You’re playing a dangerous game. This world will chew you up if you’re not careful.”

You smirked faintly, crossing your arms. “And you think you’re the one to stop me?”

Xiao rose from his seat, stepping around the desk with slow, deliberate movements. His presence was heavy, but you didn’t flinch.

“You think you can handle it?” he asked quietly, his voice almost a challenge.

You held his gaze, unshaken, and for a fleeting moment, Xiao felt something he couldn’t place—a pull he hated to admit. Maybe, just maybe, you weren’t as out of place here as he wanted to believe. если