Chapter 19: Lines That Shouldn’t Be Crossed

The morning sun filtered through the intricate lattice windows of Bai Yue's room, casting delicate patterns across the wooden floor. She sat at her desk, her gaze fixed on the note Weishan had taken from her the night before. Even though the physical evidence was gone, the words lingered in her mind like a haunting whisper.

"Stop searching, or you'll regret it."

A warning, or a promise?

Bai Yue tapped her fingers on the polished surface of the table, frustration gnawing at her. She had come too far to be intimidated now. Someone was watching her, someone who clearly didn't want her to uncover the truth. But why? And more importantly, who?

A soft knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.

"Miss Bai Yue," Ah-Liang's hesitant voice came through.

"Come in."

The young servant stepped inside, eyes darting around as if afraid they were being watched. "I— I checked the storeroom again this morning," he whispered. "Nothing's missing, but… I saw footprints in the dust. Someone's been inside."

Bai Yue's grip on the table tightened. "No one's supposed to enter without my permission."

Ah-Liang nodded anxiously. "I think they're trying to scare you, miss."

Bai Yue's jaw clenched. If that's their goal, they'll have to try harder.

She stood, smoothing down the creases in her robes. "We'll be careful. But I won't stop investigating."

Ah-Liang swallowed nervously but nodded. "I'll keep watch."

As he left, Bai Yue inhaled deeply. She had to tread carefully. If someone within the estate was involved in the thefts, then they were close—far too close.

Later that day, Bai Yue walked through the estate's gardens, letting the crisp autumn air fill her lungs. The colorful leaves crunched beneath her feet, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the fleeting beauty of the season.

Her moment of peace, however, was short-lived.

"You shouldn't let your guard down so easily," came the familiar deep voice.

Bai Yue sighed, already knowing who it was without turning. "I'm not in the mood for another lecture, Weishan."

Li Weishan emerged from behind one of the garden's stone lanterns, his dark robes blending seamlessly with the shadows. "I don't lecture," he said smoothly, falling into step beside her. "I give warnings."

Bai Yue shot him a sideways glance. "And what warning do you have for me today?"

He studied her for a moment before speaking. "Whoever left that note—they're getting bolder. And you're still wandering around the estate as if you aren't a target."

"I can't let fear control me," she replied firmly.

Weishan's lips curled in a faint smirk. "Fear isn't your enemy, Bai Yue. Overconfidence is."

Bai Yue stopped walking and turned to face him fully, crossing her arms. "You think I'm overconfident?"

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "I think you underestimate how much danger you're in."

There it was again—that frustrating possessiveness in his tone, as if he had already decided she was his responsibility.

"I can handle myself," she said, meeting his gaze without flinching.

Weishan reached out without warning, his fingers brushing against her wrist before settling there firmly. The touch was possessive, unmistakably so, and Bai Yue's breath caught in her throat.

"I'm not so sure," he murmured, his thumb tracing slow, deliberate circles against her skin. "You're too reckless."

Bai Yue's pulse quickened, but she refused to back down. "And you're too controlling."

A low chuckle escaped him. "Someone has to be."

She pulled her hand away sharply, stepping back. "You can't keep doing this, Weishan. You have no right."

He regarded her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "No right?" he echoed, his voice laced with something dangerous. "Then tell me to leave, and I will."

Bai Yue opened her mouth but found herself hesitating. The words wouldn't come.

Weishan's smirk deepened. "Exactly what I thought."

Before she could recover, a voice interrupted their charged standoff.

"Well, well. Aren't we cozy?"

Bai Yue tensed, turning to see Bai Rong standing a few paces away, arms crossed, her expression filled with smug amusement. "Cousin, I didn't know you kept such interesting company."

Bai Yue's jaw clenched. "What do you want, Bai Rong?"

Bai Rong's gaze flicked to Weishan, her smile widening. "I was just wondering why a man like him is wasting his time on you."

Weishan's eyes darkened, and Bai Yue felt the air around them shift, thick with tension. "Careful," he said smoothly, his voice holding an unmistakable edge. "You wouldn't want to say something you'll regret."

Bai Rong's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly masked it with a laugh. "Oh, I'm not afraid of you."

Bai Yue stepped forward, placing herself between them. "Bai Rong, if you have nothing better to do, I suggest you leave."

Bai Rong smirked but didn't argue. "Fine. But you should be careful, dear cousin. Some people might get the wrong idea about your… closeness."

With that, she turned and sauntered away, leaving Bai Yue simmering with irritation.

Weishan watched Bai Rong's retreating figure with a calculating expression. "I don't like her."

Bai Yue sighed, rubbing her temples. "Join the club."

Weishan's gaze returned to her, his expression turning serious. "You need to be more careful around her. She's dangerous."

"I know," Bai Yue admitted. "But I can't afford to show weakness."

Weishan studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Then don't. But that doesn't mean you have to do it alone."

Bai Yue glanced at him, her chest tightening at the sincerity in his tone.

When did he start mattering so much?

She pushed the thought aside and squared her shoulders. "I'll be fine."

Weishan's lips twitched in amusement. "We'll see about that."

That night, Bai Yue sat by her window, staring at the moonlit courtyard below. The estate was silent, but she knew danger lurked just beneath the surface.

Her mind replayed Weishan's words, his touch, his unwavering presence.

She didn't want to need him.

But deep down, she knew… she already did.