Chapter 176: Absolutely Sure

Li Na wasn't entirely still. Her mind raced, searching for an opening, her fingers twitching with anticipation. She could feel the heat of his closeness, the possessive way he held her, but she wasn't going to let it overpower her resolve.

The moment his grip eased slightly, just enough for her to act, she seized it. Her hand broke free, and as soon as he drew back from the kiss, their gazes locked for the briefest moment—just long enough for her hand to lash out, the sharp, stinging slap landing on his cheek with a crack that shattered the suffocating tension in the air.

The slap reverberated through the room like a lightning strike, swift and unrelenting. His head jerked to the side, a vivid crimson mark rising on his cheek, stark against his stunned composure. For a moment, he stayed motionless, his heavy breaths the only sign of life, his expression unreadable.