The ten-day countdown felt like a blade hanging over their heads.
Guàn Jǐngchén tried to pretend it wasn't there. He threw himself into making every moment with Lin Yuè feel perfect — cancelling more meetings, taking half-days, filling the penthouse with quiet domesticity that bordered on desperate. But Lin Yuè could feel the tension in the CEO's shoulders, the way his touches sometimes lingered a second too long, as if he was memorizing the feel of skin and warmth.
On the fifth night of the countdown, they were in the bedroom after dinner. The city lights painted soft patterns across the sheets as Guàn Jǐngchén slowly undressed Lin Yuè, kissing every inch of skin he revealed.
"You've been quiet lately," Guàn Jǐngchén murmured against the curve of Lin Yuè's hip. His tongue traced a slow line upward, stopping to suck a mark just below his navel. "Tell me what's bothering you."
Lin Yuè's fingers tightened in the sheets. "The whispers… the board… I don't want to be the reason you lose control of your company."
Guàn Jǐngchén rose up and captured his lips in a deep, possessive kiss. "You could never be a reason for loss. You are my gain." He pushed Lin Yuè gently onto his back and settled between his thighs. "Let me remind you."
He took his time preparing Lin Yuè — slick fingers stretching him open with careful patience, mouth lavishing attention on his cock until Lin Yuè was trembling and begging. When Guàn Jǐngchén finally pushed inside, it was slow and deep, eyes locked on Lin Yuè's the entire time.
Every thrust was deliberate, claiming. Guàn Jǐngchén's hand stroked Lin Yuè in perfect rhythm while he whispered against his lips, "You're mine. No audit, no board, no ghost will change that. I love you."
Lin Yuè came with a soft cry, clinging to broad shoulders. Guàn Jǐngchén followed soon after, burying himself deep with a low groan, filling him completely.
Afterward, as they lay tangled and breathing hard, Guàn Jǐngchén held him close and spoke into the darkness.
"The board wants a full security review in five days. They're pushing hard. Li Wei is leading the charge." His voice was calm, but Lin Yuè felt the subtle tension in his body. "I told them if they don't trust my judgment, they can step down. But I won't let them touch you."
Lin Yuè's heart ached. He pressed his face into the CEO's neck, hiding the fresh wave of guilt. "I'm sorry I'm causing this."
"You're not." Guàn Jǐngchén tilted his chin up and kissed him tenderly. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
The next morning, the fracture began.
During the weekly executive briefing, Li Wei stood up with a calm but firm expression.
"CEO Guàn, with respect, the board has requested an independent audit of all high-clearance personnel who joined in the last six months. This includes full background re-verification, access log analysis, and financial trail checks. It's standard procedure after rapid promotions."
Guàn Jǐngchén's eyes narrowed. "I already approved the deeper scan. It was clean."
"That was system-wide," Li Wei countered. "This is targeted. Several board members are concerned that personal relationships may have influenced security decisions."
The room went deathly quiet.
Guàn Jǐngchén's voice was ice. "Are you accusing me of compromising company security because of my relationship?"
"I'm suggesting we remove any doubt," Li Wei replied smoothly. "For the good of the company."
Lin Yuè sat perfectly still, the picture of a shy, overwhelmed partner. Inside, Eclipse calculated escape routes, backup identities, and how fast he could disappear if needed.
Guàn Jǐngchén stood slowly, radiating cold authority. "The audit will not happen. My trust in Lin Yuè is absolute. If the board has a problem with that, they can bring it to me directly."
The meeting ended in heavy silence.
Back in the CEO's office, Guàn Jǐngchén locked the door and immediately pulled Lin Yuè into his arms, kissing him with fierce protectiveness.
"I won't let them do this," he growled against his lips. "You're not a threat. You're my future."
The kiss turned urgent. Guàn Jǐngchén lifted Lin Yuè onto the desk, pushing his sweater up and trousers down. He slicked himself quickly and thrust inside with one deep stroke. The rhythm was hard and possessive — hips snapping forward, hand stroking Lin Yuè in time.
"You're mine," Guàn Jǐngchén panted. "No one takes what's mine."
Lin Yuè moaned, clinging to him as pleasure crashed through him. They came together — Lin Yuè with a broken whimper, Guàn Jǐngchén with a low groan as he filled him.
Afterward, Guàn Jǐngchén held him close, forehead pressed to his.
"I love you," he whispered. "No matter what happens in five days, I love you."
Lin Yuè closed his eyes, tears slipping silently down his cheeks.
Five days until the independent audit.
Five days until the hunter might finally catch the ghost for good.
He had never been more in love.
And never more terrified.
End of Chapter 35