After some much-needed sleep, Sienna had spent the entire day fine-tuning the proposal, making adjustments, and ensuring every detail aligned with the ideas she and Li Wei had discussed the night before.

She wanted to impress him, to make it clear that she understood his vision while adding her own creative touch. A few of her best suppliers were already on standby, waiting for her green light to begin sourcing materials. If all went well tonight, she'd be one step closer to making this project a reality.

Since Li Wei had insisted on making dinner a part of their review, she decided to wear something elegant yet understated. She opted for a designer cream blouse that draped effortlessly over her frame and paired it with emerald green trousers that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her curls cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, and she kept her makeup minimal—just enough to highlight her features. A light floral perfume lingered on her skin, subtle yet alluring.

After gathering her tablet, fabric swatches, and detailed sketches into her leather messenger bag, she made her way to the penthouse. As the elevator ascended, her thoughts drifted to Li Wei.

For a man who exuded dominance and control, he had been surprisingly open to compromise. The memory of his cedarwood cologne lingered in her senses, sending a warmth creeping up her neck.

The way he had studied her the night before, his gaze dipping lower than it should, had not gone unnoticed. The possibility that tonight might blur the lines between business and something more sent a nervous thrill through her.

She took a deep breath when the elevator doors slid open and rang the doorbell.

Li Wei appeared in the doorway, looking effortlessly refined. He wore a black designer shirt that clung to his athletic frame, accentuating his toned arms and the intricate tattoos peeking from beneath the sleeves. His dark jeans fit him just right, and his neatly styled hair had a few strands rebelliously falling over his forehead. A small silver hoop glinted in his right ear. The corner of his mouth lifted into a subtle smirk.

"Ms. Carter," he greeted smoothly, stepping aside to let her in.

"Mr. Wei," she acknowledged, slipping off her shoes as she followed him toward the dining area.

Much to her surprise, he pulled out a chair for her—one that was positioned closer to his. She hesitated briefly before sitting, noticing how meticulously the table was set. A wine bucket sat in the center, chilling two imported bottles, and the ambient lighting gave the room an intimate glow. The scent of something rich and savory filled the air, making her stomach tighten with anticipation.

"This is impressive, Mr. Wei," Sienna remarked, unable to hide her surprise.

"Thank you—but please, call me Li."

"Oh—well, then you should call me Sienna."

A charged silence settled between them, the air between their words thick with something unspoken.

Li broke the tension with a slow nod. "Let's start with dinner first."

Moments later, he returned from the kitchen carrying plates of traditional Chinese dishes—dim sum, roasted duck, chow mein, and congee. The aroma alone made Sienna's mouth water. The sight of him serving her so casually, yet with such precision, was strangely intimate.

"Did you cook this?" she asked, genuinely curious.

"I did," he said simply, placing generous portions on her plate.

"Cooking is a hobby of mine. A necessary one, given my lifestyle."

Sienna took a bite, her eyes widening in appreciation. "This is incredible, Li. You're full of surprises."

He chuckled, pouring them both a glass of wine. "I have many talents, Sienna."

As the meal progressed, the conversation shifted from work to more personal territory. They spoke of childhood memories—Sienna's upbringing in a multicultural household, the challenges she had faced, and her past experiences in Beijing during college.

Li listened intently, his gaze unwavering. When she spoke about the difficulties she encountered as a bi-racial woman in certain parts of China, he was quick to apologize on behalf of his homeland, assuring her that not everyone held such prejudices. His sincerity struck her, making her see him in a new light.

As the evening deepened, so did their discussions. They spoke of past relationships, love languages, and emotional triggers.

Sienna found herself laughing at Li's dry humor and appreciating the way he opened up, something she hadn't expected from a man as guarded as him. Hours slipped by unnoticed.

It wasn't until she glanced at her watch that reality settled in. "Li—we completely lost track of time. We haven't even discussed the project."

He leaned back in his chair, swirling the last of his wine. "Seems that way. If you're up for it, we can do a quick walkthrough now and finalize the last details."

She nodded, gathering her materials. "Let's do it."

They moved from room to room, Sienna explaining each design concept in detail, showing him fabric samples and sketches. Li remained close—closer than necessary.

Each time they entered a new space, his hand brushed the small of her back, a fleeting yet deliberate touch that sent a jolt through her. Her breath hitched, but she forced herself to remain professional.

By the time they reached the last room, Sienna turned to face him, her pulse unsteady. "So, I think that's everything."

Li studied her, his dark eyes intense. "Everything looks great. You have my full approval to begin."

For a moment, neither of them moved. The air between them crackled with an energy neither could ignore. Sienna's breath hitched as he stepped forward, his hands slipping into his pockets. His gaze roamed over her, lingering on her lips before returning to her eyes.

She swallowed hard, her mind warring between logic and pure desire.

Li tilted his head slightly. "You're blushing, Sienna."

"I am not," she countered, though the heat rising to her cheeks betrayed her.

His lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk. "Ah, ok."

Sienna let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. "This is dangerous."

"Only if we cross the line." His voice was low, husky.

The tension between them thickened, palpable, as if the air itself had shrunk to force them closer. She could feel the warmth of his body radiating toward her. If she leaned in just a little—if he did the same—there would be no going back.

Sienna sucked in a deep breath, forcing herself to take a step back. "I should go," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Li studied her for a long moment before nodding. "I'll walk you out."

As they reached the elevator, he pressed the call button, standing so close she could feel the heat of him against her side.

The doors slid open, but before she could step in, Li reached out, his fingers grazing her wrist—just enough to make her pause.

"Sienna."

She turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze.

His voice was quiet but firm.

"Are you sure you want to keep pretending we don't feel this?"

A beat passed. Then another.

The elevator chimed, pulling her back to reality. With a small, unsteady smile, she stepped inside. "Goodnight, Li."

As the doors closed, his smoldering gaze was the last thing she saw, and she knew—this was far from over.