Grace felt no fear. She didn’t care about the consequences—she just wanted to give her Spirit Root one last shot.
A tingling numbness ran from her head to her toes, from her lips to her heart—she nearly lost control.
But Evan Xiao was like a rock—he didn’t move at all.
She lingered and rubbed against his lips for a moment. Suddenly, her rationality snapped back—fear crept in.
Would he just kill her on the spot?
No way, she had to run!
She let go of him, spun around, and bolted for the door.
She’d barely reached the door when a strong force yanked her back, pinning her against the doorframe.
A searing kiss landed on her lips.
Wild and desperate, as if he wanted to devour her—just like that night when he’d been drugged...
Grace’s heart was about to leap out of her chest—he actually kissed her!
And he did it without being drugged this time!
She was so excited!
Grace wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to him awkwardly but eagerly.
She could feel Evan Xiao’s breath growing heavier, his big hands moving unconsciously to her softness, kneading her firmly.
Just when Grace thought his desire was about to overflow, that she was halfway to victory... he suddenly pulled away.
He looked down at her. Grace gazed up at him, her lips ravished and crimson, slowly leaning toward him—a silent invitation.
Bang!
Evan Xiao slammed his fist into the door.
The door shattered.
The deafening noise made Grace jump, curling up in shock—her mind went totally blank.
Then he turned and strode away.
Grace stood frozen for ages, then spun around and chased after him.
Seriously? Halfway through—kissing, touching, breaking the door—and now he just walks off? What the heck does that mean?
Come back here!
She dashed after him, just in time to catch a glimpse of his disappearing figure.
She threw caution to the wind and chased him again, soon spotting his figure ahead.
He reached the back garden and headed into a narrow passage.
By coincidence, that passage was exactly the escape route Grace had planned.
Past that narrow forest path lay the Forbidden Garden.
The Forbidden Garden was a hidden spot in the general’s manor.
It sat in the most remote corner out back, surrounded by high walls and sealed by a heavy bronze gate that was always locked.
There was no sign or nameplate—everyone in the manor just called it the Forbidden Garden.
No one knew what was inside.
If you went past the Forbidden Garden’s gate, you’d reach the big tree Grace had scoped out.
Climb over that tree, and you’d be out...
Grace stood at the Forbidden Garden’s entrance, glanced at the tree ahead, then at the bronze gate, and finally decided to stick around a few more days and see what happened!
He actually kissed her... It gave her a hope she’d never felt before!
Just then, suddenly, a splash echoed from inside the Forbidden Garden.
Grace jumped, straining to listen.
There really was water inside—sounded like something huge was slapping the surface.
Her mind instantly conjured up a man-eating monster lurking in the Forbidden Garden. With the creepy atmosphere all around, she bolted back to the stables.
She arrived just in time to bump into Mr. Ma, the stable manager.
Mr. Ma saw her rushing in and asked, “Little Fish, why are you running so fast? Is someone chasing you?”
"Mr. Ma, I accidentally wandered near the Forbidden Garden and heard splashing, like some giant water monster inside!" Grace said. "What’s really in there?"