bruptly as shock locked

akes being slamme

wlessly. He looked striking yet distant, his expression composed and aloof. Tall and lean, he walked toward her from against

you okay?

wave of pain crashed over her. Her vision darkened in

y around her narrow waist, his

a voice brimming with concern, "Don't be sca

His strength was undeniable, and strangely, it was that ver

ntly, and conscious

already crept in through the window

was gone. A small puncture mark was visible

footsteps d

with a cup of water. "You had gastric bleeding. Luckily, your boyfrie

man from last night. She had been incredibly lucky to encounter someone so ki

wonderful. He stayed with you the entire night. T

l night? Her voice came out weak

e had to take care of somethin

e a good person. She hoped that one day, s

ried a faint, clean woody scent. Had that man forgotten to take his jacket? She did

sage from Karl, urging her to hurry up and complete th

nd, she got a cab and headed

been waiting for a while. The morning s

of coffee. "Did you eat this morning? I

e cup only briefly.

that café. But someone with a stomach

second. "I tried calling you last

anice sneered inwardly and turned away, w

d, signatures collected, and stamps pressed into plac

ow of consideration, "Do yo

passenger door of Karl's car o

ave to do something this drastic for me..." Joyce sai

erisive laugh. "Drop the act. You got exact

her eyes before tears rushed in to repla

shoulder, his voice steady. "The divorce wa

ntained innocence. "Even if you two are divorced now, you can still stay friends. Karl re

'll pass. Sharing a meal wit

cab at this time," Joyce said, dropping the preten

That won't be necessary. Som

mouth, a limited-edition Bugatti pu

stian had sent her earlier. She raised a hand and w

nice finally felt a long-suppressed weight lift off her chest.

urned her head, her pupils shrank shar

antly-the same man who had carried her to t