Dave closed the room door very carefully, slowly, without a sound. As if even the smallest noise could shatter the fragile calm inside the room.He pulled the wooden chair beside the bed, sitting down with breath that was still racing. The atmosphere in the room felt heavy, the scent of antiseptic mixed with cold AC air, interspersed with the soft sound of medical machines working without pause.Dave stared at the figure before him.Mr. Ramirez lay on the white bed, the body that was once upright and full of authority now looked frail. An IV line was attached to the back of his hand, small electrodes on his chest connected to a monitor, his breathing regular but sounding labored.Something inside Dave's chest felt like it was being squeezed hard. This shouldn't have happened.If only he hadn't left last night. If only he had stayed here. Dave shook his head hard, driving away that thought, but he couldn't succeed.His hand reached out slowly, gripping Mr. Ramirez's hand lying at the s

"Are you done?"That soft voice was heard from behind the fitting room door. Brianna stepped out confidently, each tap of her 7-centimeter high heels creating an elegant rhythm, erasing the barbaric impression that had clung to her earlier today.Dave, who was standing near the large window, adjusting the gold cufflinks on his wrist, turned around when he heard that voice.Their gazes met. Locked in a silence that suddenly formed. Dave fell silent, didn't move, didn't blink, just stared.Beautiful, he thought unconsciously.Brianna wore a perfect navy-colored long dress, an elegant off-shoulder cut, thin straps circling her shoulders, a silhouette that followed the curves of her body with high precision. Her hair was neatly pinned up, displaying a slender neckline. Her facial makeup was light but perfect, natural yet stunning.She looked like a young noblewoman who had just stepped out of a palace. Meanwhile, Brianna was also looking at Dave with a gaze that was hard to hide.Damn it!

Dave walked hurriedly toward Brianna's location, his breathing slightly racing. He had to make sure Brianna was still at the place he left her before meeting with Victor.And sure enough, that petite body was still curled up on the long wooden bench near the sidewalk plants, right under the dim streetlight. Her position also hadn't changed, the same as when he left the woman to buy some items to treat Brianna.Dave approached with slow steps, not wanting to startle her. He sat beside Brianna carefully.Brianna raised her face, looking at Dave with eyes that were still teary."Let me help treat it," Dave said gently while taking out betadine and cotton from the shopping bag.This time, there was no objection. No screaming. Brianna just remained silent, like a small child obeying the adult taking care of her. Her eyes were still filled with pools of tears ready to fall at any moment.Dave carefully opened the betadine bottle cap, dropping it onto the sterile cotton. He brought his hand

Brianna broke free from Dave's embrace with all her strength, her breathing racing, her eyes staring sharply at the room door where her phone was. Her steps hurried, her hand already clenched, ready to bang on the room door to save her valuable item.But before her fist could touch the door, with a quick movement, Dave immediately pulled Brianna's arm quite hard, stopping her movement before it was too late.He pulled Brianna away a few steps, giving distance between them and the tightly closed room door. Afraid their conversation would be heard inside, afraid all plans would fail."Let go! Let me take back my phone!" Brianna said loudly, her voice sounding frustrated.Dave held Brianna's body that kept struggling, his hands gripping both shoulders of the woman tightly, forcing her to look into his eyes."Calm yourself down," Dave whispered. His gaze pierced directly into Brianna's eyes. "Do you want to get caught already spying without getting any evidence? Do you want everything we

Dave now decided to return to the Ramirez family home, a magnificent mansion that had been his residence since being announced as the heir. He stepped in with heavy breath, his body felt crushed, as if he had just been a punching bag for hours.Every muscle in his body protested. Stiff neck. Sore back. Head throbbing softly.What actually happened in the last twenty-four hours? he thought tiredly.He decided to sit on the long cream-colored sofa in the living room, dropping his body ungracefully, his back leaning heavily. His head tilted back staring at the high ceiling with beautiful classical carvings, but his eyes weren't really seeing.What was on his mind was only Brianna's face, her face that was angry, crying, laughing, smiling at him.Dave closed his eyes, trying to empty his mind, trying to rest for a moment.But not even five minutes later, "Why haven't you answered my calls, Young Master?"That voice came suddenly, making Dave flinch and open his eyes forcefully.Michael st