Mr. Green she tried again, unwilling to surrender.

But he silenced her with a look as sharp as steel. I don t want to see her face. His eyes shifted toward Evie, the look sharp and filled with warning.

Evie s expression twisted with unease. Understood. We ll leave immediately. Please don t be angry.

She rushed to Kylee s side, pulling her back while whispering urgently, Enough. Don t push him any further Mr. Green is not someone you can afford to provoke. Losing one endorsement is the least of what could have happened.

With that, Kylee was ushered away, flanked by Evie and the nurses, her protests fading down the corridor.

And then, silence. Only Linsey and Gorman remained in the quiet hallway. Linsey finally broke the stillness, her voice soft. Thank you for what you did just now.

Don t mention it. His hand rose, almost instinctively, brushing against her hair with a gentleness that contrasted the cold authority he had shown moments earlier. His eyes softened, filled with a rare tenderness. As long as I m here, I won t let anyone hurt you.

Her heart skipped a beat. Heat bloomed in her cheeks, spreading until her whole face felt aflame. Words caught in her throat, too tangled to speak. But before she could respond, a sudden click echoed in the corridor. ? ? ? ?s, ?s? s F nd ovel.net

Who s there? Gorman s sharp gaze snapped toward the sound. A girl emerged sheepishly from a nearby ward, holding up a phone.

Linsey blinked in surprise. Dolores?

Caught red-handed, Dolores looked awkward, mumbling, Sorry I forgot to mute the shutter sound.

Seeing it was Linsey s close friend, Gorman s expression eased. His usual composure returned as he offered a disarming smile, effortlessly charming.

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It s all right.

But Linsey, still flustered, asked curiously, Dolores, why were you taking pictures of us?

Dolores hesitated before breaking into a sheepish grin. I just wanted to capture this meaningful moment.

Meaningful? Linsey tilted her head in confusion, clearly not following.

Dolores chuckled softly and pinched her cheek with playful affection. Because now I ve seen with my own eyes there s someone else in this world who ll protect you. So if one day something happens to me I won t worry.

Don t say that! Linsey s voice rose, almost panicked. She grabbed her friend s hand tightly. Didn t your surgery go well? You ll live a long, healthy life. Don t ever jinx it!

The doctors had warned there was a risk of recurrence, and Dolores knew it. For a moment, the words trembled on her lips, but when she met Linsey s earnest gaze, she swallowed them back silently.

I understand, she said instead, feigning obedience with a small smile.

Relieved, Linsey exhaled and returned her smile. Good. Now have you finished packing your things?

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