Silence filled the ward. Ste sat by Jordan’s bedside, looking at his pale but calm face, and for the first time, she felt rxed. She just wanted him to live.

    Jordan’s eyelids twitched a little, and then he slowly opened his eyes.

    “Ste” His voice was barely a whisper, yet Ste heard it as clear as day.

    “I’m here.” Ste immediately took his hand. “How do you feel? Does it still hurt?”

    Jordan looked at her swollen eyes, wanting to wipe away her tears, only to find he didn’t even have the strength to lift his hand. “Don’t cry,” he said with a faint smile. “I’m fine.”

    “You’re faking it.” Ste’s tears started falling again. “The doctor said your injury was serious.”

    “It’s okay.” Jordan’s voice was soft and gentle. “I promised I would protect you forever. I’m not leaving you alone.”

    Ste held his hand, feeling the warmth in his palm, and her heart softened.

    However, Hasan’s warning rang in her head again. “Jordan is not a good man. If you stay with him, it will never end well

    She wanted to ask Jordan about the Quinn family to know if he had really gone after them, but looking iat /ihow weak he was, she swallowed the question.

    Now was not the time. He had only just escaped danger, and what he needed was rest, not interrogation.

    “What are you thinking about?” Jordan, ever perceptive, noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor.

    “Nothing.” Ste forced a smile. “I’m just worried about you.”

    Jordan looked at her for a moment, like he wanted to say something, but instead, he shut his eyes. “I’m a little tired. I want to sleep for a while.”

    “Go ahead. I’m right here with you.” Ste gently stroked his forehead, and when she was sure he was asleep, she slipped out

    of the room.

    Kevin was leaning against the wall in the corridor, waiting for her. He asked with concern, “How is he?”

    “The doctor said he’s fine now. He just needs to rest.” Ste let out a long breath of relief.

    Seeing the exhaustion written all over her, Kevin felt bad. “You need rest, too. You’ve been up all night.”

    “I’m not tired,” Ste shook her head. “Kevin, what Hasan said-”

    “Do you want me to investigate?” Kevin asked straight up.

    Ste hesitated for a second, then shook her head. “No, I want to hear it from Jordan.”

    “Are you sure?” Kevin looked surprised. “What if-

    “Yeah, I’m sure” Ste said firmly, “I trust Jordan. If he really did go after the Quinn family, then he had his reasons. I believe he wouldn’t hurt anyone without cause.”

    Kevin looked at her resolute expression, filled with both admiration and worry. He admired her unwavering faith in Jordan, yet feared that if Jordan was truly hiding something, the consequences would be unbearable.

    “Alright then.” Kevin nodded. “I’ll respect that, but if you need help, let me know.”

    10.22 Mon, 25 Aug @

    Thank you. Kevin Ste said sincerely. Thank you for standing by me all these years

    Kevin bwas /babout to speak when sudden footsteps interrupted him.

    “Ms. Hayes N hurried over, carrying a lunch box. “I heard that Mr. Erwin is in the hospital, so I brought some food to visit him.”

    “N, you don’t have to do this.” Ste was a little surprised.

    “I was worried about you,” N said with concern. “You haven’t eaten anything sincest nightb.” /b

    As she spoke, she hurried toward Ste, not noticing the puddle on the floor. With a startled cry, her foot slipped, and she fell forward.

    Instinctively, Kevin lunged forward to catch her, but N’s momentum was too strong. He lost his bnce as well, and the two of them tumbled to the ground together.

    What was worse, N’s lipsnded squarely against Kevin’s.

    Time seemed to freeze, and both of them stared wide–eyed at each other. N could feel his warm breath, and Kevin could smell her perfume.

    Ste gave a soft cough, shattering the awkward silence.

    N came back to her senses and scrambled off Kevin, blushing. Tm sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

    Kevin got up, embarrassed, though a strange feeling lingered in his chest. For that instant, his heart had raced wildly.

    “It’s okay.” He cleared his throat. “Are you alright?*

    “Yeah, I’m fine.” N shook her head, blushing.

    Watching their reactions, Ste couldn’t help butugh. She thought they were funny.

    “Alright, let’s go inside,” Ste said, changing the subject. “Jordan should be awake now.”

    The three entered the ward. Jordan looked tired, leaning against the bed. He gave a weak smile. “Hi, N.”

    “Mr. Erwin, how are you feeling?” N asked with concern. “I brought you some food.”

    “Thanks.” Jordan turned to Ste. “Have some. You haven’t eaten anything sincest night.”

    Ste nodded, taking the meal from N.

    Kevin stood aside, sneaking nces at N now and then, while she seemed visibly more nervous than usual.

    Though weak, Jordan’s senses remained sharp. He looked from Kevin to N with a knowing smile, thinking, ‘It seems quite a few interesting things have happened while I was here.

    However, what caught his attention most was the lingering shadow of worry on Ste’s face. He thought, What is she so troubled about? Is it my injury? Or is it something else?‘

    A faint unease stirred in Jordan’s heart. He had the sense that a storm wasing.