Pale but resolute, Vesta managed a weak smile. "I''m fine."


    A bystander had caught the terrifying moment on camera and uploaded it online. By that afternoon, the news of Thorne Henderson surviving a freak ident thanks to his racecar driver girlfriend throwing herself in harm''s way was trending everywhere.


    Charlene and Stewart Ferguson were far too busy to monitor the news, but the gossip spread through their social circles like wildfire. It didn''t take long for the story to reach them.


    Stewart actually called her about it. "Did you hear the news? About those two?"


    "Yeah," Charlene said.


    Stewart scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "What a deeply moving love story. Touching, really."


    Charlene just offered a quiet smile and said nothing.


    Stewart didn''t care to waste any more breath on them and smoothly transitioned the conversation back to business.


    Naturally, Irma Henderson and udia also saw the news. Watching the horrifying footage of the falling AC unit drained the color from their faces. They immediately called Thorne.


    When his phone rang, Thorne was still standing in the hospital room alongside Moran and the others.


    He stepped out into the hallway to answer. "Grandma, I''m perfectly fine."


    As soon as he hung up with Irma, udia and Lloyd Henderson called to check on him in quick session.


    While Irma hadn''t said much else, both udia and Lloyd explicitly asked about Vesta.


    "How is she doing?"


    "It''s a deepceration, but she''s going to be okay," Thorne replied.


    "Thank goodness."


    Inside the room, Granger, Moran, and the Hawkins and Spencer families knew exactly who was on the phone. Hearing Thorne ry the medical update, they realized the Henderson family was actively asking about Vesta.


    Given the context, checking in on her meant more than just basic gratitude. It was a clear signal that the Hendersons were softening their stance and preparing to ept her.


    The realization sent a jolt of irrepressible excitement through both families. If the Hendersons were finally dropping their objections, that meant Vesta and Thorne could finally-


    Out of respect for their past friendship, Gaylord Hearst stopped by the hospital that evening after work.


    Moran and Granger had already left, but both families and Thorne were still keeping vigil.


    Spotting Thorne, Gaylord gave a curt nod of acknowledgment. Thorne returned it.


    Vesta smiled when she saw him. "You saw the news too?"


    Gaylord nodded. He was only there out of basic courtesy. Seeing that she had good color in her cheeks and wasn''t in any critical danger, he exchanged a few polite words before excusing himself.


    Dalton Ramirez had also caught wind of the ident earlier that day.


    Learning that Vesta had survived


    without life threatening injuries brought him a wave of immense relief. But hearing the severity of the gash on her shoulder twisted his gut especially knowing she had taken the hit for Thorne.


    He had to fight the overwhelming urge to rush to the hospital. Ultimately, he forced himself to stay away.


    He didn''t go in person, but he had people keeping tabs. When he heard that Thorne had stayed by Vesta''s. bedside all day and refused to leave even as midnight approached, Dalton''s mood marginally improved.


    At least Thorne was doing the bare minimum this time.


    But then...


    The memory of what he had witnessed the night before shed in his mind, and his expression turned freezing cold.


    He had spent all ofst night debating whether to send those photos to Vesta.


    He had hesitated, and ultimately


    decided against it. The fact that


    Vesta was willing to risk her life for


    Thorne proved how deeply she still loved him. If this near death, experience finally snapped Thorne out of his mess and made himmit, Dalton was willing to pretend he never saw a thing.


    But if Thorne dared to y games with her again...


    Dalton''s gaze turned predatory.