Doretta and Charlie both hoped the situation would quicklye to an end to avoid anyplications.


    Any unexpected turn of events could put Nicole at risk.


    "That should be the case." Seeing Doretta''s smile, Charlie also cracked a smile.


    Suddenly, a fierce wind blew, carrying sand and howling as it passed.


    "Be careful." Charlie instinctively pulled Doretta into his arms to shield her from the gust.


    Leaning against Charlie''s chest, Doretta felt her heartbeat uncontrobly quicken, a strange sensation


    for her.


    After the wind passed, everything returned to calm.


    Charlie released Doretta, looking down to ask, "Are you okay?"


    Tm fine," Doretta replied, stepping back awkwardly to put some distance between them.


    The sudden nervousness made her feel uneasy, even unable to look directly at Charlie.


    Charlie paused, only then realizing what he had just done.


    Rubbing his hands together awkwardly, Charlie also looked away.


    ****


    In San Joto, Er came to pick up Patricia from work.


    Seeing her lost in thought, Er let out a sigh and suggested, "If you''re that worried, maybe you should


    go to them."


    "What!" Patricia was surprised. She hadn''t expected Er to say something like that.


    "Being here and worrying won''t help. You might feel better if you''re part of their n. I think that''s the


    only way you''ll stop worrying." Er held Patricia''s hand, showing he understood her concern.


    He knew Patricia was worried not just about Nicole, but also Charlie and her old team.


    "But..." Patricia hesitated. She did feel drawn to help, but now she also had Er, which made her


    unsure.


    "Don''t say ''but.'' I worry about you too, but I believe you should do what feels right to you." Er secretly


    hoped she wouldn''t leave, but he knew she wouldn''t be happy staying.


    "I..." Patricia felt moved by his understanding.


    "Don''t worry about the Riddle Corporation. Sean, Steve, and Lulu are there. They''ll be fine. Follow your


    heart; I''m behind you," Er encouraged her, squeezing her hand softly.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    With her eyes slightly reddened, Patricia said gratefully, "Er, thank you." "No need to thank me. Just


    promise me you''lle back safely," Er said with a smile.


    "I will. Not just me, all of US will return safely." "Then let''s go back and pack up, and I’ll take you to the


    airport for the evening flight," Er said.


    Patricia nodded. "Okay."


    Soon, after a quick pack at the apartment, Er drove Patricia to the airport.


    Hand in hand, they walked to the departure gate, a palpable sense of


    reluctance surrounding them.


    Til wait for you all toe back safely," Er suddenly said, holding Patricia back.


    "Don''t worry, we wille back safely,'' Patricia nodded in assurance.


    Holding Patricia''s hands, Er said with deep affection, "When youe back, let''s get married."


    Caught off guard by his sudden proposal, Patricia blushed, but she shyly nodded.


    Seeing Patricia''s endearing look, Er couldn''t help but swallow hard, then cupped her cheeks and


    gently kissed her lips.


    When it was time to board, Patricia left.


    Er watched the ne take off. It soar across the sky until it disappeared from view.