"Try standing up on your own."


    ra slowly leaned against the wall and managed to stand up. Her leg was wrapped in bandages that were now tinged with blood. He watched the bloodstain for a moment before extending his hand toward her.


    ra carefully took his hand, whispering a soft thank you as she did. He paused in his steps, standing silent for a good half-minute before letting out a gentle sigh.


    By the time ra was back in the bedroom, her face was noticeably pale. Dn brought in a first aid kit and gently unwrapped the bandages from her leg. The injury was on her thigh, so she had to awkwardly roll up her dress, revealing her long, fair legs. Though initially embarrassed, she noticed Dn kept his focus on re-bandaging the wound, quickly looking away once he was done.


    ra was about to ask him something, but he turned away, setting the first aid kit aside and switching off the light. With the room plunged into darkness, she felt a mix of emotions-first his anger, then a sense of him avoiding something. Not being the most perceptive with such matters, she settled into the couch.


    "Good night, Mr. Dn."


    "Hmm."


    That short exchange was thest of their conversation. The room fell into silence, but outside, a storm brewed over a mysterious recording. Everyone in their social circle was obsessing over whether it was real.


    It wasn''t long before someone from the Bradford family imed ra had faked the recording and promised she''d clear things up soon. People had always heard tales of ra''s spite and knew she wasn''t fond of her sister, who''d recently returned to their family.


    [I never thought it was faked. It didn''t sound like the Quinn I know. She''s always so gentle.]


    [The Bradford family must have the patience of saints. ra''s caused so much trouble, and they still haven''t kicked her out.]


    [But I know someone in the business who says the recording wasn''t doctored. So what''s the real story?]


    [Guess we''ll find out when ra speaks up.]


    Everyone was just waiting to see what would happen next. Meanwhile, Quinn was panicking. She wanted to call ra and urge her to admit the recording was fake, but ra had blocked her. She even tried to vent to Simon, but he didn''t answer.


    Her frustration boiled over, leading her to pressure Colton to act fast-ideally by kidnapping ra to make her confess to everything and then disappear for good.


    *


    ra shamelessly stayed at Palm Bay for three days until she could walk


    normally again. At dinner, she nced at Dn and quickly spoke up.


    "Mr. Dn, I''ll be heading out soon. I need to deal with Colton. He''s Quinn''spdog, and if she cries to him, he''lle after me. I need to nip this in the bud."


    "Hmm."


    Dn''s responses were always brief, andtely, he seemed upset, though she couldn''t be sure if it was just her imagination. The angrier he seemed, the quieter he got. His face was usually a nk te, but ra noticed the slight downturn of his lips when he was upset.


    Dn was a puzzle, but she was sure of one thing: he was a good man! Feeling a


    bit on edge, she poked at her food with her fork.


    "Once I handle Colton, I''ll drop by and help you get some rest. I hope you won''t mind, Mr. Dn."


    She felt a bit sheepish saying it, but she couldn''t think of any other way to thank him. Dn didn''tck for anything except maybe a good night'' sleep. And she just happened to be able to help with that, so she boldly offered.


    He looked up at her, and the corners of his lips, which had been slightly downturned, lifted a bit.


    "Hmm."


    Oddly enough, ra''s spirits lifted too, and she even finished an extra helping of food!


    After leaving Palm Bay, she headed


    straight home but barely stepped out of the car before noticing a luxury car waiting for her. Her heart skipped a beat as several well-trained bodyguards emerged. They were clearly not your average guys. They didn''t rough her up but instead gave a slight nod.


    "Miss ra, Mr. Ferguson wishes to see you."