When ra came to, she realized she was already back at the hotel.


    She could hear Eden sobbing, "Dn, please, don''t be mad at me, okay?"


    Through the door, Dn''s voice was chilly, yet there was a touch of indulgence mixed in.


    "Just this once."


    Eden instantly brightened up, "I knew you wouldn''t stay mad at me! Dn, when are we heading back to the city? ra''s been asleep forever, it''s so irresponsible!"


    ra was fuming. This whole mess was totally Eden''s doing, but since Dn wasn''t holding her ountable, ra didn''t feel she had any right to argue.


    Her head was pounding as she checked her phone and saw she had been out for two days straight.


    As soon as she got up, she heard the sound of wheels. Dn pushed open the door and entered.


    Remembering the kiss, ra took a deep breath, trying to stay calm and collected.


    "Mr. Dn, I''ve made up my mind. Once we''re back in the city, I''m nning to resign. Anna still needs me, and I intend to spend some time at the Bradford family''spany."


    The sound of the wheelchair halted abruptly; he remained seated, unmoving.


    ra turned, offering him a polite smile. "I hope you''ll approve, Mr. Dn."


    His throat moved with difficulty, his fingers gripping the wheelchair handles tightly. All his emotions simmered beneath the surface, but ra could still sense a chill.


    "Why?" he asked.


    "It''s just to avoid any awkwardness. After what happened, I can''t just act like nothing did. Plus, I have a feeling Cedric will soon have you meeting someone new. The Ferguson family''s had a lot going ontely; it''s time for some good news."


    She got up and checked the project itinerary on her phone. The day after she was brought back, Dn and his team went to explore the ind, negotiating the project details for a whole day and night.


    ra had slept through it all, missing everything, but it also meant she could head back to the city.


    Dn watched her closely, trying to pick up on any other emotions, but when she talked about quitting, she seemedpletely at ease.


    His breathing became heavy, the veins in his hands standing out.


    After a long pause, he turned away, his voice hoarse, "Do as you wish."


    "Thank you, Mr. Dn. I''m nning to take the train back. I''ll get my ticket soon and might head out tonight."


    Dn''s shoulders stiffened, but he just grunted in acknowledgment and left.


    Once the door closed, ra let out a deep breath andy back down.


    Her fever had subsided, leaving her with stark memories of that night.


    She remembered Dn''s tongue entwining with hers, his breath mingling with hers, the pressure of his fingers on her chin, his dark, brooding eyes full of unspoken thoughts.


    Staying at Ferguson Corporation any longer could be a recipe for disaster; it was better to leave sooner rather thanter.


    During dinner, Aiden couldn''t hold back his curiosity.


    "Did you and the boss have a fight?"


    ra was caught off guard. What ce did she have to fight with Dn?


    "No, I just said I''d resign once we got back."


    Aiden gave her a look full of concern and hesitation, then asked, "Do you really have to leave? Ferguson Corporation pays well, and the boss treats you nicely. Did something happen on the ind?"


    A flicker of unease crossed ra''s eyes. "No."


    "ra."


    "Hmm?"


    "Why don''t you stay? Even if you go to the Bradford family, the boss will still call


    you when he can''t sleep. You promised him that."


    "Sorry, Aiden, but I have something to do now. I have to go."


    "ra!"


    Aiden was genuinely worried, wanting to follow her, but ra disappeared quickly.


    He stood there, ncing at the distant figure who had been sitting silently, then sighed.


    ra hurried back to the hotel, packed her things, and rushed to the station to catch a train.


    By the time she returned to the city, she was utterly exhausted.


    She didn''t hand in her resignation to Ferguson Corporation in person; she simply emailed Dn and thenfortably stayed home for two days.


    On the third day, she awoke to find the roompletely dark, despite leaving the lights on before sleeping.


    Rubbing her eyes, she noticed a silhouette sitting by the window, unsure of how long they had been there.


    "Z?"


    She called out, realizing she hadn''t been in touch these past few days.


    His voice was hoarse as he asked, "Where''s the shell?"


    ra froze. She had forgotten about the shell because of what happened with Dn at Azure Shores.


    "Sorry, I forgot. If you want, I can go collect some more another day."


    Z strode forward, standing before her. "What can you remember? You''ve been back for days and haven''t sent me a single message. Even a dog gets a treat now and then! You don''t see me as your boyfriend; you''re just pitying me..."


    ra''s expression darkened. She had indeed been avoiding the situation, unsure how to tell Z about the kiss with Dn, fearing his anger.


    Not mentioning it felt wrong too.


    In her indecision, she had avoided dealing with it.


    Hearing his usation, she suddenly felt weary.


    "ra, you don''t really like me. If I don''t reach out, you forget about me. You still despise me as you did before. You used me and then turned your back, chasing after the senior you adore. Your eyes are always on him. You hate me, you..."


    His rant abruptly stopped, his tone turning dangerous, "Are you ying me?"