Dressed in a trench coat, Bernard''s face was dark as he leaned against the wall.


    "I didn''t expect to run into such a mess right after dinner. It looks like Javerton City''s thugs aren''t any better than those in Marven City."


    "Mr. ke, there was no need for you to step in yourself. Your safety...''


    Bernard simply waved a hand dismissively. "Why else would I learn martial arts if not for moments like these?"


    "You''re the one who saved Serena?"


    Hugh''s usually immacte suit was slightly disheveled, his hurried steps betraying his anxiety. He strode straight to the door and nced inside to check on Serena.


    He then turned his gaze toward Bernard, who was surrounded by bodyguards.


    "I was just passing by."


    Bernard tilted his head, noticing the genuine concern in Hugh''s eyes. Only then did he gesture for his men to leave.


    Chandler, who arrivedte, exchanged a nce with the departing group and walked over to Hugh with a serious expression.


    "Mr. Larson, should we look into this man?"


    "Forget about him." Hugh''s icy gaze cut through the ss,nding on Serena inside the room. "Find out who had the audacity toy a hand on my wife in Javerton City."


    The air around Hugh grew increasingly terrifying, causing Chandler to shiver involuntarily and quickly order an investigation.


    With the situation settled, Hugh stayed by Serena''s bedside without a word.


    Night fell, and the first light of dawn crept in.


    Serena slowly opened her eyes, immediately seeing Hugh beside her. He really


    came.


    Her hand under the nket unconsciously gripped the sheet. She was excited by his presence yet worried about him.


    His dark circles were heavy. And he was still in his suit, looking as if he hadn''t rested all night.


    "Sorry for taking up your time."


    The slight joy in Hugh''s eyes was shattered by her casual remark. Did she only think she was taking up his time?


    Hugh''s mind shed back to the photos Chandler had gatheredst night. Thinking of the untouched knife lying on the ground, his expression darkened.


    "You''re an adult. And you still think it''s fine to drink whatever is put in front of you?"


    If it weren''t for that drink, she wouldn''t have ended up in danger.


    If Bernard hadn''t arrived in time, Hugh didn''t even want to imagine the oue.


    Serena had assumed the water was safe since it was brought by the bistro''s attendant.


    Noticing the obvious displeasure in Hugh''s eyes, she seemed to understand something. Her face paled slightly as she lowered her gaze.


    "Sorry, I won''t do it again. I''ll be more careful next time. I won''t cause trouble for you or embarrass you. I should''ve been more cautious. I''m sorry."


    Apology after apologypletely ignited Hugh''s anger. Was he angry over such trivial matters?


    Serena... She didn''t even care about herself!


    Did she really believe his biggest concern was the Larson family''s reputation after all the worry he had gone through?


    Hugh almostughed from sheer rage. But his expression only grew colder.


    Finally, unable to suppress his anger any longer, he stood up slowly and said, "Enough. Get some rest."


    Hugh turned and left in anger. Hepletely failed to notice the surprise and confusion in Serena''s eyes behind him.


    Just moments ago, Hugh was a trustworthy ally, watching over her all night. Now, why did he leave the second she apologized?