Vespera''s eyshes fluttered for a moment beforeing to a rest.


    Her body tensed, and her breathing seemed to freeze.


    Dominic immediately sensed the shift in her. He straightened up and adjusted the nket, making sure it was properly tucked in. After a moment, he quietly stepped back.


    Though she was awake, Vespera remained silent, not a word escaping her lips.


    "So, despite everything he had going on, he still found time to kiss me. Maybe he really does like me," she thought.


    But that was all it really was. Emotions wereplicated, and liking someone seemed almost trivial inparison. Yet, Vespera wasn''t any different. She, too, was simply fond of him.


    Half-asleep, she drifted back into slumber.


    When she awoke again, the ne had already touched down at Harborview Airport.


    Outside the window, the night had fallen, and the rain showed no signs of stopping.


    As Vespera stood at the ne''s door, a gust of wind swept in, jolting her awake and sending a shiver down her spine.


    A suit jacket slipped over her shoulders.


    Dominic stood quietly behind her.


    Vespera nced down at the jacket, her hand instinctively reaching to remove it.


    "Keep it on, Ms. Gildon. If you catch a cold, you won''t be able to work." Dominic''s voice came from behind, calm but tinged with a slight rasp, like the distant murmur of rain on a restless night.


    Vespera fell silent.


    His reasoning left little room for dispute.


    With the jacket on, she epted the umbre from Mia and descended the stairs.


    The rain still struck her face, but more unbearable than the chill was the lingering dampness—an eerie cold that seemed to seep deep into her bones.


    The car meant to pick them up had been waiting for some time.


    One by one, the four of them climbed in.


    The local team had received prior notice to amodate four people, so the car was reced with a spacious six-seater, ensuring ample room for everyone.


    Back on the ne, Gerard had already told Vespera they wouldn''t be staying at a hotel this time. Instead, they''d be heading to a vi in a prestigious residential neighborhood.


    He had even discreetly texted her some additional details.


    The vi was where Dominic had lived when he first arrived to study. Later, Fawn had arranged for his younger brother and Nancy to study there as well, and they all lived together under the same roof.


    In addition to Raymond, a few other staff members had been assigned to take care of them.


    Though no one lived there anymore, the vi was still impably maintained.


    In the past, Vespera might have been interested in hearing such backstories. But now, Dominic''s past held no appeal for her.


    When they arrived at the vi, the rain was still falling.


    Calvert carried the luggage inside, hauling it up the stairs one by one.


    It seemed he had finally picked up on the tension between Dominic and Vespera.


    He had barely spoken throughout the entire journey, and now that they had arrived, he preferred to keep himself upied.


    Meanwhile, Dominic made a beeline for the master bedroom.


    Though he seemed like a tireless machine, he was still human. His energy came from caffeine and pride, but the illusion of control was beginning to unravel.


    The truth was, he had pushed himself to the limit.


    Vespera and the others quietly split up the rooms, each retreating to their own space to rest.


    They werepletely drained.


    And on top of that, they still had to adjust to the time difference.


    It wasn''t just physical exhaustion; their minds were just as worn out.


    Fortunately, they didn''t have to go to the branch office today, giving them a much- needed chance to rest. If they had been expected to work after such a long day, it would have been unbearable.


    Vespera put her clothes away.<fn1d3d> Official source is find[?]ovel</fn1d3d>


    She took a shower but didn''t lie down. She''d gotten some rest on the ne, and while she wasn''t tired, a slight pang of hunger was starting to surface.


    She went downstairs, hoping to find something to eat in the fridge.


    All that was left was bread, sd, cheese, and fruit-none of which appealed to her. What she truly craved was something hot.


    After scanning the cabs, she settled on some pasta. It would have to do. At least it would be warm.


    Just as she began cooking, the doorbell rang.


    Vespera froze.


    Who could possibly be visiting at this hour?