?Chapter 1353:


    It was as if his famed silver tongue simply abandoned him whenever she was near.


    The smooth, effortless charm he usually wielded with women deserted him entirely in Davina’s presence.


    Maybe it was because he cared too much. Because every word, every nce, mattered when it came to Davina. He was terrified of saying the wrong thing, of hurting her without meaning to.


    Ralphy risked a nce in her direction. Davina stood quietly, her expression calm yet unreadable. His mouth opened, then closed again—no sound came out.


    He turned to Christina instead. “Uh… where are you heading?”


    “I have some personal matters to take care of,” Christina replied vaguely. She had no intention of revealing her uing family reunion.


    Her family had agreed to keep it confidential, at least for now.


    “Oh.” Ralphy immediately ran out of conversation.


    Since she had called it a private matter, it would be impolite to pry further.


    Just then, Christina gasped softly. “Oh no—I left my phone inside.” She turned toward Davina with a faint smile. “Davina, could you grab it for me?”


    She had left her phone behind on purpose. She hoped to catch a private word with Ralphy.


    “Sure,” Davina said, nodding before heading back into the room.


    As soon as she was out of earshot, Ralphy lowered his voice. “You asked her to leave on purpose, didn’t you? Is there something you want to tell me?”


    Christina hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Yes. Davina hasn’t been in a good statetely. I need you to keep an eye on her while I’m gone. If I didn’t have pressing matters to deal with, I wouldn’t be asking this of you.”


    Ralphy’s expression turned serious. “Don’t worry. You can count on me. I’ll stay by her side,” he assured her.


    Christina’s gaze softened. “She’s been suppressing her pain for so long. Now that everything has finallye out, she’s… lost. Her anger is gone, but so is her sense of direction. She keeps sinking into guilt and sorrow.”


    ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ??????????ν??????﹒??????


    Christina patted his shoulder, her tone sincere. “Take her out, keep herpany, help her rediscover herself. Don’t let her drown in the past. Right now, she needs someone to help her see the world again. Whether Davina can quickly ovee her emotional turmoil depends on you now.”


    She could only guide things this far—the rest would depend on Ralphy.


    Ralphy nodded, determination shing in his eyes. “I understand. I’ll do my best to bring her some happiness.” He genuinely wanted to help Davina in any way he could.


    Momentster, Davina returned with the phone in hand.


    Christina took it, smiling warmly. “Take care of yourself, Davina.”


    “I will.” Davina stepped forward, wrapping her arms around her in a gentle embrace. “You too.”


    “If anything happens, promise me you’ll call,” Christina said.


    “I will,” Davina replied, releasing her slowly. A sincere smile curved her lips—one filled with quiet strength and genuine joy for her friend.


    Davina was truly happy for Christina.


    She had finally found her family, and Davina could only hope they cherished her the way she deserved. .


    .


    .