hapter 220 Growing Closer
Jean hadn’t expected Carl to exin himself so directly and cleanly.
His expression was cold and serious, and his eyes stared straight at her without wavering.
She blinked at him, unsure of how to respond.
This version of Carl definitely made her feel a bit… out of her depth.
In the end, she nodded toward him and smiled. “Mm, I got it-”
01/01
Finished
“If you didn’t know, then Queenie acted on her own.” Jean arched a brow, and though her paleplexion still showed signs of illness, her eyes were sharp and spirited. “So promise me, don’t let Queenie off the hook, okay?”
“You’ve got to punish her properly–do it for me!”
Carl didn’t respond immediately. But after hearing her words, the corners of his tightly pressed lips lifted ever so slightly, forming a faint, subtle curve.
He smiled.
Jean paused for a moment.
It was like a frost–covered flower had finally revealed a single soft petal under the first touch of sunlight-
The ice had melted, and beauty bloomed through.
She realized–she’d hardly ever seen this man smile.
Was what I said <i>really </i><i>that </i><i>funny</i><i>? </i>
Her eyes shifted as she thought.
Then <i>I’d </i><i>better </i><i>say </i>stuff <i>like </i><i>that </i><i>more </i><i>often</i><i>! </i>
She liked seeing Carl smile. When he smiled, he actually seemed a bit more human.
Carl heard her thoughts, of course. He didn’t say anything, just quietly watched his little sister-
And somehow, the cold stillness in his chest was warmed by something soft and unfamiliar.
“You haven’t fully recovered, so stay here and rest for now.” Carl suddenly shifted the topic, his tone cool but steady.
Jean opened her mouth to speak, but before she could get a word out, Carl continued, as if he already knew what she was about to say. “You don’t have to worry about the Ginger family. I’ve already called them. They know you’re with me.”
Bright surprise lit up Jean’s eyes.
<i>Didn’t </i><i>think </i><i>Carl </i><i>was </i><i>actually </i><i>this </i><i>reliable</i><i>. </i>
13:32 Tue, 6 May MM.
Chapter 220 Growing Closer
They’d bepletely freaked out.
She was relieved Carl had already made up an excuse and covered for her.
81%
Finished
Carl heard that thought and, for some reason, felt a faint, lingering sense of guilt in his chest.
If only he’d been firmer from the beginning–if he’d stopped Queenie from taking Jean into that room…
Maybe none of this would’ve happened.
Over the next few days, Jean continued staying at Secret Service headquarters.
After thorough observation and several health checks, the doctors finally confirmed she was fine, and she was allowed to leave the infirmary and return to her own room.
She spent most of her time indoors.
But every now and then, she’d go for a walk and get some air.
Just like Carl had said, Queenie really did disappear from her sight.
It was like she’d vanishedpletely.
As for the other Secret Service personnel she passed in the halls–their attitudes had clearly changed.
They nodded at her politely, some even with a hint of respectful deference…
It was obvious: they no longer saw her as just another suspect, but as someone Carl was closely connected with.
Was this… using the tiger’s might as <i>a </i><i>fox</i>? Jean thought with amusement.
Carl would drop by at random times each day to check on her. And ording to her requests, he’d bring her whatever snacks she wanted.
Most of the time, she was the one munching away, while Carl stood nearby, quietly watching her eat.
She didn’t know exactly what he was thinking.
But she could clearly feel-
Carl’s attitude toward her was softening.
And their rtionship was, without a word exchanged, slowly growing more and more close.
232