<b>Chapter </b><b>25 </b>


    Several years had passed, and the man had changed almost beyond recognition.


    His features were sharp and chiseled, every line of his face cold and distant. He stood tall and straight, dressed in a perfectly tailored ck suit. A wooden prayer bracelet circled his wrist, an odd, earthy touch that only emphasized the sense of aloofness he carried with him. There was an intimidation about him–a pressure that came from years of being inmand, the kind that made people instinctively keep their distance.


    He was no longer the boy she used to chase after, calling him “brother” with childish affection. Whatever had once connected them was gone. They were different people


    now.


    A crowd gathered around him, but unlike Frank, whose charm and courtesy won over every room, Rowan only acknowledged the attention with a curt nod. Whether people sought his approval or tried to tter him, he remained silent, barely bothering to speak. His dark eyes drifted past her with idle indifference, then moved on, as if she were a


    stranger.


    “Elissa?”


    Cliff appeared at her side, his timing a wee relief. The tension finally eased from her shoulders. “Come on, it’s time for the ribbon–cutting.”


    “Yes<i>, </i><i>of </i>course.” Elissa replied quickly, determined to ignore the eyes she could feel on her back. She wasn’t the one who’d done something wrong all those years ago. What did she have to <i>be </i>afraid of?


    The ribbon–cutting was held at the front entrance of the institute. As she stepped outside, Elissa saw that everything was ready. The staff waited, scissors in hand, for the guests of honor to take their ces.


    Elissa and Cliff, representing Aaron, were given spots close to the center. The winter wind stung her cheeks, but she forced herself to focus, epting the scissors from a staff member and listening intently to the host’s speech. All she needed to do was cut the ribbon, and she could leave.


    “I never imagined you’d find time to attend in person,” the institute director gushed as he led Rowan to the center. “If I’d known, I would have picked you up from the airport myself. I hope you’ll forgive the inadequate wee.”


    Since Rowan had taken the helm of the Murphy family, he’d thrown himself into the medical field with ruthless efficiency. Now, not only did he own elite private hospitals, but also some of the world’s top research facilities. Everyone wanted a connection with him.


    13:32


    When the invitation went out, no one expected Rowan himself would actually show up.


    Hearing the voices, Elissa turned slightly and saw the tall, imposing man standing at her side. Her knuckles whitened around the scissors. She didn’t even have to look–his subtle, woodsy cologne was the same one she’d known since childhood.


    Rowan took his ce beside her, his voice even and distant as he responded to the director. “You tter me.”


    As he moved, his elbow brushed lightly against Elissa’s arm, but he didn’t seem <i>to </i>notice. He didn’t spare her so much as a nce.


    She instinctively shifted away. Cliff, noticing her difort, assumed she was uneasy around unfamiliar men and leaned in, voice gentle. “Would you like to switch ces?”


    “Yes, please.”


    She answered without hesitation, and Cliff, concerned about the crowd pressing around them, slipped an arm around her shoulder to guide her to the other side.


    After the ribbon was cut, Elissa felt as if a weight had been lifted from her chest.


    The institute had arranged a luncheon, but she had no intention of staying. After a quick word with Cliff, she excused herself, iming she wasn’t feeling well.


    Outside, Elissa waited in the cold, trying and failing to hail a cab.


    A long, ck sedan pulled up beside her, horn beeping softly. Rowan’s assistant stepped out and opened the back door with a respectful nod. “Miss, it’s freezing. Let us take you back to your hotel.”


    She nced up and immediately saw Rowan seated in the back, his posture rxed, a couple of shirt buttons undone at the cor–a striking contrast to the icy reserve he’d shown at the event. He looked more at ease, though only just.


    When she hesitated, Rowan spoke up, his tone cool. “Should I get out and invite you in myself?”


    The simple question swept away her awkwardness, recing it with a flicker of irritation. Her reply was polite but edged with coldness. “I wouldn’t dare trouble Mr. Murphy to lower himself for my sake.”


    Mr. Murphy. The words drew a clean, unmistakable line between them.


    Rowan met her gaze. “Then get in.”


    “No, thank you.”


    He nced back toward the institute. “Do you want to stand here until everyone elsees out and sees that you know me?”


    13:32


    She frowned, jaw tight, and got into the car with brisk efficiency, making it clear she didn’t appreciate being maneuvered.


    No one spoke. The silence in the car was heavy and uneasy.


    Then, as the car made a turn, Elissa finally broke it. “This isn’t the way to the hotel.”