They were back at the hospital, and it was the same doctor who had treated Seth before.


    He frowned as he examined the wound. "This same spot again?" he asked, his brow furrowed. "Last time it was shallow, so the scar wasn''t noticeable once it healed. This cut is much deeper. It''s definitely going to leave a mark."


    Noreen remembered thest time he''d been hurt. It was a car ident, she''d heard, on his way to a date with Bianca. Nothing serious. In fact, you wouldn''t even notice the faint scar unless you were looking for it. And as it happened, Noreen hadn''t looked closely at Seth in months. If the doctor hadn''t mentioned it, she would have forgottenpletely.


    She tilted her head, studying the gash on his forehead, her own brows knitting together. Her expression was aplicated mix of concern and something deeper a simmering frustration.


    Seth, sensing her thoughts, spoke in a low, steady voice. "Scar removal technology is very advanced these days. Don''t worry about it."


    Noreen said nothing. She wasn''t worried, just annoyed that she owed him yet another debt.


    After cleaning the wound, the doctor prepared to stitch it up. "You should have your girlfriend wait outside," he said to Seth. "Watching this can be a little brutal. We don''t want to scare the youngdy."


    Before Seth could respond, Noreen rified, "I''m not his girlfriend."


    Seth''s gaze flickered toward her, azy, unreadable nce.


    In the end, Noreen left the room anyway. She didn''t return until long after the doctor had finished. He was left to give all the post-treatment instructions to Seth directly, along with a prescription for an anti-inmmatory IV drip.


    When Seth walked out of the treatment room, his eyes instinctively scanned the waiting area. There was still no sign of her. He nced down at the medical forms in his hand and gave a faint, wry smile before heading toward the infusion room to find a nurse.


    He''d only taken a few steps when he heard her voice call his name.


    "Seth."


    He stopped, turning back. There was a flicker of something in his eyes as he looked at her. She must have gone out to buy something; she was holding a shopping bag.


    As she drew closer, Seth said coolly, "I was starting to think you''d just leave me here."


    Noreen''s expression was impassive. "I''m not that heartless."


    He was injured because of her, after all. She couldn''t just abandon him. It was a matter of responsibility, nothing more.


    Just as Seth was about to say something, Noreen cut him off. "I''ve arranged for a caregiver toe. He should be here any minute. You can ask him for anything you need. I also bought some water and snacks in case you get hungry. Colby will stay here, and once your IV is finished, he''ll drive you home."


    She had arranged everything perfectly, yet with a distinct sense of detachment. It was a clear line draw in the sand, a message that she wanted no involvement beyond


    her sense of duty. ''


    Seth didn''t argue. "You can send Colby home," he said. "Someone ising to pick me up."


    Though he didn''t say a name, Noreen assumed he meant Bianca. Bianca had met Colby and knew he worked for Noreen. Seth was likely trying to avoid any misunderstandings.


    Noreen didn''t press the issue. Just then, the caregiver she''d hired


    ol


    arrived. She introduced him to Seth, gave him her number, and told him to call if there were any problems.


    With everything settled, she left without a backward nce.


    By the time Gillian arrived from the police station, she found Seth alone with the caregiver.


    "Where''s Ms. Gilmore?" she asked instinctively.