?Chapter 421:


    Overwhelmed by pain, Rory crumpled to the floor.


    With a look of contempt, Louis released Rory.


    Kiera’s eyes fluttered open to find Louis looking down at her, an unfamiliar seriousness in his gaze. This was a new expression on him. He usually greeted her with a grin.


    Louis extended a hand toward her, his movements deliberate.


    Kiera looked at his hand, momentarily lost.


    “Not standing up?” Louis asked, his voice even.


    Kiera nodded, her response tentative.


    Louis waited patiently, his hand outstretched without a hint of impatience. Eventually, Kiera mustered the courage to reach out and delicately ced her hand in his.


    Louis gripped it securely, providing her with steady support. Even once Kiera was stable, he maintained his hold.


    Louis pointed at Rory, sprawled on the floor, and narrowed his eyes. “Did he bully you?”


    Kiera shot a nce at Rory and then averted her gaze, murmuring, “Yes.”


    With a sneer, Louis stepped on Rory’s wrist and coldly said, “Was it this hand that pushed her? Well, you clearly don’t need it anymore. I’ll make sure you regret using it.”


    His voice was cold, matching the menace of his smile. The disheveled blond hair that usually softened Louis’ features now seemed to underscore a darker side.


    Kiera felt her heart race. Suddenly, she realized he had been teasing her before and had never actually bullied her.


    Increasing the pressure on Rory’s wrist, Louis listened as Rory screamed in pain. “Ouch! I made a mistake! I won’t do it again! Please, release me!”


    Kiera heard the sickening snap of bones and felt her chest tighten with anxiety. The possibility of Rory’s hand breaking seemed real. She tugged softly at Louis’s sleeve.


    Looking down, Louis saw her pale face and her head shaking.


    With a sigh of frustration, Louis removed his foot.


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    Rory made a hasty retreat, scrambling and limping to safety.


    They were hidden behind the bay window, out of view and isted.


    Noticing Louis’s frown, Kiera gripped his clothing tighter and bowed her head. Her demeanor was timid and apologetic, as if she felt guilty.


    The frown on Louis’s face deepened. He had once found her subdued innocence endearing—often blushing and unable to respond to his teasing. But seeing her bullied by others sparked a fury within him. He wanted her to stand up for herself boldly.


    Louis caught her worried look and couldn’t bring himself to reproach her. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm his irritation. Forget it. If shecked fierceness, he would take it upon himself to protect her.


    Resolute, Louis yfully pinched her cheek. “I just helped you out, and you’re not even saying thank you?”


    His tone was lighthearted, as usual.


    Feeling less frightened, Kiera murmured, “Thank you.”


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