At that moment, all she craved was a simple reassurance from Kyson, even just a Im fine.


    After a pause, Kyson exined, Dont worry.


    Im in Medican on urgent business.


    Medican? That ce was known for its dangers.


    Why had he gone there? Worried, Dulcie inquired, Did you travel there alone? Did you take anyone with you? Realizing she was speaking to Kyson, the waiter discreetly exited, giving Dulcie privacy.


    I brought Kurt with me.


    Im not alone here; everything will be alright. His voice wasposed, seemingly oblivious to the date he had missed.


    Since he didnt mention it, Dulcie hesitated to bring it up.


    A lengthy silence ensued, and Dulcie felt her hand growing hot and mmy around the phone.


    Finally, Kyson broke the silence.


    Sorry for standing you up.


    Hearing Kysons apology, Dulcies tightly heldposure began to unravel.


    She bit her lower lip, her voice trembling as she fought back tears.


    Its okay. Is it urgent over there? Is it dangerous? Her mind raced with grim images of Medican-echoes of her time at Tuborg had painted a picture of constant warfare and chaos.


    Its not overly dangerous.


    The new venture here has hit a snag that requires my attention.


    I should be back in two days if all goes as nned.


    But ifplications arose, Kyson couldnt predict when he would return.


    He chose not to divulge the full gravity of the situation-hispanys employees had been taken hostage by a local gang demanding a hefty ransom.


    The gang, led by a notoriously ruthless figure, had threatened to execute a hostage every day until Kyson showed up. Driven by a sense of responsibility for his employees, Kyson knew he couldnt ignore the crisis.


    Dulcie recalled discussions among her colleagues about Shaw Groups recent expansion in Medican to mine precious stones for their jewelry division.


    The stakes must be high for Kyson to personally intervene.


    Go home now.


    You dont need to go to work while Im away, Kyson instructed.


    I promise to make it up to you for missing our date.


    Stunned, Dulcie held the phone a moment longer after Kysons reassurance-it was rare for him to exin his actions or acknowledge personal ns.