Kyson could barely make out Lucindas voice.


    Puzzled, he pressed further.


    Who are you with? Could Lucinda be involved in Dulcies disappearance? If that were the case, it would exin everything.


    Since youre not responding, Iming in.


    Lucindas voice trailed off as she swiped her card and entered the room, apanied by hotel staff pushing carts.


    Dulcie stood frozen, neither responding to Lucinda nor Kyson, simply standing in stunned silence.


    When Kyson recognized Lucindas voice, his tone softened.


    Are you with Lucinda? Dulcie rolled her eyes at Kysons sudden change in tone. So what if I am? she retorted.


    Ignoring her annoyance, Kyson pressed on.


    Are you guys in Medican? He had caught wind of Lucindas ns to travel overseas and was taken aback that she had departed so swiftly.


    He had even hoped to bid her farewell.


    As Kyson kept mentioning Lucinda, Dulcie grew increasingly disinterested and abruptly ended the call.


    At that moment, Lucinda walked into the bedroom of the suite.


    Noticing Dulcies distressed demeanor, she approached with concern.


    Whats wrong? You seem upset, she noted. Dulcie forced a faint smile and tried to appear casual.


    Its nothing, Lucinda.


    Havent you been sleeping? Lucinda motioned for the staff to serve some exquisitely prepared dishes.


    Its already noon, and since youve been so quiet, I thought we could have lunch together.


    We shouldnt let jetg get the better of us.


    Itll only make us feel worse, she suggested.


    Seeing the worry etched on Dulcies face, Lucinda guided her to the sofa, gently probing, Did Kyson call you? It appeared that only the man a woman deeply cared about could dampen her spirits this much.


    Dulcie remained silent, herck of response speaking volumes. Lucinda burst intoughter and turned to Dulcie, saying, Youve got to stop letting other peoples words and actions bother you so much.


    We can hold our own, without depending on men.


    Times have changed.


    No one can block your path or hold you back.


    You have to stand firm on your own.


    Remember, making yourself strong is the only way to win others respect.


    Lucinda was deeply empathetic to Dulcies situation, knowing she was too entangled in her troubles and desperately needed guidance.


    Lucinda had always seen Dulcie as a resilient individual.