Kyle Grant stood motionless, his dark gaze fixed on Sophia Laurent.

His right leg bore a slight limp as he turned away, his retreating figure radiating profound loneliness.

Ethan Sullivan immediately noticed the injury. His brow furrowed as he instructed the bodyguard behind him, "Assist Mr. Grant."

Sophia looked at Ethan in surprise.

This was unlike him.

Normally, just hearing Kyle's name would darken his expression.

Yet today, he'd taken the initiative to offer help.

Ethan casually ruffled her hair. "Hungry? Let's get something to eat."

Sophia was indeed famished.

Her legs felt weak, her steps unsteady.

They'd only taken a few steps when Ethan suddenly swayed.

With the tension gone, a splitting headache and the burning pain in his arm overwhelmed him.

Sophia quickly steadied him. "Are you trying to kill yourself?"

Ethan pressed his temples, his voice hoarse. "You're more important than my life."

Those five simple words sent a tremor through Sophia's heart.

She called for a bodyguard to help support him as they walked out.

The sunlight was blinding.

Pausing beneath a tree, Ethan suddenly cupped Sophia's face in his hands.

His gaze was intense, as if beholding a priceless treasure.

He'd nearly lost her.

The thought made him tighten his arms, locking her securely against him.

Sophia squirmed slightly. "I need to use the restroom."

She'd been holding it in while trapped underground.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Number one or two?"

"Keep your voice down!" Sophia's ears burned.

"I'll stand guard," he insisted.

Who would be around in this wilderness?

Unable to argue, Sophia ducked behind a tree, her face flushed.

When she returned, Ethan had prepared a meal.

Abalone rice, durian crepes, mango pomelo sago—all her favorites.

Everyone else got boxed lunches.

Natalie Sullivan nibbled a chicken leg, eyeing Sophia's lobster longingly.

Her brother truly favored his lover over his sister!

Sophia shared half with Natalie and Iris Evans.

Glancing back, she caught sight of Kyle.

She hesitated, wondering if she should offer him some too.

Ethan noticed that fleeting pause.

Outwardly composed, inwardly his emotions churned like an overturned spice rack.

His earlier magnanimity had been an act.

Who could truly remain indifferent?

Unless they didn't care.

While cleaning up after the meal, Sophia noticed blood seeping through Ethan's sleeve.

"Did your wound reopen?" Her voice tightened.

"Just a scratch," he dismissed.

Sophia insisted on taking him to the hospital, but Ethan said, "Mr. Grant is injured too. Let's go together."

The suggestion aligned perfectly with her thoughts.

Kyle had been hurt rescuing her.

After settling them both in, Sophia prepared to return to work.

Ethan caught her hand, refusing to let go.

He said nothing, but his gaze was clingy.

Sophia couldn't resist him like this.

She sat down, adjusting his IV drip before gently massaging his temples.

"Why did you block me that day?" she suddenly asked.

Ethan clasped her hand. "Put yourself in my shoes—if I brought Isabella Valentine home late at night, and she was naked—"

Sophia's expression instantly darkened.

The mere thought was suffocating.

Ethan pinched her cheek. "See? You can't stand it either."

He raised his hands in surrender. "My bad."

The speed of his apology made Sophia burst into laughter.