Orion stepped aside to take a call, returning to Lemira's side with a decision in mind. "I've got to head to the office to sort out some stuff. I'll be back for dinner. What are you in the mood for?" "I'm craving the signature dish from Bistrova. Can we get takeout from there?"

"If that's what you want, I'd pluck the stars from the sky to stir-fry them for you."

Lemira burst into laughter. Was he really making jokes like this?

Orion pinched her cheek gently. "There's that smile. Don't go around with a long face. It adds years."

Her cheeks warmed at his touch. "You better get going. I'll be fine on my own."

He gave her a long, deep look before turning to leave.

Around the corner, he spotted his PR team waiting. "Make sure Bistrova delivers her meals while she's in the hospital."

Debby nodded eagerly. "Of course, Mr. Everhart. Consider it done."

After Orion left, Lemira found herself alone in the small garden, watching ants move their colony, the sky looking like it was on the brink of a thunderstorm. Soon after, Lucian woke up.

Lemira entered his room. "Your condition's gotten worse. The doctor recommends more tests and to proceed with the surgery sooner."

"I know my condition. I had the surgery scheduled, but then this happened. With Asher away on business, I couldn't just ignore it."

"But this is out of your hands."

Lemira's tone was direct, her expression serious. "You'd be better off getting the surgery."

"I'll make sure Caspian realizes his mistake and apologizes to you."

Lemira didn't take the bait.

Since the live stream incident, she hadn't planned on showing Caspian any mercy.

Then Debby walked in. "Ms. Langston, the Langstons are here. They've been stopped in the hospital parking lot, uh, spotted by our team." "Perfect timing. Lucian, you'll be transferring hospitals. Go with them."

Lemira summoned a wheelchair for Lucian, escorting him to the underground parking.

In the elevator, Lucian couldn't help but speak. "Lemmy, with Caspian's career ruined and his face scarred, even surgery might leave marks."

Lemira's face was impassive. "Some thingsnoveldrama

d advise you to keep quiet."

their meaning when said

She knew Lucian's tendency to smooth things over, to make big issues small if possible.

But in situations like these, someone always had to lose for a resolution to be found. "Lemmy, I—"

"I'm not the one to lose out here, and your advice won't change my mind."

That shut Lucian up.

Exiting the elevator, Lemira pushed him to the parking lot where Asher, fuming with rage, confronted her. "Feeling guilty, so you're hiding in

here?" in

Lucian interjected, "Asher, must you be so hurtful?"

wn

"Hmph, I'm not wrong. Lemira, hiding in the hospital won't solve your problems. You think you can take on TG Group's PR team with your little stunt?'d advise you to clarify that the livestream was just a rehearsal, not domestic abuse."

Lemira's lips curled coldly. "Good thing I have my PR team."

"Think your PR can match TG's? You're new here, probably don't know the ropes." Asher's tone dripped with scorn.

Debby stepped forward. "Hello, Mr. Langston. I'm the PR manager for TG."

Asher's face froze. "Lemira, you went behind Caspian's back to poach his PR team? That's harsh."

Lucian intervened, "Asher, what are you saying?"

"Don't stop me!"

Asher's push sent Lucian tumbling from his wheelchair.

Lemira rushed to help, only to be shoved by Asher. "Don't pretend to care now."

Lemira scoffed, "He came out in a wheelchair, and you didn't even ask how he was."

"Being in a wheelchair isn't the end of the world."

"He's got stomach cancer."

That's when Asher finally panicked.