Kris's heart soared, a grin stretching across his lips as Thalassa walked into the room with Luisa. She looked radiant in a simple yet elegant white dress, her dark hair swept to one side of her neck.

While Luisa shyly went to stand beside Alden, Thalassa paused at the foot of the bed, looking down at Kris with an awkward smile. It was the first smile he had received from her that wasn't tinged with anything negative. "How are you feeling, Kris? And don't tell me 'fine," she said, her voice gentle.noveldrama

"My shoulder hurts a bit, but not too much," he admitted, just happy that she was concerned.

Luisa stepped forward with Alden. "Kris, I didn't get the chance to thank you yesterday, but I can't express how grateful I am that you saved my life.'

Kris shifted in the bed, sitting up more as he smiled. "You have nothing to thank me for, Luisa. Besides, I wasn't the only one. Alden and your brother were all part of it."

"Yes, and I'm so grateful to both of them," Luisa said, glancing up at Alden with a slight blush before turning back to Kris. "But it was you who took the bullet for me."

"I also owe you my gratitude, Kris," Thalassa said hesitantly, her voice uncertain. "And my apologies, too."

"No. You have nothing to apologize for, La... Thalassa."

She shook her head. "No, I do. First, for accusing you of being behind the sabotage. You didn't deserve that. And also for calling you a liar when you tried to warn me about Clark. I'm sorry. I should've told you that I also had my suspicions and was investigating him."

Kris blinked in surprise since this was the first time he was hearing this. Alden jumped in to explain the attack on Thalassa outside the restaurant, how she later realized it was Clark behind it, and how that had prompted her to start investigating him. He also mentioned the micro-camera that had recorded Clark's confession the night before which could serve as strong evidence against him.

When Alden finished, Kris stared at Thalassa in awe. "If you had your suspicions, then why didn't you say anything? Why did you still keep that bastard around you?"

Thalassa pressed her lips together. "I wanted time to gather evidence. I couldn't confront him or send him away because I wasn't sure what he would do if he knew things weren't going his way. I figured it would be easier to control him if he thought I still trusted him." She turned to Luisa. "That's why I tried to change your mind at the restaurant when you told me he was dangerous. I was afraid he'd target you if he thought you were against him." Her expression hardened. "And that's exactly what he did. I'm so sorry." "Oh, Lassa, you have nothing to apologize for." Luisa pulled her into a brief hug. "You know what? Can we all stop talking about that bastard? He's ruining my mood. Let's just be glad he's in jail and will rot away thanks to that micro-camera." They all smiled, and Kris turned to the doctor, who was still in the room. "Doctor, where are the discharge papers?"

The doctor shook his head. "You're really determined to leave, huh? I still recommend staying for at least another day, but I suppose I can't stop you. Fine, I'll have the discharge papers prepared. But once you leave, you'll need someone to take care of you for at least a week. You'll need help with cooking, changing the bandages, adjusting the sling, and so on. You can't do that yourself-it'll put too much strain on your shoulder and delay the healing process, or worse, cause complications."

"I'm sure he won't lack any of that, doctor," Luisa interjected with a smile. "He has his family and maids who can take care of him."

Kris stiffened, exchanging a look with Alden. Luisa noticed the change in their expressions and asked, "Is something wrong?"

Alden explained, "Kris doesn't live with his family anymore. He hasn't for a while."

Thalassa tensed slightly, though her expression remained neutral, unlike Luisa, whose eyes widened. "What?"

"Yes," Alden continued. "Kris moved out of the family mansion the day Karen was released from jail. He couldn't stand being in the same house as her. He lives alone in a penthouse now."

Luisa recalled Kris mentioning last night while she was being chased that she was close to his penthouse and to drive towards him.

"If that's the case," the doctor began, looking at Kris, "I can have a nurse assigned to you. The problem is, she won't be available at all times-only during parts of her shifts. And there will be an extra cost, of course." "There's no need for that, doctor," Luisa suddenly said, drawing all eyes to her. "Kris can come live with us. I can take care of him myself."

Thalassa froze.