Miles Hawthorne’s face was pale. His throat was so hoarse that it hurt just to breathe.

But seeing her lost expression made his heart ache. He said, "I’m a pretty stubborn person. Once I start something, I don’t back down easily. So, you shouldn’t think about backing down either. Whatever you want, I can help you achieve it."

But Chloe Reed couldn’t muster a shred of fighting spirit. Everything that had happened today made her realize with sharp clarity that she was no match for Walker Grant.

In fact, if she pushed him too far, he would become completely reckless.

And that would just end up dragging more people into it.

She was so worried about Miles Hawthorne.

But Miles Hawthorne’s stance was so firm.

It left her feeling lost.

Chloe Reed buried her face in her hands, completely dejected and defeated.

"Sigh..."

Miles Hawthorne sighed. "Chloe Reed, are you going to drop the lawsuit, compromise with him, and go back to living that same miserable life?"

His voice was slow as he painted a picture of her future. "He’ll shuttle between you and Sunny Reed. He’ll put Noah Grant first. You’ll always be the backup plan. Is that the kind of life you want?"

Chloe Reed took a deep breath and lowered her hands. Her clear eyes were tinged with red, but her gaze had grown firmer.

"Okay, I’ll do as you say."

She wasn’t dropping the lawsuit.

A relieved smile touched Miles Hawthorne’s lips. "It’s not about doing as I say. It’s about staying true to what you really want. Chloe Reed, you have to always, always choose to love yourself."

Chloe Reed was deeply moved. "I still have to say I’m sorry," she said.

"Okay, I accept. And I forgive you." Miles Hawthorne smiled at her. "But I’m exhausted right now. I want to get some sleep." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Okay, I won’t disturb you."

"You should go home. I can’t rest properly with you here." Miles Hawthorne began trying to send her away.

Chloe Reed hesitated. "But I don’t feel right leaving you here alone."

Miles Hawthorne gave her a surprised look. "What, are you going to protect me?"

Chloe Reed was speechless.

"Alright, go on now," Miles Hawthorne said gently. "It’s late. Go home and get some proper rest. The road ahead is going to be tough, after all. You need to keep your spirits up."

His demeanor was gentle, and the way he looked at her was consistently soft yet firm—as warm and reassuring as the kind older brother next door.

Chloe Reed nodded. "Okay. Goodbye."

"Mm."

As he watched Chloe Reed turn and leave, Miles Hawthorne closed his eyes and slowly exhaled.

...

Chloe Reed left the hospital. By now, it was late at night. The wind had a slight chill, and as it blew against her, it carried an inexplicable coldness.

"Chloe."

Just then, Nathaniel Monroe’s voice called out.

Chloe Reed turned to see him walking toward her, a nervous expression on his face. "How’s Miles Hawthorne?" he asked.

Chloe Reed’s gaze was frigid. "If you want to know how he is, why don’t you go in and see for yourself?"

Nathaniel Monroe scratched his head. "I’m... too embarrassed to go in. I was there, after all, and I didn’t dare stop Walker..."

’When Walker goes crazy, it’s terrifying.’

That’s why he’d called Chloe Reed, hoping her presence could change things. But who would have thought it would end up like this?

Chloe Reed looked away. "If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving."

"Wait..." Nathaniel Monroe blocked her path. "There is something."

"What is it?" Chloe Reed’s brow furrowed slightly. Her attitude toward him was already cold and distant.

Nathaniel Monroe sensed her coldness but forced himself to continue. "It’s... Walker. He’s in the hospital, too. He’s injured. Do you... want to go see him?"