I hurried to the hospital and found Wesley’s room; before even stepping inside, I spotted Raelyn through the window, sprawled across his bed, cracking snacks and playing a game—completely at ease. Wesley sat beside her, looking utterly exasperated. “Raelyn, can you show me a little respect?” His complaint didn’t even register with her. Her eyes never left the screen; her tone was lazy. “How am I not respecting you? I came all the way here to take care of you.” “And then you take care of yourself right into my bed—what about me?” Wesley’s voice carried a tight edge of frustration. Raelyn finally glanced up at him, then gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I’m just used to playing games lying down.” She hopped off the bed. Holding up his IV bottle, Wesley grumbled nonstop. “I step away to the restroom for two minutes, and you’re already lying in my bed. Tell me, who’s taking care of who here…” Raelyn frowned. “Alright, I just laid down for a bit; don’t be so petty. Come on, let me help Mr. Wesley back into bed.” The sight made me chuckle; I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Raelyn froze when she saw me. I smiled warmly, feigning surprise. “Raelyn, you’re here too?” She shot me a look. “Why? I can’t be here?” Keeping my tone friendly, I said, “Of course you can; just seems like fate.” “Really? I’d call it bad luck.” Even Wesley looked startled at how bluntly she dismissed me; his expression shifted. He knew my personality well. I wasn’t the type to let anyone speak to me like that and walk away from it. People who’d tried had… disappeared. Turning to Wesley, I switched to a concerned expression. “Feeling any better? I heard about your injury a while ago and wanted to come back and visit, but things kept getting in the way.”Wesley quickly waved it off. “I’m fine now—thanks to Raelyn.” Raelyn let out a cold laugh. “If I’d known you two were partners in crime, I’d have tossed in another ingredient and put you in enough pain to kill you.” Wesley glanced at her, then at me, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. “Grandpa wants you two together; I approve!” “Wesley, you’re still in my hands—if you keep talking nonsense, I’ll really poison you.” Her threat worked instantly; he hunched his shoulders. “I’m only thinking of you. My brother Randall here is filthy rich, and most importantly, he’s been my best friend since we were kids; his character’s solid…” Raelyn lifted the fruit knife in her hand and waved it at him. Wesley shut his mouth. “Alright, if Raelyn doesn’t like me, I’ll just go.” I stood and started toward the door. Behind me, she gave a cold little laugh. “Don’t let the door hit you on your way out.” I could only sigh in resignation. This willful woman, winning her over was going to be anything but easy. Raelyn’s POV: Randall actually left. Wesley watched him go, a note of awe in his voice. “That’s the first time I’ve seen Randall like this. Before, if anyone crossed him, he’d take down their entire family business.” I raised a brow. “Oh? So your Randall runs with the mob?” Wesley rolled his eyes. “Honestly, I don’t think being with Aiden is the best thing for you.” “What makes you say that?” He sighed. “You know grandpa doesn’t like Aiden; being with him means you’ll face a lot of hardships, ones you shouldn’t have to bear.” I stayed quiet. Of course I understood the logic. “Otherwise, why do you think Eclipse Corporation suddenly ran into trouble? Raelyn, you’re smart—you should know better than I do.” That made me blink in surprise again. What had Aiden done to make Mr. Greg dislike him so deeply? “If you really care about Aiden, you’ll go along with Grandpa’s wishes. After all… in the shadows, Aiden’s already taking more hits than you realize.” If Wesley was saying this, it meant he was thinking of Aiden’s welfare. I arched a brow. “What, did Aiden bribe you to look out for him like this?” Wesley blinked. “Raelyn, can’t you just think the best of me for once?” Tilting my head, I feigned curiosity. “Or is it that you’ve fallen for him?” The look on his face was as if he’d swallowed something foul. “Get out.” I laughed. “I’m just teasing; no need to blush. Bye—you rest up.” Chuckling, I left his room. But Wesley’s words lit a spark in me—a sharp urge to go back to Varken. Once the thought was there, I couldn’t shake it; I left the hospital, hailed a cab straight to Capital City Airport. But the moment I’d booked my ticket and was waiting at the gate, the Imperial Pack’s butler showed up with a few werewolf bodyguards, finding me without a single misstep. Wiping sweat from his brow, the butler looked at me nervously. “Miss, please don’t run off; come back with me.” I met his gaze, my voice cold. “So I’m not allowed to go anywhere now? I can only stay in the Capital City, is that it?” He tried to explain carefully. “Technically speaking, that’s how it is, but it’s not really—” I rose to my feet, eyes fixed on him. “So? What’s your plan, drag me back?”