"Rosaline? Do you really think she can handle this?" Eleanor's voice was sharp, dripping with skepticism. I couldn't help but smile, my expression cold. "You make it sound like you can do a better job than me." Eleanor's face twitched, her anger barely concealed. I met her gaze, undeterred. "You questioned Hughie's abilities earlier, but now look at the results—he's already shown he can help Richard." "Maybe Hughie can, but that doesn't mean you can," Queenie interjected, stepping forward. She shot me a glare. "Do you even know what you're doing? Seems like you're just trying to impress Caden." Hughie's patience finally wore thin. "Rosaline, this is getting out of hand. I'm leaving." Without another word, he turned and strode out of the room. I rushed after him. "Hughie, wait, let me walk you out." He paused for a moment, turning to meet my eyes. "It's alright. Just take care of yourself, Rosaline." And then, he was gone. The room fell into an uneasy silence. But I wasn't surprised by his sudden departure. Hughie always made decisions quickly. I watched him leave, letting out a quiet sigh. If it weren't for Richard's condition, I would never have brought Hughie into this mess—especially with Eleanor constantly doubting him. I felt a pang of guilt for dragging him into this. What really caught me off guard, though, was how he had passed on the witch's stone incantation to me. I was still processing the gravity of it when Caden's voice broke through, low and uncertain. "Did he ... did he really leave us?" I turned to him, meeting his concerned gaze. "Yeah, Hughie's gone. But don't worry. I'll take care of Richard." I owed it to Richard, especially since his condition was partly my fault. I was determined to make things right. "I'll be back in three days for the next session," I said, my eyes briefly meeting Heidi's, who still hovered by Caden. "I'm exhausted. I'm heading out." "I'll walk you out," Caden offered, his voice kind. "Thanks but no thanks," I replied, my brow furrowing slightly. "I'm fine on my own." I turned and made my way toward the elevator. As I reached the hospital entrance, a sleek black Bentley pulled up, stopping right in front of me. Jasper's car. He stepped out, his movements fluid and graceful. With a polite nod, he gestured toward the car. "Let me drive you home, Rosaline." I hadn't realized how tired I truly was. His offer was a welcome relief. "Thank you," I said, a faint smile playing at the corners of my lips as I opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat, the cool night air brushing against my skin. "Where's Yura?" I asked, turning to Jasper, the hum of the engine the only sound between us. He reached over, his hand brushing against mine as he fastened my seatbelt. "She went back to the hotel." "I see," I murmured, offering him little more than that, my thoughts drifting. Jasper pressed the accelerator, and with a smooth motion, the car began its quiet journey toward Elderwood. Caden's POV: As I stepped out of the hospital, my eyes were drawn immediately to Rosaline, a smile lighting up her face as she climbed into Jasper's sleek car. The relief I'd felt moments earlier, from hearing about my grandfather's improvement, quickly slipped away, replaced by a dull weight in my chest. Something stirred within me, something I couldn't quite name. Heidi caught up with me, her voice laced with curiosity. "Caden, what are you staring at?" "Nothing," I muttered, pulling my gaze away from the car, my frustration evident. "Is that Jasper with Rosaline?" Heidi asked, her tone too casual, a knowing smile creeping onto her lips. "Guess those rumors are true—looks like Rosaline and Jasper are living together now.""Tessa, weren't you heading home?" I interrupted, my patience finally fraying. Heidi's gaze softened, but there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Caden, can you take me home?" "I have things to do. I'll have the driver take you," I said, turning my head and dismissing her, hoping she'd take the hint. Heidi hesitated, caught off guard. "Caden, what's going on? I can stay with you—" "No," I said firmly, my voice colder now. "Just go home, Tessa." I waved my hand, signaling the driver to pull up. After watching the car disappear with Heidi inside, I turned toward my own vehicle, a familiar ache tugging at me as I drove in the direction of Elderwood. Jasper's POV: The drive to Elderwood was calm, the road stretching out before us under the pale light of the moon. Rosaline sat beside me, her eyes closed, her body relaxed against the seat as she finally allowed herself to rest. By the time we arrived, her head had tilted to the side; her breathing was soft and steady as she slept. I parked the car carefully, reluctant to disturb the peacefulness around her. For a moment, I just watched her, the quiet hum of the car filling the space between us. The soft light from the interior of the car cast a delicate glow over her face, making her skin appear almost ethereal, as if the glow from the world outside couldn't touch her. Her lashes, long and dark, brushed gently against her cheeks, leaving behind a faint shadow. Even in sleep, with exhaustion weighing on her features, she was breathtaking. She had a beauty that was quiet yet captivating, the kind that seemed to pull at the heart in ways I couldn't quite explain. I couldn't take my eyes off her. Every beat of my heart quickened as I watched her, unable to look away. She was mesmerizing. Slowly, almost without thinking, I leaned in closer, my face drawn toward hers, drawn to the softness of her lips.