Ryan observed Alora closely, his eyes sharp as he noted the change in her expression. With an icy tone, he said, "The boss is marrying the eldest daughter of the Currans family. Do you, a foster daughter, really think you deserve him?" Alora had been relentlessly chasing after Terry, but Ryan wasn't impressed. He had never had much patience for her, and now, he wasn't holding back. Alora's face froze, and her eyes widened with disbelief as she stared at him. "What did you just say? Did Terry really tell you to say that?" Ryan is nothing more than Terry's assistant, a mere shadow in his presence. How dare he speak to me in such a way! I have already endured mistreatment from Mom and Dad, torment from Jay, and insults from Elaine. Now, it seems like even Terry's assistant thinks he can push me around. Ryan's gaze remained as cold as ever. "I'm just giving you a piece of advice, Ms. Alora." Alora's temper flared as she shot back, "Advice? Who do you think you are?" Ever since Elaine returned to the Currans household, everything has shifted. Now, it seems that everyone feels entitled to belittle me. Am I really that easy to walk all over? Ryan seems to think so. He's just another person taking advantage of me! "Hah ... " Ryan let out a cold chuckle and turned to leave. It was best to avoid a rabid dog, lest it bite you—there was no point in engaging, especially when it wasn't worth the risk. "Wait!" Alora called out, her voice sharp with anger. "Ryan, did Terry really choose Elaine over me?"With Ryan acting so arrogantly, Alora no longer felt the need to maintain her calm exterior. Ryan paused, glancing back at her with a look of pity. The truly pitiful ones, he thought, are those who don't realize their own limitations. Alora snapped, "Even if Terry did choose Elaine, it doesn't matter! I made a deal with her. I'll give up my room if she breaks up with Terry. The deal's done. I've already moved out, and she's already told Terry she wants to break up with him. Isn't that right?" Ryan's eyes narrowed with disgust. "So, it was your doing after all." Yesterday, Elaine had looked at Terry with stars in her eyes, but today, she was avoiding him as if he were poison. Ryan couldn't figure out what Alora had done to cause such a dramatic change. After a long pause, Ryan spoke with a smirk. "Too bad, Boss rejected her. Your dream is shattered."Alora's face twisted in disbelief. "What? What do you mean? Terry rejected Elaine's request to break up?" Her voice rose as she struggled to grasp the reality of the situation. She still couldn't believe it. How could Terry still choose Elaine over me? Ryan shot her a piercing glance. "If you're not deaf, you should've heard me." Without waiting for her to respond, he turned on his heel and walked away, no longer willing to waste any more words on her. "Ah!" Alora screamed, the sound full of rage and confusion. Why is this happening? How could Terry choose Elaine instead of me? Elaine! Elaine!Elaine! Why did this woman have to come back and take everything that's rightfully mine? I won't let this happen. I won't let Terry be stolen from me! ... At Saint James Hospital, Elaine stepped out of the car and immediately headed toward the elevator that would take her to the first floor. She picked up a fruit basket and a bouquet of fresh flowers from a nearby shop before continuing on to the inpatient ward where Anna was staying. She gently pushed the door open, her movements delicate. The smell of disinfectant filled the room, overpowering and sterile. It was still early—just before 9:00 AM.Hannah was asleep, her head resting against Anna's hospital bed, clearly exhausted from staying up all night. Anna was still sleeping soundly, her face calm and peaceful. She wore a blue-and-white hospital gown, a blanket pulled up to her chest, leaving her arms exposed. One hand was still connected to an IV drip. Various medical instruments cluttered the bedside table, evidence of the care she was receiving.