As soon as Allen left the hospital room, Jackson turned pale and, with a sudden heave, threw up everything he’d just eaten, leaving a mess on the floor. The young nurse, no older than twenty, panicked and rushed toward the door to call a doctor, but Jackson stopped her. “Stay,” he commanded. The nurse looked at him with wide eyes, almost on the verge of tears as she saw his ashen face. “Sir, if you’re unwell, you really should let the doctor check—” “I’m not unwell,” Jackson replied, his voice cold, with a glint of harshness in his eyes. The nurse flinched slightly at his intense gaze. “Are you scared of me?” he asked, a smirk playing on his lips. “N-no, not at all,” the nurse stammered, shaking her head. “It’s just…” “Don’t worry about it,” he said, a faint sneer forming. “Fear is natural. I’ve never been the nicest person, and I don’t pretend to be.” “Oh no, you’re a good person, sir! You… well, you pay me well,” she replied hesitantly. “Money alone doesn’t make someone good,” Jackson muttered, closing his eyes. “If it did, maybe I wouldn’t be lying here.” “Sir…” “Clean up the room, and whatever you do, don’t let my brother know I threw up. Got it?” The nurse, flustered, nodded quickly. “Understood, sir.” Jackson dismissed her with a wave, and she hurried to tidy the room. When Allen returned, everything was spotless, but he picked up on a faint odor lingering in the room. “What’s that smell?” “Oh, I, uh… farted,” Jackson replied nonchalantly. Allen rolled his eyes. “Can’t you show a little dignity?” Jackson grinned. “Look at me—I don’t have much dignity left to show.” Allen sighed, looking at his brother with a trace of sympathy. Jackson’s recent romance, though brief, had visibly brightened him, even though they all knew the relationship was destined to end. The phone buzzed in Allen’s pocket, and he checked the screen before muttering, “I’ll be back later after work.” Jackson waved him off. “Go on, you’re driving me nuts.” …… The snowfall had put everyone in a good mood. When Emily entered the office, she immediately heard Ken humming a cheerful tune. “You’re in a good mood,” she remarked with a smile. Ken chuckled. “Who wouldn’t be? The holidays are around the corner, and once the annual party is over, we’re free! By the way, did you come in with the boss this morning?” Emily raised an eyebrow. “How did you know?” “I didn’t see it myself,” Ken admitted with a smirk, “but the whole office is buzzing with it!” He leaned in, voice lowered. “So… you and our boss are together?” Emily simply smiled, neither confirming nor denying. Ken nudged her. “Did you give any thought to what I said yesterday?” Emily’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Where did you hear all this gossip?” “No idea,” he replied, shrugging. “But everyone saw you getting out of his car, from the front passenger seat, no less. And you two were on opposite sides during that last meeting, so the talk is you went from enemies to lovers.” Emily laughed, shaking her head. If only they knew the truth—they weren’t exactly enemies, but they weren’t quite lovers either. Their marriage wasn’t based solely on love; it was largely to fulfill Meggie’s last wish. “Actually, Miranda, I should thank you,” Ken said. She raised a brow. “I should be thanking you, really. I’ve missed a lot of work lately, and you’ve covered for me.” Ken wagged his finger. “No, no, not about work! I heard the boss draped his coat over you this morning?” Emily glanced down, a little embarrassed. “Yes.” This morning, Vincent had noticed she was underdressed for the cold and had put his coat around her shoulders. She had returned it before they arrived at the office, yet gossip had already spread like wildfire, and here was Ken, fully informed. “It’s good to see the boss finally finding someone who opens his heart a little. I’m really happy for him,” Ken continued with a warm smile. Emily chuckled. “Are you worried you’re betraying Emily?” “It’s not quite that…” Ken looked pensive. “But I’ve come to terms with it. The important thing is that you and the boss make each other happy. He’s had a rough time these past few years, and I hope you can bring him some peace and joy.” As he finished speaking, a knock sounded at the door. Ken turned and blinked in surprise. “Boss? What brings you here?” Vincent held a glass of water. “Am I interrupting?” “Not at all! Come on in!” Ken said, practically leaping to open the door and even pulling out his chair for Vincent to sit down. Vincent shook his head politely. “I just have a quick word.” He stepped around Ken’s desk and placed the glass of water in front of Emily. “This is lemon water. You’re not dressed warmly enough today, so this will help with vitamin C.” Emily looked at the glass, feeling a bit flustered. “You didn’t need to bring it yourself…” “It’s my personal recipe,” he replied, gently pushing the glass toward her. “Might as well make sure it gets to you.” Ken, who was observing this, couldn’t help but smile to himself. Emily took the glass, nodding. “Alright, thank you.” “Drink it now. I’ll wait.” “But I…” Vincent nudged the glass forward, giving her a meaningful look. “Quickly now—you have work to do.” Through the glass walls, Emily noticed a small crowd gathering, some even pressing their ears against the glass to eavesdrop.