?


    "Grandpa." Justin''s breathing was heavy, his dark eyes filled with hidden worry. However, due to the toxins affecting the amygd in his brain, his intense emotions felt trapped, beating wildly within him but unable to be released. However, his handsome face appeared indifferent, as if he had no emotions at all.


    Nigel exchanged a look of understanding with Be. The elderly man quickly wiped away his tears, recing them with a kind smile.


    "Justin, you''re here.... Fortunately, with Be helping to take care of me, I''m fine. You can rest easy."


    Be remembered Nigel''s recent words, her longshes fluttering as she drifted into a daze. She remained that way until a chilling, masculine presence brushed past her side. Startled, she looked up, meeting his intense gaze.


    Justin''s thin lips were pressed together, and he lowered his eyes to look at her.


    Be''s heart seemed to skip a beat. Her pale face tinged with pink as she quickly and awkwardly averted her gaze.


    She thought to herself, ''Ugh, I''m so pathetic!''


    Be still loved him endlessly, whether his gaze shone like the stars or darkened like an abyss. She would inevitably fall into it, time and again.


    "Why are you just standing there? Aren''t you going to properly thank Be?" Nigel''s voice held a reprimanding tone. "If it weren''t for Be, you would have lost your grandfather!"


    Justin opened his mouth to speak, but Be briskly rose to her feet without ncing at Justin. She only gave Nigel a gentle smile.


    "Grandpa Nigel, I''m relieved now that you''re well. I have work to attend to, so I''ll head back now and visit you another day."


    "Be, wait!" Nigel tried to call her back, but she had already hurried out of the room.


    Justin stared at the empty doorway, his gaze deepening.


    "Boy, what are you standing there for? Go after her!" Nigel grumbled, mustering his strength to kick his grandson lightly on the leg.


    Be, her face flushed, ran to the parking lot.


    "Ugh-!"


    Lost in thought, she failed to notice Justin standing nearby and ran right into his chest, hard enough to make her nose sting and turn red.


    He looked down at her, his lips barely moving as he said in a low voice, "Ms. Thompson, why are you rushing like that? Shouldn''t you watch where you''re going?"


    Be rubbed her nose, her eyes glistening with pain as she scowled. "It''s your fault for suddenly appearing here like a roadblock!"


    She huffed and started to walk left, but Justin, eyes dark as night, took a step to her left, blocking her path.


    She tried to go right, yet he moved in that direction too, as if determined to block her way.


    Frustrated, Be bit her lip and turned around to leave. But Justin suddenly grabbed her slender arm, pulling her gently into his embrace.


    "What... What are you doing? Didn''t we break up already?!" Be was flustered, her eyes tinged with red.


    Justin''s expression remained calm, his voice emotionless. "Yes, we did. I ended it."


    Be felt a sharp pain in her chest as she struggled against his grip. "Then why are you acting like this?!"


    He spoke softly. "Thank you for saving my grandfather."


    "Grandpa Nigel sent you here to say that, didn''t he?" Be''s eyes reddened as she scoffed." I don''t care for forced gratitude!"


    A hint of impatience flickered in Justin''s frown. "Then what do you want?"


    Be looked into his silent gaze, a sour ache spreading through her heart.


    In the past, his eyes had been full of affection and indulgence for her. He would let her cry, let herin, and let her nag at him day and night about trivial matters. He would always listen with a gentle smile, never showing even the slightest sign of impatience.


    She had to admit now that she was no longer important to him.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I want you to promise me something." Perhaps driven by lingering reluctance, Be found herself saying it out loud.


    Justin looked at her, his tone cool. "Go on."


    "I haven''t decided yet. When I do, I''ll let you know." She lifted her chin slightly. "But when I ask, you must agree. That will be your way of repaying me, okay?"


    His eyes held a hint of suspicion. "Is it to get back together with me?"


    Be''s heart skipped, and she quickly replied, "You wish! We''ve divorced once, and we''ve already broken up. Why would I want to be with you again? Are there no good men out there besides you? Do I look that desperate?"


    "Good men? Grant?"


    The words suddenly surfaced in his mind, and his grip on her delicate wrist tightened


    instinctively.


    "Ow..." Be gasped softly, her delicate frame almost wilting.


    "Fine, I promise." Justin''s intense gaze fixed on her. His words were firm. "No matter what it is, I will agree."


    A wave of bittersweet emotion surged within her, and she gave a faint, mocking smile. "And if I ask you to kill someone or burn down something?"


    "I will still agree," Justin said without hesitation. "But the Be I know would never be so ruthless."


    Be''s almond-shaped eyes curved as sheughed out loud. She raised her left hand. "Let''s seal it with a high-five. Deal!"


    "A promise is a promise." Justin''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he lifted his hand to meet hers, their palmsing together in a silent vow.