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    Be''s fingers tightened against the jagged rock, her attention shifting from Justin to


    rice. Just then, rice reached into the box, took out the tie clip, and, in a swift motion, attached it to Justin''s tie before he could react.


    He froze, stepping back, but she was quick. Her fingers had already done their work.


    "Mr. Justin, it suits you," rice''s eyes glimmered, her voice soft and beguiling. For any other man, such charm would be irresistible. "It seems that my taste isn''t so bad after all."


    Justin''s gaze darkened, visibly displeased. Yet out of politeness and the fact that she was closely associated with his elder brother, he refrained from any response that might embarrass her.


    Be watched their exchange, a storm of sadness swirling in her clear eyes. But she forced herself to regainposure. As she pulled out her phone, intending to record rice''s actions, her vision abruptly went dark. A slender, cool hand had covered her eyes.


    Then came Grant''s deep voice, murmuring close to her ear, "Don''t look."


    Her heart jolted. She turned hurriedly, her pupils constricting as she met Grant''s pale, handsome face. Her back was nearly pressed against the rock when his long arm wrapped around her, shielding her shoulder from the stone with his hand to prevent her from being hurt.


    He was so attentive, gentle, and considerate.


    Grant seemed like the perfect man, and yet, Be felt only a chill from head to toe.


    "Have you been standing here for long? Your face is red from the cold." Grant''s gaze deepened as he opened his coat and wrapped it around her, shielding her slender body from the wind. "Let''s go back. Don''t stay out here and risk getting sick."


    Be stiffened, avoiding his intense gaze. "I''m not cold."


    She truly wasn''t because her heart was nearly frozen.


    Grant lowered his voice as he leaned in closer. "You''re hurting."


    Be forced a smile, her eyes red-rimmed. "No, I''m not."


    "I have a unique gift. No one can hide their feelings from me," Grant said, a gentle smile on his lips. "But only if they''re someone I truly care about."


    "Grant, if I am truly someone you care about, as you say, then you shouldn''t make me feel burdened." Be lifted her gaze, looking him directly in the eyes. Her lips curled in self- mockery. "After all, I don''t want to be known as the woman who hops from brother to brother."


    Grant had never seen her smile like this before, like a rose with thorns.


    "Don''t listen to them," Grant said in a low, hoarse voice. "They''re only jealous of you."All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Beughed brightly. "Jealous that I''ve had my fill of one brother and now get to try the other? That I''m wreaking havoc on the Salvador men?


    "Are you afraid of me?" Grant asked abruptly, changing the topic.


    Her heart pounded, though her face remained impassive. "I have no reason to be afraid of you."


    "Good." He sighed, as though relieved. Then he took off his coat and draped it around her shoulders, pulling it snug to keep her warm.


    Be''s eyes widened, intending to shrug it off, but he held onto thepels, trapping her in ce.


    "Ms. Thompson," Grant murmured. "I have a weak body, no power in the Salvador family, no business acumen, or Grandpa''s favor. I''ll admit. I''m no match for Justin. But you can trust me when I say that I will never let your heart break no matter what."


    His eyes were as deep and gentle as polished jade, unwavering.


    But to Be, they were the depths of a dark chasm, a step into which might mean eternal doom.


    Grant''s appearance with Be at the Salvador family banquet caused an uproar, sparking rumors that even trended on social media. Meanwhile, the news of Justin and Be''s breakup continued to escte.


    Justin, troubled, left the banquet before it ended.


    As he got into the car, he pulled off the tie clip rice had given him, tossing it to his driver, Ian, with a look of distaste.


    "It''s yours."