Chapter 111

"I... I have nothing to give in return." Liliana's eyes welled with tears.

She knew Douglas was offering his help for free, that whatever he asked of her would be something small, something easily within her power.

He looked at her, his eyes going dark and unreadable for a second.

She hadn't even given him a chance to ask. Her situation was so fragile; he couldn't push her now. It would only frighten her.

"If you won't accept my help, then at least accept my shoulder," Douglas said, stepping closer. "My shoulder is here if you need it. It's okay to cry."

She turned her head, her gaze level with his shoulder. It was broad and strong, radiating a sense of security. Liliana blinked, and as a large tear escaped and rolled down her cheek, she lowered her head and pressed her forehead against his coat.

The tears fell, one after another, staining the dark green fabric. Her body trembled with a mix of grief, frustration, and the overwhelming worry for Hale.

Douglas raised his hand, wanting to comfort her, to pull her into a hug. But her words-*I can't go through with the divorce*-echoed in his mind, and his hand slowly fell back to his side.

After what felt like an eternity, her tears subsided. Douglas handed her a tissue, and she wiped her face. Her almond-shaped eyes were red and swollen.

"You should go to the eye clinic and get some cold compresses. They'll help with the swelling."

Liliana nodded, taking a deep breath to compose herself. "I'm going to check on Hale again. I'll head home early tonight to get some rest. I have work tomorrow."

She had only taken one day off, a day she thought would end with a signed divorce decree. A day she thought would mark the end of her life with Cedric and the beginning of a simple existence, commuting between a small apartment and her new job.

She never could have imagined this.

Now, all she could do was feel a strange sense of relief that Cedric, in his arrogance, had forced her to come back.

Douglas walked her downstairs and insisted on taking her to the eye clinic to get two cold compresses He then accompanied her to Hale's floor. The doctor advised them that even when Hate woke up, it would be best for him not to see family for a while to avoid any triggering memories.

A private nurse had been assigned to him, and Vida and Chuck had already left. Liliana could only stay for a few more minutes before she had to leave as well.

At the hospital entrance, Douglas and Liliana emerged into the daylight.

"I'll take you home," Douglas said, pulling out his car keys.

Before she could respond, she saw Timothy standing by the side of the road. Behind him, Cedric's car was parked.

Liliana shook her head, her voice low. "I'm... not going back to Polaris Court."

Douglas followed her gaze and saw the familiar car. He had lost count of how many times he had seen it, with Cedric sitting inside, observing everything from a detached, superior position.

But this time was different. This time, Liliana walked toward his car on her own.

Timothy opened the door, and

Liliana ducked inside. The back seat of the Maybach was spacious. She pressed herself against the door. leaving a wide gap between them. Cedric's expression was unreadable, but his dark, predatory gaze fixed on Douglas across the street.

After a moment, he shifted his attention to the woman beside him.

Liliana had come willingly, but he felt no sense of victory. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she seemed to shrink into herself, a tiny, fragile figure like a frightened rabbit.

He studied her for a long moment, then gently took the cold compresses from her hand.

"Come here. Lie down," he said, patting his lap.

He had already been briefed on Hale's condition. For the Preston family's only son to end up like this was a devastating blow for everyone. He wasn't heartless. He wouldn't pick a fight with herow, not after everything she had just

been through. He wouldnt berate

her for turning his life upside down these past few weeks.