"What?"

Chloe Reed’s voice was still choked with sobs, tears clinging to her lashes as she gazed at him, looking somewhat lost.

Walker Grant said gently, "I’ll help you get to the bottom of everything, and I’ll keep you safe. In exchange, you’ll move back to Jardinelle."

His dark, almond-shaped eyes were fixed on her, his tone turning cold before he knew it. "It’s impossible for us not to divorce. I agree there’s no point in continuing this marriage. But your affairs have brought me a lot of trouble. I’ve saved you time and again, and now, I may have been targeted."

Chloe Reed’s hands clenched into fists. His words sent her deep into thought.

Walker Grant closed his eyes, a hint of exhaustion on his face. "You can take your time to think about it," he said.

Silence fell over the hospital room. Outside, the rain had stopped at some point.

Chloe gradually composed herself. She was keenly aware that she didn’t have the ability to uncover the truth on her own.

’And yet, Walker is still willing to help me. It’s just a transaction, after all. I’m not the one losing out here. Besides, he’s the one who keeps getting hurt. He really has protected me well.’

After a long silence, Chloe finally looked at him again. "And that’s it? Just move back?"

"Yes."

Walker didn’t open his eyes. His voice was calm as he said, "I won’t ask you for anything else. You just have to go back."

Chloe let out a soft breath. "Before we do that," she said, "let’s sign the divorce papers."

At her words, Walker opened his eyes. They were exceptionally dark. "So that’s your additional condition."

Chloe’s eyes flickered. "We can’t get the official certificate right away, but we can still sign the papers," she said. "Didn’t you just say you also want to end this marriage? Once this is all over, we can use the signed papers to finalize the divorce."

’He was getting incredibly frustrated. He’d offered a compromise, hoping it would bring them closer, but this woman... she was truly ruthless. He was this injured, and she was still thinking about divorce. But could he really say no?’

His face was impassive. "Since you’ve added a condition, I will too."

Chloe blinked in confusion. "How is that..."

"A fair trade, Chloe. Do you think this is fair right now?" Walker cut her off, glancing down at his own battered body.

Chloe: "..."

She fell silent.

Walker continued, "You’ll be responsible for taking care of me until I’ve recovered."

Chloe’s brow furrowed slightly.

Walker’s tone hardened. "What? You won’t even do a small thing like that?"

"Fine."

Chloe thought for a moment and decided it was fair. He wouldn’t have been hurt if it weren’t for her; his injuries were her fault. It was only right that she take care of him.

Walker closed his eyes again. "Then let’s start today," he said. "I’m thirsty." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Chloe: "..."

She got up to pour him some water. Then, she took a spare pillow, propped it behind his head, and carefully helped him drink.

As she drew near, her faint, unique fragrance wafted over him, and Walker’s Adam’s apple bobbed.

After he finished the glass of water, he closed his eyes to rest.

Chloe said, "I need to head home for a bit to let my grandmother know what’s happening. Otherwise, she’ll worry."

"Have Daniel Hayes drive you," Walker said in a low voice. "No matter what, make sure he doesn’t leave your side."

"I know."

Chloe got up and left the room. Daniel Hayes was waiting right outside. When he saw her, he asked, "Miss Reed, is he awake?"