I turned my head slightly, avoiding his touch without making it obvious. His hand froze mid-motion.

“Lora, is something bothering you? Why do I feel like you’re unhappy? Is it because Christy Barrett seemed too close to me while reporting her work earlier today?”

“She’s just a kid, barely 18. Surely you wouldn’t take it to heart, right?”

My chest tightened at his words. Once, I too had been an 18-year-old girl.

When I looked up again, my eyes were steady and calm. “No, I didn’t take it to heart.”

His expression softened as he murmured gently.

"That’s right! There’s a jewelry auction next week. I’ll buy you anything you like."

Just an hour earlier, I had seen Christy’s updated Moments, "Uncle said he’s taking me to the auction next week to check it out. He even promised to snap a photo of the final piece and give it to me! I love my uncle so much"

The post was accompanied by a photo of the two of them making a heart gesture. The wedding ring on Patrick’s finger stood out like a glaring beacon.

I glanced at him coldly. "No need. Save the photo for someone else."

Patrick’s expression stiffened, his gaze lowering. Just as he was about to speak, his phone buzzed.