Chapter 8

What happened that day seemed to be tacitly brushed aside by both of us, yet during our private interactions, I could clearly feel Seraphina’s increased closeness.

One day, Seraphina brought me to a gala.

I noticed she seemed unwell and immediately prepared painkillers for her.

During the event, someone else tried to toast Seraphina.

Considering Seraphina’s health—I'd been advised by her doctor to limit alcohol and eat light—I had no choice but to bravely block each drink for her.

Everyone watched Seraphina, who remained sober thanks to my protection, and couldn't help but tease.

“Ms. Thorne, your assistant is truly dedicated. Not a single drop of alcohol has touched your lips all night.”

“Ms. Thorne, such a handsome and attentive assistant, Damon Blackwood isn't jealous, is he?”

Before Seraphina could respond, a wealthy lady who had clearly had too much to drink stumbled directly into my arms.

“Ms. Thorne, you already have Mr. Blackwood. Why don’t you give this handsome young man to me? I can give you one percent of the profits from this deal.”

My body instantly stiffened, but I couldn't bring myself to be harsh and cause a scene.

Just as the woman’s lips were about to touch mine, Seraphina’s face darkened.

She pulled me sharply behind her and said in a low, stern voice:

“Mrs. Albright, I think you’ve had too much to drink. My assistant isn’t one of those college boys you keep. I wonder how Mr. Albright, who’s currently away on business, would feel if he knew you were having affairs behind his back?”

Mrs. Albright instantly sobered up. She glanced at me sheepishly, then waddled away.

Seeing Seraphina’s rare outburst of anger, no one dared to cause further trouble.

On the way home after the gala,

My hand clamped around hers like an iron vice.

After the call ended, I was the first to break the awkward silence.

I got out of the car, and only after its shadow disappeared from my sight did I move my stiff limbs and call a ride-share home.

That call had been from Damon Blackwood. I was extremely sensitive to his voice.

Though Seraphina now had feelings for me, if Damon ever got into trouble, Seraphina would still decisively abandon me.

It seemed this fire needed to burn even brighter.

A few days later, I accompanied Seraphina on a business trip to the capital.

As soon as we deplaned, a thug brandished a gun and began a robbery at the airport.

Just as the thug lunged to stab Seraphina, I immediately rushed forward, shielding her, and took the knife wound myself.

“Asher!”

Once the chaos was under control, I was rushed to the emergency room, my face pale.

When I next awoke, Seraphina was gently moistening my chapped lips with a cotton swab.

Seeing this, I nervously grabbed Seraphina’s hand and asked:

“Ms. Thorne, are you hurt?”

“Are you alright anywhere? Did those people hurt you afterward?”

Looking at my concerned face, Seraphina felt a bittersweet pang in her heart.

She hadn't expected that the first thing I would do after waking, having taken a knife for her, was to inquire about her safety.

She also hadn't expected me to value her life more than my own.

Wrapped in such intense affection, Seraphina felt her eyes welling up, as if she might burst into tears.

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