"I think this will be tough advice to follow from my therapist. I hope facing my trauma will help improve my health since avoiding whatever triggers it isn't working," Madelyn said.
"You're likely to feel uncomfortable before seeing him," Augustine reminded her with a concerned look.
Madelyn beamed at him. "That's why I'm back—to heal. I can't keep running from my shadows."
Her mental health made her reluctant to approach Rafael, fearing that her irregular, rapid heart rate and shortness of breath might trigger cardiac arrest.
"I understand it's difficult, but don't be frightened. I'll always be by your side. I know you can do this, Lynn," Augustine said as he took her hand into his warm palm, wrapping it gently in comfort and reassurance.
He locked a genuinely concerned gaze onto her frosty eyes. "But if you feel too much discomfort, don't push yourself. Running from something disturbing just to survive doesn't make you a coward."
"Okay then," Madelyn muttered, slowly pulling her hand from his comforting hold.
Augustine felt awkward—he had been carried away and nearly forgotten her boundaries. He flashed her a gentle smile, then glanced toward the dining table filled with meals.
"I cooked your favorite food. Come have some," he said, his voice tender.
Madelyn knew how genuine Augustine had always been toward her and her siblings. It was Margaux who had found her at the bridge—miraculously still breathing but unconscious and bleeding heavily, nearly resulting in Aiden's miscarriage.
Margaux had rushed her to Augustine's hospital in the city. Few people knew that Augustine was a tycoon, hidden behind his charming and approachable nature.
He had offered her both protection and support, and she was deeply grateful.
But her foolish heart had once chosen Rafael, despite Augustine's effort to win her over.
Now, she couldn't risk a second mistake—no matter how kind or genuine Augustine might be. What frightened her most was time. People change over time.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed her thoughts aside and softened her voice slightly so as not to sound distant. "I don't have the appetite to eat right now. I'll have it later," she said.
"It's fine. I don't mind making it again when you're ready."
"Right now, I need to get things under control here. Otherwise, I'm scared I won't be able to protect those on my side," Madelyn said, her voice laced with worry.
"What do you intend to do?" Augustine asked, genuinely curious if there was a way he could help.
"I already contacted my attorney last night about my bruise. I just need one more string to pull," Madelyn said firmly, clenching her fist.
"So, can I be of help?" Augustine asked.
"Yes. You would."
Augustine smiled at her and gently patted her hair. "I know you'll find a way to ensure your safety."
"I have to."
Augustine's gaze fell on the scarf around her neck, and he clenched his jaw slightly.
He was desperate to see her wear the diamond necklace he had bought for her—but now, that prick had left a bruise in its place.
He couldn't bear to stare at it another second and looked away. There would be another day to see her wear it, he told himself.
From his pants pocket, Augustine brought out a small round porcelain container and held it out to her.
"Take this. Apply it to the bruise—it'll ease the pain and help it fade quickly. I don't want to see any bruises on your body."
Madelyn took the container and opened it. She touched the creamy ointment inside—it was cool and had a pleasant scent.
"I won't forget to use it," she said.
"All right. Are you ready to leave now?" Augustine asked softly.
"Yes."
Madelyn turned and walked toward the entrance. As she stepped outside her mansion, she swept her gaze across the well-trained guards stationed in every corner of the estate—assigned by Augustine.
Heading toward her already parked black-badged Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Calvin, who had been patiently waiting, opened the backseat door.
Madelyn got in while Calvin quickly moved to the driver's side and took his seat.
***
Rafael rushed to the Vellani Empire the moment he received an urgent call from his company board.
He slammed the office door open, urgency pulsing through every step as he strode toward the Victor waiting for him inside the sophisticated office.
"How was that ugly event published? Which media house went against my order?" Rafael asked, irritation sharpening his voice. He hadn't bothered to check the internet—his mind was spiraling out of control.
"It was Frostline Media House," Victor answered in a professional tone. "There are countless subscribers posting hateful comments because of the vulgar coverage on the incident. If this continues, your reputation—and the Vellani Empire's—will be ruined. The backlash is also affecting our investors."
"Let me see," Rafael said, stretching out his hand.
Victor pulled out his phone, opened the Frostline website, and handed it over.
As Rafael watched the videos and read the comments, his expression gradually darkened. His face, and those of his investors, had been turned into mocking stickers, accompanied by vulgar words he had subconsciously muttered during the chaos.
Comments accused him of being mentally unstable. The cruel words stung, but Rafael didn't react.
He couldn't read further. With a composed expression, he handed the phone back to Victor, mindful of his doctor's warning to avoid stress.
"Get it cleared. Sue them for defamation," Rafael commanded.
"The Chairwoman already sent Erica to handle the issue. And we can't act recklessly—we don't want to provoke a threat," Victor explained, watching his friend boil with rage.
Rafael scoffed, incredulous.
"Our investors are withdrawing and we're losing contracts too. Vellani Empire is on the verge of a major loss," Victor stated grimly.
Rafael ran a hand through his hair and said, "Fix a schedule with them. I need to clear this situation."
"They've refused every meeting. I tried to convince them the incident wasn't your fault, but the cyberbullying is stronger than our arguments." Victor's voice was heavy with disappointment.
"Just do as I said. If they won't agree to a meeting, then get me their residential address. We can't afford to lose investors and clients with so many projects lined up this year," Rafael demanded, his eyes blazing. His chest tightened with the fear of seeing his wealth and reputation crumble into chaos.
"I understand, sir. I'll try my best to arrange something," Victor replied, turning away.
It was the first time he had seen Rafael this panicked. Usually, he bottled his emotions.